IIT JEE Main And Advanced 2026: am Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility, Application Form
IIT JEE Main 2026 – Overview
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 is one of the most crucial exams for students aspiring to get into top engineering institutes such as NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) every year.
For 2026, the exam will be held in two sessions – the first likely in January/February and the second in April/May. Candidates can choose to appear in either one or both sessions. If they attempt both, the best score among the two will be taken into account during admissions.
Exam Structure
JEE Main 2026 will consist of different papers depending on the course a student applies for:
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech aspirants)
- Specifically for students targeting engineering programs.
- Contains 75 questions.
- Total Marks: 300.
- Question type: Mostly MCQs and numerical value-based.
Paper 2 (Architecture & Planning courses)
Divided into two sub-papers:
- Paper 2A (B.Arch aspirants)
- Total Questions: 77
- Total Marks: 400
- Includes a Drawing Test conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode).
- Paper 2B (B.Plan aspirants)
- Total Questions: 100 (all MCQs)
- Total Marks: 400
- Fully computer-based exam.
IIT JEE 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | NTA (for JEE Main), IIT (for JEE Advanced) |
| Levels of Exam | JEE Main (for NITs, IIITs, CFTIs + eligibility for Advanced) JEE Advanced (for IITs) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test), except Drawing Test in B.Arch (offline) |
| Number of Papers | JEE Main – Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Plan) JEE Advanced – 2 compulsory papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) |
| Tentative Exam Months | JEE Main Session 1: January/February 2026 JEE Main Session 2: April/May 2026 JEE Advanced: May/June 2026 |
| Eligibility | 10+2 passed/appearing with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Attempts Allowed | JEE Main – 2 attempts in a year (best score counted) JEE Advanced – maximum 2 attempts in consecutive years |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, −1 for incorrect (for MCQs) Numerical questions may not carry negative marking |
| Participating Institutes | NITs, IIITs, CFTIs (through JEE Main) IITs (through JEE Advanced) |
| Official Websites | jeemain.nta.ac.in (for JEE Main) jeeadv.ac.in (for JEE Advanced) |
IIT JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the official exam schedule for JEE Main 2026 on its website – jeemain.nta.ac.in. The schedule will include all important events such as registration, application deadlines, admit card availability, exam dates, and result announcements.
NTA usually declares the dates for Session 1 and Session 2 separately, so students must stay updated with official notifications.
Tentative Schedule for JEE Main 2026
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Start Date | November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 3 days before the exam |
| Session 1 Exam Date | January 2026 |
| Session 2 Exam Date | April 2026 |
| Result Announcement | About 1 week after each session |
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Before applying for JEE Main 2026, candidates must ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The eligibility criteria include conditions related to educational qualification, age, attempts, and subject combinations.
1. Nationality
- Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs are also eligible to apply.
2. Age Limit
- There is no specific age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026.
- However, candidates must satisfy the age requirements of the institutes (like NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, etc.) where admission is sought.
3. Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 / equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025, or must be appearing in 2026.
- Students who passed Class 12 in 2023 or earlier are not eligible.
4. Subjects in Qualifying Examination
Compulsory subjects in Class 12 must include:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational subject
Candidates must have passed these subjects individually in their qualifying exam.
5. Qualifying Marks for Admission
To secure admission into NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, candidates must have either:
- Scored at least 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST candidates), OR
- Be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
For other participating institutes, the eligibility may vary.
6. Number of Attempts
- A candidate can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years.
- Since the exam is held twice a year, appearing in both sessions of a year is considered as one attempt.
IIT JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
IIT JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
The JEE Main 2026 will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for most papers, with the exception of the Drawing Test in Paper 2A (B.Arch), which will be conducted offline on a drawing sheet. The exam is divided into Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning).
