The JEE Advanced 2026 exam was conducted on May 17, 2026 (Sunday). Get the detailed paper analysis of both question papers of the exam. The exam was conducted across 221 cities in India and 2 international centres in Abu Dhabi and Kathmandu. IIT Roorkee is the exam conducting authority this year. Approximately 2,50,000 students appeared for JEE Advanced 2026, the second-toughest competitive exam in the world.
Matrix JEE Academy expert faculty has done a thorough paper analysis of JEE Advanced, both papers, immediately after the exam. The paper analysis will cover all aspects, including overall difficulty, subject-wise analysis, topic-wise weightage, question types, and the expected cutoff. The JEE Advanced 2026 question papers will be uploaded once we receive all the questions for both papers from our students and once the JEE Advanced 2026 answer key is released.
JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 Overall Difficulty Analysis
There were slight changes in the total number of questions and JEE Advanced 2026 exam pattern this year. This year, Paper 1 had 48 questions, Paper 2 had 54 questions, and in total, there were 102 questions. The overall difficulty of the JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 was moderate to difficult. As per reactions and feedback from students, the paper was definitely harder than the previous year’s exam. The mathematics subject was the toughest section among the other sections. This was followed by physics and then chemistry. The chemistry section, as predicted, was manageable and the highest-scoring section in JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1. As per the JEE Advanced 2026 exam guidelines, students were allowed inside the exam centre for Paper 1 until 8:30 PM.
- Overall Difficulty Level: As per the Matrix Academy’s JEE Advanced 2026 question paper analysis, the overall difficulty level was moderate to difficult. Students who followed a smart strategy on how to attempt the JEE Advanced 2026 paper have a higher probability of scoring higher.
- Good Attempt and Average Attempt of Questions: A good attempt at questions, as per the Matrix JEE Academy, is around 50% of the paper, with an accuracy rate of around 85% of the questions. Students who are expecting to score well reported attempting chemistry first. The average number of good attempts on paper 1 is around 28 to 32 questions out of 48 questions.
The table below shows the overall difficulty of the JEE Advanced 2026 paper at a glance and important topics out of the complete JEE Advanced 2026 syllabus:
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Important Topics |
| Physics | Moderate to Difficult (Lengthy numericals) | Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Current Electricity, Optics, Modern Physics, SHM & Waves, Thermodynamics |
| Chemistry | Easy to Moderate (Organic chemistry dominated) | Organic Chemistry (GOC, Amines, Alcohols), Inorganic (Chemical Bonding, Coordination Compounds), Physical (Equilibrium) |
| Mathematics | Difficult – toughest section (Time-Consuming) | Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors & 3D Geometry |
| Overall Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult | — |
JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 2 Overall Difficulty Analysis
Paper 2 of the JEE Advanced 2026 exam was tougher than Paper 1 based on the feedback and reactions of students and experts. The paper was overall lengthy, conceptually demanding, and calculation-intensive. Physics was the toughest section of Paper 2 of the JEE Advanced 2026, followed by Mathematics. Chemistry was the easiest and most scoring subject. The overall average attempts of Paper 2 were lower compared to Paper 1 due to the greater difficulty of the physics section.
- Overall Difficulty Level: As per the Matrix Academy’s JEE Advanced 2026 question paper analysis, the overall difficulty level was moderate to difficult and tougher than Paper 1. Physics emerged as the most difficult section due to lengthy cross-chapter multi-concept problems. Chemistry remained the easiest section with direct NCERT-based questions. Mathematics was manageable but still lengthy.
- Good Attempt and Average Attempt of Questions: A good attempt at questions, as per the Matrix JEE Academy, is around 27-30 questions out of the total of 54 questions.
