Banner 0
Banner 1
Banner 2
Banner 3
Banner 4
Banner 5
Banner 6
Banner 7
Banner 8
Banner 9
Banner 10
AI Mentor
Book Online Demo
Try Test

IIT JEE 2026: All About the JEE Main & JEE Advanced Exam

By rohit.pandey1

|

Updated on 3 Oct 2025, 11:53 IST

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is India’s biggest engineering entrance exam. It opens the door to undergraduate engineering courses like B.E. and B.Tech. The test is run by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Students across India — in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata — take the JEE to start careers in engineering and technology.

The JEE has two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. First, students appear for JEE Main. Strong scores in JEE Main can give admission to NITs, IIITs, and other GFTIs. JEE Main also acts as the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced. Only the top rankers in JEE Advanced can secure seats at the IITs.

Fill out the form for expert academic guidance
+91
Student
Parent / Guardian
Teacher
submit

What is the JEE Exam? 

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is India's most critical engineering entrance exam. The exam is conducted in two main stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced.

1. JEE Main

JEE Main is the first stage and is open to all engineering aspirants. It serves as the qualifying test for the next stage and is taken by millions of students each year. A high score in JEE Main is necessary for admission into NITs, IIITs, and other Government-Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs).

Unlock the full solution & master the concept
Get a detailed solution and exclusive access to our masterclass to ensure you never miss a concept

2. JEE Advanced

Only the top 2,50,000 rank holders from JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. This final stage is the sole admissions test for all Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Securing a top rank in JEE Advanced is essential for students aiming to study at an IIT.

Why the IIT JEE Exam is Crucial for B.Tech / B.E. Admission

Scoring a top rank in the IIT JEE exam is the gateway to a successful engineering career. Admissions into India's best B.Tech and B.E. programs are determined by your performance in the JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams.

Ready to Test Your Skills?
Check Your Performance Today with our Free Mock Tests used by Toppers!
Take Free Test

Here are the key advantages of clearing the JEE:

  • Admissions to Top Engineering Colleges: A high rank secures your admission into premier institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs).
  • Access World-Class Education: These institutions offer a superior learning environment with expert faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and projects.
  • Secure Top Job Opportunities: Leading global companies actively recruit from IITs and NITs. A degree from one of these top colleges significantly increases your chances of securing high-paying job offers immediately after graduation.
  • Gain Lifelong Prestige and Recognition: Graduating from an IIT or a top NITs carries immense prestige. It provides lifelong recognition and signals that you are one of the top engineering minds in the country.

JEE Main 2026

The JEE Main is the first big step for students who want to become engineers. It is held by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NTA holds the exam two times a year, usually in January and April. This gives you two chances to get your best score. Doing well in the NTA JEE Main is needed to get into top colleges like NITs and IIITs. It is also the only way you can get a chance to sit for the JEE Advanced exam for IITs.

cta3 image
create your own test
YOUR TOPIC, YOUR DIFFICULTY, YOUR PACE
start learning for free

JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates and Counselling Schedule

It is very important to remember all the important dates. The JEE Main 2026 exam dates are given for two sessions. The table below shows the expected dates for everything, from filling the application form to the final JoSAA counselling process.

EventSession 1 (January 2026)Session 2 (April 2026)
JEE Main Application Form StartFirst week of November 2025First week of February 2026
Registration Last DateFirst week of December 2025First week of March 2026
JEE Main Admit Card Release DateThree days before the examThree days before the exam
JEE Main Exam DatesLast week of January 2026First week of April 2026
JEE Main Result Checker LiveSecond week of February 2026Last week of April 2026
JoSAA Counselling Process StartsFirst week of June 2026First week of June 2026

The JEE Main Application Form 2026: Registration Last Date & Process

Filling the JEE Main application form is the first real step. You must finish it before the registration date.

