Making JEE 2026 aspirants more explicit, IIT Roorkee has released the JEE Advanced 2026 FAQs. This release addresses all the frequently asked questions from aspirants who are going to appear in JEE Advanced 2026. So, if you are one of those, this is for you.
Recently, IIT Roorkee, the conducting body of JEE Advanced 2026, released an FAQ page on the official JEE Advanced website. However, this time, the FAQs are published directly on the website rather than in a PDF or press release.
Nutshell on FAQ’s of JEE Advanced 2026
As mentioned earlier, the FAQs are directly published on the JEE Advanced 2026 website. In the released FAQs, IIT Roorkee has addressed 94 questions, including eligibility criteria and results of JEE Advanced 2026.
Although an aspirant, you should go through all 94 questions to clarify your doubts and prepare better. There are still some highlights that you can’t afford to miss, like the changed eligibility criteria.
Download the JEE Advanced 2026 FAQ’s
JEE Advanced 2026 FAQs
Question 1: I appeared for the Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2025. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 1: YES. You are eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026, provided you also satisfy all the eligibility criteria mentioned in the Information Brochure (see Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure).
Question 2: I appeared for the Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2024, and my Class XII (or equivalent) examination board declared the results before June 18, 2024. I appeared for both JEE (Advanced) 2024 and JEE (Advanced) 2025. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 2: You are NOT eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 3: I appeared for the Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2024, and my Class XII (or equivalent) examination board declared the results before June 18, 2024. I did not appear for JEE (Advanced) 2024 but appeared for JEE (Advanced) 2025. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 3: You are NOT eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 4: I appeared for Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2024, and my Class XII (or equivalent) examination board declared the results before June 18, 2024. I appeared for JEE (Advanced) 2024 but did not appear for JEE (Advanced) 2025. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2025?
Answer 4: You are NOT eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 5: I appeared for Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2024, and my Class XII (or equivalent) examination board declared the results before June 18, 2024. I did not appear for either JEE (Advanced) 2024 or JEE (Advanced) 2025. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 5: You are NOT eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 6: I appeared for Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2024, and my Class XII (or equivalent) examination board declared the results on or after June 18, 2024. I did not appear for either JEE (Advanced) 2024 or JEE (Advanced) 2025. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 6: YES. You are eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026, provided you also satisfy all the eligibility criteria mentioned in the Information Brochure (See Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure).
Question 7: I appeared for Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2024, and my Class XII (or equivalent) examination board declared the results on or after June 18, 2024. I did not appear for JEE (Advanced) 2024, but appeared for JEE (Advanced) for the first time in 2025. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 7: YES. You are eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026, provided you also satisfy all the eligibility criteria mentioned in the Information Brochure (see Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure).
Question 8: I appeared for Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2024, and my Class XII (or equivalent) examination board declared the results on or after June 18, 2024. I appeared for both the JEE (Advanced) 2024 and JEE (Advanced) 2025 exams. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 8: You are NOT eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 9: I appeared for Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2024, and my Class XII (or equivalent) examination board declared the results on or after June 18, 2024. I appeared for the JEE (Advanced) 2024 but did not appear for JEE (Advanced) 2025. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 9: You are NOT eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 10: I appeared for the Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2024. My Class XII (or equivalent) examination board declared the results of all the candidates of the board before June 18, 2024, but my result was withheld and was declared on or after June 18, 2024. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 10: You are NOT eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 11: I qualified for appearing in JEE (Advanced) 2025 through JEE (Main) 2025 and registered for JEE (Advanced) 2025, but did not appear for both paper 1 and paper 2. Do I have to qualify JEE (Main) 2026 in order to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 11: YES. You MUST qualify JEE (Main) 2026 in order to be eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026. You also need to satisfy all the other eligibility criteria mentioned in the Information Brochure (See Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure).
Question 12: I qualified for appearing in JEE (Advanced) 2025 through JEE (Main) 2025 and registered for JEE (Advanced) 2025, but was absent in one of the papers. Do I have to qualify JEE (Main) 2026 in order to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 12: YES. You MUST qualify JEE (Main) 2026 in order to be eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026. You also need to satisfy all the other eligibility criteria mentioned in the Information Brochure (see Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure).
Question 13: I have declared my category wrongly during JEE (Main) 2026 registration. Can I correct it during JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration?
Answer 13: NO. The category declared during JEE (Main) 2026 registration cannot be changed during JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration.
Question 14: I have declared my category as GEN-EWS during JEE (Main) 2026 registration. But I do not belong to GEN-EWS. Can I register for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 14: You are eligible to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 provided your JEE (Main) 2026 score is above the General Cut-Off. However, you may request for the category change from GEN-EWS to GEN during JoSAA 2026 registration.
Question 15: I have declared my category as GEN-EWS during JEE (Main) 2026 registration. I do not have a valid GEN-EWS certificate issued on or after 01-April-2026. Can I upload my GEN-EWS certificate issued prior to 01-April-2026?
