Complete Paper 1 and Paper 2 structure, full and partial marking scheme breakdown, chapter-wise weightage analysis, 5-year difficulty trend, and preparation strategy for IIT aspirants.
JEE Advanced is counted among India's most competitive engineering entrance exams. In 2026, the exam is being conducted by IIT Roorkee. The complete exam pattern has been released at jeeadv.ac.in. This exam is the gateway for candidates who want to reach IIT's prestigious B.Tech, integrated programmes, and dual-degree courses.
The unique aspect of JEE Advanced is that its pattern is not fixed. Minor tweaks are introduced every year. However, the core structure remains consistent: two compulsory papers, both covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with a unique mix of full, partial, zero, and negative marking. The selective nature of negative marking makes strategy even more important.
Important update for 2026: IIT Roorkee has officially confirmed that the 2026 pattern will remain the same as 2025. No major changes or adaptive testing models have been introduced. Such changes (like aptitude-based questions) may be phased in during 2027 or later years.
A total of 2,50,182 candidates from JEE Main 2026 have qualified to appear for JEE Advanced 2026. The qualifying cutoff for General category was 93.4123549 percentile. The exam will be held on 17 May 2026 at centres across India and abroad.
JEE Advanced 2026: Key Highlights
Feature
Details
Conducting Body (2026)
IIT Roorkee
Exam Date
17 May 2026 (Sunday, single day)
Mode of Exam
Computer-Based Test (online only)
Number of Papers
Two: Paper 1 and Paper 2 (both compulsory)
Duration of Each Paper
3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates)
Paper 1 Timing
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Paper 2 Timing
2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Total Questions
Approximately 102 (51 per paper, 17 per subject)
Subjects Covered
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Languages
English and Hindi (can switch during exam)
Total Marks (approx)
Around 360 marks (180 per paper)
Eligibility
Top 2,50,000 candidates from JEE Main 2026
Official Website
jeeadv.ac.in
Important: JEE Advanced pattern is not fixed. Total questions, marking scheme, and question types may vary slightly each year. Since 2024, questions per paper have been 51 (17 per subject), which continues into 2026.
Paper Structure: How Each Paper is Organized
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are divided into three subject-wise sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject has 17 questions. Total 51 questions per paper. The question types are mixed: single-correct MCQs, multi-correct MCQs, numerical value type, and either match-the-list (Paper 1) or paragraph-based (Paper 2).
Subject
Questions per Paper
Marks per Paper
Combined (Both Papers)
Physics
17
60
120 marks
Chemistry
17
60
120 marks
Mathematics
17
60
120 marks
Total
51
180
360 marks
Morning Session: 9 AM to 12 PM
Paper 1: Section-Wise Structure
Based on JEE Advanced 2024-2025 pattern, indicative for 2026
Section
Question Type
No. of Questions
Max Marks (per subject)
Section 1
Single Correct MCQ
4
12
Section 2
One or More Correct MCQ
3
12
Section 3
Numerical Value Type
6
24
Section 4
Match the List (Single Correct)
4
12
Per Subject Total
Mixed
17
60
Afternoon Session: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Paper 2: Section-Wise Structure
Paper 2 replaces Match-the-List with Paragraph-based questions
Section
Question Type
No. of Questions
Max Marks (per subject)
Section 1
Single Correct MCQ
4
12
Section 2
One or More Correct MCQ
3
12
Section 3
Numerical Value Type (no negative)
6
24
Section 4
Paragraph / Comprehension based MCQ
4
12
Per Subject Total
Mixed
17
60
Key Difference: Paper 1 Section 4 uses Match-the-List type questions. Paper 2 Section 4 uses Paragraph-based questions. The remaining sections (Single MCQ, Multi MCQ, NVT) are the same in both papers. NVT questions in Paper 2 carry no negative marking.
Marking Scheme: Full / Partial / Zero / Negative
Section-wise marking rules for both papers
Section Type
Correct
Wrong
Unattempted
Partial Marking?