Best Courses for You

JEE

JEE

NEET

NEET

Foundation JEE

Foundation JEE

Foundation NEET

Foundation NEET

CBSE

CBSE

How to fill the form, step-by-step:

  1. Register: Go to the official NTA JEE Main website and click "New Registration." Enter your name, phone number, and email to get a login ID.
  2. Fill the Form: Log in and carefully enter your personal details, school details, and address.
  3. Upload Papers: You will need to upload a scanned photo of yourself and your signature. If you belong to a special category (like OBC, SC, ST), you will need to upload that certificate too.
  4. Pay Fee: Pay the fee online. You can use a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
  5. Print Page: After you pay, a confirmation page will come up. Download and print this page. Keep it safe.
  • Documents needed: Your photograph, signature, and category certificate (if you have one).
  • Fees: The fee is about ₹1000 for boys (General) and ₹800 for girls (General). It can be different for other categories.

Latest JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) & Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning)

To score well, you must understand the latest JEE Main exam pattern. The exam has two main papers.

PaperSubjectSection A (MCQs)Section B (Numerical)How Marks Are GivenTime
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)Physics20 Questions10 Questions (Do any 5)+4 for correct, -1 for wrong3 Hours
 Chemistry20 Questions10 Questions (Do any 5)+4 for correct, -1 for wrong 
 Mathematics20 Questions10 Questions (Do any 5)+4 for correct, -1 for wrong 
Paper 2A (B.Arch)Mathematics20 Questions10 Questions (Do any 5)+4 for correct, -1 for wrong3 Hours
 Aptitude Test50 Questions-+4 for correct, -1 for wrong 
 Drawing Test2 Questions-Two questions for 100 marks total 

JEE Main Admit Card 2026: Release Date and How to Download

The JEE Main admit card release date is about three days before the exam. You cannot enter the exam hall without your admit card. You can get it from the NTA website.

JEE Main Result: Marks vs. Percentile vs. Rank

Your JEE Main result has marks, a percentile, and a rank. Let's understand what they mean.

Ready to Test Your Skills?
Check Your Performance Today with our Free Mock Tests used by Toppers!
Take Free Test

How to Calculate JEE Main Percentile & NTA Score

Since the exam happens on different days, some papers can be harder than others. To be fair, NTA uses a special method to calculate marks. This gives you an NTA Score, which is your percentile.

  • Percentile vs. Percentage: A percentage is the mark you get out of 100. A percentile tells you how many students are behind you. If you have a 98 percentile, it means you scored better than 98% of the students. Your final rank is based on this percentile.

JEE Main Marks vs. Percentile: A Detailed Analysis

This table helps you guess your percentile from your marks.

cta3 image
create your own test
YOUR TOPIC, YOUR DIFFICULTY, YOUR PACE
start learning for free
Marks (out of 300)Expected Percentile
280 - 30099.9+
200 - 22099+
160 - 18098+
130 - 14095+
90 - 9590+

JEE Main Rank vs. Percentile: What to Expect

This table helps you guess your rank from your percentile.

PercentileExpected All India Rank (AIR)
99+Below 11,000
98+11,001 to 22,000
95+22,001 to 55,000
90+55,001 to 1,10,000

What is a Good Score in JEE Main for Top NITs? 

Getting a good score in JEE Main depends on your goal. To get into the best branches like Computer Science in top NITs (like NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal), you need a very high percentile. The JEE Main cutoff for NITs is different for every college and branch.

  • General Category: For top NITs, you need a 99.5+ percentile for the Computer Science branch. For other good branches, 98+ percentile is often needed.
  • OBC-NCL Category: Aim for a 98+ percentile for top branches.
  • SC/ST Category: A percentile above 90-95+ can help you get a seat in a good NIT.

JEE Main Syllabus: Important Chapters & Topic-wise Weightage

The JEE Main syllabus is primarily based on the Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Focusing on high-weightage chapters can significantly boost your score.