Answer 15: NO. A valid GEN-EWS certificate as per the prescribed format, given on the JEE (Advanced) 2026 website, issued on or after 01-April-2026, should be uploaded to avail the benefits of the GEN-EWS category. However, if you are in the process of obtaining the GEN-EWS certificate, you may upload a declaration available on the JEE (Advanced) 2026 website.
Question 16: What is the non-creamy layer (NCL) criterion for availing the benefits of reservation under the OBC-NCL category?
Answer 16: The criteria for Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) will be as per the current notification of the Government of India under the OBC-NCL category.
Question 17: I have declared my category as OBC-NCL during JEE (Main) 2026 registration. But I do not belong to the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL). Can I register for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 17: You are eligible to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 provided your JEE (Main) 2026 score is above the General Cut-Off. However, you may request for the category change from OBC-NCL to GEN during JoSAA 2026 registration.
Question 18: I have declared my category as OBC-NCL during JEE (Main) 2026 registration. I do not have a valid OBC-NCL certificate issued on or after 01-April-2026. Can I upload my OBC-NCL certificate issued prior to 01-April-2026?
Answer 18: NO. A valid OBC-NCL certificate as per the prescribed format, given on the JEE (Advanced) 2026 website, issued on or after 01-April-2026, should be uploaded to avail the benefits of the OBC-NCL category. However, if you are in the process of obtaining the OBC-NCL certificate, you may upload a declaration available on the JEE (Advanced) 2026 website.
Question 19: I am an OBC-NCL candidate. I find my caste mentioned only in the state list of OBCs of my state, but not in the central list of OBCs, as listed on the NCBC website https://www.ncbc.nic.in. Am I eligible for a reservation under the OBC-NCL category in JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 19: NO. For availing the benefits of OBC-NCL reservation, the caste must be listed in the current updated central list of OBCs https://www.ncbc.nic.in. OBCs present in the state list, but not covered in the central list of OBCs (as per the list in https://www.ncbc.nic.in), are NOT eligible to claim reservation.
Question 20: I am an OBC candidate. I find my caste mentioned in the central list of OBCs, as listed on the NCBC website (www.ncbc.nic.in). However, I do not belong to the Non-Creamy Layer, as per the current notification of the Government of India. Am I eligible for a reservation under the OBC category in JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 20: NO. Candidates belonging to the creamy layer of OBC are NOT entitled to reservation. Such candidates are treated as belonging to the general (GEN), i.e., the unreserved category.
Question 21: What is meant by scribe (Amanuensis)?
Answer 21: A Scribe (Amanuensis) assists the candidate only with reading the Question and/or keying in the Answer s as per the candidate’s directions. A scribe will NEITHER explain the Question NOR suggest a solution.
Question 22: Who is a “person with Benchmark Disability”?
Answer 22: A “person with benchmark disability” means a person with not less than forty per cent. of a specified disability where specified disability has not been defined in measurable terms and includes a person with disability where specified disability has been defined in measurable terms, as certified by the certifying authorities (refer to section 2(r), RPwD Act 2016).
Question 23: I am a person with Benchmark Disability (with at least 40% impairment). Am I eligible for PwD reservation-5% seats in each of OPEN, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST category seats?
Answer 23: A “person with benchmark disability” (with at least 40% impairment) is eligible for PwD reservation-5% seats in each of OPEN, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST category seats.
Question 24: Who is a “person with disability and having difficulty in writing”?
Answer 24: A “person with disability and having difficulty in writing” is a person with disability of less than 40% and having difficulty in writing, covered under the definition of section 2(s) of RPwD Act 2016, but not covered under the definition of section 2(r) of RPwD Act 2016.
Question 25: I am a person with less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing. Am I eligible for PwD reservation-5% seats in each of OPEN, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST category seats?
Answer 25: A “person with less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing”, as covered under the definition of section 2(s) of RPwD Act 2016 but not covered under the definition of section 2(r) of RPwD Act 2016 is NOT eligible for PwD reservation-5% seats in each of OPEN, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST category seats.
Question 26: Which are the benchmark disabilities eligible for availing the services of a scribe(amanuensis)?
Answer 26: The services of a scribe (amanuensis) are available ONLY to PwD candidates with benchmark disabilities, those who are visually impaired OR dyslexic (severe) OR have disability in the upper limbs or have lost fingers/hands, thereby preventing them from properly operating the Computer-Based Test platform as per the office memorandum of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, F.No. P-13013/75/2023-Policy-DD-III dated August 01, 2025. Candidates who need the services of a scribe are required to make a request during the registration process of JEE (Advanced) 2026 (refer Clause 14. Services of a Scribe of Information Brochure of JEE (Advanced) 2026).
Question 27: Are candidates with less than 40% disabilities eligible for availing the services of a scribe(amanuensis)?
