How Many Attempts for JEE Advanced?

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced is the final and most critical stage for admission into the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Every year, lakhs of students qualify JEE Main, but only a limited number are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. One of the most common and decisive questions among aspirants is how many attempts for JEE Advanced are allowed.

This article explains the official attempt limit, eligibility rules, drop year conditions, category-wise clarity, relationship with JEE Main attempts, and recent policy updates, strictly based on authoritative sources.

What Is JEE Advanced and Why Attempt Limits Matter

Under the guidance of the Joint Admission Board (JAB), JEE Advanced is conducted by an IIT on a rotational basis. It is designed to test deep conceptual understanding, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills required for IIT-level engineering education.

Attempt limits are imposed to maintain academic fairness, ensure timely progression from school to higher education, and prevent indefinite repetition of the exam. Understanding these limits is essential for proper academic planning, especially for Class 12 students and droppers.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for JEE Advanced?

As per the official eligibility criteria issued by the Joint Admission Board:

A candidate is allowed to attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years.

This means:

• JEE Advanced cannot be attempted more than twice.

• Both attempts must fall in consecutive academic years.

• Skipping a year breaks eligibility for further attempts.

An attempt is counted only when a candidate actually appears in the examination. Merely registering without appearing does not count as an attempt.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for JEE Advanced After Class 12?

A student becomes eligible for JEE Advanced after appearing in the Class 12 (or equivalent) board examination for the first time.

• The first attempt can be made in the same year as Class 12 board appearance, provided JEE Main qualification criteria are met.

• The second and final attempt can be made in the immediately following year.

No further attempts are allowed beyond this window, regardless of performance or category.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for JEE Advanced in One Year?

JEE Advanced is conducted only once per year.

Unlike JEE Main, which has multiple sessions in a year, JEE Advanced does not offer multiple chances within the same academic year. Therefore, students get only one opportunity per year, making strategic preparation essential.

JEE Advanced Attempt Limit for Droppers

Students who take a drop year after Class 12 are allowed to appear for JEE Advanced, subject to the attempt limit.

• A one-year drop is permitted.

• A second drop is not allowed, as the exam can only be attempted in two consecutive years after Class 12.

• If a student does not appear in JEE Advanced in the first eligible year, they lose one of their two chances permanently.

This rule applies uniformly to all candidates.

Category-Wise Rules for JEE Advanced Attempts

General, OBC, and EWS Candidates

Candidates belonging to General, OBC-NCL, and EWS categories are allowed:

• A maximum of two attempts

• Only in two consecutive years

There is no relaxation in the number of attempts for these categories.

SC and ST Candidates

Candidates from SC and ST categories:

• Also have a maximum of two attempts

• Must use both attempts within consecutive years

There is a common misconception that SC/ST candidates get additional attempts. Officially, no category-based relaxation exists for the number of JEE Advanced attempts.

Relationship Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced Attempts

JEE Main and JEE Advanced follow separate attempt rules.

• JEE Main can be attempted multiple times across three consecutive years.

• Candidates must qualify JEE Main to be eligible for JEE Advanced.

• Only the top eligible candidates from JEE Main are allowed to register for JEE Advanced.

Exhausting JEE Main attempts does not automatically grant additional JEE Advanced attempts. Eligibility for JEE Advanced is independent and more restrictive.

Age Limit and Other Eligibility Criteria Linked to Attempts

Apart from attempt limits, candidates must also satisfy the following eligibility conditions:

• Age Limit: Candidates must be born on or after a specified date announced each year. Limited relaxation is provided for SC/ST and PwD candidates.

• Year of Class 12 Examination: The Class 12 board exam must have been appeared for the first time within the permitted year range.

• Previous IIT Admission: Candidates who have previously accepted admission into an IIT are generally not eligible, with specific exceptions defined in official brochures.

• JEE Main Performance: Eligibility for JEE Advanced depends on meeting the prescribed JEE Main rank cutoff.

All conditions must be met simultaneously.

Have There Been Recent Changes in JEE Advanced Attempt Limits?

In certain years, exceptional policy relaxations were announced due to extraordinary circumstances. However, such changes were one-time measures and do not set a permanent precedent.

Students should always rely on:

• The current year’s JEE Advanced Information Brochure

• Official announcements from the conducting IIT

Attempt limits should never be assumed based on previous years without verification.

Common Myths About JEE Advanced Attempt Limits

Many students lose eligibility due to incorrect assumptions. Some common myths include:

• Belief that droppers can attempt JEE Advanced indefinitely

• Assumption that SC/ST candidates get extra attempts

• Confusion between JEE Main sessions and JEE Advanced attempts

Official rules clearly state that JEE Advanced attempts are strictly limited and uniform across categories.

Strategic Planning for Using JEE Advanced Attempts Effectively

Given the limited number of attempts, students must plan carefully:

• Class 12 students should assess readiness before appearing.

• Droppers must use the final attempt only with structured preparation.

• Attempting without adequate preparation can permanently close the IIT pathway.

Academic guidance and mentorship play a critical role in this decision-making phase.

How FindMyGuru Helps Students Plan JEE Advanced Attempts Better

Many students struggle not due to lack of effort, but due to lack of direction. Platforms like FindMyGuru help students make informed academic decisions before using a valuable JEE Advanced attempt.

Through FindMyGuru, students can:

• Connect with experienced https://www.findmyguru.com/jee-advanced-tutors-in-online

•  professionals for targeted preparation

• Evaluate subject-wise readiness before appearing for the exam

• Choose between online and offline learning modes based on individual needs

• Access expert guidance for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics under one platform

Students preparing for other academic or skill-based goals can also https://www.findmyguru.com/ through the platform:
This guidance-focused support helps reduce unnecessary attempt wastage and improves outcome-driven preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many total attempts are allowed for JEE Advanced?
Candidates are permitted a maximum of two attempts in two consecutive years.

Does skipping the first eligible year affect eligibility?
Yes. Skipping the first year permanently reduces available attempts.

Does registering but not appearing count as an attempt?
No. An attempt is counted only if the candidate appears for the examination.

Can JEE Advanced rules change again in the future?
Rules may change only through official notification. Students must rely on the latest brochure.

Reference Links:

• JEE Advanced Official Website: https://jeeadv.ac.in

• NTA JEE Main Official Website: https://jeemain.nta.nic.in