What is JEE Advanced?
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced is one of India's most prestigious national-level entrance examinations for students aspiring to secure admission into the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
The examination is conducted annually in two compulsory papers - Paper 1 and Paper 2 - both held on the same day in separate shifts. The test is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and evaluates candidates in three core subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Candidates who qualify JEE Advanced become eligible for admission to undergraduate programs in engineering, technology, and science at IITs. Additionally, scores are also considered by other premier institutions such as IISc, IIPE, IIST, and RGIPT.
Out of approximately 2,50,000 candidates shortlisted through JEE Main, only about 75% proceed to register for JEE Advanced. Of these, nearly 54,000 candidates qualify, while the total number of available seats across 23 IITs is around 18,000, making the competition extremely intense.
To maintain a balanced selection process, the Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) determines minimum qualifying marks, typically ensuring around three candidates per available seat. This accounts for top-ranking candidates who may choose alternative institutions based on their preferences.
JEE Advanced 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Body | IIT Council |
| Exam Level | National-Level Entrance Examination |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Papers | Paper 1 and Paper 2 (Both Mandatory) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Exam Date | 17 May 2026 |
| Registration Period | 23 April 2026 to 02 May 2026 |
| Eligibility | Top 2,50,000 JEE Main 2026 qualified candidates |
| Number of Attempts | Maximum of 2 attempts in consecutive years |
| Total Questions | 102 (51 questions per paper) |
| Expected Seat Intake | Approximately 18,200 seats across 23 IITs |
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 6 April 2026 | Registration Begins (Foreign/OCI/PIO Candidates) |
| 23 April 2026 | Registration Begins (JEE Main Qualified Candidates) |
| 2 May 2026 | Last Date for Registration |
| 4 May 2026 | Last Date for Fee Payment |
| 11 May - 17 May 2026 | Admit Card Download Window |
| 16 May 2026 | Scribe Selection for PwD Candidates |
| 17 May 2026 | JEE Advanced 2026 Examination |
| 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Paper 1 |
| 02:30 PM - 05:30 PM | Paper 2 |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Performance in JEE Main | Must be among the top 2,50,000 qualified candidates |
| Age Limit | Born on or after October 1, 2001 (relaxation applicable for reserved categories) |
| Number of Attempts | Maximum of two attempts in two consecutive years |
| Class 12 Qualification | Must have passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
| Previous IIT Admission | Should not have been admitted to any IIT program earlier |
| Foreign/OCI Candidates | Eligible to apply directly without appearing for JEE Main |
Conducting Institute
JEE Advanced 2026 will be conducted by IIT Roorkee as part of the established 7-year rotational system followed by the IITs. Under this system, each of the seven zonal IITs takes turns organizing the examination.
Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced
| Feature | JEE Main | JEE Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) | One of the IITs (on a rotational basis) |
| Purpose | Admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs; eligibility for JEE Advanced | Admission to IITs |
| Eligibility | Class 12 appearing or passed candidates | Top-ranked JEE Main qualifiers |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Highly Competitive and Conceptually Advanced |