Exam Pattern Overview
| Particulars | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Paper 2B (B.Planning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based (Online) | Mathematics & Aptitude (Online), Drawing (Offline) | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Number of Sections | 3 (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) | 3 (Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing) | 3 (Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning) |
| Total Number of Questions | 75 (25 per subject) | 77 | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 | 400 | 400 |
| Type of Questions | Section A: MCQs Section B: Numerical Value Type | Mathematics: MCQs + Numerical Aptitude: MCQs Drawing: 2 Questions (Offline) | Mathematics: MCQs + Numerical Aptitude: MCQs Planning: MCQs |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct -1 for incorrect 0 for unattempted | +4 for correct -1 for incorrect (Drawing carries 50 marks) | +4 for correct -1 for incorrect 0 for unattempted |
| Languages | 13 languages (English, Hindi, and regional) | 13 languages | 13 languages |
Detailed Paper-Wise Exam Pattern
1. Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Questions: 25 per subject → Total 75
- Format:
- Section A: 20 MCQs per subject
- Section B: 10 Numerical Value Type per subject (any 5 to be attempted)
- Marking:
- +4 for correct
- -1 for incorrect (MCQs & Numericals)
- 0 for unattempted
- Maximum Marks: 300
2. Paper 2A (B.Arch)
- Subjects: Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing
- Questions:
- Mathematics: 25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numericals to be attempted out of 10)
- Aptitude: 50 MCQs
- Drawing: 2 Questions (offline)
- Marking:
- +4 for correct
- -1 for incorrect (MCQs & Numericals)
- Drawing: 50 marks (subjective evaluation)
- Maximum Marks: 400
3. Paper 2B (B.Planning)
- Subjects: Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning-Based Questions
- Questions:
- Mathematics: 25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numericals to be attempted out of 10)
- Aptitude: 50 MCQs
- Planning: 25 MCQs
- Marking:
- +4 for correct
- -1 for incorrect
- 0 for unattempted
- Maximum Marks: 400
IIT JEE Main 2026 Syllabus
The JEE Main 2026 syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It also includes additional sections for B.Arch (Paper 2A) and B.Planning (Paper 2B). The syllabus has been rationalized in recent years, and some topics have been removed. Below is the detailed subject-wise syllabus.
1. Physics
Class 11 Topics
- Units and Measurements
- Kinematics
- Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy, and Power
- Rotational Motion
- Gravitation
- Properties of Solids and Liquids
- Thermodynamics
- Kinetic Theory of Gases
- Oscillations and Waves
Class 12 Topics
- Electrostatics
- Current Electricity
- Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Optics (Ray Optics and Wave Optics)
- Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
- Atoms and Nuclei
- Electronic Devices
2. Chemistry
Physical Chemistry (Class 11 & 12)
- Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
- Atomic Structure
- Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- Chemical Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Chemical Kinetics
- Electrochemistry
- Solutions
- States of Matter (Gases and Liquids)
Inorganic Chemistry
- Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
- Hydrogen
- The s-block Element (Alkali & Alkaline earth metals)
- The p-block Element (Group 13 & 14 in Class 11; Group 15, 16, 17, 18 in Class 12)
- The d-block Element (Transition elements)
- The f-block Element (Lanthanides & Actinides)
- Coordination Compounds
Organic Chemistry
- Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry
- Hydrocarbons (Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Aromatic Compounds)
- Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
- Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
- Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
- Amines
- Biomolecules (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Vitamins, Nucleic Acids)
- Polymers
- Chemistry in Everyday Life
- Purification and Characterization of Organic Compounds
Experimental/Practical Skills
Basic laboratory concepts, titration principles, qualitative analysis, preparation and identification of compounds, pH, indicators, etc.
3. Mathematics
Class 11 Topics
- Sets, Relations, and Functions
- Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations
- Permutations and Combinations
- Binomial Theorem
- Sequences and Series
- Straight Lines and Conic Sections (Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola)
- Introduction to 3D Geometry
- Limits and Derivatives
- Trigonometric Functions
Class 12 Topics
- Matrices and Determinants
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions
- Continuity, Differentiability, and Applications of Derivatives
- Integral Calculus (Indefinite, Definite Integrals, Applications)
- Differential Equations
- Vector Algebra
- Three-Dimensional Geometry (Planes, Lines, Sphere)
- Probability
- Statistics
4. Paper 2A (B.Arch) Syllabus
- Mathematics: Same as JEE Main Paper-1 Mathematics.
