Record Number of Female Candidates Qualify for JEE Advanced 2026

In a groundbreaking achievement, more than 10,000 female students qualified for JEE Advanced 2026, the highest in six years. Despite this progress, their representation in IIT admissions remains around 20%. The data reveals improved performance among female candidates and significant gains for SC and ST students. The top female candidate achieved an impressive All India Rank of 77. This article delves into the statistics and implications of these results, highlighting the ongoing challenges and successes in female representation in engineering education.

By Ambika Singh Oct 6, 2026, 21:50 IST

Significant Milestone for Female Candidates

In a notable achievement, over 10,000 female students have qualified for JEE Advanced for the first time in six years. Despite this increase, their representation in total IIT seats remains around 20%.

According to the data released regarding the JEE Advanced 2026 results, female candidates have shown remarkable improvement. This year, 10,107 female students successfully qualified for the exam, although their share of IIT seats continues to be approximately 20%. These statistics were compiled by the Joint Implementation Committee, with IIT Roorkee overseeing the report.

Female Candidate Statistics

A total of 43,112 female candidates registered for JEE Advanced 2026. Out of these, 40,562 appeared for both papers, leading to 10,107 successful qualifiers. The success rate for registered female candidates increased to 23.4%, up from 21.7% in 2025. Among those who took both papers, the success rate was 24.9%. While women made up about 23% of total registrations, their qualification rate was 17.76%. In the previous year, 9,404 female students had qualified.

Female Representation in IIT Admissions

Despite the rise in female qualifiers, their share of IIT admissions has not significantly changed. Out of 18,861 total IIT admissions, female candidates secured 3,851 seats, which is 20.22% of the total, a slight increase from 20.15% last year. Of these, 3,777 seats were allocated under the supernumerary quota for women, while 37 female candidates gained admission through the gender-neutral pool.

Top Female Candidate Achievements

The highest-ranking female candidate achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 77, scoring a total of 280 marks—101 in Mathematics, 86 in Physics, and 93 in Chemistry. Among the top 100 rankers, 97 candidates were admitted to IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras, with IIT Bombay alone enrolling 68 of these top performers.

Performance of SC and ST Candidates

The JEE Advanced 2026 results also highlighted improved qualification rates for SC and ST candidates. The success rate for SC candidates surged from 40.41% to 50.16%, marking a historic first for this category. Similarly, the success rate for ST candidates rose from 33.99% to 42.14%. This year, 15,856 SC and 6,379 ST candidates qualified, compared to 12,499 and 5,008 last year, respectively. However, the qualification rate for the General category decreased from 43% to 39.8%, and OBC-NCL candidates saw a drop from 18.2% to 17.5%. The number of EWS qualifiers increased from 6,291 to 6,377.

Overall Qualification Statistics

The JEE Advanced 2026 examination took place in two shifts on May 17, with 1,87,389 candidates registered and 1,79,694 appearing for both papers. Ultimately, 56,880 candidates qualified, with some eligible for a one-year preparatory course.