Physics Topic-wise Weightage for JEE Main

ChapterExpected QuestionsWeightage (%)
Modern Physics3-412%
Heat & Thermodynamics2-310%
Electrostatics & Current2-39%
EMI & AC27%
Rotational Motion1-26%

Chemistry Topic-wise Weightage for JEE Main

ChapterExpected QuestionsWeightage (%)
General Organic Chemistry2-310%
Chemical Bonding27%
p-Block Elements27%
Coordination Compounds1-26%
Thermodynamics & Gaseous State1-26%

Maths Topic-wise Weightage for JEE Main

ChapterExpected QuestionsWeightage (%)
Conic Sections & Straight Lines3-412%
3D Geometry & Vectors2-39%
Definite Integration & Area27%
Matrices & Determinants1-26%
Limits, Continuity & Differentiability1-26%

JEE Advanced 2026 Exam

After clearing JEE Main with a top percentile, the final step towards securing a seat in an IIT is the JEE Advanced exam. This exam is known for its challenging questions that are designed to test a student's deep understanding of core concepts. Success in JEE Advanced is the only pathway for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Dates

The JEE Advanced exam is a one-day examination. The schedule is managed by one of the IITs on a rotational basis. Below are the tentative but important dates aspirants should keep in mind for the JEE Advanced 2026 exam.

EventTentative Date
JEE Advanced Registration Start DateFirst week of May 2026
Registration Last DateSecond week of May 2026
Admit Card Release DateLast week of May 2026
JEE Advanced 2026 Exam DayLast Sunday of May 2026
Result DeclarationSecond week of June 2026

JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria: The 75% Criteria & More

To appear for JEE Advanced, a candidate must first qualify in JEE Main. Apart from that, there are a few other important JEE Advanced eligibility criteria to meet.

  1. Performance in JEE Main: You must be among the top 2,50,000 successful candidates (including all categories) in the B.E./B.Tech. paper of JEE Main 2026.
  2. Age Limit: Candidates must have been born on or after October 1, 2001. There is a relaxation of five years for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
  3. Number of Attempts: A candidate can attempt the JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years.
  4. Appearance in Class 12 (or equivalent) Exam: You must have appeared for the Class 12 (or equivalent) examination for the first time in either 2025 or 2026.
  5. The 75% Criteria for JEE Advanced: To be eligible for admission to IITs, a candidate must have secured at least 75% aggregate marks in the Class 12 (or equivalent) board exam. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the aggregate mark requirement is 65%.

JEE Advanced Exam Pattern

The JEE Advanced exam pattern is designed to test a candidate's analytical and comprehensive abilities. The exam consists of two compulsory papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, held on the same day.

FeatureDetails
PapersTwo Papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2 (both are compulsory)
Duration3 hours for each paper
SubjectsPhysics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Question TypesThe exam has a variety of question formats, including: - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with one or more correct answers - Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions - Paragraph-based questions
Marking SchemeThe marking is complex and can change every year. It often includes partial marking for questions with multiple correct options and negative marking for incorrect answers.
SyllabusThe JEE Advanced syllabus is based on the topics from JEE Main but covers them in much greater depth.

JEE Advanced Previous Year Question Papers

To understand the level and pattern of the exam, it is highly recommended to solve JEE Advanced previous year question papers. This is one of the most effective ways to prepare because it helps you:

  • Get familiar with the variety of question types.
  • Improve your time management skills for a high-pressure exam.
  • Identify important topics that are frequently asked.
  • Assess your preparation level and find areas for improvement.

JEE Advanced 2026 Registration and Key Dates

The registration for JEE Advanced begins only after the final results and All India Ranks (AIR) of JEE Main 2026 are declared. Keep an eye on the official JEE Advanced website.

Expected Timeline:

  • JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Result: Mid-to-late April 2026
  • JEE Advanced 2026 Registration Starts: Last week of April 2026
  • Registration Ends: First week of May 2026
  • JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Date: Last week of May 2026

JEE Advanced Negative Marking & Tie-Breaking Policy

The JEE Advanced exam pattern is dynamic and known for its unpredictability, which is why it is one of the toughest entrance exams. It consists of two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), both of which are compulsory.