Check out the overall difficulty of the JEE Advanced 2026 paper 2 in the table below:
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Important Topics |
| Physics | Most Difficult (lengthy) | Electrodynamics, Modern Physics, Optics, Mechanics, Thermodynamics |
| Chemistry | Easy to Moderate | Organic Chemistry (Named Reactions, Amines), Inorganic (Coordination, Periodic Table), Physical Chemistry |
| Mathematics | Moderate to Difficult | Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Probability, Vectors & 3D |
| Overall Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult (tougher than Paper 1) | — |
JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 Analysis with Subject-Wise Breakdown
The JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 exam was from 9 AM to 12 PM. Students were allowed to enter the exam centre until 8:30 AM. The time duration of the paper is 3 hours. The paper this time had a total of 54 questions in the morning shift. 18 questions each were from physics, chemistry and mathematics. Each section had four sub-sections: 4 MCQs (single correct), 4 match-the-column questions, 4 multiple-select questions, and 4 numerical-answer-type questions. Here is a detailed subject-wise breakdown of Paper 1:
Physics Section Analysis and Topic-Wise Weightage
The physics section was moderate to difficult and time-consuming. Multi-step numerical problems and deep conceptual questions made the physics section difficult. Students reported that even familiar topics required deeper thinking, and the section tested conceptual understanding rather than direct formula application. Physics was the second-toughest section in Paper 1 after mathematics.
Key Highlights:
- The difficulty level of the physics section was Moderate to Difficult (lengthy).
- Most of the questions were multi-concept and required deep conceptual depth.
- The highest-weightage topics are electrodynamics and mechanics.
- Students’ reactions to the physics section of JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 were lengthy and demanded precision over speed.
| Topic | Weightage | Nature of Questions |
| Mechanics | High | Multi-concept, numerical |
| Electrodynamics | High | Formula-intensive, multi-step |
| Optics | Moderate | Conceptual + numerical |
| Modern Physics | Moderate | Direct + application |
| Thermodynamics | Low to Moderate | Conceptual |
| SHM & Waves | Low to Moderate | Numerical |
Chemistry Section Analysis and Topic-Wise Weightage
The chemistry section in Paper 1 was easy to moderate and was the most scoring section. Though the section was not fully balanced, organic chemistry carried disproportionately higher weightage compared to inorganic and physical chemistry. Students who have developed strong NCERT concepts would find the chemistry section manageable. The high-weightage topics were Chemical Bonding and Coordination Compounds, Equilibrium and Electrochemistry.
Key Highlights:
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Good Score Range: 90-115
- Good Attempts: 10-12 questions
The chemistry section of the JEE Advanced 2026 topic-wise weightage of chemistry is in the table below.
| Topic | Weightage | Important Sub-Topics |
| Organic Chemistry | High | GOC, Amines, Alcohols, Named Reactions, Reaction Mechanisms |
| Inorganic Chemistry | High | Chemical Bonding, Coordination Compounds, Periodic Table |
| Physical Chemistry | Moderate | Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Thermodynamics |
Mathematics Section Analysis (Topic-Wise Weightage)
The mathematics section in Paper 1 was the toughest section, as per the student feedback and reactions. Most questions were from functions and indefinite integrals and were particularly difficult. Application of integrals and the application of derivatives were also challenging. Calculations in the mathematics section were lengthy and time-intensive. The topics that dominated the maths section are coordinate geometry, calculus and algebra. Students who are good at time management will score better in this section.
Key Highlights:
- Difficulty Level: Difficult (Time-consuming, and mathematics was the toughest section of Paper 1).
- Toughest Topics: The functions questions, indefinite integrals and application of derivatives were very difficult.
- Tricky Questions: Matrices, Ellipses, Vectors, Probability, Harmonic Progressions, and Trigonometric Equations.