Answer 27: The candidates with less than 40% disabilities AND having difficulty in writing are eligible for the services of a scribe (amanuensis) as per the office memorandum of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, F.No. P-13013/75/2023-Policy-DD-III dated August 01, 2025. Candidates who require the services of a scribe (amanuensis) are required to make a request during the registration process of JEE (Advanced) 2026 in the prescribed format. The requisition, along with a copy of the disability and having difficulty in writing certificate must be uploaded at the time of online registration for JEE (Advanced) 2026 (refer Clause 14, Services of a Scribe of Information Brochure of JEE (Advanced) 2026).
Question 28: Are candidates with less than 40% disabilities and having difficulty in writing eligible for availing the services of a scribe(amanuensis)?
Answer 28: YES. The candidates with less than 40% disabilities AND having difficulty in writing are eligible for the services of a scribe (amanuensis) as per the office memorandum of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, F.No. P-13013/75/2023-Policy-DD-III dated August 01, 2025. Candidates who need the services of a scribe (amanuensis) are required to make a request during the registration process of JEE (Advanced) 2026 in the prescribed format. The requisition, along with a copy of the disability and having difficulty in writing Certificate must be uploaded at the time of online registration for JEE (Advanced) 2026 (refer Clause 14. Services of a Scribe of Information Brochure of JEE (Advanced) 2026).
Question 29: I am a PwD candidate with benchmark disability (with at least 40% impairment). I am eligible to avail the services of a scribe during JEE (Advanced) 2026 examination as per the conditions mentioned in the Information Brochure of JEE (Advanced) 2026. What procedure do I need to follow to avail the above?
Answer 29: PwD candidates with benchmark disability (with at least 40% impairment) who desire to avail the services of a scribe (amanuensis) must opt for this option at the time of the online registration for JEE (Advanced) 2026 by submitting the request in the prescribed format. The requisition, along with a copy of the PwD certificate OR UDID card OR a copy of the certificate of Dyslexia (Severe), should be uploaded at the time of online registration for JEE (Advanced) 2026. The formats for the Request Letter and PwD/Dyslexia (Severe) certificates are given in Annexure-II [CERTIFICATE FORMATS of JEE (Advanced) 2026] of the Information Brochure (refer Clause 14. Services of a Scribe of Information Brochure of JEE (Advanced) 2026).
Question 30: I am a candidate with less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing. I am eligible to avail the services of a scribe during the JEE (Advanced) 2026 examination as per the conditions mentioned in the Information Brochure of JEE (Advanced) 2026. What procedure do I need to follow to avail the above?
Answer 30: Candidates with less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing who desire to avail the services of a scribe (amanuensis) must opt for this option at the time of the online registration for JEE (Advanced) 2026 by submitting the request in the prescribed format. The requisition, along with a copy of the disability and having difficulty in writing certificate should be uploaded at the time of online registration for JEE (Advanced) 2026. The formats for the Request Letter, and disability and having difficulty in writing Certificate are given in Annexure-II [CERTIFICATE FORMATS of JEE (Advanced) 2026] of the Information Brochure (refer Clause 14. Services of a Scribe of Information Brochure of JEE (Advanced) 2026).
Question 31: I am a candidate with less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing. I have availed the services of a Scribe (amanuensis) and/or compensatory time. Am I eligible for PwD reservation-5% seats in each of OPEN, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST category seats?
Answer 31: Candidates with less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing are NOT eligible for PwD reservation-5% seats in each of OPEN, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST category seats, irrespective of whether or not you have availed the services of Scribe (amanuensis) and/or compensatory time.
Question 32: If I avail the services of a scribe (amanuensis), would it have any influence on my JEE (Advanced) 2026 ranking and further seat allocations process?
Answer 32: Availing the services of a scribe (amanuensis) will not influence JEE (Advanced) 2026 ranking and the further seat allocation process. However, if it is found at any stage that a candidate has used the services of a scribe but does not possess the extent of disability, and /or does not have difficulty in writing that warrants the use of a scribe, she/he will be excluded from the process of evaluation, ranking and admission. In case such a candidate has already been admitted to any IIT, the candidate’s admission will be cancelled.
Question 33: I am a PwD candidate with benchmark disability (at least 40% impairment) and have a valid PwD certificate. Am I eligible to avail of additional one hour compensatory time during the JEE (Advanced) 2026 examination?
Answer 33: PwD candidates with benchmark disability (at least 40% impairment), irrespective of whether they use the services of a scribe, are eligible for one hour compensatory time, i.e., the end time will be 13:00 IST for Paper 1 and 18:30 IST for Paper 2. However, in order to avail the compensatory time, the candidate MUST fill up the requisite form while registering for JEE (Advanced) 2026 on the online registration portal. The requisition, along with a copy of the PwD certificate, should be uploaded at the time of online registration for JEE (Advanced) 2026. The formats for the Request Letter and PwD/Dyslexia (Severe) certificates are given in Annexure-II [CERTIFICATE FORMATS of JEE (Advanced) 2026] of the Information Brochure.
Question 34: I am a candidate with less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing. Am I eligible to avail one hour compensatory time during the JEE (Advanced) 2026 examination?