Key aspects of the exam pattern include:

  • Question Types: The exam features a mix of question formats, including:
    • Multiple Correct Answers (MCQs): MCQs Questions with one or more correct options, carrying partial marks.
    • Numerical Value Questions: Questions where you have to enter a numerical answer.
    • Paragraph/Comprehension Based Questions: A block of text followed by several questions related to it.
  • Negative Marking: This is a crucial element. Different sections have different marking schemes. Some questions may have negative marking for incorrect answers, while some may not. This policy tests not only your knowledge but also your decision-making and risk-assessment skills.
  • Tie-Breaking Policy: If two or more candidates score the same aggregate marks, a tie-breaking policy is applied. Ranks are determined based on higher marks in Mathematics first, followed by Physics. If the tie still persists, the candidates are assigned the same rank.

JEE Advanced Rank Predictor and the Official Rank List

After the exam, many coaching institutes, including Infinity Learn, release a JEE Advanced Rank Predictor. By entering your expected score based on answer keys, you can get an estimated All India Rank (AIR).

The Official Rank List is prepared by the conducting IIT based on the aggregate marks obtained by a candidate in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Subject-wise and category-wise cutoffs must also be cleared to be included in the rank list.

Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced

It's important to know how these two exams are different. JEE Main is the first step, and it opens the door to many great colleges. JEE Advanced is the next step for getting into the very best colleges, the IITs. Here is a simple table to show the main differences.

FeatureJEE MainJEE Advanced
What it's forTo get into NITs, IIITs, & other top engineering colleges. It's also the test you must pass to take JEE Advanced.To get into the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which are considered the best engineering colleges in India.
Who runs itThe National Testing Agency (NTA).A different IIT conducts it each year (like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, etc.).
Who can take itAnyone who has passed their Class 12 board exams with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths.Only the top 2.5 lakh students who pass the JEE Main exam.
Colleges you get intoNITs, IIITs, and other Government-Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs).All the IITs in India.

JEE Advanced Syllabus PDF Download & Important Chapters

A thorough understanding of the syllabus is the foundation of a successful preparation strategy. While there is a significant overlap, there are key differences between the JEE Main and Advanced syllabus that every aspirant must know.

JEE Advanced Syllabus: What's Different from the Mains Syllabus?

The JEE Advanced syllabus is a superset of the JEE Main syllabus. It includes all topics from Mains but with greater depth and a few additional, exclusive topics.

Key Topics Exclusive to JEE Advanced:

  • Physics: Thermal Stress and Strain, Poisson's Ratio, Potentiometer, LC Oscillations.
  • Chemistry: Ores and Metallurgy (detailed), Chemical Kinetics (advanced concepts), Nuclear Chemistry.
  • Maths: Complex Numbers (advanced properties), Harmonic Progression, Properties of Triangles, Statistics (advanced).

Best Books for JEE Advanced Physics, Chemistry, & Maths

  • Physics:
    • Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma (for theory)
    • Problems in General Physics by I.E. Irodov (for advanced problem-solving)
  • Chemistry:
    • Organic Chemistry by Morrison and Boyd (for organic concepts)
    • Physical Chemistry by O.P. Tandon (for physical chemistry)
    • Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee (for inorganic)
  • Mathematics:
    • Higher Algebra by Hall & Knight
    • Calculus by I.A. Maron
    • Plane Coordinate Geometry by S.L. Loney

List of Colleges Accepting JEE Main Score: IITs, NITs, IIITs, & GFTIs

Your JEE Main score is the gateway to over 100 centrally funded technical institutions. The seat allocation for these colleges is done through the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counselling process.

