JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Pattern
For every IIT aspirant brave enough to sit JEE Advanced, knowing the JEE Advanced exam pattern 2026 is of utmost importance as it helps to understand the ambiguity and conceptual depth of the paper, differing from every other competitive exam. Knowing the exam structure assists students in formulating a strategy, keeping time and improving accuracy during the paper amidst the chaos of JEE Advanced.
Here is a look into the structures, marking scheme, subject wise divisions, and main highlights of the JEE Advanced 2026 exam pattern.
JEE Advanced 2026 – Key Highlights
- Exam Mode – Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Number of Papers – Two (Paper 1 and Paper 2) – both are compulsory
- Exam Subjects – Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
- Type of Questions – MCQs, Numerical value-based, and Match the following
- Language – English and Hindi
- Duration of Each Paper – 3 Hours
- Total Duration – 6 hours (for both papers)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
|
Examination mode
|
Computer-Based Examination
|
|
Medium of the examination
|
English and Hindi
|
|
Number of Papers
|
The exam has two papers — Paper 1 and Paper 2
|
|
Number of Papers
|
The exam has two papers — Paper 1 and Paper 2
|
|
Total time for the exam
|
Three hours for each exam
|
|
Number of sections
|
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 have three sections:
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
|
|
Marking scheme
|
The exam works in full, partial in zero marking concept.
|
JEE Advanced Exam Pattern – Total Marks
The JEE Advanced test is made up of two required papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. The papers assess a student’s detailed learning of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Beyond knowledge, they examine speed, accuracy and problem-solving skills.
Before looking at the marks scheme, let’s see the overall structure and questions shared based on the previous year paper pattern:
Paper 1
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
MCQ with only one correct option
|
4 |
12 |
+3 If ONLY the correct option is chosen
0, If none of the options is chosen (i.e. the question is unanswered)
-1 in all other cases
|
|
2 |
MCQ with one or more than one correct option
|
3 |
12 |
+4 ONLY if (all) the correct option(s) is(are) chosen
+3 If all four options are correct but ONLY three options are chosen
+2 If three or more options are correct but ONLY two options are chosen, both of which are correct
+1 If two or more options are correct but ONLY one option is chosen, and it is a correct option
0, If none of the options is chosen (i.e. the question is unanswered)
|
|
3 |
Non-negative Integer type
|
6 |
24 |
+4 If ONLY the correct integer is entered;
0, for no attempts
no negative marks
|
|
4 |
Match the List
|
4 |
12 |
+3 If ONLY the correct option is chosen
0, If none of the options is chosen (i.e. the question is unanswered)
-1 in all other cases
|
Paper 2
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
MCQ with only one correct option
|
4 |
12 |
+3 If ONLY the correct option is chosen
0, If none of the options is chosen (i.e. the question is unanswered)
-1 in all other cases
|
|
2 |
MCQ with one or more than one correct option
|
3 |
12 |
+4 ONLY if (all) the correct option(s) is(are) chosen
+3 If all four options are correct but ONLY three options are chosen
+2 If three or more options are correct but ONLY two options are chosen, both of which are correct
+1 If two or more options are correct but ONLY one option is chosen, and it is a correct option
0, If none of the options is chosen (i.e. the question is unanswered)
-2 In all other cases
|
|
3 |
Non-negative Integer type
|
6 |
24 |
+4 If ONLY the correct integer is entered;
0, for no attempts
no negative marks
|
|
4 |
Paragraph – Numerical Value Type
|
4 |
12 |
+3 If ONLY the correct numerical value is entered in the designated place.
0, If none of the options is chosen (i.e. the question is unanswered)
|
General Instructions for JEE Advanced CBT
Candidates appearing for the JEE Advanced 2026 must follow these basic instructions at the time of the CBT.
- They can login using the credentials given to them.
- They will be able to use mouse (operations) for the CBT. Keyboard will not work.
- There will be a clock on the screen to keep track of the time.
- There is a profile option with which candidates can change the language.
