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The anticipation surrounding the JEE Main exam period is always high, and the release of new information from the National Testing Agency (NTA) marks a significant moment for lakhs of students. The final countdown has officially begun with the release of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 city intimation slip. This is your first concrete piece of information about your exam day logistics.
While it’s a step forward, this document often causes confusion that can lead to unnecessary stress. This article breaks down the four most crucial things every student must understand about the city intimation slip. Getting this right from the start will help you avoid common—and potentially costly—mistakes as you prepare for the exam.
It’s a City Intimation Slip, Not an Admit Card
The most critical point to understand is the fundamental difference between the city intimation slip and the admit card. The NTA has explicitly clarified that these are two separate documents. The city intimation slip is an advance notification released primarily to inform you of the city where your examination centre will be located.
While its main purpose is to reveal the city, you might notice that in some cases, it may also mention a preliminary exam date and shift. However, it is crucial to understand that this slip does not contain the full, confirmed address of your exam centre. The final, non-negotiable details—including the exact exam centre address, your confirmed shift, and final reporting time—will only be available on your official JEE Main 2026 admit card, which will be released separately. Remember, the city intimation slip will not grant you entry into the examination hall; you must have the printed admit card on exam day.
It’s a Planning Tool to Reduce Your Stress
The primary purpose of releasing the city intimation slip early is to help you plan your logistics. The NTA provides this document to give candidates, especially those who may need to travel to a different city, a strategic advantage. Knowing your exam city well in advance allows you to make necessary travel and accommodation arrangements without last-minute stress.
Use this information to book train or bus tickets, arrange for a place to stay if needed, and familiarize yourself with travel routes. This head start allows you to focus your final weeks on revision and practice, rather than worrying about logistical hurdles.
How to Securely Download Your Slip
There is only one safe place to get your city slip: the official NTA JEE Main portal. Using any other source puts you at risk of misinformation and scams. Follow these exact steps to access your document securely:
- Visit the official website of JEE Main at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- On the homepage, click on the link for the “JEE Main 2026 Session 1 City Intimation Slip.”
- Enter your application number and password or date of birth.
- Fill in the security code shown on the screen.
- Click on the submit button.
- Your city intimation slip will appear on the screen.
- Download the slip and take a printout for future reference.
Key Dates to Remember
Staying organized is key to a smooth exam experience. Note these important dates and timeframes provided by the NTA:
- JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Window: January 21 to January 30, 2026
- Admit Card Release: Approximately three to four days before your exam date
- JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam Window: April 2 to April 9, 2026
What’s Next on Your Journey?
The release of the city intimation slip is an important milestone. Use it as it’s intended: as a valuable tool for planning your travel and reducing pre-exam anxiety. However, remember that your ultimate key to the exam hall is the official admit card. Make it a habit to check the official NTA website daily for the release of your final admit card.
Now that you know your exam city, how will you use this head start to optimize your final weeks of preparation?
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