How to score qualifying marks for JEE Advanced 2026? - One of the biggest concerns for engineering aspirants is, “How can I secure the qualifying marks for JEE Advanced 2026?” With only the top 2,50,000 candidates from JEE Main eligible to appear for JEE Advanced, the competition is undeniably intense. Despite the challenges, the dream of getting into an IIT continues to inspire lakhs of students every year. Unfortunately, many candidates give up early due to a lack of clarity, low confidence, or poor preparation strategies. However, with the right mindset, a focused approach, and consistent effort, qualifying for JEE Advanced 2026 is absolutely achievable.
IIT Roorkee is expected to conduct the JEE Advanced 2026 exam in May 2026. As you prepare for JEE Main, it’s essential to understand how much you need to score to be eligible for the next stage. Knowing the qualifying cutoff in advance can help you plan your preparation smartly, setting a clear target and optimizing your study plan accordingly. Once you reach the required score range in JEE Main, you increase your chances of moving forward in the IIT admission process. The JEE Advanced 2026 admit card will be released in early May, and the exam is likely to be held around mid-May. Stay updated through the official website and ensure you’re well-prepared to take this crucial step toward your IIT dream.
Here you can check the JEE Advanced exam paper pattern of 2026. Check it carefully to understand:
Parameter | Details |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Medium of Paper | English & Hindi |
Number of Papers | Two (Paper 1 and Paper 2) – Both are mandatory |
Duration | 3 hours per paper (Total: 6 hours) |
Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
Type of Questions | MCQs (Single/Multiple correct), Numerical Answer Type (NAT), and Match the Following / Integer-based or Paragraph-based questions |
Marking Scheme | Varies every year. Includes full, partial, zero, and negative marks depending on question type |
Total Marks | Varies each year (typically around 300 marks in total) |
Negative Marking | Yes – but not all sections have negative marking. Details released with the question papers on exam day |
Attempts Allowed | Maximum 2 attempts in 2 consecutive years |
Eligibility | Top 2,50,000 JEE Main qualified candidates (across all categories) |
It is important to know that you need to qualify for JEE Mains in order to be eligible for JEE Advanced. Here you can check JEE Mains 2025 qualifying marks:
Category | JEE Main 2025 Qualifying Percentile |
General (UR‑ALL) | 93.1023 |
General‑PwBD | 0.0079349 (also aligning with the lowest percentile) |
EWS (GEN‑EWS‑ALL) | 80.3830 |
OBC‑NCL (ALL) | 79.4314 |
SC (ALL) | 61.1527 |
ST (ALL) | 47.9026 |
Here we have given the qualifying marks of JEE Advanced 2025. Give it a look:
Category | Minimum Marks per Subject | Minimum Aggregate (out of 360) |
Common Rank List (CRL) | 7 | 74 |
GEN‑EWS | 6 | 66 |
OBC‑NCL | 6 | 66 |
SC | 3 | 37 |
ST | 3 | 37 |
Common‑PwD (CRL‑PwD) | 3 | 37 |
GEN‑EWS‑PwD | 3 | 37 |
OBC‑NCL‑PwD | 3 | 37 |
SC‑PwD | 3 | 37 |
ST‑PwD | 3 | 37 |
Preparatory Course (PC) Rank List | 1 | 18 |
Here are some tips you can utilize to achieve good marks in JEE Advanced 2026:
1. Build Strong Conceptual Clarity
Focus on truly understanding the concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics instead of just memorizing formulas. JEE Advanced tests your ability to apply logic in unfamiliar situations, so clarity matters more than cramming.
2. Practice Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests
Solve at least the last 10 years of JEE Advanced papers and take regular full-length mock tests. This improves speed, accuracy, and your ability to handle exam pressure. Always analyze your mistakes to avoid repeating them.
3. Prioritize Important Topics
Identify high-weightage and commonly tested chapters. For example, focus on Mechanics and Modern Physics in Physics, Organic Chemistry, and Calculus in Maths. Be strategic with your preparation while covering the full syllabus.
4. Follow a Consistent and Balanced Routine
Maintain a regular study schedule with time for revision, problem-solving, and breaks. Avoid overstudying or last-minute cramming. Consistent effort over time is more effective than irregular, intense sessions.
5. Stay Mentally and Physically Fit
Manage stress with proper sleep, healthy food, and short breaks. Stay positive and avoid burnout. A calm and focused mind will help you perform better in a high-pressure exam like JEE Advanced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
From 2025, candidates will be allowed to attempt the JEE Advanced exam three times in three consecutive years. Hence, candidates have a better chance to qualify in the JEE Advanced exam.
On Question asked by student community
You can attempt the JEE Advanced exam maximum of two times in two consecutive years. This rule also applies if you did not take the exam in the year you completed your 12th grade. If you skip the first attempt in your 12th grade year, you can only appear for the exam once, in the following year (your drop year).
Yes, JEE Advanced paper is also available in Hindi medium. When you fill the form, you will get the option to choose your language preference like English, Hindi or other regional languages allowed by NTA. If you choose Hindi, then in the exam hall you will get the paper in Hindi medium.
Website: https://jeeadv.ac.in
You can easily download IIT JEE 2025 papers in Hindi. For JEE Main, websites like Careers360 give shift-wise question papers with answers in Hindi. For JEE Advanced, you can get both Paper 1 and 2 in Hindi from the official site jeeadv.ac.in (https://jeeadv.ac.in/)
Hello Alka
For JEE Advance, the best 5 subjects through which you need to calculate your percentage is:
1. Physics
2. Chemistry
3. Mathematics
4. One language (which is English)
5. One other subject of your choice
So you will need to choose PCM + English + a 5th subject to calculate your percentage.
Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!
Hello!
In JEE Advanced eligibility, the top 5 subjects from your board exam are considered. Usually, they are Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and any two other subjects from the main curriculum. If CMS is your optional subject and IT is an additional subject, the board will still calculate based on the 5 highest marks from your eligible subjects. Additional subjects are considered only if they replace a lower score from another subject. For example, if IT has a higher score than English or CMS, then IT can be counted. However, some boards follow strict rules where only main subjects are counted, so you must verify with your board’s official notification. The 75% criteria means your average percentage in those best 5 subjects must meet the requirement. My advice—list all your subjects, arrange them from highest to lowest marks, and take the top five as per rules.
Hope this clears your doubt!
Among Top 30 National Universities for Engineering (NIRF 2024) | 30+ Specializations | AI Powered Learning & State-of-the-Art Facilities
North India's Largest Educational Group | NIRF Ranked 86 | NAAC A+ Grade | Highest Package 1.6 Cr | Admissions Closing on 15th Sep'25
NAAC A+ Grade | Among top 100 universities of India (NIRF 2024) | 40 crore+ scholarships distributed
1000+ Recruiters | 450+ Patents | 50000+ Alumni network
Campuses in Ropar, Agartala, Aizawl, Ajmer, Aurangabad, Calicut, Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima, Gorakhpur, Patna & Srinagar
25+ years of legacy | NAAC A+ Grade | 800+ Recruiters | 1.5 CR-Highest Package