- If there is a technical problem, then a substitute computer will be given.
- Candidates must follow all instructions on the screen properly and carefully before starting the test.
JEE Advanced Paper 1 Pattern (2026)
Paper 1 is designed to evaluate a candidate’s conceptual understanding, application-based problem solving and analytical reasoning skills. Paper 1 will include questions from all three subjects with different types of questions and marks distributions.
Structure:
- Total Questions: 51 (17 per subject)
- Total Marks: 180
- Subject-wise Maximum Marks: 60 (each)
Section-wise Breakdown:
| Section | Maximum Marks | Type of Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
I |
12 |
MCQs (one or more correct)
|
|
II |
12 |
Numerical value-based
|
|
III |
24 |
Match the following / Matrix
|
|
IV |
12 |
Paragraph/Comprehension based
|
JEE Advanced Paper 2 Pattern (2026)
The structure of Paper 2 is very similar to that of Paper 1 but with a different set of questions. Paper 2 covers the same subjects as paper 1 but often questions the students differently in terms of type and style to test their depth of understanding in a subject matter.
Structure:
- Total Questions: 51 (17 per subject)
- Total Marks: 180
- Subject-wise Maximum Marks: 60 (each)
| Section | Maximum Marks | Type of Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
I |
12 |
MCQs (one or more correct)
|
|
II |
12 |
Numerical value-based
|
|
III |
24 |
Match the following / Assertion
|
|
IV |
12 |
Comprehension based
|
Just like Paper 1, Paper 2’s marking scheme can include negative, partial, or zero marks, depending on accuracy and section type.
Changes in JEE Advanced Exam Pattern Over the Years
The JEE Advanced exam pattern has changed over the last 10 years to include better assessment of the candidates analytically and problem solving skills. Some distinct changes include the following:
- Variability in total number of questions
- Introduction of mixed type questions (Matrix Match, Paragraph Based etc.) –
- Dynamic marking scheme: full marks, intermediate marks and negative marks
- Computer-based tests (CBT) have been the new normal in place of pen-and-paper tests since 2018.
Many of these changes are important to follow as the pattern is not constant and may fluctuate slightly each year based on overseeing IIT.
JEE Advanced Syllabus (Quick Glance)
The syllabus continues to follow the Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum. The subjects include:
- Physics: Mechanics, Optics, Electromagnetism, Modern Physics, and Thermodynamics.
- Chemistry: Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. The exam will focus strongly on conceptuality and reaction based questions.
- Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Vector & 3D, and Probability.
Read and follow the detailed syllabus, which can be found on the official JEE Advanced syllabus page.
Why Knowing the Exam Pattern is Important?
There are 4 things knowing the JEE Advanced exam pattern helps you manage:
- Time Management: Dividing the time you give to each section.
- Accuracy: Knowing the sections with negative marking.
- Smart Preparation: Preparing for question types and score marking areas.
- Mock Practice: You can effectively attempt to replicate the real exam conditions.
The JEE Advanced exam is amongst the most competitive entrance exams in India. Understanding the JEE Advanced exam pattern, question types and marking scheme is an essential first step in your journey of preparation. Be aware of the notifications issued by the official sources, do the revision, and ultimately, practice mock test and previous years questions on a regular basis.
When it comes to finding expert guidance, structured preparation, and mentorship from IITians, there is always an experienced, trustworthy coaching institute like Origin Educare that can boost your chances of cracking JEE Advanced 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
JEE Advanced consists of two compulsory papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both papers are conducted on the same day in separate sessions and must be attempted by all candidates.
Each paper is of 3 hours, so the total exam duration is 6 hours. For PwD candidates eligible for extra time, the duration may be extended.
Yes, JEE Advanced includes negative marking for some question types. The marking scheme varies section-wise, and candidates are advised to read the instructions carefully during the exam.
JEE Advanced is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Yes, both papers are mandatory. Failing to appear for either paper will result in disqualification from the merit list, regardless of performance in the other paper.
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