- Good Score Range: 25-35
- Good Attempts: 9 – 11 questions
The table below has been updated based on the questions in JEE Advanced 2026, Paper 1.
| Topic | Weightage | Nature of Questions |
| Calculus | High | Integration, Differential Equations |
| Algebra | High | Matrices, Complex Numbers, Sequences |
| Coordinate Geometry | Moderate | Conics, Straight Lines |
| Vectors & 3D Geometry | Moderate | Application-based |
| Probability | Low to Moderate | Conceptual + calculation |
JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 2 Analysis with Subject-Wise Breakdown
The JEE Advanced 2026 paper 2 exam was held from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Students were allowed to enter the exam centre till 1 PM, and the time duration of the paper was 3 hours. JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 2 also had 54 questions, where each section, physics, chemistry and mathematics, had 18 questions. In Paper 2, paragraph or comprehension-based questions along with integer-type questions were introduced. But in Paper 2, the integer-type questions had negative marking of -1, unlike Paper 1. Students who have excelled in time management and solved advanced-level questions during preparation will find the paper to be doable. Here is a detailed subject-wise breakdown of the Paper 2 exam.
| Parameter | Analysis |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
| Question Types | 54 questions – Similar to Paper 1 (MCQ, Integer, Match and paragraph-based) |
| Toughest Section | Physics |
| Paper Length | Moderate and lengthy |
| Time Pressure | Balanced |
| Concept Level | Conceptual with some direct questions |
| Overall Attempt Strategy | Balanced attempt with better time management |
Physics Section Analysis and Topic-Wise Weightage
The Physics section in Paper 2 proved to be the toughest section and most time-consuming section. The complexity was due to unfamiliar concepts and how multiple chapters were integrated into single problems. Several questions required cross-topic understanding, like blending mechanics with modern physics or optics with thermodynamics. Students stated that they had to read the questions multiple times to get a good grasp of them. The physics section of JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 2 tested great analytical skills and the ability to apply fundamental principles under time pressure.
Key Highlights:
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult.
- Good Score Range: 28-30.
- Good Attempts: 10-12 questions.
- Key topics: Electromagnetism, Mechanics, Modern Physics, Optics
Check the table below for topic-wise weightage of the physics section of JEE Advanced paper 2.
| Topic | Weightage | Nature of Questions |
| Electrodynamics & Current Electricity | High | Conceptual + numerical |
| Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer | High | Direct + application |
| Modern Physics | Moderate | Direct and application-based questions – some were linked with mechanics |
| Optics, Kinematics & Laws of Motion | Moderate | Multi-concept and integrated questions. |
| Wave Optics | Moderate | Formula-based – linked with Thermodynamics in some questions |
Chemistry Section Analysis and Topic-Wise Weightage
The Chemistry section in Paper 2 was the easiest section among the three sections. The chemistry questions in Paper 2 were direct and concept-based. The chemistry section featured mechanisms and reaction-based questions, which required recall and understanding. Physical chemistry questions were formula-driven and mostly straightforward, whereas inorganic chemistry leaned more on memory-based facts.
Key Highlights:
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Calculation Load: Low to Moderate
- Good Attempts: 12–13 questions
- Average Attempt (Good Score): 32-40 marks
| Topic | Weightage | Key Sub-Topics |
| Organic Chemistry | High | Named Reactions, Amines, Conversion Reactions |
| Inorganic Chemistry | High | Coordination Compounds and Periodic Properties |
| Physical Chemistry | Moderate | Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Chemical Equilibrium |
Mathematics Section Analysis and Topic-Wise Weightage
The Mathematics section in Paper 2 was moderate to difficult. Many students mentioned that a few questions were direct and solvable with standard formulas. But the majority of questions required multi-step reasoning, requiring strong algebraic knowledge. Topics like coordinate geometry, calculus, and algebra dominated the section in Paper 2. The mathematics section of Paper 1 was more manageable than Paper 2.
