The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) has officially announced the complete examination timetable for the upcoming matriculation and intermediate examinations scheduled for 2026. Both crucial academic assessments will begin simultaneously on February 3, 2026, marking the start of the annual board examination season in the state.
Examination Dates and Timing Details
According to the official notification released by the council, the matriculation examination will conclude on February 17, 2026, while the intermediate examination will continue for a longer duration, ending on February 23, 2026. The council has finalized distinct examination timings for both levels to ensure smooth conduct.
The matric papers are scheduled for the first sitting from 9:45 am to 1:00 pm, while intermediate exams will take place in the second sitting from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm. In a student-friendly measure, examinees will receive an additional 15 minutes before each paper exclusively for reading and understanding the question paper before commencing their answers.
Admit Cards and Important Deadlines
The council has clarified the schedule for admit card distribution, a crucial document for examination entry. Admit cards for the matric examination will be available for download through JAC's official website starting January 16, 2026, while intermediate admit cards will be accessible from January 17, 2026.
Schools and colleges will facilitate the process by downloading and distributing printed admit cards to their students. Meanwhile, the council has set December 12 as the final date for submitting examination forms, emphasizing that no extensions will be granted beyond this deadline.
Practical Examinations and Assessment Schedule
JAC has also released the comprehensive schedule for practical examinations, which will commence immediately after the theory papers conclude. The practical exams are scheduled to be held from February 24 to March 7, 2026.
To ensure smooth conduct of practical assessments, laboratory materials required for these exams will be supplied to educational institutions by district education offices between February 18 and 23, 2026. Schools and colleges have been instructed to upload marks for practicals and internal assessments online between February 25 and March 9, 2026, followed by submission of printed marksheets to the respective district education officers.
JAC chairman Natwa Hansda explained the rationale behind the early schedule release, stating, "The schedule has been designed to provide students with sufficient preparation time and an environment conducive to fair and smooth examinations. Detailed instructions have already been issued to schools and colleges to ensure that students face no inconvenience during the examination period."
Students have welcomed the early announcement of the examination schedule. Amit Kumar, a student preparing for the examinations, shared, "Having the exam schedule in advance allows us to prepare systematically and manage our study time effectively. It reduces uncertainty and helps create a structured preparation plan."
The early release of the 2026 examination schedule by JAC demonstrates the council's commitment to transparent and well-organized examination processes, giving students nearly a full year to prepare for these crucial academic milestones that shape their educational futures.
