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Understanding JEE Mains and JEE Advanced 2026: Key Details and Differences

The JEE Mains and JEE Advanced are crucial entrance exams for aspiring engineering students in India. Scheduled for early 2026, JEE Mains will have two sessions, while JEE Advanced will be held in May. This article outlines the differences between the two exams, including eligibility criteria and the number of attempts allowed. It also details the exam patterns, helping students prepare effectively for these significant assessments. Discover everything you need to know about JEE Mains and JEE Advanced 2026.
By Ambika Singh Dec 27, 2025, 12:47 IST
Understanding JEE Mains and JEE Advanced 2026: Key Details and Differences

Overview of JEE Mains and JEE Advanced 2026



JEE Mains 2026: The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains and JEE Advanced are the premier entrance tests for engineering courses in India. The JEE Mains will take place in two sessions, with Session 1 scheduled from January 21 to January 30, 2026, and the second session set for April 2026. The JEE Advanced, which is a single-session exam, will be administered by IIT Roorkee on May 17, 2026. This article will clarify the distinctions between JEE Mains and JEE Advanced, as well as the number of attempts allowed for each exam.


Differences Between JEE Mains and JEE Advanced

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts JEE Mains annually, while JEE Advanced is organized by various IITs each year. Students from the science stream in 12th grade typically take both exams to secure admission into engineering programs.


Key Differences:


1. JEE Mains scores are utilized for admissions to NITs, IIITs, and state engineering colleges nationwide.


2. JEE Advanced is exclusively for admission to the 23 IITs across India.


Every year, over 200,000 top performers from JEE Mains qualify to take the JEE Advanced, while approximately 1 million students from the science stream participate in JEE Mains.


Attempt Limits for JEE Mains and JEE Advanced

Eligibility Criteria:


To register for JEE Mains, candidates must have completed their 12th grade in the science stream. General category students need a minimum of 75% in their 12th-grade exams, while reserved category students require at least 65%.


Attempt Limits:


1. JEE Mains: Students can attempt this exam three times—once during their 12th grade and twice in the subsequent years.


2. JEE Advanced: Candidates are allowed to take this exam only twice—once in their 12th grade and again the following year.


Exam Patterns for JEE Mains and JEE Advanced

JEE Mains Exam Pattern:


Conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, JEE Mains lasts for 3 hours and covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The exam features multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical questions, with negative marking applicable to MCQs but not to numerical questions.


JEE Advanced Exam Pattern:


This exam consists of two papers, each lasting 3 hours. It includes MCQs, numerical questions, and matrix-match type questions.


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