NICL AO Prelims Exam Date 2026: 17 November

The NICL AO Prelims Exam Date 2026 is 17 November 2026, a Tuesday. This is the Phase I online exam for all disciplines, including Automobile Engineers. Phase II follows on 22 December 2026, also a Tuesday. See the NICL AO Automobile Engineer 2026 guide for all stages.

NICL AO Prelims Exam Date 2026 and the full schedule

The company holds both exams online. Only candidates who qualify in Phase I can take Phase II.

How long is each exam?

You may need to stay at the venue longer than the test time. The venue staff check documents, collect data, log you in, and give instructions. Read the exam pattern page for the sections and marks.

How much time is there between Phase I and Phase II?

There are 35 days between 17 November 2026 and 22 December 2026. The company shortlists about 15 times the vacancies after Phase I. It then holds Phase II for these candidates. See the selection process page for the shortlist rules.

Can NICL change the exam date?

Yes. The company says that it will notify any change of exam date on its website. The company can also change the centre of an exam. It can cancel a centre and allot another centre to a candidate.

A candidate cannot ask for a change of date, time, venue, or session. The company does not entertain such requests.

If the exam runs in more than one session, the company equates the scores. This corrects small differences in difficulty between sessions. More than one session may be needed if a centre has less capacity or if a technical problem occurs.

If a test problem occurs, the company tries to fix it. The company decides if it holds a re-exam. A candidate has no claim to a re-test.

What should you do before the exam date?

• Find your city in the exam centres list.
• Learn the download steps on the admit card page.
• Prepare your photo ID. The name on it must match the name on your call letter.
• Read the exam day checklist for banned items and reporting rules.

Next step: read the NICL AO exam centres 2026 list.