The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has officially commenced the registration process for the Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) 2026. This announcement serves as the final gateway for aspirants seeking admission into the prestigious 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). As the primary conducting authority this year, IIT Roorkee has activated the application portal on the official website, marking a critical milestone for the top 2.5 lakh qualifiers of the JEE Main 2026 examination.
Securing a seat in an IIT requires not only academic excellence but also meticulous adherence to administrative deadlines. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the official schedule, eligibility requirements, and the step-by-step registration procedure to ensure a smooth application experience.
Official Examination Schedule for JEE Advanced 2026
The Joint Admission Board (JAB) has released a strictly defined timeline for all exam-related activities. Candidates must complete their registration within the designated window, as no extensions are typically granted for this high-stakes national entrance test.
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Event | Official Date |
| Registration Start Date | April 23, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Closing Date | May 2, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | May 4, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Admit Card Download Window | May 11 to May 17, 2026 |
| JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Date | May 17, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Response Sheet Release | May 21, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | May 25, 2026 |
| Declaration of Results & Final Key | June 1, 2026 |
The examination itself is conducted in two mandatory sessions. Paper 1 is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by Paper 2 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Appearance in both papers is compulsory for the generation of a rank.
Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria
To register for JEE Advanced 2026, candidates must satisfy five specific criteria simultaneously. Failure to meet even one of these parameters will result in the disqualification of the application.
1. Performance in JEE Main 2026
Candidates must be among the top 2,50,000 successful candidates in Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) of JEE Main 2026. This pool is divided across categories:
- OPEN (Unreserved): 1,01,250
- GEN-EWS: 25,000
- OBC-NCL: 67,500
- SC: 37,500
- ST: 18,750
(Note: 5% horizontal reservation is applied for PwD candidates within each category.)
2. Age Limit
Candidates should have been born on or after October 1, 2001. A five-year relaxation is provided to SC, ST, and PwD candidates, meaning those born on or after October 1, 1996, are eligible.
3. Number of Attempts
A candidate can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years. Therefore, students who appeared for the first time in 2025 or are appearing for the first time in 2026 are eligible.
4. Appearance in Class 12 (or Equivalent)
Candidates must have appeared for the Class 12 examination for the first time in either 2025 or 2026. If a board declared results for the 2023-24 session on or after June 18, 2024, those candidates are also eligible to appear this year.
5. Earlier Admission to IITs
Candidates who have previously been admitted to an IIT (regardless of whether they continued the program) are not eligible. However, those who were admitted to a preparatory course in 2025 or those who withdrew from their seat before the last round of JoSAA 2025 are permitted to apply.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
The registration process is entirely online and can be completed via the official portal at jeeadv.ac.in. Candidates are advised to use a desktop or laptop with a stable internet connection.
- Login: Access the registration portal using the JEE Main 2026 Application Number and Password.
- Verify Details: Basic information (name, DOB, category) will be pulled from the JEE Main database. Candidates must verify these details carefully.
- Additional Information: Provide additional details such as the choice of examination cities (usually eight preferences are required), the language of the question paper (English or Hindi), and the number of previous attempts.
- Document Upload: Scanned copies of necessary documents must be uploaded in the prescribed format (usually PDF or JPEG).
- Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable registration fee through the integrated payment gateway using Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card.
- Confirmation: Download and print the "Confirmation Page." This is a vital document for future reference during the counselling process.
Registration Fee Structure
| Category | Fee Amount |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | ₹1,600 |
| SC, ST, and PwD Candidates | ₹1,600 |
| All Other Candidates (General/OBC-NCL) | ₹3,200 |
Required Documentation for Upload
Having digital copies of documents ready beforehand prevents session timeouts during the registration process. The following documents are mandatory:
- Class 10 Certificate: Used as proof of date of birth.
- Class 12 Mark Sheet: Required for those who passed in 2025. Students appearing in 2026 do not need to upload this yet if the result is awaited.
- Category Certificate: Valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/GEN-EWS certificates issued on or after April 1, 2026 (for OBC and EWS).
- PwD Certificate: For candidates seeking benefits under the Persons with Disabilities category.
- Scribe Request Letter: If applicable, for PwD candidates who require assistance.
Essential Preparation Tips for the Registration Window
While the technical aspect of registration is straightforward, small errors can lead to the rejection of the candidature.
- Check Eligibility Marks: For IIT admission, candidates must secure at least 75% aggregate marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST/PwD) or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
- Photo and Signature Clarity: Ensure the scanned photograph and signature meet the specific pixel and file size requirements mentioned in the brochure. Blurred images can lead to the withholding of admit cards.
- Avoid Last-Minute Rush: The server often experiences high traffic in the final 24 hours of the registration window. Aim to complete the process by April 30 to avoid technical glitches.
Final Words
The release of the JEE Advanced 2026 registration dates marks the beginning of the final lap for engineering aspirants in India. With IIT Roorkee spearheading the examination, students can expect a high standard of academic testing and a streamlined administrative process.
By adhering to the deadline of May 2, 2026, and ensuring all eligibility criteria are met, candidates can focus their remaining energy on the rigorous preparation required for the exam on May 17. Aspirants are encouraged to visit the official website frequently for any real-time updates or circulars issued by the Joint Admission Board.








