JEE Mains Session II Exam Dates 2026 (April 2–8): Complete Shift Timings & Paper Schedule

JEE Mains Session II 2026 is scheduled from April 2 to April 8, 2026. The exam will be conducted in two shifts per day (morning and afternoon) for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), while Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) is held in the afternoon shift only.

What is JEE Mains Session II Exam Dates?

JEE Mains Session II Exam Dates refer to the official schedule released by NTA for the April attempt of JEE Main 2026. It includes:

• Exam dates (April 2–8, 2026)
• Shift timings (morning & afternoon)
• Paper-wise allocation (Paper 1, Paper 2A, Paper 2B)

This schedule helps students plan revision, exam strategy, and logistics effectively.

Key Components of JEE Mains Exam Schedule

• Paper Types

  • Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech
  • Paper 2A: B.Arch
  • Paper 2B: B.Planning

• Shift Timing

  • First Shift: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Second Shift: 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM
  • Combined (2A + 2B): Till 06:30 PM

• Exam Days Distribution

  • Multiple days for Paper 1
  • Limited days for Paper 2

Detailed Breakdown (Core Section)

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

Overview:
Paper 1 is conducted for engineering aspirants and is held across multiple days in both shifts.

Key Details / Features:

• Exam Dates: April 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (2026)
• Shift 1: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Shift 2: 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM
• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Date-wise Breakdown:

• April 2 & 4 → Both shifts
• April 5 & 6 → Both shifts
• April 7 → Paper 1 (along with Paper 2 day)
• April 8 → Only Second Shift

Paper 2A (B.Arch) & Paper 2B (B.Planning)

Overview:
Paper 2 is designed for architecture and planning aspirants and is conducted only in the second shift.

Key Details / Features:

• Exam Dates: April 2 & April 7, 2026
• Shift: 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM
• Combined Attempt (2A + 2B): Till 06:30 PM
• Mode:
  • Mathematics & Aptitude → CBT
  • Drawing Test (B.Arch) → Offline

Data / Trends:

• Paper 2 has fewer applicants compared to Paper 1
• Conducted on limited days to optimize exam logistics

Complete Schedule Snapshot

🔹 Comparison Table (IMPORTANT)

Benefits / Importance of Knowing Exam Dates

• Helps in strategic revision planning
• Enables time-slot preparation (morning vs evening)
• Improves mock test alignment with real exam timing
• Reduces last-minute confusion
• Supports travel and logistics planning

Challenges / Limitations

• Multiple shifts can lead to variation in difficulty level
• Students may face fatigue in afternoon shift
• Limited dates for Paper 2 reduce flexibility
• Time management differs based on shift allocation

FAQs

1. When is JEE Mains Session II 2026 scheduled?

JEE Mains Session II 2026 will be conducted from April 2 to April 8, 2026 in multiple shifts.

2. What are the shift timings for JEE Main 2026?

There are two shifts:

• Morning: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Afternoon: 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM

3. Which days are reserved for Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning)?

Paper 2 exams are scheduled on April 2 and April 7, 2026, only in the second shift.

4. Is JEE Main conducted online or offline?

JEE Main is primarily a computer-based test (CBT), except the drawing section in B.Arch which is offline.

5. How many shifts are there in JEE Main per day?

Most days have two shifts, but April 8 has only the second shift.

6. Can I choose my exam shift in JEE Main?

No, the shift is assigned by NTA and mentioned on your admit card.