Single Correct MCQ
+3
-1
0
No
Multi-Correct MCQ
+4 (all correct)
-2
0
Yes (+1 to +3)
Numerical Value (Paper 1)
+4
0 or -1
0
No
Numerical Value (Paper 2)
+4
0 (no negative)
0
No
Match the List (Paper 1)
+3
-1
0
No
Paragraph (Paper 2)
+3
-1
0
No
Key Insight: Multi-correct MCQs and NVTs together carry the highest weight (about 36 marks per subject per paper). Mastering the partial marking strategy here is the biggest leverage point for your JEE Advanced rank.
JEE Advanced's unique scoring system that every candidate must understand
Scenario
What You Selected
Marks Awarded
All correct options chosen, no wrong
4 correct out of 4 (when 4 are correct)
+4 (Full marks)
3 correct chosen, 1 missed, no wrong
3 out of 4 correct (when 4 are correct)
+3
2 correct chosen, 2 missed, no wrong
2 out of 3 or more correct
+2
1 correct chosen, no wrong
1 out of 2 or more correct
+1
Any wrong option marked
Even 1 wrong + any number of correct
-2
No option marked
Question unattempted
0
Strategy: Partial marking benefits you only when you are 100% sure about an option. If 2 out of 3 options look correct and 1 is doubtful, mark only the 2 confirmed options to secure +2. Marking the doubtful one risks -2 if it turns out wrong.
Detailed chapter-level data based on 10 years of JEE Advanced paper analysis
Physics: Chapter-Wise Weightage
Chapter
Avg Questions
Weightage
Class
Rotational Motion
3 to 4
9 to 12%
11
Electrostatics
3 to 4
9 to 12%
12
Current Electricity
2 to 3
6 to 9%
12
Electromagnetic Induction
2 to 3
6 to 9%
12
Modern Physics (Atomic, Nuclear)
2 to 3
6 to 9%
12
Laws of Motion / NLM
2 to 3
6 to 9%
11
Magnetism and Magnetic Effects
2 to 3
6 to 9%
12
Wave Optics
2
6%
12
Thermodynamics and KTG
2
6%
11
Gravitation
1 to 2
3 to 6%
11
Fluid Mechanics
1 to 2
3 to 6%
11
SHM and Waves
1 to 2
3 to 6%
11
Ray Optics
1 to 2
3 to 6%
12
Capacitance
1
3%
12
Kinematics
1
3%
11
Chemistry: Chapter-Wise Weightage
Chapter
Avg Questions
Weightage
Category
Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids
3 to 4
9 to 12%
Organic
Chemical Bonding
2 to 3
6 to 9%
Inorganic
Coordination Compounds
2 to 3
6 to 9%
Inorganic
Electrochemistry
2 to 3
6 to 9%
Physical
Chemical Thermodynamics
2 to 3
6 to 9%
Physical
Chemical Kinetics
2
6%
Physical
Equilibrium (Ionic + Chemical)
2
6%
Physical
Alcohols, Ethers, Phenols
2
6%
Organic
Amines and Diazonium
1 to 2
3 to 6%
Organic
d and f Block Elements
1 to 2
3 to 6%
Inorganic
Solutions and Colligative Properties
1 to 2
3 to 6%
Physical
Aromatic Chemistry
1 to 2
3 to 6%
Organic
s and p Block Elements
1 to 2
3 to 6%
Inorganic
Biomolecules and Polymers
1
3%
Organic
Mathematics: Chapter-Wise Weightage
Chapter
Avg Questions
Weightage
Class
Definite Integration
3 to 4
9 to 12%
12
Limits, Continuity, Differentiability
2 to 4
6 to 12%
12
Matrices and Determinants
2 to 3
6 to 9%
12
Probability
2 to 3
6 to 9%
12
Complex Numbers
2 to 3
6 to 9%
11
Vector Algebra
2 to 3
6 to 9%
12
Conic Sections
2
6%
11
Differential Equations
1 to 2
3 to 6%
12
3D Geometry
1 to 2
3 to 6%
12
Application of Derivatives
1 to 2
3 to 6%
12
Permutations and Combinations
1
3 to 6%
11
Sequences and Series
1
3 to 6%
11
Quadratic Equations
1
3%
11
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
1 to 2
3 to 6%
12
Priority Insight: Mechanics + Electromagnetism = 50%+ of Physics. Organic + Physical Chemistry = 65%+ of Chemistry. Calculus + Algebra = 50%+ of Maths. Master these core areas first for maximum return on study time.