The JoSAA Counselling Process Explained Step-by-Step

  1. Registration: After results, eligible candidates register on the JoSAA portal.
  2. Choice Filling: You fill in your preferred choices of institutes and branches in order of priority.
  3. Mock Allotments: JoSAA releases 2-3 mock allotments to help you understand your likely admission chances.
  4. Seat Allotment Rounds: JoSAA conducts multiple rounds (usually 6) of seat allocation.
  5. Seat Acceptance: Once a seat is allotted, you can either Freeze (accept the seat), Float (accept but remain open to higher preferences), or Slide (accept but remain open to a better branch in the same institute).
  6. Reporting: Finally, you report to the allotted institute to confirm your admission.

What Documents are Required for JoSAA Counselling?

Prepare these documents in advance to avoid last-minute hassles:

  • Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets and Certificates
  • JEE Main and Advanced Admit Cards & Rank Cards
  • Category Certificate (if applicable, e.g., OBC-NCL, SC, ST)
  • Medical Certificate
  • Passport-size Photographs

course

No courses found

FAQs: IIT JEE 2026

How many attempts are there for JEE Advanced? Can a dropper give it?

A student gets only two attempts for the JEE Advanced exam, and they must be in two years back-to-back.

Yes, a dropper can definitely give the JEE Advanced exam. If you took your first attempt right after your Class 12 boards, you can take your second and final attempt the next year as a dropper. You just need to make sure you clear the JEE Main cutoff again in your drop year.

What is the age limit for the JEE exam?

For JEE Main, there is no age limit. As long as you have passed your Class 12 board exams, you can appear for it.

For JEE Advanced, there is an age limit. A candidate must be born on or after a specific date set by the IITs (for example, for JEE Advanced 2026, the birth date might need to be on or after October 1, 2001). There is a 5-year relaxation for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

What topics were removed from the JEE syllabus recently?

The NTA recently updated the JEE Main syllabus and removed a few topics to match it more closely with the NCERT books. Some of the important removed topics from the JEE syllabus are:

  • Physics: Communication Systems.
  • Chemistry: States of Matter, Surface Chemistry, s-block Elements, Metallurgy, Polymers, and Chemistry in Everyday Life.
  • Mathematics: Principle of Mathematical Induction and Mathematical Reasoning.

How do I balance board exams with my JEE preparation?

Balancing board exams and JEE preparation is a common challenge. Here is a simple strategy:

Focus on Common Topics: The syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Maths is mostly the same. Prepare these topics so well that you are ready for both exams.

Make a Timetable: Dedicate separate hours for board-specific subjects (like English and an optional subject) and for solving JEE-level problems.

Practice Writing: For board exams, writing detailed answers is important. For JEE, quick problem-solving is key. Practice both.

Use the Gaps: The time between your two JEE Main sessions is perfect for focusing completely on your board exams.

Which online coaching is best for JEE?

Infinity Learn is the best online coaching for JEE has helped students succeed. Infinity Learn offers:

  • Good teachers with experience.
  • High-quality study material and lots of mock tests.
  • Regular doubt-clearing sessions.

Is a calculator allowed in the JEE Main exam?

No, you cannot use a calculator in the JEE Main exam. No electronic devices, including watches and mobile phones, are allowed inside the exam hall. All calculations have to be done by hand.

Which is better: CSE in a new IIT or ECE in an old NIT?

Choose CSE in a new IIT if: Your main interest is in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) and you want the "IIT brand name." The IIT tag can be very helpful for higher studies abroad and for certain top jobs. Newer IITs are growing quickly and have modern facilities.

Choose ECE in an old, top NIT if: You want a college with a more established campus life, a very strong network of old students, and excellent placements. Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) students from top NITs (like NIT Trichy, Warangal, Surathkal) get placed in top software and hardware companies, with packages often as good as IITs.

What Rank is Needed for IIT Bombay CSE?

Getting into Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at IIT Bombay is extremely competitive. You typically need an All India Rank under 60 in JEE Advanced to secure a seat in this coveted program.

What is the Next Step After the JEE Main Result is Declared?

If you are in the top 2.5 lakh candidates, you are eligible for JEE Advanced. You must immediately register for it. If not, or if you don't wish to appear for Advanced, your focus should shift to the JoSAA counselling process for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs based on your JEE Main rank.