Jan 2026: The Engineering Exam Mega List

For engineering aspirants, January 2026 is perhaps the most critical month of the year. It marks the commencement of the national-level entrance cycle, specifically with the first session of the JEE Main.

Comprehensive guide to the engineering entrance exams and registration deadlines you need to track in January 2026.

1. The Big One: JEE Main 2026 (Session 1)

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is the gateway to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, and the qualifying step for JEE Advanced (IITs).

  • Exam Dates: January 21 – January 30, 2026
  • Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): Scheduled between January 21 and January 29.
  • Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan): Scheduled for January 30, 2026.
  • City Intimation Slip: Expected by the 1st week of January 2026.
  • Admit Card Release: Typically 3 days before your specific exam date.
  • Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT), except for the Drawing section in B.Arch.

2. Other Key Engineering Exams in Jan 2026
While many private university exams happen in April/May, a few major institutes hold their first phases in January.

  • AEEE 2026 (Phase 1) | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Exam Date: Jan 29 – Feb 1, 2026
  • NMIMS-CET 2026 | NMIMS University | Testing Window: Starts in January 2026
  • BITSAT 2026 | BITS Pilani | Registration: Phase 1 applications often start in mid-Jan
  • JEE Main (Session 2) | NTA | Registration: Application window usually opens in late Jan

3. Critical Registration Deadlines (Closing in Jan)
Don't miss the chance to apply for these state and university-level exams. Most application windows that opened in late 2025 will close in January or February.

  • KCET 2026 (Karnataka): Registration typically begins in the 1st week of January.
  • OJEE 2026 (Odisha): Online application forms are usually released in January.
  • IMU-CET 2026 (Maritime): Registration for the June entrance often opens in late January
  • Amrita (AEEE): Deadline for Phase 1 is typically January 15, 2026.

4. Quick Preparation Checklist for January
Since you will likely be balancing board exam practicals with JEE Session 1, focus on these three pillars:

  • Mock Tests: Take at least two full-length JEE Main mocks per week in the first 15 days of January.
  • Formula Revision: Maintain a "cheat sheet" for Physics and Math formulas and Chemistry reagents.
  • Error Analysis: Spend more time reviewing why you got a question wrong in a mock test than actually taking the test.
  • Pro-Tip: Ensure your Aadhar Card details match your school certificates exactly. NTA has introduced stricter Facial Biometric Authentication for the 2026 session, so any discrepancy in your profile could cause delays at the exam center.