The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) has officially announced the examination schedule for the 2026 academic year, covering students in Classes 8, 9, and 11. This early release allows lakhs of students across the state to begin structured preparation. The council has confirmed all critical details, including registration timelines, exam centre protocols, and the use of OMR sheets.
Key Registration Dates and Late Fee Guidelines
The registration window for Class 11 students will open on December 18, 2025. Applicants must complete their online registration via the official JAC portal by January 2, 2026. For those who miss this initial deadline, a late registration period with an additional fee will run from January 3 to January 9, 2026.
The application process for Class 9 students is slated to commence within the next couple of days. Both Class 9 and Class 11 registrations are mandatory and must be completed online. Schools are actively assisting students in accurately filling and submitting forms to prevent errors and ensure timely submission. Successful registration makes students eligible to appear for the Matriculation (Class 10) and Intermediate (Class 12) examinations in 2027.
Detailed Exam Schedule and Centre Information
The council has outlined a clear sequence for the 2026 examinations. The Class 9 exams will be conducted at Matriculation exam centres, immediately after the conclusion of the Matriculation board exams, which end on February 17, 2026.
Similarly, the Class 11 exams will be held at Intermediate exam centres, starting right after the Intermediate board exams finish on February 23, 2026. The Class 8 board exam is tentatively scheduled for the second week of March 2026, following the Holi festival.
The council expects a massive turnout, with approximately five lakh students for Class 9 and over three lakh students for Class 11.
Exam Schedule at a Glance
Class 8: Tentatively in the second week of March 2026. Exam centres will be schools.
Class 9: To begin after February 17, 2026. Exams will be held at Matriculation centres using OMR sheets.
Class 11: To begin after February 23, 2026. Exams will be held at Intermediate centres using OMR sheets.
OMR Sheets and Council Directives for Schools
In a significant update, JAC has mandated the use of OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheets for both Class 9 and Class 11 examinations. This move is aimed at streamlining the evaluation process. Schools have received strict instructions to upload the filled registration forms of all students to the council's portal.
This digital upload will enable the council to cross-verify student data with institutional records efficiently. Based on this verified information, JAC will prepare the final list of examinees. The council has stated that all necessary preparations are in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations.
Final Preparations and Important Reminders
JAC has urged all students and schools to adhere strictly to the published guidelines concerning registration, exam centres, and the schedule. All official updates and circulars will be made available on the JAC portal. Students are advised to complete their registration processes well within the deadlines to avoid the hassle of late fees and last-minute complications.
With the roadmap now clear, students in Jharkhand can confidently plan their study schedules for the crucial 2026 examinations.
