JEE Advanced Reservation 2026 policy primarily determines eligibility for IIT admissions by shortlisting the top 2,50,000 successful candidates from JEE Main B.E./B.Tech. paper. This framework ensures equitable access through specific quotas, including 10% for GEN-EWS, 27% for OBC-NCL, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, and a 5% horizontal reservation for PwD candidates, applied during JoSAA counselling.
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JEE Advanced 2026 Category-Wise Reservation Percentages for IIT Admissions
For JEE Advanced 2026, the top 2,50,000 successful candidates from JEE (Main) B.E./B.Tech. paper will be shortlisted. This distribution reflects the JEE Advanced Reservation 2026 policies, including specific percentages for various categories, as detailed below for IIT admissions.
| Category | Number of Candidates | Total for Main Category (including PwD) |
|---|---|---|
| OPEN | 96,187 | 101,250 |
| OPEN-PwD | 5,063 | |
| GEN-EWS | 23,750 | 25,000 |
| GEN-EWS-PwD | 1,250 | |
| OBC-NCL | 64,125 | 67,500 |
| OBC-NCL-PwD | 3,375 | |
| SC | 35,625 | 37,500 |
| SC-PwD | 1,875 | |
| ST | 17,812 | 18,750 |
| ST-PwD | 938 |
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Advanced 2026 Reserved Category Candidates
Eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026 is primarily determined by securing a spot among the top 2,50,000 successful candidates in JEE Main. This section outlines the specific JEE Advanced Reservation 2026 criteria, detailing the category-wise distribution of these eligible candidates.
| Sl No. | Category | Number of "Top" candidates | Total per Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OPEN | 96187 | 101250 |
| 2 | OPEN-PwD | 5063 | |
| 3 | GEN-EWS | 23750 | 25000 |
| 4 | GEN-EWS-PwD | 1250 | |
| 5 | OBC-NCL | 64125 | 67500 |
| 6 | OBC-NCL-PwD | 3375 | |
| 7 | SC | 35625 | 37500 |
| 8 | SC-PwD | 1875 | |
| 9 | ST | 17812 | 18750 |
| 10 | ST-PwD | 938 |
This table clearly illustrates the detailed category-wise distribution of the top 2,50,000 candidates, including the horizontal reservation for PwD candidates within each group, which is fundamental to understanding JEE Advanced Reservation 2026.
General-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD Quotas in JEE Advanced 2026
The JEE Advanced Reservation 2026 framework allocates specific quotas across various categories, impacting the selection of top candidates. This section details the distribution of the top 2,50,000 candidates based on JEE Main performance, illustrating the order and numbers for OPEN, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PwD categories.
| Order | Category | Number of 'Top' Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OPEN | 96,187 |
| 2 | OPEN-PwD | 5,063 |
| 3 | GEN-EWS | 23,750 |
| 4 | GEN-EWS-PwD | 1,250 |
| 5 | OBC-NCL | 64,125 |
| 6 | OBC-NCL-PwD | 3,375 |
| 7 | SC | 35,625 |
| 8 | SC-PwD | 1,875 |
| 9 | ST | 17,812 |
| 10 | ST-PwD | 938 |
This table illustrates the structured selection order for the top 2,50,000 JEE Main performers, highlighting the specific allocation of candidates across various reserved and unreserved categories, including PwD sub-categories.
How JEE Advanced 2026 Reservation is Applied During JoSAA Counselling
JEE Advanced reservation criteria 2026 are applied exclusively during the admission and JoSAA counselling 2026 phases, not during the application process. Understanding these rules is crucial for candidates seeking admission to IITs, NITs, and other institutes through JoSAA.
- Reservation applicability: JEE Advanced reservation applies during admission and JoSAA counselling.
- Category declaration: JEE (Main) 2026 category cannot change during JEE (Advanced) 2026 registration.
- EWS certificate: Must be issued on or after April 1, 2026.
- OBC-NCL certificate: Must be issued on or after April 1, 2026.
- Pending certificate: Upload a declaration from the JEE (Advanced) 2026 website.
- Seat allocation parameters: AIR, category, seat availability, and choice preferences allocate seats.
Beyond the initial declaration, specific provisions exist for category changes and special seat allocations. The JoSAA counselling process itself involves several key steps, each with distinct requirements.
- Step 1: Registration and Choice-Filling for college/course selection.
- Step 2: Seat Allocation, offering a college or course.
- Step 3: Verification, involving online seat acceptance.
- Step 4: Online Reporting, sending paperwork to the designated organization.