Answer 34: Candidates with less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing, irrespective of whether they use the services of a scribe, are eligible for one hour compensatory time, i.e., the end time will be 13:00 IST for Paper 1 and 18:30 IST for Paper 2. However, in order to avail the compensatory time, the candidate MUST fill up the requisite form while registering for JEE (Advanced) 2026 on the online registration portal. The requisition, along with a copy of the disability and having difficulty in writing Certificate should be uploaded at the time of online registration for JEE (Advanced) 2026. The format for the Request Letter, and Disability and having difficulty in writing Certificate are given in Annexure-II [CERTIFICATE FORMATS of JEE (Advanced) 2026] of the Information Brochure.
Question 35: If I avail the compensatory time for PwD candidates but fail to produce a valid PwD certificate, does it have any influence on my JEE (Advanced) 2026 ranking and further seat allocations process?
Answer 35: If a candidate avails the compensatory time applicable for PwD candidates only but fails to produce a valid PwD certificate, then the candidate’s registration will be cancelled, and the candidate will be debarred from the entire ranking and admission process. In case the candidate has already been admitted to any IIT, the admission will be cancelled.
Question 36: If I avail of the compensatory time for candidates with less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing but fail to produce a valid disability and having difficulty in writing certificate, does it have any influence on my JEE (Advanced) 2026 ranking and further seat allocations process?
Answer 36: If a candidate avails the compensatory time for candidates with less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing but fails to produce a valid disability and having difficulty in writing Certificate, then the candidate’s registration will be cancelled, and the candidate will be debarred from the entire ranking and admission process. In case the candidate has already been admitted to any IIT, the admission will be cancelled.
Question 37: I have Class XII (or equivalent) pass certificate of 2025, where Class XII (or equivalent) examination pass certificate and the marks statement as two separate documents. Which document should I upload during the JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration?
Answer 37: Upload the document having Class XII (or equivalent) marks statement.
Question 38: I have appeared for Class XII (or equivalent) examination in 2026, and I do not have the Class XII (or equivalent) certificate. Will I be able to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 without uploading Class XII (or equivalent) certificate?
Answer 38: YES. The candidates who appeared for Class XII (or equivalent) examination in 2026 can register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 without uploading the Class XII (or equivalent) certificate. However, if the mark sheet of the Class XII (or equivalent) examination for 2026 is available at the time of registration, then it should be uploaded.
Question 39: I have appeared for JEE (Main) B.Arch. and/or B.Planning Paper(s) 2026. Am I eligible for the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) 2026 without writing JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 39: NO. Only the candidates who qualify JEE (Advanced) 2026 are eligible for AAT 2026. There is no relation between JEE (Main) B.Arch. and/or B.Planning Paper(s) and AAT.
Question 40: I had taken admission to one of the NITs in 2025. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 40: YES. Candidates who had taken admissions to NITs in 2025 are eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026, provided they satisfy all other eligibility criteria mentioned in Clause 11 of the JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure.
Question 41: I was offered a seat in an IIT during JoSAA 2025, but I neither paid seat acceptance fee nor reported online/ in person to any IIT reporting centres. Am I eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 41: YES. You are eligible to write JEE (Advanced) 2026, provided you also satisfy all other eligibility criteria mentioned in Clause 11 of the JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure.
Question 42: I was offered a seat in an IIT during JoSAA 2025, I paid seat acceptance fee, reported online/ in person to an IIT reporting centre and later withdrew before the last round of seat allotment. Am I eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 42: YES. You are eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026, provided you also satisfy all other eligibility criteria mentioned in Clause 11 of the JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure.
Question 43: I was offered a seat in an IIT during JoSAA 2025, I paid seat acceptance fee, reported online/ in person to an IIT reporting centre and received the “Document Verification-cum-Seat Acceptance Letter”, but I did not join my allotted program at the admitting IIT. Am I eligible to appear in JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 43: NO. You are NOT eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 44: I took admission in an IIT program on the basis of JEE (Advanced) 2025. However, I did not continue with the program and left the program. Am I eligible to appear in JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 44: NO. You are NOT eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 45: I accepted a seat through JoSAA 2025 and did not withdraw from JoSAA before the last round of seat allotment. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 45: If you accepted a seat in an IIT through JoSAA 2025 and did not withdraw the allotted seat in the IIT from JoSAA before the last round of seat allotment, then you are NOT eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 46: I have been admitted to one of the IITs for a preparatory course in 2025. Am I eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 46: YES. You are eligible for JEE (Advanced) 2026, provided you satisfy all other eligibility criteria mentioned in the Information Brochure (see Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure).
Question 47: I have completed Step 1 (filling of personal details and choice of examination cities) and Step 2 (document upload) of JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration. However, I have not paid the registration fees (Step 3 of registration). Am I eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 47: NO. If you have NOT completed Step 3 of the registration process by paying the registration fees, your registration is NOT complete. If your registration is not complete, your admit card for JEE (Advanced) 2026 examination will not be generated and you will not be eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 48: I am facing problems in downloading my admit card through the candidate portal. What should I do?
