JEE Advanced Answer Key 2026
Job Description
Eligibility
How to Apply
Overview
JEE Advanced 2026 is the second stage engineering entrance examination conducted by one of the seven IITs on a rotational basis for admission to Bachelor's, Integrated Master's and Dual Degree programs in Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other centrally funded technical institutes. Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates (including all categories) who qualify JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. The exam is conducted jointly by the IITs under the guidance of the Joint Admission Board (JAB). Clearing JEE Advanced with a good rank opens doors to premier engineering institutions across India including all 23 IITs. The answer key is released after the examination to allow candidates to estimate their scores and raise objections if any discrepancies are found.
Important Dates
Important Dates (Typical / Indicative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | March 2026 |
| Registration Start Date | April 2026 |
| Application Last Date | May 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 4-5 days before exam |
| JEE Advanced Exam Date (Paper 1) | Last Sunday of May 2026 |
| JEE Advanced Exam Date (Paper 2) | Last Sunday of May 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | Within 3-4 days of exam |
| Objection Window Opens | Within 4 days of exam |
| Objection Window Closes | 2-3 days after opening |
| Final Answer Key Release | 7-10 days after exam |
| Result Declaration | Mid-June 2026 |
Vacancy Details
Seat Distribution Across IITs (Typical / Indicative)
| Category | Approximate Seats |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 5,500 |
| OBC-NCL | 4,800 |
| SC | 2,600 |
| ST | 1,300 |
| EWS | 1,800 |
| PwD (across categories) | 800 |
| Total (All IITs) | ~16,500 |
Note: Total seats include all 23 IITs combined. Gender-Neutral and Female-only seats are distributed within each category. Exact vacancy varies by IIT and program.
Eligibility
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed Class XII or equivalent examination in 2025 or 2026
- Must appear for Class XII or equivalent examination for the first time in either 2025 or 2026
- Must have qualified JEE Main 2026 and rank among top 2,50,000 candidates (including all categories)
- Minimum 75% aggregate marks in Class XII board exam (65% for SC/ST/PwD) OR be in top 20 percentile in Class XII board exam
- Must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in Class XII
- For admission to specific IITs, candidates must satisfy the performance criteria in Class XII
Age Limit
| Criteria | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| General/OBC-NCL/EWS | Born on or after October 1, 2001 |
| SC/ST/PwD | Born on or after October 1, 1996 (5 years relaxation) |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Minimum Age | Must have completed 17 years as on date of admission |
Age Relaxation by Category:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | No relaxation |
| SC/ST/PwD | 5 years |
Nationality
- Indian Nationals
- OCI/PIO card holders
- Foreign Nationals (under DASA scheme with separate criteria)
Number of Attempts
- Candidates can attempt JEE Advanced maximum two times in two consecutive years
How to Apply
Steps to Apply Online
- Register for JEE Main 2026: Complete JEE Main registration and qualify with rank in top 2.5 lakh
- Visit Official Website: Go to the official JEE Advanced 2026 website (jeeadv.ac.in) hosted by the conducting IIT
- Login with Credentials: Use JEE Main 2026 application number and password to login to JEE Advanced portal
- Complete Registration: Fill in personal details, communication details, and choice of exam cities
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned photographs, signature, and category certificates (if applicable) as per specifications
- Select Exam Cities: Choose exam city preferences (maximum 3 cities)
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the fee through online mode (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
- Submit Application: Review all details carefully and submit the application form
- Download Confirmation: Take printout of confirmation page for future reference
- Track Application Status: Login periodically to check application status and updates
Application Fees
| Category | Female Candidates | Male Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC-NCL | ₹1,400 | ₹2,800 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,400 | ₹1,400 |
Payment Mode: Online only (Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
Note: Fee includes application fee for AAT (Architecture Aptitude Test) if applicable
Selection Process
Selection Stages
- JEE Main 2026 Qualification: Candidates must first qualify JEE Main and rank among top 2,50,000 candidates (including all categories) to become eligible for JEE Advanced registration
- JEE Advanced Examination: Candidates appear for two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2) conducted on the same day in two different shifts. Both papers are compulsory and performance in both determines the final rank
- Answer Key Publication: Provisional answer keys are released 3-4 days after examination for candidates to verify and raise objections against any incorrect answers
- Objection Submission: Candidates can submit objections to answer key within specified timeline (2-3 days) by paying processing fee per question challenged
- Final Answer Key Release: After reviewing objections, final answer keys are published and scores are calculated based on these keys
- Result Declaration: JEE Advanced All India Rank (AIR) is declared based on aggregate marks in both papers. Category-wise ranks are also published
