JEE Main 2026 Exam Centers: Check the Complete List of NTA Exam Centers, State-wise and Abroad

NTA JEE Main 2026 Exam City Selection Process

The National Testing Agency (NTA) handles the exam city selection for JEE Main 2026 to ensure fair and convenient allocation for lakhs of candidates appearing in Session 1 (January – concluded) and Session 2 (April 2–9, 2026). The process is designed to accommodate preferences while balancing logistical feasibility across 323 cities in India (with 33 new additions this year) and 15 international locations.

How the Exam City Selection Works?

During the JEE Main 2026 application form submission (for both sessions), candidates select four preferred exam cities in order of priority. These choices are displayed based on the permanent and present/correspondence addresses entered in the form.

• Candidates view the full list of available cities (state-wise or country-wise) on the application portal at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
• They select four cities from the dropdown or searchable list (after selecting country, state, and solving CAPTCHA if prompted).
• NTA attempts to allot the highest-priority city possible, but final allocation depends on factors like seat availability, infrastructure, candidate distribution, and administrative needs.
• The allotted city (not the exact center) is communicated via the Advance City Intimation Slip (released a few weeks before the exam, e.g., early January for Session 1 and expected mid-March for Session 2).
• The exact exam center (venue address) appears only on the admit card (released 3–4 days before your exam date).

Key Points to Note:

• No changes to the allotted city are allowed after allotment (even during correction windows, city preferences are usually locked post-submission).
• The process remains preference-based (not Aadhaar-linked or automatic), as clarified by NTA amid past rumors.
• For Session 2 (April 2026), candidates who missed Session 1 or wish to improve can still select preferences if applying afresh (though many re-appearants retain prior data).
• International candidates follow a similar process but from the limited 15 overseas cities (e.g., Dubai, Kathmandu, Singapore, Riyadh, etc.).

Steps to Check/View Cities During Application

1. Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in.
2. Go to the registration/login section.
3. Look for “View Examination Cities” or similar link under application steps.
4. Select country/state/language → Proceed → View and choose preferences.

JEE Main Exam Center List 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has expanded the JEE Main 2026 exam network significantly to make the test more accessible. For both Session 1 (January – concluded) and Session 2 (April 2–9, 2026), the exam is conducted in a total of 323 cities in India plus 15 international cities, totaling 338 locations worldwide.

This year, NTA added 33 new cities in India (primarily in states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and others) to reduce travel burden, while 7 cities were removed or merged. The list is available in the official Information Bulletin and on jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates' allotted cities are communicated via the City Intimation Slip (already released for Session 2 or expected mid-March 2026), with exact venue addresses on the admit card.

The expanded list helps aspirants plan logistics better, especially for the upcoming April session.

Key Highlights of JEE Main 2026 Exam Centers

• Total Cities in India: 323 (increased from ~284–299 last year)
• New Cities Added: 33 (all in India)
• International Cities: 15 (no changes from previous years)
• Purpose: Wider reach, reduced travel for candidates, better infrastructure distribution

State-Wise JEE Main Exam Centre List

Due to the extensive list (323 cities), here are prominent cities by state/UT with city codes. The full list can be downloaded from official PDF attached below.

Note: This is a partial list—refer to the official NTA PDF for the complete 323-city breakdown, including newly added ones.

Popular JEE Main Exam Centers

The JEE Main 2026 exam is conducted across 323 cities in India, with several states hosting a high number of test centers due to large candidate volumes. These popular centers are in major metropolitan and educational hubs, making them preferred choices during application (though final allotment depends on NTA based on preferences and availability).

Below are the popular exam centers for key states frequently selected by aspirants, especially for the upcoming Session 2 (April 2–9, 2026). The lists focus on major cities with city codes (as per NTA's official Information Bulletin and updates as of 2026). For the complete 323-city list, always refer to jeemain.nta.nic.in.

JEE Main Exam Centers in Delhi & Delhi NCR

Delhi (including New Delhi/NCT) is a major hub for JEE Main 2026 aspirants, with the primary city code DL01 covering the entire Delhi/New Delhi area. NTA allots centers under this single city code, but actual venues (often iON Digital Zones or similar facilities) are spread across various regions like North, South, East, West, and Central Delhi for better distribution.

JEE Main Delhi NCR Exam Centers

Many candidates prefer or get allotted NCR cities for convenience. These are under different state codes:

JEE Main Exam Centers in West Bengal

West Bengal has multiple centers, with Kolkata being the most popular.

JEE Main Exam Centers in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has one of the highest numbers of centers (around 28), with major cities like Lucknow, Noida, and Varanasi being highly sought after.

JEE Main Exam Centers in Karnataka

Karnataka features Bengaluru as the dominant and most popular center.

