The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the JEE Main exam city slip for 2026. This slip tells you your exam date and city, but not the exact centre. The actual centre location will appear on your JEE Main 2026 hall ticket.
If you're wondering how to find your exam centre, this guide will help. We'll walk you through the process and explain how NTA assigns centres to students.
What is a JEE Main Exam Centre?
The exam centre is the specific building, school, or institute where you'll take the JEE Main 2026 exam. While the city slip shows your exam city, only the admit card reveals the exact centre name and address.
NTA expects to release the JEE Main admit card by January 19, 2026. Until then, you'll need to wait to see your centre details.
Steps to Check Your JEE Main Exam Centre
Once NTA releases the admit card, follow these simple steps:
- Go to the official JEE Main website at jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Find the link for JEE Main 2026 session 1 admit card on the home page
- Click the link to open the login portal
- Enter your JEE Main 2026 application number and password
- View your hall ticket after logging in
Your hall ticket will show complete test centre details including:
- Centre code and name
- Full address of the exam centre
- City and state
- Time to report at the centre
- Your exam shift
- Gate closing time
Keep this information handy. You'll need it on exam day.
Can You Change Your Exam Centre?
Here's something important to know. Once NTA assigns your centre, you cannot change it. No exceptions.
During registration, you picked four cities in order of preference. NTA tries hard to give you a centre in one of those cities. But if they assign you somewhere else, you must accept it. They won't consider any change requests.
This is why choosing your preferred cities carefully during registration matters so much.
How NTA Assigns Exam Centres
Understanding the assignment process helps set proper expectations. Here's how it works:
City Selection: During registration, you select four exam cities based on your preference and current or permanent address.
Computer Allocation: NTA uses an automated system to assign cities. The system considers your preferences, but NTA can assign a different city or merge cities if needed. This happens due to logistics or when too few students pick a particular city.
City Slip Release: The advance city slip comes out before the admit card. It shows your city but not the exact centre. This gives you time to plan your travel.
Final Assignment: Your admit card reveals the exact centre, complete with address and shift timing.
What to Do After Checking Your Centre
Once you know your centre, take these practical steps:
Visit the location a day or two before the exam. Check the route, estimate travel time, and identify landmarks. This reduces stress on exam day.
If your centre is far from home, book accommodation early. Don't wait until the last moment when options run out.
Plan to reach the centre at least an hour before reporting time. Traffic and unexpected delays happen. Better to wait at the centre than miss the exam.
Important Things to Remember
Virtual calculators are not allowed in JEE Main. Neither are physical ones. Don't carry any electronic devices to the centre.
NTA will not change exam dates if they clash with other exams. Plan your schedule keeping this in mind.
Keep checking the official website for updates. Sometimes NTA sends revised information to specific students.
Download and print multiple copies of your admit card. Keep both physical and digital versions ready.
Quick Points About JEE Main 2026
The session 1 exam runs from January 21 to 30, 2026. Paper 1 takes place on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28. Paper 2 happens on January 29.
NTA conducts the exam in two shifts each day. The exam takes place in approximately 300 cities across India and abroad.
If you're not happy with your session 1 performance, you can appear for session 2. Those exams run from April 2 to 9, 2026.
The city intimation slip came out on January 8, 2026. If you haven't checked yours yet, visit the official website now.
Common Questions Students Ask
How many days until JEE Main 2026? Around 12 days remain for the session 1 exam as of now. Make every day count in your preparation.
What if my centre is too far? Unfortunately, you cannot request a change. Start planning your travel and stay arrangements immediately.
Will NTA inform me about centre changes? Sometimes NTA sends revised slips to specific students. Keep checking your registered email and the official website.
Can I choose my exam shift? No. NTA assigns shifts automatically. You'll see your shift details on the admit card.
Stay calm and focused on your preparation. Knowing your centre location is just one small part of the process. Your preparation matters most. Good luck with your exam!
