JEE Advanced 2026 – Exam Pattern

JEE Advanced 2026 is considered to be one of the most challenging entrance examinations for engineering aspirants for 2026 in India. Those aiming for admission into the prestigious IITs and other top technical institutes are highly anticipated for JEE Advanced 2026 exam. Understanding the JEE Advanced 2026 exam pattern is crucial for strategic preparation and maximizing performance. This article will provide details which are required for candidates to understand and know about the JEE Advanced 2026 exam structure.

Overview of the JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Pattern

Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted online.

Number of Papers: Two compulsory papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates must attempt both papers as failure to do so will result in disqualification from ranking.

Duration: Each paper is of 3 hours (180 minutes) and for PwD candidates, the duration is 4 hours.

Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in both papers.

Medium: English and Hindi. Candidates may switch between languages during the test. In case of any ambiguity, the English version prevails.

Paper Structure: Each paper consists of three sections

• Section 1: Physics
• Section 2: Chemistry
• Section 3: Mathematics

Key Features

Question Types and Marking Scheme

• Single correct answer MCQs
• Multiple correct answer MCQs
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions
• Match-the-following or comprehension-based questions

The marking scheme

• Full Marks for correct responses.
• Partial Marks for partially correct responses (especially in multi-correct questions).
• Zero Marks for unanswered questions.
• Negative Marks may apply for incorrect answers (not for all question types). The precise details and distribution are revealed in the "Instructions to Candidate" section at the beginning of each paper.

Section-wise Distribution (Indicative)

While the number and type of questions differ every year, a typical recent trend per paper has been noticed which is listed below.

• Physics: 17–18 questions
• Chemistry: 17–18 questions
• Mathematics: 17–18 questions

Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 follow this three-subject structure, totalling 51–54 questions per paper, though this may vary.

Notable Points

• Both papers are held on the same day, with Paper 1 in the morning and Paper 2 in the afternoon in general.
• Each paper tests comprehension, reasoning, and analytical abilities.
• The dynamic format ensures no two years are exactly the same, so candidates must carefully read all instructions on exam day.

Click Here JEE Advanced 2026 Syllabus

FAQs

Q1. Is it compulsory to appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2?

Ans. Yes, it is mandatory for candidates to appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates missing any one paper will not be considered in the final ranking.

Q2. What are the main types of questions in JEE Advanced 2026?

Ans. The JEE Advanced 2026 exam includes single/multiple correct answer MCQs, numerical answer type questions, and match-the-following or comprehension-based questions. The distribution and marking details are disclosed on the day of the examination.

Q3. Is there negative marking in JEE Advanced 2026?

Ans. Yes, negative marking is present for certain question types, but not all. The exact marking scheme (full, partial, negative marks) is specified at the start of the JEE Advanced exam in the instructions section.

Q4. In which languages is the JEE Advanced 2026 exam conducted?

Ans. The JEE Advanced exam is held in both English and Hindi. Candidates can toggle between languages during the test. If there is any discrepancy, the English version is considered final.

Q5. How many questions are there in each paper of JEE Advanced 2026?

Ans. While the number varies each year, recent trends show each paper typically contains approximately 48–54 questions, equally distributed across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The exact number and type of questions are only revealed on exam day.