JEE Main Exam Rescheduled in West Bengal for Saraswati Puja
The National Testing Agency has postponed the JEE Main exam in West Bengal. The exam was originally scheduled for January 23, 2026. This date clashed with Saraswati Puja celebrations across the state.
NTA Responds to Student Concerns
The NTA announced the change on Thursday, January 15. The agency received multiple representations from candidates in West Bengal. Students expressed concern about the exam date falling on Saraswati Puja.
In an official notification, the NTA stated all candidates scheduled for January 23 in West Bengal will receive another exam date. The new date will be among the already advertised dates for JEE Main 2026 Session 1. The testing agency promised to announce the revised date soon.
The NTA posted on social media platform X about the decision. They cited student representations regarding Saraswati Puja celebrations as the reason for the change. The agency provided contact details for candidates with queries.
Mamata Banerjee Claims Responsibility
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee quickly took credit for the rescheduling. She posted on X about her intervention in the matter. Banerjee said she protested the original exam date to protect student interests.
The Chief Minister noted January 23 holds dual significance in West Bengal. It marks both Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birthday and Saraswati Puja. She emphasized students traditionally celebrate this festival with respect and devotion.
Banerjee asserted her lobbying efforts led to the date change. She expressed satisfaction that students can now pray to Goddess Saraswati on the festival day. The Chief Minister extended best wishes to all exam candidates.
Exam Schedule Details
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 was originally scheduled between January 21 and 29. The National Testing Agency released advance intimation slips on January 8. These slips contained examination city allotment information.
Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech programs will be conducted over multiple days. The exam will happen in two shifts on the first four days. The first shift runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. The second shift occurs between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Paper 2 will take place on the final day in a single shift. This session will run from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The NTA will release admit cards for all candidates shortly.
Students across West Bengal welcome the exam date change. They can now participate fully in Saraswati Puja celebrations without exam pressure. The rescheduling demonstrates responsiveness to regional cultural practices in national examination planning.