Answer 48: In case of any problem in downloading the admit card, the candidate should immediately contact the Chairperson, JEE (Advanced) 2026 of the nearest Zonal Coordinating IIT, listed in Annexure V of the Information Brochure.
Question 49: I am a defence service (DS) personnel (or former defence service personnel). Can my child get a seat under the DS category?
Answer 49: Not all defence service personnel’s children are eligible for DS category seats. Two DS category seats are earmarked for preferential allotment in each Institute for children of defence/paramilitary personnel killed or permanently disabled in action during war or peacetime operations. To avail this preferential allotment, a DS candidate must be in the Common Rank List of JEE (Advanced) 2026. A certificate (format provided in “Annexure II: Form DS” in the Information Brochure of JEE (Advanced) 2026, as per Ministry of Defence, Government of India, guideline), issued by respective record offices of Armed Forces Personnel is required to be eligible for belonging to the DS category.
Question 50: Is writing Paper 1 and Paper 2 in JEE (Advanced) 2026 compulsory?
Answer 50: YES. Writing both Paper 1 and Paper 2 is compulsory in JEE (Advanced) 2026 to be considered for evaluation and rank list preparation.
Question 51: If I am absent in one of the papers (Paper 1, Paper 2) in JEE (Advanced) 2026, will my result be declared?
Answer 51: NO. Your result will neither be prepared nor declared. It is compulsory to appear for both papers.
Question 52: Do I have to choose my Question paper language at the time of JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration?
Answer 52: NO. There is no need to indicate Question paper language at the time of JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration. Candidates will have the option to choose their preferred language (English or Hindi), as the default language for viewing the Question s at the start of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) of JEE (Advanced) 2026. Candidates will also have the option to switch/toggle between their preferred language (English or Hindi) during the entire period of the examination.
Question 53: Can I change the language (from English to Hindi and vice versa) for viewing the Question s during the CBT of JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 53: YES. Question s will be displayed on the screen in the default language (English or Hindi), chosen by the candidate at the start of the CBT examination. Further, the candidate can also switch/toggle between English and Hindi languages, as the viewing language for any Question anytime during the entire period of the examination. The candidate will also have the option of changing the default Question viewing language anytime during the examination.
Question 54: Will I be given rough sheets for my calculations during the Computer Based Test (CBT) of JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 54: YES. You will be given a “Scribble Pad” (containing blank sheets, for rough work) at the start of every paper of JEE (Advanced) 2026. You can do all your calculations inside this “Scribble Pad”. No extra scribble pad will be given to candidates. You will need to bring your own pen/pencil/eraser.
Question 55: Will I be given a printout/hard copy of the Question papers along with my responses to Question s in Paper 1 and Paper 2 after the completion of the respective papers?
Answer 55: NO. Question paper or responses will not be given in hard copy to any candidate after the examination. However, the responses of all the candidates who have appeared for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, recorded during the exam, along with the Question s of each paper, will be available for downloading from the candidate portal, whose link will be made available on the JEE (Advanced) 2026 website after the examination.
Question 56: How will I get a copy of the Question papers and my responses to Question s in Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Answer 56: The responses of all the candidates who have appeared for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, recorded during the exam, along with the Question s of each paper, will be available for downloading from the candidate portal, whose link will be made available on the JEE (Advanced) 2026 website after the examination.
Question 57: Suppose two candidates have the same JEE (Advanced) 2026 aggregate marks. Will the two candidates be given the same rank?
Answer 57: If the JEE (Advanced) 2026 aggregate marks scored by two or more candidates are the same, then the following tie-break policy will be used for awarding ranks:
STEP 1: Candidates having higher positive marks will be awarded higher rank. If the tie breaking criterion at Step 1 fails to break the tie, then the following criterion at Step 2 will be followed.
STEP 2: Higher rank will be assigned to the candidate who has obtained higher marks in Mathematics. If this does not break the tie, higher rank will be assigned to the candidate who has obtained higher marks in Physics. If there is a tie even after this, candidates will be assigned the same rank.
Question 58: I have qualified in JEE (Advanced) 2026. Is it compulsory for me to register with the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) 2026 and fill in my course choices in order to be eligible for admission to IITs?
Answer 58: YES. All JEE (Advanced) 2026 qualified candidates MUST register with the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) 2026 and fill in all possible course choices in order of preference to be eligible for admission to IITs.
Question 59: I qualified in JEE (Advanced) 2026, but I missed the deadline (last date for choice filling) for registering with the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) 2026. What should I do in order to get admission to IITs?
Answer 59: All candidates who have qualified in JEE (Advanced) 2026 MUST register on the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) 2026 website and also MUST fill in their course choices within the prescribed time frame in order to be eligible for admission to IITs. If any JEE (Advanced) 2026 qualified candidate has NOT done the same, then the candidate will NOT be considered for admission to any program in IITs through JoSAA 2026.