Key Highlights:
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Calculation Load: High
- Good Attempts: 10-11 questions
- Good Score: 25-30 marks
| Topic | Weightage | Nature of Questions |
| Calculus – Integration, Limits, Differential Equations | High | Lengthy and multi-step problems |
| Algebra – Complex Numbers, Matrices, Binomial Theorem, Probability & Combinations | High | Tricky calculation-based |
| Coordinate Geometry – Conics, Circles & Parabolas | Moderate | Application-based |
| Vectors & 3D Geometry | Moderate | Application-based |
| Functions & Limits | Moderate | Concept + calculation-based |
JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 vs Paper 2 with Comparative Analysis
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the JEE Advanced exam follow different difficulty levels and approaches to the paper pattern. Paper 2 was tougher than Paper 1 according to a large number of students. Academic experts described Paper 2 as lengthier and more conceptually demanding. Both papers cover the same three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Paper 2 introduced paragraph-based questions this year. The table below shows a complete comparison of both papers based on actual students’ feedback and expert analysis:
| Parameter | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Timing | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Number of Questions | 54 (18 per subject) | 54 (18 per subject) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult (tougher than Paper 1) |
| Toughest Subject | Mathematics | Physics |
| Easiest Subject | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Scoring Potential | Moderate | Moderate |
| Time Pressure | High | Very high – physics was extremely lengthy |
| Special Question Type | Match the column and integer-type questions | Paragraph/Comprehension Questions |
| Ideal Strategy | Attempt Chemistry first, then Physics | Attempt Chemistry → Physics → Maths |
JEE Advanced 2026 Safe Score
In the JEE Advanced 2026 exam, 2,50,000 students are competing for approximately 18,000 IIT seats. Matrix JEE experts have done past-year trend analysis along with this year’s paper so that students get an idea about the safe score to expect in JEE Advanced 2026. The safe score for JEE Advanced 2026 is the minimum marks a student needs to secure a rank within the top 10,000 and increase their chance of getting an IIT seat in their desired specialisation. The figures below are the safe scores based on the category.
| Category | Expected Safe Score (Out of 360) | Expected Safe Score (%) |
| General (CRL) | 125-145 | 35–40% |
| OBC-NCL | 110–125 | 31–35% |
| SC | 65–80 | 18–22% |
| ST | 55–70 | 15–19% |
| PwD | 55–70 | 15–19% |
JEE Advanced 2026 Question Paper PDFs
The JEE Advanced 2026 question papers for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are available in the table below. Once our Matrix JEE faculty team receives all the questions, we will upload the PDFs here soon.
| Paper | Subject | Question Paper PDFs |
| Paper 1 | Physics | JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 Physics Question Paper PDFs |
| Chemistry | JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 Chemistry Question Paper PDFs | |
| Mathematics | JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 Mathematics Question Paper PDFs | |
| Paper 2 | Physics | JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 2 Physics Question Paper PDFs |
| Chemistry | JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 2 Chemistry Question Paper PDFs | |
| Mathematics | JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 2 Mathematics Question Paper PDFs |
JEE Advanced 2026 Student Feedback & Reactions
Paper 1 JEE Advanced 2026 reactions: Students found the overall level of Paper 1 to be moderate and difficult. The paper was not definitely easy. Mathematics was a very tough level section of the paper. Function questions were very difficult, and indefinite integrals were lengthy. Physics had several lengthy questions, especially the numerical questions. The overall paper was said to be mentally exhausting.
JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 2 reactions: Paper 2 was considered tougher than Paper 1 by the majority of the students. The physics section was widely rated as the most difficult. The mathematics section was easier than Paper 1. Overall, Paper 2 was equally mentally exhausting.
JEE Advanced 2026 JEE Advanced Cutoff (Expected)
Approximately 1.5% out of 2,50,000 students will clear the cut off and get a chance at an IIT admission seat during JoSAA counselling. The JEE Advanced 2026 cutoff is the minimum marks a candidate is required to score to be eligible for IIT admission. The official JEE Advanced 2026 cutoff will be released by IIT Roorkee and JoSAA counselling after the exam concludes. But based on analysis of JEE Advanced 2024 and 2025 cutoff trends and the expected difficulty of the 2026 paper, the following are the projected cutoff ranges.