- Aptitude Test: Awareness of people and places, visualizing three-dimensional objects, mental ability, analytical reasoning, architectural awareness.
- Drawing Test: Sketching of scenes and activities, freehand drawing, perspective drawing, 3D composition, designing in elements.
5. Paper 2B (B.Planning) Syllabus
- Mathematics: Same as Paper-1 Mathematics.
- Aptitude Test: Analytical reasoning, problem-solving, visualizing objects, logical thinking.
- Planning Based Questions: General awareness about urban and rural environment, population, development issues, planning concepts, government policies and schemes.
Top Engineering Colleges in India After IIT JEE 2026
After writing IIT JEE 2026, students can aim for admission into some of the most reputed engineering institutes in the country. The top choices include IITs, NITs, and IIITs, which admit students through JEE Advanced or JEE Main scores followed by JoSAA counselling.
1. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
IITs are the most prestigious engineering colleges in India. Students who clear JEE Advanced 2026 can secure admission in different IITs. Some of the top IITs are:
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Madras
- IIT Kanpur
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Roorkee
- IIT Guwahati
- IIT Hyderabad
- IIT (BHU) Varanasi
- IIT Indore
- IIT Dhanbad (ISM)
- IIT Patna
- IIT Bhubaneswar
- IIT Ropar
- IIT Mandi
- IIT Jammu
- IIT Dharwad
- IIT Bhilai
- IIT Palakkad
- IIT Tirupati
2. National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
Students who qualify JEE Main 2026 can get admission into NITs across India. These institutes are known for quality education and excellent placements. Top NITs include:
- NIT Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)
- NIT Surathkal
- NIT Warangal
- NIT Rourkela
- NIT Calicut
- MNNIT Allahabad
- NIT Kurukshetra
- NIT Durgapur
- NIT Jalandhar
- NIT Bhopal (MANIT)
- NIT Nagpur (VNIT)
- NIT Jaipur (MNIT)
- NIT Silchar
- NIT Hamirpur
- NIT Raipur
- NIT Patna
- NIT Agartala
- NIT Srinagar
- NIT Meghalaya
- NIT Delhi
- NIT Goa
- NIT Uttarakhand
- NIT Arunachal Pradesh
- NIT Mizoram
- NIT Puducherry
- NIT Manipur
- NIT Sikkim
- NIT Nagaland
- NIT Surat
3. Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
For students who want to pursue computer science and IT-related fields, IIITs are an excellent choice. Admission is through JEE Main 2026. Some well-known IIITs are:
- IIIT Hyderabad
- IIIT Allahabad
- IIIT Bangalore
- ABV IIITM Gwalior
- IIIT Lucknow
- IIIT Pune
- IIIT Guwahati
- IIIT Nagpur
- IIIT Bhagalpur
- IIIT Kalyani
- IIIT Kota
- IIIT Dharwad
- IIIT Ranchi
- IIIT Vadodara
- IIIT Surat
- IIIT Sonepat
- IIIT Una
- IIIT Kottayam
- IIITDM Kancheepuram
- IIITDM Jabalpur
- IIITDM Kurnool
- IIIT Sri City
- IIIT Tiruchirappalli
- IIIT Bhubaneswar
- IIIT Manipur
- IIIT Agartala
- IIIT Karnataka
Admission Process
- JEE Advanced Rank → Admission to IITs
- JEE Main Rank → Admission to NITs & IIITs
Final seat allocation is done through JoSAA Counselling, based on rank, category, and student preferences.
How to Apply for IIT JEE 2026 (Main and Advanced)
The application process for JEE Main 2026 and JEE Advanced 2026 is fully online. Students first need to apply for JEE Main, and only those who qualify are eligible to register for JEE Advanced.
Step 1: JEE Main 2026 Application Process
- Visit the Official Website: Go to NTA JEE Main official website (jeemain.nta.ac.in).