Question 60: I qualified in JEE (Advanced) 2026 and registered for the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) 2026. However, I forgot to fill in my choices for courses. Will I be considered for admission to IITs?
Answer 60: NO. If you have not filled in your course choices by the deadline (last date for choice filling), then you will NOT be considered for admission to any program in IITs through JoSAA 2026.
Question 61: I appeared in Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2025, and my aggregate marks in the examination were lower than the corresponding top 20 percentile cut-off of my category in my board. Do I need to reappear in all subjects in 2026 in order to qualify for admission to IITs through the top 20 percentile cut-off criteria?
Answer 61: Candidates who appeared in Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2025 and wish to (or have to) reappear in 2026 with the objective to qualify through top 20 percentile cut-off criteria, MUST reappear in all the subjects. For such candidates, top 20 percentile cut-off for 2026 will be considered.
Question 62: I appeared in Class XII examination for the first time in 2025, and my aggregate marks in the examination were lower than 75% (or 65% for SC, ST and PwD). Do I need to reappear in all subjects in 2026 in order to meet the 75% (or 65% for SC, ST and PwD) marks level to qualify for admission in IITs?
Answer 62: If a candidate had appeared for her/his Class XII (or equivalent) in 2025 and wishes to improve her/his aggregate marks to meet the “aggregate marks of 75% (or 65% for SC, ST and PwD) criterion”, she/he can reappear for any number of subjects she/he wishes for improvement in the same board (refer clause 26 of the information brochure). The percentage marks in this situation will be calculated by considering the marks obtained in 2025 or 2026, whichever is higher, in the respective subjects, in her/his two attempts in 2025 and 2026.
Question 63: Marks in which subjects of the Class XII examination would be considered for calculating my aggregate marks for the purpose of checking whether I qualify for admission to IITs?
Answer 63: The marks scored in the following five subjects will be considered for calculating the aggregate marks of the candidates (and also the cut-off marks for fulfilling the top 20 percentile criterion).
i. Physics
ii. Chemistry
iii. Mathematics
iv. A language (if the candidate has taken more than one language, then the language with the higher marks will be considered)
v. Any subject other than the above four (the subject with the highest marks will be considered)
Question 64: Are foreign national candidates eligible for appearing in JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 64: The foreign national candidates who have studied or are studying in India/abroad at 10+2 level or equivalent at the time of registering for JEE (Advanced) 2026 are NOT required to write JEE (Main) 2026 and may register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 directly subject to fulfilment of other eligibility criteria (see Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure; for further details refer to https://jeeadv.ac.in/foreign.html). These foreign national candidates are outside the ambit of reservation of seats under the GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PwD categories/sub-categories, as specified herein. There are no separate supernumerary seats or sub-category for females in the foreign national supernumerary seats.
Question 65: What are the eligibility criteria for foreign national candidates for appearing in JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 65: Please refer to Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure for eligibility criteria for foreign national candidates for appearing in JEE (Advanced) 2026 (please also visit https://jeeadv.ac.in/foreign.html).
Question 66: I have secured OCI/PIO card subsequent to 04.03.2021. Will I be considered as at par with an Indian national?
Answer 66: NO. As per the decision dated February 03, 2023 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (Civil) 891 / 2021, persons who have secured the OCI/PIO card subsequent to 04.03.2021 will NOT be considered as at par with an Indian national and will be considered as a foreign national.
Question 67: I have secured OCI/PIO card subsequent to 04.03.2021. Do I need to appear in JEE (Main) 2026 in order to be eligible to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 67: NO. Candidates who have secured OCI/PIO card subsequent to 04.03.2021 and have studied or are studying in India/abroad at 10+2 level or equivalent at the time of registering for JEE (Advanced) 2026 are NOT required to write JEE (Main) 2026 and may register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 directly subject to fulfilment of other eligibility criteria (for details refer to https://jeeadv.ac.in/foreign.html).
Question 68: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021. Shall I be considered as at par with an Indian national candidate or a foreign national candidate for the eligibility criteria for appearing in JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 68: In light of recent judicial pronouncement (Decision dated October 16, 2024, passed by the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 12263/2024) concerning OCI/PIO candidates, the following provisions are made for such candidates.
OCI/PIO candidates who have obtained their OCI/PIO cards before 04.03.2021 have the option of applying for JEE (Advanced) 2026 EITHER as (a) foreign nationals OR (b) at par with Indian nationals. Accordingly, OCI/PIO candidates are divided into three categories as follows:
(i) Those OCI/PIO candidates who have obtained their OCI/PIO cards subsequent to 04.03.2021 (Decision dated February 03, 2023 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 891/2021) will be considered as foreign national candidates and will be governed by the eligibility conditions contained in the JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure for the foreign national candidates (see Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure). For ease of convenience, these candidates are referred to as OCI/PIO (F). The OCI/PIO (F) candidates will be eligible to compete only for the foreign supernumerary seats.