(Note: Bengaluru is often listed under KK04 or KK20 depending on zone/sub-division.)

JEE Main Exam Centers in Bihar

Bihar has several centers, with Patna being the primary and most popular hub.

JEE Main Exam Centers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

These neighboring states have a large number of centers (Andhra Pradesh: 23+, Telangana: multiple), with Hyderabad and Vijayawada being highly popular.

JEE Main Exam Centers in Rajasthan

Rajasthan's popular centers include Jaipur and Kota (famous for coaching).

JEE Main Exam Centers in Maharashtra

Maharashtra has numerous centers (around 27), with Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur being the most popular.

Pro Tip for Session 2 Candidates (as of March 06, 2026): These popular centers often fill up quickly in preferences—check your City Intimation Slip (expected mid-March or soon) on jeemain.nta.nic.in for your allotted city. Book accommodation/transport early if traveling to a major hub like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Lucknow. Exact venue addresses appear only on the admit card (late March onward).

List of JEE Main Exam Center List Abroad 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts JEE Main 2026 in 15 international cities (outside India) to accommodate NRI, OCI, PIO, and foreign national candidates, as well as Indian students residing abroad. This facility eliminates the need to travel to India for the exam. The list remains consistent with previous years—no new international cities were added for 2026, and the total stands at 15 locations across various countries (primarily in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America).

These centers follow the same CBT mode as in India, with identical shift timings, guidelines, and security protocols. Candidates select preferences during application, and NTA allots based on availability and logistics. The allotted city appears in the City Intimation Slip (expected mid-March 2026 for Session 2), with the exact venue on the admit card (late March onward).

JEE Main 2026 International Exam Centers List

JEE Main 2026 Deleted Exam Centres in Aboard

For JEE Main 2026, NTA has not added any new international centers, and the overseas list remains stable at 15 cities with no major deletions reported specifically for abroad in the 2026 cycle (unlike the 7 removed/merged centers in India, such as in Kerala, Gujarat, Bihar, etc.).

However, compared to previous years' lists (e.g., pre-2025/2026), some older international centers have been discontinued or not included in recent sessions:

• Sri Lanka – Colombo (previously ZZ02 in some older bulletins) — No longer listed in 2026 updates.
• Hong Kong – Hong Kong (ZZ19 in past lists) — Absent from current 2026 references.
• Mauritius – Port Louis (ZZ20) — Not appearing in latest confirmed lists.
• Russia – Moscow (ZZ21), South Africa – Cape Town (ZZ22), Thailand – Bangkok (ZZ23), etc. — These were in some expanded older lists but are not part of the streamlined 15-city 2026 lineup.

NTA periodically reviews and rationalizes overseas centers based on candidate numbers, infrastructure availability, and logistics. No official "deleted abroad" announcement was made for 2026 (focus was on Indian additions/removals), but candidates should note that the list is now more focused on high-demand regions like the Middle East and select Asian/African hubs.

Advice: If your preferred previous center is missing, select from the current list during application (or re-application for Session 2). Always cross-check the official NTA website (jeemain.nta.nic.in) for the most accurate and updated international list, as it supersedes all third-party sources.

How to Check JEE Main Exam Center Allotment?

The JEE Main 2026 exam center allotment (specifically the allotted exam city and often the exam date) is communicated by the National Testing Agency (NTA) through the Advance City Intimation Slip (also called City Allotment Slip or Examination City Intimation Slip). This is separate from the admit card, which provides the exact center venue address, shift, and other details.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check/Download JEE Main 2026 City Intimation Slip

1. Visit the Official Website Go to the NTA JEE Main portal: jeemain.nta.nic.in using a secure browser (Chrome/Firefox recommended).
2. Locate the City Intimation Link On the homepage, look for the prominent link:
• "Advance Intimation for Allotment of Examination City"
• "JEE Main 2026 City Intimation Slip Session 2"
• Or similar notice under "Latest News" or "Candidate Activity" section. (The link activates only after official release—refresh the page or check daily.)
3. Login to Your Account Click the link and enter your login credentials:
• Application Number (from your confirmation page/email)
• Password (set during registration) OR
• Application Number + Date of Birth (if password forgotten, use recovery options). Solve any CAPTCHA if prompted.
4. View and Download the Slip After successful login, your City Intimation Slip will display on screen. It includes:
• Candidate's name, roll number/application number
• Allotted exam city
• Exam date (specific day within April 2–9)
• Sometimes shift or paper details Download and print the PDF for reference (color print preferred). Save a digital copy too.
5. Verify Details Cross-check the allotted city and date. No changes are allowed post-allotment. Use this info to book travel, accommodation, or local transport early—especially if the city is far from home.