- Step 5: Fee Payment, completing the admissions process.
- Seat acceptance options: Choose Freeze, Float, or Slide, then pay the Seat Acceptance Fee.
Candidates may request category changes under specific conditions. If declared GEN-EWS or OBC-NCL during JEE (Main) 2026 registration but not belonging to that category, a change to GEN can be requested during JoSAA 2026 registration, provided their JEE (Main) 2026 score exceeds the General Cut-Off.
Special provisions for JEE Advanced Reservation 2026 include supernumerary seats. Female candidates receive 20% supernumerary category seats, allocated according to JoSAA 2026 business rules. Foreign nationals are allotted supernumerary seats, limited to 10% of total intake, and are not subject to caste-based reservation.
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 5% |
This table outlines the category-wise reservation percentages applied during JEE Advanced 2026 admissions, ensuring equitable representation across various groups.
| Category | Required Document | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| SC | Caste Certificate | District Magistrate |
| ST | Tribe Certificate | District Magistrate |
| OBC-NCL | OBC-NCL Certificate (Post April 1, 2025) | District Magistrate / Revenue Officer |
| EWS | Income & Asset Certificate | Revenue Officer |
| PwD | Disability Certificate (≥40% disability) | Medical Board (Central/State Govt.) |
To claim JEE Advanced 2026 reservation benefits, candidates must provide specific documents issued by the designated authorities, as detailed above.
JEE Advanced Reservation Policy 2026: Detailed Overview
The JEE Advanced Reservation 2026 policy outlines specific percentages for various categories, ensuring equitable opportunities. This section details the reservation criteria for different groups, providing a clear overview of the vertical reservations for the upcoming examination.
| Categories | Reservation of Seats |
|---|---|
| General – EWS | 10% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
This table illustrates the primary vertical reservation percentages for JEE Advanced 2026, showing the allocation of seats across General – EWS, Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Tribe, and Scheduled Caste categories.
Top 2,50,000 JEE Main 2026 Candidates: Category-Wise Distribution
A total of 2,50,000 candidates will be shortlisted for JEE Advanced 2026 from JEE Main, covering all categories. This section details the category-wise distribution of these top candidates, including the specific JEE Advanced Reservation 2026 policies applied for various groups.
| Sl. No. | Category | Seats (without PwD) | Total (with PwD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OPEN (General) | 96,187 | 1,01,250 |
| 2 | OPEN-PwD | 5,063 | — |
| 3 | GEN-EWS | 23,750 | 25,000 |
| 4 | GEN-EWS-PwD | 1,250 | — |
| 5 | OBC-NCL | 64,125 | 67,500 |
| 6 | OBC-NCL-PwD | 3,375 | — |
| 7 | SC | 35,625 | 37,500 |
| 8 | SC-PwD | 1,875 | — |
| 9 | ST | 17,812 | 18,750 |
| 10 | ST-PwD | 938 | — |
This detailed table showcases the allocation of the 2.5 lakh seats across different categories, reflecting the vertical and horizontal JEE Advanced Reservation 2026 provisions, including the 5% PwD reservation within each category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which caste has the highest reservation in IIT?
Other Backward Classes (OBCs) have the highest reservation in IITs at 27%, a policy upheld by the Supreme Court on 10 April 2008.
What is the JEE Advanced Reservation Criteria for OBC candidates?
OBC candidates belonging to the non-creamy layer are entitled to 27% seats reserved in JEE Advanced 2026.
What is the JEE Advanced Reservation Criteria 2026?
For JEE Advanced 2026, the top 2,50,000 JEE Main qualifiers are eligible. Reservations include 10% GEN-EWS, 27% OBC-NCL, 15% SC, 7.5% ST, and 40.5% OPEN, with 5% horizontal reservation.
What is JEE Advanced Reservation 2026?
JEE Advanced Reservation 2026 is a policy for IIT admissions, reserving 27% seats for OBC non-creamy layer, and providing benefits for SC/ST, PwD (40% impairment), and EWS candidates.
What are the eligibility requirements for JEE Advanced Reservation 2026?
To be eligible for JEE Advanced Reservation 2026, candidates must qualify JEE Main 2026 (Paper 1) and be among the top 2,50,000 candidates. OCI/PIO (I) candidates are not eligible for any reservation benefits.
How do I apply for JEE Advanced Reservation 2026?
Your JEE Advanced 2026 reservation is based on your declared category and performance in JEE Main. Selection considers the top 2,50,000 candidates via category-wise allocation.
