JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

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JEE Advanced exam pattern includes two mandatory three-hour papers featuring objective-type questions in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Conducted online, the pattern varies yearly, involving multiple-choice, numerical, and list-match questions designed to test deep conceptual understanding and analytical skills.

Many students find it hard to move from JEE Main to Advanced because they don't know what kinds of questions will be on the test or how they will be graded. This article shows you how the 2026 exam will be set up so you can study well.

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JEE Advanced Exam Pattern 2026

The JEE Advanced test is different from other tests because it doesn't have the same format every year. Certain structural aspects, on the other hand, stay the same. The test is done completely in a computer-based test (CBT) style. Candidates must take two required papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both papers are held on the same day, usually in the morning and afternoon.

There are three disciplines on each paper: maths, chemistry, and physics. Each paper lasts three hours. One important thing is that both papers are required. If a candidate misses one paper, they are disqualified from the ranking process. The questions are available in two languages: English and Hindi, giving students the flexibility to switch between them during the exam.

Please note that applicants are given "scribble pads" to use for rough work, and they must be returned after each session. It's also important to get to know the virtual calculator and the navigation palette, as these are the only digital tools you can use during the six-hour test.

Check Out: JEE Previous Year Papers

Subject Distribution in JEE Advanced Exam Pattern

The test makes sure that all three key subjects are given the same amount of weight. The total number of questions may vary, but the distribution among physics, chemistry, and mathematics stays the same.

Subject	Section Overview	Focus Area
Physics	Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics	Application of concepts
Chemistry	Physical, Organic, Inorganic	Theory and Reactions
Mathematics	Calculus, Algebra, Geometry	Logical Reasoning

In the JEE Advanced, each subject is divided into different sections based on question formats. This variety ensures that students cannot rely on rote learning but must possess a versatile problem-solving approach.

JEE Advanced Question Types and Marking Scheme

One of the most talked-about features of the JEE Advanced exam is the marking scheme. It often includes "Partial Marking," which can be a lifesaver for students.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These usually have a single correct option.
Multiple Correct Option Questions: These are the toughest. You get full marks only if you select all the correct options. The JEE Advanced exam now allows partial marks for selecting some correct options without choosing any wrong ones.
Numerical Value Questions: Students must enter a numerical answer. These typically do not have negative markings.
Matching List Questions: You match items from two or three columns.
Integer Type Questions: The answer is a single-digit or multi-digit integer.

The JEE Advanced exam pattern for 2026 will likely continue the trend of using negative marking for MCQs to discourage guessing. Understanding when to skip a question is as important as knowing how to solve it.

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JEE Advanced Exam Pattern: Total Marks and Duration

While the exam duration is fixed at 6 hours (3 hours per paper), the JEE Advanced exam pattern total marks vary. In previous years, the total marks have fluctuated between 306, 360, and even 372.

Exam Feature	Details
Total Duration	6 Hours (3 Hours per paper)
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Marks	Variable (Confirmed on the exam day)
Number of Papers	Two (Paper 1 & Paper 2)

Since the JEE Advanced exam pattern and marks are not fully revealed until the candidate opens the question paper, candidates must be psychologically prepared for any total. The IIT entry system is known for being unpredictable, which tests how well a student can adjust under stress.

Instructions for JEE Advanced Exam

To navigate the exam pattern successfully, students should be aware of the digital interface. The CBT environment allows you to:

Save and Next: Saves your answer and moves to the next question.
Clear Response: Deletes your chosen option.
Mark for Review: Lets you go back to a question later.

The JEE Advanced exam requires a strategic approach. Since Paper 1 and Paper 2 are on the same day, physical and mental endurance are vital. Instead of talking about how hard the first paper was, you should use the time between the two sessions to rest.

Check out: JEE Revision Books

JEE Advanced Exam Pattern and Marks Distribution

Preparation for the JEE Advanced exam involves rigorous mock testing. Because the marking scheme changes, practicing with diverse sets of previous years' papers is the best strategy.

Analyse Partial Marking: In the JEE Advanced exam, partial marking helps you score even if you aren't 100% sure of all options in a multi-correct question.
Focus on Accuracy: With negative marking, your accuracy in the JEE Advanced exam is more important than the number of questions attempted.
Set a time limit for each section: To make sure you don't miss any easy questions in your "weaker" areas, break up your 180 minutes per paper into 60-minute blocks for each subject.

The exam might seem hard, but consistent practice helps in decoding the logic behind the question placements.

JEE Advanced Exam Pattern FAQs

Is there negative marking in the JEE Advanced exam?

Yes, most parts of the test give you negative points for wrong responses, especially for single- and multiple-choice questions. However, numerical value questions often do not have negative marking.