| Category | Expected Aggregate Cutoff (out of 360) | Expected Per-Subject Cutoff (out of 120) |
| General (CRL) | 88–102 | 10–12 |
| OBC-NCL | 79–92 | 9–11 |
| SC | 44–54 | 5–6 |
| ST | 44–54 | 5–6 |
| PwD (General) | 44–54 | 5–6 |
JEE Advanced 2026 Marks and Rank Comparison (Expected)
The JEE Advanced 2026 expected marks vs rank figures are in the table below. This information will help students get a clear idea of the rank to expect for a given score. Since Paper 1 was harder than Paper 2, and also harder than the 2025 JEE Advanced paper, ranking may be more favourable for the same score compared to last year. The data mentioned is based on historical trends, and the official marks vs rank data will be updated after JEE Advanced result 2026, which is to be released on June 1, 2026.
| Marks Range (out of 360) | Expected Rank Range (CRL) |
| 300+ | Top 100 |
| 260–300 | 100–500 |
| 220–260 | 500–1,500 |
| 180–220 | 1,500–4,000 |
| 150–180 | 4,000–8,000 |
| 120–150 | 8,000–15,000 |
| 90–120 | 15,000–25,000 |
JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Schedule
Here is an overview of the exam schedule. The total number of questions in the JEE Advanced 2026 exam, combining both papers, is to be announced. And the total marks are 360. The JEE Advanced 2026 exam will be conducted in both Hindi and English medium. The table below shows the complete JEE Advanced 2026 exam schedule with timings:
| Parameter | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Exam Date | May 17, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
| Exam Timing | 9:00 AM to 12 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Total number of Questions | 48 | 54 |
| Total Marks | 180 | 180 |
| Sections | Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry | Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry |
| Question Types | MCQs (Single Correct) MCQs (Multiple Correct) Integer-type questions Match the columns. | MCQs Single Correct MCQs: Multiple Correct Integer-type questions Match the column. Paragraph questions |
| Negative marking | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
Both papers of JEE Advanced 2026 were successfully conducted by IIT Roorkee on May 17, 2026. The overall difficulty of the paper was moderate to difficult, with Paper 2 being tougher than Paper 1. In JEE Advanced Paper 1, the mathematics section was the toughest. In paper 2, physics was the toughest section. Chemistry was the easiest section in both papers. The overall difficulty of the JEE Advanced 2026 paper is expected to be moderate to difficult. The overall cutoff is expected to remain stable compared to 2025 and can be slightly lower as well. Students who focused on conceptual understanding, practised previous-year papers and maintained speed and accuracy in mock tests will perform well.
FAQs
The JEE Advanced 2026 answer key is expected to be released on May 25, 2026, based on the JEE Advanced 2026 information brochure released by IIT Roorkee. First, the candidate response sheet will be released and then the provisional answer key. The final answer key will officially be released on June 01, 2026.
The cutoff for JEE Advanced 2026 is expected to remain similar to recent years, with slight variation depending on paper difficulty. The expected cutoff for the general category is 85–95 marks. The exact cutoff details will be available after the result declaration.
The difficulty level of JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 was moderate to difficult, with a lengthy and calculation-heavy approach, especially in mathematics.
The overall difficulty of JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 2 is moderate and relatively balanced but tougher than Paper 1. Physics was the most difficult section in Paper 2.
Mathematics was the toughest subject in Paper 1, with very difficult functions and indefinite integral questions. Physics was the toughest subject in Paper 2, with complex questions and multi-conceptual. Chemistry was the easiest section in both papers.
Paper 1 included single-correct MCQs (+3/−1), multiple-correct MSQs (partial marking), match-the-column questions (+4/−1), and numerical-answer type questions (+4, no negative marking). Paper 2 included single-correct MCQs, multiple-correct MSQs, paragraph/comprehension-based MCQs, and integer-type questions (+4/−1). The total number of questions was 54 per paper (108 overall), 18 per subject per paper.
No. JEE Advanced 2026 Paper 1 was harder than JEE Advanced 2025, with Mathematics seeing the sharpest rise in difficulty. Paper 2 was similar in difficulty to the previous year. Overall, the 2026 exam was slightly harder than 2025. Due to this increased difficulty, the overall cutoff is expected to remain stable or dip slightly compared to last year.