(ii) Those OCI/PIO candidates who have obtained their OCI/PIO cards before 04.03.2021 AND choose to be considered as foreign nationals, will be governed by the eligibility conditions contained in the JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure for the foreign national candidates and are also referred to as OCI/PIO (F) (see Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure). The OCI/PIO (F) candidates will be eligible to compete only for the foreign supernumerary seats.
(iii) Those OCI/PIO candidates who have obtained their OCI/PIO cards before 04.03.2021 AND choose to be treated at par with Indian nationals, will be governed by the eligibility conditions contained in the JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure for the Indian national candidates and are referred to as OCI/PIO (I) (see Clause 11 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure).
Question 69: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have chosen the option of applying for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as a foreign national. Do I need to appear and qualify through JEE (Main) 2026 in order to be eligible to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 69: NO. You do NOT need to appear in JEE (Main) 2026 in order to be eligible to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 70: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have chosen the option of applying for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as at par with Indian nationals. Do I need to appear and qualify through JEE (Main) 2026 in order to be eligible to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 70: YES. You need to appear in JEE (Main) 2026 in order to be eligible to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 71: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have chosen the option of applying for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as at par with Indian nationals. Further, I am a female candidate; shall I be considered for female supernumerary seats during JOSAA 2026?
Answer 71: At the time of JOSAA seat allocation, the OCI/PIO (I) candidates (see Clause 6.2 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure) shall be considered for the Female Supernumerary seats as applicable, subject to qualifying the JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 72: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have chosen the option of applying for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as at par with Indian nationals. Further, I am a PwD candidate; shall I be eligible for the benefit of reservation under PwD category?
Answer 72: At the time of JOSAA seat allocation, the OCI/PIO (I) candidates (see Clause 6.2 of JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure) shall be considered for the seats in the OPEN and/or OPEN-PwD category and shall be included in the Common Rank List (CRL) and/or CRL-PwD.
Question 73: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have chosen the option of applying for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as a foreign national. Further, I am PwD candidate; shall I be eligible for the benefit of reservation under PwD category?
Answer 73: NO. You will NOT be eligible for the benefit of reservation under PwD category.
Question 74: I have secured OCI/PIO card subsequent to 04.03.2021. Further, I am a PwD candidate; shall I be eligible for the benefit of reservation under the PwD category?
Answer 74: NO. You will NOT be eligible for the benefit of reservation under the PwD category.
Question 75: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have chosen the option of applying for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as a foreign national. Shall I be entitled to the benefit of reservation under GEN-EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST category for the allocation of seats during JOSAA?
Answer 75: NO. As an OCI/PIO (F) candidate, you will NOT be entitled to the benefit of reservation under GEN-EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST category for the allocation of seats during JOSAA.
Question 76: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have chosen the option of applying for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as at par with Indian nationals. Shall I be entitled to the benefit of reservation under GEN-EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST category for the allocation of seats during JOSAA?
Answer 76: NO. As an OCI/PIO (I) candidate, you will NOT be entitled to the benefit of reservation under the GEN-EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST category for the allocation of seats during JOSAA. At the time of seat allocation, the OCI/PIO (I) candidates shall be considered for the seats in the OPEN and/or OPEN-PwD category, as also for the Female Supernumerary seats as applicable, subject to qualifying the JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 77: I have secured OCI/PIO card subsequent to 04.03.2021. Shall I be entitled to the benefit of reservation under GEN-EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST category for the allocation of seats during JOSAA?
Answer 77: NO. You will NOT be entitled to the benefit of reservation under GEN-EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST category for the allocation of seats during JOSAA.
Question 78: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have decided to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as at par with Indian nationals (and NOT as a foreign national). At what stage do I need to exercise this option?
Answer 78: You have to exercise your option while registering for JEE (Advanced) 2026. The option, once submitted, cannot be changed at any subsequent stage.
Question 79: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have decided to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as a foreign national (and NOT as at par with Indian nationals). At what stage do I need to exercise this option?
Answer 79: You have to exercise your option while registering for JEE (Advanced) 2026. The option, once submitted, cannot be changed at any subsequent stage.
Question 80: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have opted to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as at par with Indian nationals (and NOT as a foreign national). Can I still choose to be considered as a foreign national after I have registered for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 80: NO. The option, once submitted CANNOT be changed at any subsequent stage after registering for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 81: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have opted to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as a foreign national (and NOT as at par with Indian nationals). Can I still choose to be considered as at par with Indian nationals after I have registered for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 81: NO. The option once submitted CANNOT be changed at any subsequent stage after registering for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 82: I am a Foreign National studied/studying 12th in India/abroad. Do I need to appear in JEE (Main) 2026 in order to be eligible to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 82: NO. Foreign National candidates studying or studied 12th in India/abroad are NOT required to write JEE (Main) 2026 and may register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 directly subject to fulfilment of other eligibility criteria (for details refer to https://jeeadv.ac.in/foreign.html).
Question 83: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have opted to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as at par with Indian nationals and I have appeared in JEE (Main) 2026. Do I need to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 using my JEE (Main) 2026 credentials?