- JoSAA Counselling: Qualified candidates participate in Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling for seat allotment across IITs, NITs, IIITs and GFTIs based on rank, preferences and category
- Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT): Candidates interested in B.Arch programs must qualify AAT conducted separately after JEE Advanced results
- Document Verification: At the time of admission, candidates must submit all original documents for verification at the allotted institute
- Medical Examination: Final admission is subject to medical fitness as per institute norms
Exam Pattern
JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Pattern
Paper 1 (Compulsory)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Physics | 6-7 MCQs | 18-21 | 3 hours |
| Section 2 | Chemistry | 6-7 MCQs | 18-21 | (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) |
| Section 3 | Mathematics | 6-7 MCQs | 18-21 | |
| Total | 18-21 | ~60 | 3 hours |
Paper 2 (Compulsory)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Physics | 6-7 MCQs | 18-21 | 3 hours |
| Section 2 | Chemistry | 6-7 MCQs | 18-21 | (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) |
| Section 3 | Mathematics | 6-7 MCQs | 18-21 | |
| Total | 18-21 | ~60 | 3 hours |
Combined Maximum Marks: 120 (60 per paper)
Question Types
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Single correct option, multiple correct options
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Direct numerical answer entry
- Match the Following: Matching items from two columns
Marking Scheme
- Full Marks: +3 or +4 per correct answer (varies by question type)
- Negative Marking: -1 or -2 for incorrect answers in MCQs
- No Negative Marking: For numerical answer type questions
- Partial Marking: Available in some multi-correct MCQs as per marking scheme
Important Features
- Both papers are compulsory
- Computer-based test (CBT) mode only
- Scribble pad provided for rough work
- Virtual scientific calculator available
- Questions in English and Hindi (candidate can choose)
Syllabus
JEE Advanced 2026 Detailed Syllabus
Physics
#### Mechanics
- Kinematics in one and two dimensions
- Newton's laws of motion and their applications
- Work, energy and power
- Conservation of linear momentum and mechanical energy
- Rotational motion: torque, angular momentum, moment of inertia
- Gravitation: planetary motion, gravitational potential energy
- Properties of solids and liquids: elasticity, surface tension, viscosity
- Oscillations and waves: SHM, wave motion, sound waves
#### Thermal Physics
- Kinetic theory of gases
- Laws of thermodynamics
- Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation
- Specific heat, latent heat
- Thermal expansion
#### Electricity and Magnetism
- Electrostatics: Coulomb's law, electric field, Gauss's law, potential
- Capacitance and capacitors
- Current electricity: Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, electrical circuits
- Magnetic effects of current
- Electromagnetic induction and alternating current
- Electromagnetic waves
#### Optics
- Geometrical optics: reflection, refraction, mirrors, lenses
- Wave optics: interference, diffraction, polarization
- Optical instruments
#### Modern Physics
- Dual nature of matter and radiation
- Atomic structure: Bohr model, hydrogen spectrum
- Nuclear physics: radioactivity, nuclear reactions
- Semiconductors and electronic devices
Chemistry
#### Physical Chemistry
- Atomic structure and chemical bonding
- States of matter: gaseous and liquid states
- Chemical thermodynamics and energetics
- Chemical equilibrium
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical kinetics
- Solutions and colligative properties
- Surface chemistry: adsorption, catalysis
- Nuclear chemistry
#### Inorganic Chemistry
- Periodic table and periodic properties
- Chemical bonding and molecular structure
- s-block elements (alkali and alkaline earth metals)
- p-block elements
- d-block and f-block elements (transition elements)
- Coordination compounds
- Qualitative analysis
- Metallurgy: extraction of metals
#### Organic Chemistry
- Purification and characterization of organic compounds
- Hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic compounds
- Organic compounds containing halogens
- Organic compounds containing oxygen: alcohols, phenols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids
- Organic compounds containing nitrogen
- Polymers
- Biomolecules: carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids
- Chemistry in everyday life
- Reaction mechanisms and named reactions
Mathematics
#### Algebra
- Sets, relations and functions
- Complex numbers
- Quadratic equations and expressions
- Sequences and series: AP, GP, HP
- Permutations and combinations
- Binomial theorem and its applications
- Matrices and determinants
- Probability theory
#### Trigonometry
- Trigonometric functions and identities
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- Properties and solutions of triangles
- Trigonometric equations
#### Coordinate Geometry
- Cartesian coordinates and straight lines
- Circles
- Parabola, ellipse and hyperbola
- Three-dimensional geometry
#### Calculus
- Limits, continuity and differentiability
- Applications of derivatives: tangents, normals, maxima-minima
- Indefinite and definite integrals
- Applications of integrals: area under curves
- Differential equations
#### Vectors and 3D Geometry
- Vector algebra
- Scalar and vector products
- Three-dimensional geometry: lines and planes
Note: The complete detailed syllabus is available in the official JEE Advanced information brochure released annually
Salary
Not Applicable
JEE Advanced is an entrance examination for admission to undergraduate engineering programs. There is no salary component associated with this examination.