Can I change my JEE Main Exam Center?

No, once the JEE Main 2026 exam center (or allotted city) is finalized by the National Testing Agency (NTA), candidates cannot change it under normal circumstances. NTA follows a strict policy: the allotted exam city is final after release of the Advance City Intimation Slip (expected mid-March 2026 for Session 2 – April 2–9, 2026), and no requests for changes are entertained, even for personal reasons, distance issues, or preferences.

This rule applies uniformly to both sessions. As of March 06, 2026, with the city intimation slip for Session 2 not yet released (likely in the second week of March), focus on checking your preferences if any correction window remains open—but note that correction facilities are limited and time-bound.

When and How Changes to Exam City Preferences Are Possible

• During Application Form Correction Window (if open): For Session 2, a correction window was active (e.g., February 27–28, 2026, based on previous patterns). During this period, candidates could modify:
• Preferred exam cities (up to 4 choices)
• Medium of question paper
• Other eligible details (academic info, category, etc.) However, changes were subject to availability, additional fees (e.g., for foreign cities), and the window's closure. No further corrections are allowed after it ends.
• After City Intimation Slip Release: Once NTA releases the City Intimation Slip (showing allotted city and exam date), the allotment becomes final. No option exists to request a change, re-allotment, or transfer.

Exceptions (Rare and NTA-Discretionary)

NTA may consider exceptional cases only in extraordinary situations, such as:

• Natural calamities, riots, or major disruptions at the allotted center (affecting multiple candidates).
• Administrative decisions by NTA (e.g., center closure due to unforeseen issues).

Individual requests (e.g., "center too far," health reasons, family emergencies) are not accepted. NTA explicitly states: "No request for change of city/center will be entertained under any circumstances."

What to Do If Your Allotted City Is Far or Unsuitable

• Plan travel and accommodation early—book tickets/hotels near the allotted city as soon as the slip is out.
• Use local transport or stay with relatives/friends if possible.
• Arrive 1–2 days in advance to familiarize yourself with the route and avoid last-minute stress.
• Focus on preparation—many candidates succeed even from distant centers with proper planning.

Things to Carry to the JEE Main Exam Center

On JEE Main exam day, candidates must carry only permitted essentials to ensure smooth entry and avoid disqualification. The National Testing Agency (NTA) enforces strict frisking, biometric verification, and security checks at all centers. No storage facilities are available, so leave unnecessary items at home or in your vehicle. Prepare your essentials the night before and pack them in a transparent pouch or folder for easy inspection.

Mandatory & Recommended Items:

Documents to Carry to the JEE Main Exam Center

Documents are critical for entry—no exceptions. Without the required originals, candidates will be denied access even if they arrive on time. NTA requires valid proofs for identity verification via biometrics/face authentication and attendance recording. Download and print everything from the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in well in advance.

FAQs

1. How many exam cities are available for JEE Main in India?

NTA conducts JEE Main in 323 cities across India (as per the latest update), plus 15 international locations, making a total of 338 centers worldwide. This expanded network helps reduce travel distance for most candidates.

2. Can I change my allotted exam city after the intimation slip is released?

No, NTA does not allow any changes to the allotted exam city once the Advance City Intimation Slip is released. The allotment is final based on your preferences and availability during the application process.

3. When and how do I get to know my allotted exam city?

NTA releases the Advance City Intimation Slip a few weeks before the exam on jeemain.nta.nic.in. Log in using your application number and password to download it. It shows your allotted city and exam date (exact center comes on the admit card).

4. Are international exam centers available every year?

Yes, NTA provides 15 fixed international exam centers (e.g., Dubai, Riyadh, Singapore, Kathmandu) for NRI/OCI/foreign candidates. The list remains largely consistent, with no major additions or deletions in recent cycles.

5. Which are the most popular exam cities chosen by candidates?

Major cities like Delhi (DL01), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jaipur, Pune, and Patna are among the most preferred due to better connectivity, coaching hubs, and infrastructure. These often fill up quickly in preferences.

6. What happens if my preferred cities are not allotted?

NTA allots the highest possible preference from your four choices, but it depends on seat availability and logistics. If none match, you may get a nearby city. No requests for change are accepted after allotment.

7. Do I need to carry the city intimation slip to the exam center?

No, the city intimation slip is only for advance planning (travel, stay). You must carry the printed admit card (with exact center venue) and valid photo ID for entry. The intimation slip is not required at the gate.

8. Has NTA added or removed any exam cities recently?

Yes, for recent cycles NTA added around 33 new cities in India (mostly in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Maharashtra, West Bengal) to improve access, while a few older centers were removed or merged for better management.