The National Testing Agency has officially postponed the Joint Entrance Examination Main 2026 in West Bengal. The exams were originally scheduled for January 23, which coincides with Saraswati Puja celebrations across the state.
Revised Dates Coming Soon
NTA announced that candidates in West Bengal scheduled for January 23 will receive alternative examination dates. The agency will announce the revised schedule for state candidates shortly. All other exam dates between January 23 and 30 remain unchanged for candidates outside West Bengal.
Official Statement from NTA
In a social media post, NTA explained their decision. "In view of the representations received from candidates in West Bengal regarding Saraswati Puja celebrations on January 23, 2026, we have decided to allot another examination date to affected candidates," the agency stated. They provided contact information for candidates with queries about the rescheduling.
Political Reactions
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee immediately claimed credit for the decision. She posted on social media about her intervention in the matter. "Earlier GOI and National Testing Agency had scheduled JEE on January 23, which happens to be Netaji's birthday and Saraswati Puja," Banerjee wrote. "This put our students into difficulty and I intervened to protest and seek a change."
Banerjee expressed satisfaction with the outcome. She noted that students would now have the opportunity to participate in Saraswati Puja celebrations without examination conflicts.
BJP Minister's Involvement
BJP MP and Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar had also formally requested the examination date change. He wrote to the Department of Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi about the scheduling conflict.
Majumdar's letter highlighted the dual significance of January 23 in West Bengal. "January 23 is observed as Saraswati Puja and the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose," he wrote. "Both occasions hold immense religious, cultural, and public significance in West Bengal."
The minister expressed concern about potential inconveniences for students. He noted that widespread celebrations, institutional closures, and logistical constraints could affect examination candidates. Majumdar formally requested postponement or rescheduling to ensure smooth examination conduct.
Background Context
Saraswati Puja, dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and learning, sees significant participation from students across West Bengal. Educational institutions typically remain closed during these celebrations. The coincidence with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birthday adds to the day's importance in the state.
JEE Main serves as the entrance examination for engineering programs across India. The January session represents the first of multiple examination sessions scheduled throughout the year. Thousands of West Bengal students typically appear for these competitive examinations annually.
The National Testing Agency administers multiple national-level entrance examinations. The organization frequently adjusts schedules based on regional considerations and candidate feedback. This decision follows established patterns of accommodating significant regional events.