- Register Online: Click on “New Candidate Registration”. Enter personal details like name, DOB, gender, email ID, and mobile number. Create a password & security question for login.
- Fill Application Form: Log in with your credentials. Enter details: educational qualifications, parents’ information, exam centre preferences, and paper choice (Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2 for B.Arch/B.Planning).
- Upload Documents: Recent passport-size photo, Signature, Category certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable). (All in prescribed format & size mentioned on the website).
- Pay Application Fee (Online): Payment can be made via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking. Fee varies depending on category, gender, and exam centre location (India/abroad).
- Download Confirmation Page: After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Step 2: JEE Advanced 2026 Application Process
Only candidates who qualify JEE Main (top 2.5 lakh rank holders approx.) are eligible to apply for JEE Advanced.
- Visit Official Website: Go to the JEE Advanced official website (jeeadv.ac.in).
- Log in Using JEE Main Credentials: Use your JEE Main roll number and password to access the registration portal.
- Fill Application Form: Provide details like educational background, exam centre preferences, and communication address.
- Upload Required Documents: Photograph, Signature, Class 10 & 12 certificates, Category/PwD certificates (if applicable).
- Pay Application Fee: Payment is done online through debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
- Submit & Download Confirmation: After payment, submit the form. Download and print the acknowledgement/confirmation page.
Important Notes
- A student must first apply for JEE Main → only then can they attempt JEE Advanced (if eligible).
- Fill the form carefully – mistakes in personal details or documents can lead to rejection.
- Keep multiple copies of your photo, signature, and documents in the correct format.
- Regularly check official websites for notifications, deadlines, and updates.
Preparation Tips for IIT JEE Main and Advanced Exams 2026
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus thoroughly to plan your preparation effectively.
- Make a Daily Study Plan and stick to it consistently for better time management.
- Focus on your Weak Areas and work on improving accuracy in those topics.
- Practice Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests regularly to get familiar with the exam format and time management.
- If you’re using a learning app like Invictaa, make sure to utilize the Mock Tests provided and carefully analyze your performance after each test to identify and improve your weak points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is divided into two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
JEE Main: Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE Main serves two main purposes. First, it is the entrance exam for admission to NITs (National Institutes of Technology), IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology), and GFTIs (Government-Funded Technical Institutes). Second, it acts as the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced. The level of questions in JEE Main is moderate, mostly based on NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabus.
JEE Advanced: Conducted by the IITs on a rotational basis, JEE Advanced is the second and more difficult stage. Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates of JEE Main are eligible to sit for it. The exam has two papers, both compulsory, and is designed to test not just knowledge but also analytical and problem-solving skills. Admission to the IITs is possible only through JEE Advanced.
In short, JEE Main opens doors to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, while JEE Advanced is the exclusive path to IITs.
Who can apply for JEE Main 2026?
Eligibility for JEE Main 2026 has three major aspects: educational qualification, year of passing, and subjects studied.
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025, or they must be appearing in 2026. Students who passed before 2024 are not eligible.
Subjects Required: Physics and Mathematics are compulsory subjects in Class 12, along with one optional subject (Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational Subject).
Age Limit: There is no age limit for JEE Main. However, the candidate must satisfy the age criteria of the institute (like IIT or NIT) they wish to join.
Attempts Allowed: A student can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from the year they first appear in Class 12.
So, if you are appearing for Class 12 in 2026, you will be eligible for JEE Main in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
How many times can I attempt JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
This is one of the most common questions students have.
JEE Main: Candidates can attempt it in three consecutive years. Also, since JEE Main is conducted in two sessions every year (January and April), a student can appear in both sessions. The best score of the two sessions is considered for ranking. For example, if you first appear in Class 12 in 2026, you can attempt JEE Main in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
JEE Advanced: Candidates can attempt it a maximum of two times in two consecutive years. That means if you first attempt JEE Advanced in 2026, your final attempt will be in 2027, regardless of whether you qualified or not in the first attempt.
This rule ensures that candidates get multiple chances but also encourages serious preparation within a limited timeframe.
How do I apply for JEE Main 2026?
