The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has officially released the JEE Advanced 2026 schedule, marking a crucial milestone for engineering aspirants across the country. Registrations will open on April 23, 2026, and the highly competitive exam is slated to be held on May 17, 2026, in computer-based test (CBT) mode. You can check the official JEE Main website at jeemain.nta.nic.in for more information. This announcement gives candidates ample time to plan and strategize their preparation for one of India’s toughest undergraduate entrance exams. The comprehensive schedule now sets the roadmap for aspiring engineers to prepare strategically toward both the exam and subsequent counselling process. JEE Advanced is the entrance test for admission to Bachelor’s, Integrated Master’s, and Dual Degree programs at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and select other institutes. It is the final stage after JEE Main, which serves as a qualifier. Every year, only the top 2.5 lakh scorers from JEE Main are eligible to register for JEE Advanced. To be eligible for JEE Advanced 2026: Qualify JEE Main 2026: You must feature in the top 2.5 lakh candidates (across categories) in the JEE Main results. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent for the first time in 2025 or 2026 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. Attempts Limit: Students can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years. Age Criteria: Candidates must meet the age requirement as prescribed in the official brochure — typically not older than 25 years as of the exam year with age relaxation for reserved categories. Detailed eligibility rules, including category-wise seats and special conditions, will be available in the official JEE Advanced brochure. JEE Advanced is known for its challenging and variable question pattern. Key features include: Two Papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2, both compulsory. Mode: Online (CBT). Duration: 3 hours per paper. Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Question Types: Objective, multiple-choice, and numerical-type questions that test conceptual understanding, application, and reasoning. Unlike JEE Main, JEE Advanced may have non-fixed marking schemes, multiple correct answers, matrix matches, and varied distributions in each paper — putting premium on analytical thinking over rote learning. For JEE Advanced 2026, candidates should be aware of subtle yet significant changes: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is rolling out facial recognition and live photo checks for major entrance exams in 2026, including JEE Main, which could impact exam security and verification processes. This means candidates should be careful with their registration images and biometric processes. Like the recent trend, the exam may not follow a fixed question-to-mark ratio, forcing aspirants to rely more on conceptual clarity and adaptive test strategies. Cracking JEE Advanced requires structured planning, consistent practice, and smart execution. Below are expert-recommended tactics: Start with NCERT textbooks to build foundational concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics — the backbone of all advanced problems. 2. Make a Solid Study Timetable Create a realistic daily plan allocating time for all subjects, revision, and mock tests. Rotate subjects to avoid burnout and improve retention. 3. Practice Previous Years’ Papers Solving past JEE Advanced papers familiarizes you with question styles and difficulty progression. Aim to solve at least 10+ year papers under timed conditions. Full-length mocks help build time management and identify weak areas. After each test, spend time analysing mistakes to avoid repeating them. Maintain concise notes, formula sheets, and reaction charts (for Chemistry). Frequent revision prevents last-minute forgetting and sharpens recall. A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular breaks are essential — especially as the exam approaches. A healthy mind is as important as preparation itself. Don’t chase too many books: Focus on a few quality resources rather than juggling dozens. Solve under exam-like conditions: Simulating real test environments builds stamina and focus. Clarify doubts quickly: Never let confusion linger. Discuss with mentors or peer groups for quick resolution. Accuracy over blind guessing: With negative marking, educated guesses backed by elimination techniques help more than random answers. After the results are declared in early June 2026, qualified candidates will participate in JoSAA counselling, where seats in IITs and other participating institutes are allocated based on rank, preferences, and category. This counseling phase is as crucial as the exam itself and requires careful choice filling and document verification.Full JEE Advanced 2026 Timeline
What Is JEE Advanced and Why It Matters
Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply
Exam Structure & Pattern – What Students Should Expect
Important Changes & What’s New This Time
1. Enhanced Identity Verification (Coming from NTA for 2026 Exams):
2. No Fixed Marking Pattern:
Recommended Preparation Strategy
1. Master Basics Before Moving Ahead
4. Take Regular Mock Tests
5. Revise Concept Notes Frequently
6. Stay Healthy & Stress-Free
Top Tips from Successful Aspirants
What's Next After JEE Advanced?