Answer 83: YES. If you have qualified for JEE (Advanced) 2026 through JEE (Main) 2026, you have to use your JEE (Main) 2026 credentials for JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration, subject to the fulfilment of other eligibility criteria (for details, refer to https://jeeadv.ac.in).
Question 84: I am a Foreign National, and I have appeared in JEE (Main) 2026. Do I need to register directly or by using my JEE (Main) 2026 credentials for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 84: If you have qualified for JEE (Advanced) 2026 through JEE (Main) 2026, you may either register directly as a foreign national or you may use your JEE (Main) 2026 credentials for JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration, subject to the fulfilment of other eligibility criteria (for details refer to https://jeeadv.ac.in/foreign.html).
Question 85: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have opted to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as a foreign national and I have appeared in JEE (Main) 2026 and qualified for JEE (Advanced) 2026. Do I need to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 using my JEE (Main) 2026 credentials or can I use direct registration for foreign nationals?
Answer 85: If you have qualified for JEE (Advanced) 2026 through JEE (Main) 2026, you are advised to use your JEE (Main) 2026 credentials for JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration subject to fulfilment of other eligibility criteria (for details refer to https://jeeadv.ac.in) .
Question 86: I have secured OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and have opted to register for JEE (Advanced) 2026 as a foreign national and I have appeared in JEE (Main) 2026 but did not qualify for JEE (Advanced) 2026. Am I eligible to apply for JEE (Advanced) 2026 through direct registration for foreign nationals?
Answer 86: YES. You can apply for JEE (Advanced) 2026 through direct registration subject to fulfilment of other eligibility criteria (for details refer to https://jeeadv.ac.in).
Question 87: Do IITs admit students into their UG programs based on performance in International Olympiad Exams, without being qualified in JEE (Advanced)?
Answer 87: A few IITs admit students to their UG programs based on their performance in International Olympiad Exams in various subjects. Each Institute has its own criteria for such admissions. Hence, candidates are advised to visit the respective IIT websites for further information. A link to more information on this matter will be available on the JoSAA 2026 website.
Question 88: Is it necessary to be qualified in JEE (Advanced) for a supernumerary seat under Sports Excellence Admission or Fine Arts and Culture Excellence at a few offering IITs?
Answer 88: Yes. The candidate should be qualified in JEE (Advanced) and should be in any one of the rank lists to be eligible to apply for Sports Excellence Admission or Fine Arts and Culture Excellence Admission at any of the offering IITs. Please visit the websites https://ugadmissions.iitm.ac.in/sea/ and https://ugadmissions.iitm.ac.in/face/ for more details.
Question 89: How are foreign supernumerary seats allotted in IITs during JoSAA?
Answer 89: A seat in an academic program will be allotted to a foreign candidate or an OCI/PIO (F) candidate if the candidate’s CRL rank is the same or better than the closing rank of the GEN category candidate under the Gender-Neutral pool in that academic program, and the candidate satisfies all the eligibility requirements meant for a GEN category candidate. Such seats allocated to foreign candidates will be supernumerary and are limited to up to 10% of the total number of seats of the respective IIT, program-wise. More details would be provided in the JoSAA Business Rules 2026, as and when they are published.
Question 90: I passed class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2025 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as compulsory subjects. I appeared for class XII again in 2026, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Am I eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 90: YES. You are eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026, provided you satisfy all the eligibility criteria as per Clause 11 of the JEE (Advanced) 2026 information brochure.
Question 91: I passed class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2025 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as compulsory subjects. I appeared only for the Mathematics exam in 2026 from the same board. Am I eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026?
Answer 91: NO. You are not eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 92: I have appeared for my Class XII (or equivalent) examination, which is equivalent to a two-year intermediate program or similar. The marks statement contains marks for the first and second years. How will the eligibility percentage be calculated for admission to IITs?
Answer 92: The marks for the second year alone will be used for computing the qualifying percentage of the Class XII (or equivalent) exam.
Question 93: My first PIO card was issued before 04.03.2021 (say for example on 07.05.2007). Thereafter, my PIO card was expired/cancelled, and a new OCI card was issued subsequent to 04.03.2021 (say for example on 18.05.2024). Can I opt to be considered as an OCI/PIO (I) candidate?
Answer 93: YES. As your first PIO card was issued before 04.03.2021, you can be considered as OCI/PIO (I) candidate. However, you need to upload copies of both the PIO card that was cancelled and the currently valid OCI card issued subsequent to 04.03.2021, as well as other documents mentioned in the Information Brochure of JEE (Advanced) 2026.
Question 94: My first PIO card was issued prior to 04.03.2021. Thereafter, my PIO card was cancelled, and a new OCI card was issued subsequent to 04.03.2021. Can I opt to be considered as an OCI/PIO (F) candidate?
Answer 94: YES. However, you need to upload a copy of a valid OCI card, as well as other documents mentioned in the Information Brochure of JEE (Advanced) 2026.