Class 11 vs Class 12 Distribution
Subject
Class 11 Weightage
Class 12 Weightage
Insight
Physics
40 to 45%
55 to 60%
Class 12 dominates via EM Induction, Modern Physics
Our Advanced Test Series is built specifically for IIT aspirants. Designed by faculty who have cleared JEE Advanced themselves, with focus on partial marking mastery and multi-concept question solving.
Single Correct MCQs: Highest accuracy zone. Aim for 90%+ accuracy. Solve these in the first round itself.
Numerical Value Questions: Highest reward (+4 each). Take your time. No negative marking in Paper 2 NVTs.
Multi-Correct MCQs: Risk-reward zone. Mark only those options you are 100% sure about. Partial marking is your friend.
Match the List / Paragraph: Tricky but doable. If you understand the core concept, options narrow down quickly.
Time Allocation per Paper (3 Hours)
Round 1 (90 minutes): Attempt all sure-shot questions across all 3 subjects. Build confidence.
Round 2 (60 minutes): Tackle borderline questions. Focus on NVTs (highest reward, no negative in Paper 2).
Round 3 (30 minutes): Review marked questions. Double-check NVT entries. Never attempt new questions in panic.
Subject-Order Strategy
Start with Chemistry: Most scoring subject for top rankers. Quick wins build momentum.
Move to Physics or Maths (whichever is your strength): Take the stronger one in the second slot.
End with the toughest subject: Your buffer time goes here. Do not burn out on it first.
Important Points to Remember
JEE Advanced eligibility requires being in the top 2,50,000 candidates of JEE Main.
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are mandatory. A single paper score will not be considered.
No calculators, log tables, or formula sheets are allowed. Everything must be managed on-screen.
The exam is available in both Hindi and English, and you can switch languages at any time during the test.
PwD candidates receive 1 additional hour per paper (4 hours total).
The AAT (Architecture Aptitude Test) is a separate exam for B.Arch at IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, and IIT BHU.
Frequently Asked Questions
JEE Advanced 2026 is scheduled for 17 May 2026 (Sunday). Paper 1 will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Paper 2 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Both papers must be attempted on the same day.
No, JEE Advanced pattern can change each year as the conducting IIT decides. However, IIT Roorkee has confirmed no major changes for 2026. The pattern remains consistent with 2024 and 2025 (51 questions per paper, around 360 total marks).
Both papers are mandatory. If you skip even one paper, you will be considered absent and will not receive a rank. Admission to IITs requires appearing in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
If you mark only correct options without any wrong selection, you get +1 for each correct option marked (max +4 if all correct). If you mark even one wrong option, you get -2 regardless of how many correct ones you also marked.
No. Physical calculators, log tables, and formula sheets are strictly prohibited. However, the on-screen test interface provides a basic virtual calculator and on-screen rough sheet for calculations.
Yes. The exam is available in both English and Hindi. You can switch between languages at any time during the test using the on-screen toggle. This is a unique flexibility offered by JEE Advanced.
Yes. Candidates aiming for B.Arch programmes at IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, or IIT BHU must first qualify JEE Advanced, then appear separately for the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT). AAT has its own structure and timing.
In Physics: Mechanics (Rotation, NLM) and Electromagnetism together make up over 50%. In Chemistry: Organic (Carbonyls, Amines) and Physical Chemistry (Thermo, Kinetics, Electrochemistry) cover 65%+. In Maths: Calculus (Integration, Limits) and Algebra (Matrices, Complex Numbers) account for 50%+. These core areas have been consistent across the last 5 years.
Source: Official JEE Advanced 2026 Information Brochure at jeeadv.ac.in. Chapter-wise weightage based on Competishun's in-house analysis of JEE Advanced papers from 2020 to 2025.
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