The JEE Main 2026 application process is conducted online by NTA. Here’s how you can apply step by step:
Visit Official Website: Go to jeemain.nta.ac.in.
Registration: Click on “New Candidate Registration,” fill in personal details like name, date of birth, email, and mobile number, then create a password.
Fill Application Form: Enter academic details, parent/guardian information, and choose your preferred exam centres. Select Paper 1 (B.Tech) or Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning).
Upload Documents: Upload a recent photograph, signature, and category/PwD certificates (if applicable). Make sure they meet the required specifications.
Pay Fees: Pay the application fee online through debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking. The fee amount varies depending on gender, category, and exam centre location (India/abroad).
Download Confirmation Page: Once payment is successful, download the confirmation page. Keep it safe for future reference.
Without completing all these steps, your application will not be accepted.
How do I apply for JEE Advanced 2026?
Only candidates who qualify JEE Main 2026 and secure a rank within the top 2.5 lakh are eligible for JEE Advanced. The process is as follows:
Visit Official Website: Go to jeeadv.ac.in.
Login: Use your JEE Main roll number and password to log in.
Fill Form: Provide academic details, select exam centres (usually two choices), and enter communication details.
Upload Documents: Upload a passport-size photograph, signature, Class 10 and 12 certificates, and category/PwD certificates (if applicable).
Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online through card/UPI/net banking.
Final Submission: Submit the application form and download the acknowledgement slip.
It is important to note that missing the JEE Advanced registration window means losing the chance to appear that year, even if you qualify JEE Main.
Can I appear for both JEE Main and Advanced in the same year?
Yes, absolutely. Every year, lakhs of students appear for both exams in the same year. The condition is:
1. You must first appear for JEE Main.
2. If you qualify within the top 2.5 lakh ranks, you can then apply for JEE Advanced of the same year.
For example, if you attempt JEE Main in January 2026 and score well, you’ll be eligible to apply for JEE Advanced in May/June 2026. So, yes – appearing for both in the same year is not only possible but also the usual path for IIT aspirants.
What is the exam pattern of JEE Main 2026?
The exam pattern helps students plan their strategy.
Mode: Computer-based online test (CBT).
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.
Type of Questions: MCQs + Numerical value type questions.
Total Marks: 300.
Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates).
Marking Scheme:
+4 marks for each correct answer
-1 mark for each wrong MCQ
No negative marking for numerical value questions
The level of difficulty is considered moderate compared to Advanced.
What is the exam pattern of JEE Advanced 2026?
JEE Advanced is considered one of the toughest exams in the world.
Papers: Two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), both compulsory.
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.
Question Types: MCQs, numerical answer type, match-the-following, comprehension, and multiple correct answer type.
Duration: 3 hours per paper (total 6 hours).
Total Marks: Varies every year since the pattern changes slightly.
The exam is designed to test deep conceptual understanding, logical reasoning, and multi-concept application in solving problems.
Is NCERT enough for JEE preparation?
This depends on which stage you are preparing for.
For JEE Main: NCERT is essential, especially for Chemistry. Most of the questions in Inorganic Chemistry and theory-based parts of Organic Chemistry are directly from NCERT. In Physics and Maths, NCERT helps build the foundation, but additional reference books are needed for practice.
For JEE Advanced: NCERT alone is not sufficient. You need advanced problem-solving practice from books like HC Verma (Physics), I.E. Irodov (Physics), P. Bahadur (Physical Chemistry), MS Chauhan (Organic Chemistry), and Cengage Series (Mathematics).
So, NCERT is necessary but not sufficient, especially for Advanced-level preparation.
What happens after JEE results are declared?
Once results are out:
JEE Main Qualified Students: They participate in JoSAA counselling, where seats are allotted in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs based on their JEE Main rank, category, and preferences.
JEE Advanced Qualified Students: They also participate in JoSAA counselling, but their seat allocation will include IITs.
The counselling process is common for both JEE Main and Advanced qualifiers, and the same portal (JoSAA) manages it. Students have to lock their choices, and based on merit and availability, seats are allotted.