Mamata Banerjee Raises Saraswati Puja Concern as NTA Announces New JEE Date in West Bengal

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Mamata Banerjee Raises Saraswati Puja Concern as NTA Announces New JEE Date in West Bengal

The JEE Main 2026 examination scheduled for January 23 in West Bengal has been rescheduled after concerns were raised about its clash with Saraswati Puja and the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The move followed representations from political leaders and students citing potential inconvenience.

Published by Somesh | January 16, 2026

TheNational Testing Agency (NTA)has decided to reschedule theJEE Main 2026 examinationfor candidates appearing inWest Bengalafter objections were raised over the originally announced date ofJanuary 23.

The decision follows concerns that the exam date coincides with major cultural and historical observances in the state.January 23 marks the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Boseand also falls onSaraswati Puja, a significant religious and cultural festival, especially for students in West Bengal.

The overlap had sparked fears that candidates would be forced to choose between appearing for a crucial national-level examination and participating in long-standing traditions.

Earlier,Union Minister Sukanta Majumdarhad written to the JEE Secretary, urging authorities to reconsider the date. In his representation, he highlighted the importance of Netaji Jayanti and Saraswati Puja, stating that holding the exam on the same day would place unnecessary pressure on students.

Political representations and student concerns

TheTrinamool Congress (TMC)also raised similar objections and appealed to the NTA to revise the schedule, arguing that conducting the exam on January 23 would inconvenience students and families across the state.

West Bengal Chief MinisterMamata Banerjeelater confirmed her intervention in the matter. In a social media post, she said that the earlier schedule coincided with Netaji’s birth anniversary and Saraswati Puja—occasions students traditionally observe with reverence—adding that the situation “put our students into difficulty” and prompted her to seek a change.

NTA confirms alternative date

Taking note of the representations received from political leaders, students and other stakeholders in West Bengal, theNTA announced that candidates scheduled to appear for JEE Main on January 23, 2026, in the state will be assigned an alternative examination date.

The revised date will fall within the already announced schedule forJEE Main 2026 Session 1, ensuring that the overall examination timeline remains unchanged.

Welcoming the decision, Mamata Banerjee said the rescheduling would allow students the “scope to pray to Goddess Saraswati on that day” while appearing for the examination without disruption.

Support and helpdesk details

The NTA clarified that only candidates in West Bengal affected by the January 23 schedule will be reassigned dates. Students seeking further clarification have been advised to contact the agency through its official helpdesk channels, including email support, helpline numbers and verified social media handles.

The move has been welcomed by students and parents across West Bengal, who say it reflects sensitivity to regional sentiments while maintaining academic continuity.