The National Testing Agency (NTA) is preparing to release the exam city details for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 very soon. This update is crucial for all students planning to appear for the engineering entrance exam. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main Session 1 exams are set to be held between January 21 and January 30, 2026 . About 14.5 lakh students across India have registered for this session and are eagerly waiting for this information.
The 'city intimation slip' is a pre-admit card document. It tells students which city their exam will be in and the specific date of their test. This information is vital for students to make travel plans and arrange for accommodation, especially if their assigned exam city is far from their hometown. Many students need to book train tickets or bus travel, and knowing the city early helps them avoid last-minute rush and higher costs.
How to Check and Download Your Exam City Slip
Once the city intimation slip is officially released, students can easily access it online. You will need your unique JEE Main application number and your password to log in. The NTA has already activated the technical link for downloading the city intimation slip in its system. However, this link is not yet visible or 'hosted' on the main official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in . Students can expect this link to become live on the website very soon, allowing them to download their slips.
Simple Steps to Download Your City Intimation Slip:
- Open your internet browser and go to the official JEE Main website: jeemain.nta.nic.in .
- Look for the notification or link titled "JEE Main 2026 Session 1 City Intimation Slip" on the homepage.
- Click on this link.
- A new page will open where you need to enter your JEE Main application number .
- Also, enter your password in the given field.
- After entering the details, click on the 'Submit' or 'Login' button.
- Your exam city and the date of your exam will be shown on the screen.
- It is a good idea to download this slip and take a printout for your records and future reference.
Why is There a Delay in the Release?
Usually, the NTA announces the exact dates for the JEE Main exams through a public notice before releasing the city intimation letter. For instance, last year, the specific exam dates were announced by January 2 . This year, NTA has not yet shared the exact day-wise schedule within the January 21 to January 30 window. This lack of specific dates, along with the delay in the city slip, has increased anxiety among students.
One possible reason for this delay relates to the identity verification process. This year, NTA introduced a new rule: students had to verify their identity using a live photo and their Aadhaar card during the application process. However, some students faced issues, either because they used an ID other than Aadhaar, or their live photo did not match the photo on their Aadhaar records. These students were given until January 15 to upload a photo verification certificate. This process of clearing all applications might be contributing to the delay in finalising and releasing the exam schedule and city slips.
City Intimation Slip vs. Admit Card: Understand the Difference
Students must understand that the city intimation slip is different from the admit card. The city slip is only for preliminary information. You cannot use it to enter the exam hall. The official admit card, which is the final pass for the exam, will be issued closer to the exam dates. Here is a clear comparison:
| JEE Main City Intimation Slip | JEE Mains Admit Card |
| Tells you the city where your exam will be held. | Gives you the full address of your exact exam centre. |
| States your allotted exam date. | States your exam date, the specific shift (e.g., morning or evening), and reporting time. |
| Cannot be used to get into the exam hall. | This is the mandatory document for entry into the exam hall. |
| Does not include rules or instructions for exam day. | Contains all important exam day guidelines and instructions. |
What Students Should Do Now
With the JEE Main Session 1 exams approaching quickly, students are advised to stay calm and focused on their studies. Keep your application details, including your application number and password , handy. Regularly check the official NTA websites, jeemain.nta.nic.in and nta.ac.in , for the latest updates. Since the login link for the city slip has been generated, it is highly likely that the NTA will make it available to students very soon.
