The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has officially unveiled the crucial timeline for one of the country's most challenging engineering entrance examinations. Aspiring students aiming for a seat in the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) can now mark their calendars, as the complete schedule for JEE Advanced 2026 has been announced. The examination will serve as the gateway for admission to undergraduate B.Tech programmes across all IITs in India.
JEE Advanced 2026: Complete Schedule and Key Dates
The registration process for JEE Advanced 2026 will commence in April 2026, but with different starting dates for different categories of candidates. The examination itself is scheduled to be held on May 17, 2026, and will be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode.
Here is the detailed schedule released by IIT Roorkee:
- Registration for Foreign/OCI/PIO Candidates: Opens on April 6, 2026 (10:00 AM IST) and closes on May 2, 2026 (11:59 PM IST).
- Registration for JEE Main Qualified Indian Candidates: Opens on April 23, 2026 (10:00 AM IST) and closes on May 2, 2026 (11:59 PM IST).
- Last Date for Fee Payment: May 4, 2026 (11:59 PM IST).
- Admit Card Download: From May 11, 2026 (10:00 AM) to May 17, 2026 (2:30 PM).
- JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Day (May 17): Paper 1 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, and Paper 2 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
- Provisional Answer Key: To be released on May 25, 2026 (10:00 AM).
- Final Result Declaration: June 1, 2026 (10:00 AM).
Following the main results, the registration for the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) will be open on June 1 and 2, with the AAT exam on June 4 and its result on June 7, 2026. The crucial Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) 2026 counselling is tentatively set to begin on June 2, 2026.
Exam Pattern and Eligibility Criteria
The JEE Advanced 2026 exam pattern mandates that candidates appear for two compulsory papers on the same day. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 must be attempted for a candidate to be considered for ranking. The question paper will be bilingual, available in both English and Hindi.
Eligibility for JEE Advanced is highly selective. Only the top 2.5 lakh rank holders from JEE Main 2026 will be able to apply for JEE Advanced. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct JEE Main 2026 in two sessions: Session 1 from January 21 to January 30, 2026, and Session 2 from April 1 to April 10, 2026. Candidates can use their best score from either session to qualify for the Advanced exam.
Strategic Preparation and Next Steps
With the official schedule now public, students have a clear roadmap for the next two years. The early announcement allows ample time for systematic preparation. Experts advise aspirants to focus on strengthening core concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, as the exam is known for testing analytical and problem-solving skills deeply.
The release of this detailed calendar by IIT Roorkee brings clarity and allows candidates, parents, and coaching institutes to plan strategically. Adhering to the registration deadlines, especially the different windows for Indian and foreign candidates, will be critical to avoid last-minute hassles.
