The exam calendar for 2026 is now taking shape, giving students a clear view of what lies ahead. With national entrance tests starting early in the year and board exams stretching into April, the academic schedule looks packed. Schools, coaching centres and families often wait for these signals to fix study plans, revision cycles, mock tests and travel.If you are preparing for competitive or board exams, this early outline helps you plan better. You can now see how the year may unfold, month by month, across major exams. It also helps you avoid clashes between entrance tests and boards, manage stress, and pace preparation across months without last minute confusion for students and parents nationwide this year together.National-level entrance exams set the paceEngineering and medical entrance tests will lead the exam season in 2026. These exams begin early and continue into mid-year.
| Exam |
Schedule |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 | January 21 to January 30, 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 2 | April 2 to April 9, 2026 |
| JEE Advanced 2026 | May 17, 2026 (tentative) |
| CUET 2026 | May 2026 (expected) |
| FMGE | January 17, 2026 |
| GPAT | March 7, 2026 |
NEET UG 2026 timelineNEET remains one of the most competitive exams in the country. The full cycle runs from the exam to counselling over several months.
| Event |
Date |
| Exam date | May 3, 2026 |
| Admit card release | April 2026 |
| Provisional answer key | Fourth week of May 2026 |
| Final answer key and result | Second week of June 2026 |
| Counselling begins | July 1, 2026 |
UPSC exams stretch across the yearThe UPSC examination cycle is long and demanding, covering multiple stages.
| Stage |
Expected timeline |
| Civil Services Preliminary exam | Late May or early June 2026 |
| Civil Services Main exam | September 2026 |
| Personality test | Early 2027 |
Other UPSC exams will also be held during the year.
| Exam |
Expected schedule |
| CDS (I) | February 2026 |
| CDS (II) | September 2026 |
| NDA (I) | April 2026 |
| NDA (II) | September 2026 |
| CAPF (AC) written exam | August 1, 2026 |
CBSE board exams 2026CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 exams will run from mid-February to early April.
| Board |
Duration |
| CBSE Class 10 | February 17 to April 9, 2026 |
| CBSE Class 12 | February 17 to April 4, 2026 |
ICSE and ISC board exam datesThe CISCE board has also outlined its schedule for 2026.
| Exam |
Start date |
End date |
| ICSE Class 10 | February 17, 2026 | March 30, 2026 |
| ISC Class 12 | February 12, 2026 | April 6, 2026 |
Practical exams for ICSE will be held earlier in January 2026. Together, these dates offer a structured academic roadmap for students and parents planning the 2026 exam year.