Post-Qualification Career Prospects (Typical / Indicative)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary (IIT Graduate) | ₹6-8 LPA (average domestic placement) |
| Top Tier Placements | ₹15-45 LPA (leading companies) |
| International Offers | ₹50 LPA+ (top IITs, tech giants) |
| Highest Packages Reported | ₹1-2 Crore+ (exceptional cases at top IITs) |
| Sectors | IT, Software, Consulting, Core Engineering, Finance, Analytics |
Career Benefits:
- Access to premier IIT brand and alumni network
- Excellent placement opportunities with Fortune 500 companies
- Strong foundation for higher studies (MS, MBA, PhD) abroad
- Entrepreneurship support and incubation facilities
- Research opportunities in cutting-edge technology domains
Career Growth
JEE Advanced serves as the gateway to India's most prestigious engineering institutions. Graduates from IITs have exceptional career trajectories with opportunities in top-tier companies globally, advanced research positions, civil services, and entrepreneurship. The IIT alumni network provides lifelong professional advantages, mentorship opportunities, and access to leadership positions across industries. Many graduates pursue higher studies at world-renowned universities and return to contribute to India's technological advancement.
Admit Card
JEE Advanced 2026 admit cards are typically released 4-5 days before the examination date on the official website. Candidates must login using their JEE Advanced registration credentials (application number and password) to download the admit card. No physical admit cards are dispatched. The admit card contains candidate's photograph, exam center details, reporting time, and important instructions that must be carefully read before the examination day.
Result
JEE Advanced 2026 results are declared approximately 10-15 days after the examination, typically in mid-June. Results are published online on the official website showing All India Rank (AIR) and category-wise ranks. Candidates can check their scores, subject-wise marks, and qualifying status by logging in with their credentials. The scorecard is downloadable from the candidate portal and no physical mark sheets are sent. Qualifying candidates become eligible for JoSAA counselling for admission to IITs and other premier institutes.
Expected Cutoff
JEE Advanced cutoffs vary significantly based on exam difficulty and number of candidates. Typically, the minimum qualifying marks are around 10-15% for General category (approximately 12-18 marks out of 120), around 5-7% for SC/ST/PwD categories. Top IITs like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras require ranks within 100-500 for flagship Computer Science programs, while good IIT branches require ranks within 3,000-5,000. Category-wise cutoffs provide relaxation with OBC requiring approximately 80% of General category marks and SC/ST requiring around 50% of General category marks for qualification.
Exam Centres
JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Centres
North: Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Dehradun, Patna, Jammu, Varanasi
South: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Madurai, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam
East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Guwahati, Silchar, Durgapur, Rourkela
West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nagpur, Indore, Bhopal, Nashik, Vadodara
Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong, Agartala, Imphal, Dibrugarh
Central: Raipur, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur
Note: Candidates can choose up to 3 exam city preferences during registration. Final exam center allocation is done by the conducting authority based on availability and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced 2026?
Candidates must have qualified JEE Main 2026 with rank in top 2,50,000 (including all categories), passed Class XII in 2025 or 2026 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, secured minimum 75% marks in Class XII (65% for SC/ST/PwD), and meet age criteria (born on or after October 1, 2001 for General category). Maximum two attempts are allowed in consecutive years.
What is the application fee for JEE Advanced 2026?
The application fee is ₹2,800 for General/OBC-NCL male candidates and ₹1,400 for female candidates of all categories and SC/ST/PwD male candidates. Payment is accepted only through online mode including credit card, debit card, net banking and UPI.
How many seats are available through JEE Advanced across all IITs?
Approximately 16,500 seats are available across all 23 IITs combined, distributed across various categories with around 5,500 for Unreserved, 4,800 for OBC-NCL, 2,600 for SC, 1,300 for ST, and 1,800 for EWS category. Additional supernumerary seats are reserved for female and PwD candidates.
What is the expected starting salary after graduating from IIT?
JEE Advanced is an entrance exam without salary component. However, IIT graduates typically receive average starting packages of ₹6-8 LPA through campus placements, with top-tier offers ranging from ₹15-45 LPA. Exceptional students at premier IITs receive international offers exceeding ₹50 LPA from global technology companies and consulting firms.
How many attempts are allowed for JEE Advanced?
Candidates can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times, and these attempts must be in consecutive years. There is no age limit relaxation for additional attempts, and candidates must meet the eligibility criteria including Class XII passing year requirements for each attempt.
Is there negative marking in JEE Advanced examination?
Yes, JEE Advanced has negative marking for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Typically, 1-2 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer depending on the question type. However, there is no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions where candidates enter direct numerical values.
Can I apply for JEE Advanced online or offline?
JEE Advanced application is available only in online mode through the official website. Candidates must register online using their JEE Main credentials, fill the application form, upload required documents, pay fees online, and submit electronically. No offline or postal applications are accepted.
What are the different stages of selection after JEE Advanced?
After JEE Advanced examination, the selection process includes answer key publication (3-4 days after exam), objection submission window, final answer key release, result declaration with All India Rank, JoSAA counselling for seat allocation, Architecture Aptitude Test (if applicable), document verification at allotted institute, and final admission subject to medical fitness certificate.