Will JEE Main Session 2 be conducted in Gulf Countries? Students demand clarity

JEE Main Session 2 has been scheduled to commence in about a week, across multiple shifts between April 2 and April 8, 2026.

With the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Main 2026 - Session 2 just a week away, uncertainty looms over students in West Asia region amid the ongoing conflict and security issues.

According to the official brochure, JEE Main 2026 is to be conducted in 15 foreign cities, including eight in the West Asian nations across Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Candidates appearing for the examination are increasingly concerned about safety, travel arrangements, and possible disruptions in the exam process due to the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is yet to issue a clarification for students in the affected areas.

The examination has been scheduled to commence in about a week, across multiple shifts starting from Thursday, April 2 to Wednesday, April 8.

Students turn to social media

Sharing their concerns, several aspirants have taken to social media platforms to raise concerns and demand clarity from the NTA and Ministry of Education, asking whether exam centres in affected regions will be shifted, or if alternative centres in India or nearby safer locations will be provided

Some students have requested relocation of centres outside conflict-prone zones, citing safety risks and logistical challenges.

The anxiety is further compounded by recent disruptions in school board examinations.

This month, both CBSE and ICSE exams in select West Asian centres were cancelled amid the escalating tensions, prompting fears that similar uncertainty could impact JEE Main as well.

Recent update on JEE Mains 2026

Meanwhile, the NTA has already released the city intimation slips for Session 2 on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, to help candidates plan their travel and logistics in advance.

The admit cards, which will include detailed information such as exact exam centre, reporting time, and instructions, are also expected to be released shortly.

The examination schedule is as follows:

• Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): April 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8, 2026

• Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning): April 7, 2026

With exam dates fast approaching, candidates are now looking towards the release of admit cards for definitive clarity on their test centres and dates.

Until then, uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on students in the Middle East, many of whom are hoping for timely intervention from authorities in India.