Many Class 12 students across India might face a tough situation in January 2026 . Their CBSE Class 12 practical exams could happen on the same day as the JEE Main Session 1 engineering entrance test . This is because both exams are scheduled within the same time period, creating a potential date clash for many students.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) set the dates for Class 12 practical exams from January 1 to February 14, 2026 . Each school will decide the exact dates for practicals in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology within this window. These practical exams are very important. Students must appear for them as they carry marks towards the final board results.
At the same time, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the JEE Main Session 1 exam . This is a big entrance test for students who want to study engineering. The JEE Main Session 1 dates are fixed for January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29, 2026 . Students get a specific exam date and shift based on their application.
Understanding the Potential Clash
The main worry is not that CBSE or NTA planned these exams to clash. Instead, the problem comes from the overlapping "windows" for exams. Since schools can set their practical exams on any day between January 1 and February 14, a student's practical exam could easily fall on one of their assigned JEE Main dates.
For example, a student might have their Physics practical exam scheduled by their school on January 22 , but their JEE Main paper is also on January 22 . This creates a direct conflict for that student.
Key Exam Dates and Information
| Exam Name | Dates | Conducted By |
| CBSE Class 12 Practical Exams 2026 | January 1 to February 14, 2026 | Individual Schools (under CBSE guidelines) |
| JEE Main Session 1 2026 | January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 2026 | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Why This Matters to Students
This situation is a big concern for students for several reasons:
- Mandatory Exams: CBSE practical exams are compulsory. Missing them is usually not an option because they affect the final Class 12 board results.
- Fixed Entrance Exam: JEE Main dates are fixed nationwide. There is little flexibility to change a student's assigned exam day.
- High Stress: Having two important exams on the same day can be very stressful and tiring. It can impact a student's focus and performance in both exams.
- Future Impact: Good scores in both practicals and JEE Main are vital for students' academic futures, affecting their board percentage and chances of getting into top engineering colleges.
What Students Should Do Next
Even though there is no official nationwide clash, individual students might face problems. Here is what students should do:
- Talk to Your School: Students should speak with their teachers and school principals as soon as possible. Explain if their JEE Main date falls on a practical exam date.
- Request a Change: Ask the school if they can reschedule the practical exam to a different day within the given CBSE window. Schools usually try to help students in such situations.
- Plan Ahead: Check both the JEE Main admit card (once released) and the school's practical exam schedule carefully.
- Stay Updated: Keep checking official announcements from CBSE and NTA for any new information.
Good communication with schools is key to avoid problems and ensure that students can appear for both their board practicals and the engineering entrance test without conflict.
