Exam Timeline Guide: Key Dates for NEET, JEE, CBSE & More
Getting the dates right is half the battle. In India, the biggest exams—NEET, JEE, CBSE board, and a few others—follow a pretty predictable calendar. Knowing when each test lands helps you plan study blocks, mock tests, and breaks without scrambling at the last minute.
NEET and Medical Entrance Exams
NEET usually opens for registration in November and the actual test happens in May. That gives you roughly six months to cover biology, chemistry, and physics. The best cities for NEET prep—Kota, Delhi, Hyderabad—offer intensive coaching that aligns with this timeline. If you’re budgeting, compare tuition fees, safety, and vibe before you pick a hub.
While you’re in the prep window, focus on three things: (1) finish the NCERT textbook first, (2) solve past papers every two weeks, and (3) take a full‑length mock in the last month. Articles like “Best NEET Preparation Strategies” break down exactly how to fit these steps into a weekly schedule.
JEE (Main & Advanced) Schedule
JEE Main registration opens in August, with the first exam in January and a second slot in April. JEE Advanced follows in May, after the Main results are out. This split lets you plan a “boot‑camp” after the January Main, then switch gear for Advanced in April‑May.
Most coaching institutes—Allen, Aakash—structure their courses around these dates. A quick look at “Allen vs Aakash” shows how teaching style and fees differ, helping you decide which fits your timeline and budget.
In the weeks leading to JEE Main, concentrate on speed and accuracy. Use topic‑wise timed quizzes, then shift to full‑paper practice two weeks before the test. After you get the Main score, allocate a month for intense Advanced prep, focusing on problem‑solving tricks and past years’ papers.
CBSE Board Exams and International Syllabi
CBSE board exams for Class 10 and 12 start in February and wrap up by May. If you’re studying abroad, CBSE schools follow the same calendar, so the “CBSE Outside India” article explains how the syllabus fits into international settings.
The toughest CBSE subjects—usually maths and physics—need a steady 10‑15 minute daily revision. Break complex topics into bite‑size chunks and use weekly self‑assessment tests to track progress. When the exam window hits, shift to full‑paper simulations.
Putting It All Together
Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet you can copy into a planner:
- Nov‑Dec: Register for NEET, start NCERT reading.
- Jan: First JEE Main, begin intensive NEET mock series.
- Feb‑Mar: CBSE board revision, continue NEET weekly tests.
- Apr: Second JEE Main (if needed) + JEE Advanced prep.
- May: NEET exam, JEE Advanced, CBSE final papers.
Stick to this flow and you’ll avoid the “all‑night cram” trap. Remember, consistency beats intensity. Use the resources on Daily Education Insights—like the exam‑specific strategy guides—to fine‑tune each study block.
Finally, keep an eye on official notifications; dates can shift by a week or two. Set a calendar reminder for every major deadline and adjust your plan as soon as a change lands. With a clear timeline, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and enter every exam room feeling prepared.