Assertion-Reason (A-R) questions are a specific format used in subjects like Physics and Chemistry. These questions follow a simple format where you are presented with two statements - an assertion which is a claim about a concept and a reason which acts as the justification of the claim. Your task is to evaluate both the statements independently, after which a relationship is established between them. These types of questions were previously witnessed in competitive exams like JEE as they test more than just memorisation. As observed in the past patterns, both JEE Main and JEE Advanced used A–R questions, which led many students to feel that they were an integral part of their conceptual understanding. Even though JEE Main has not used this format for the last few years, JEE Advanced is still likely to bring them back anytime, depending on the exam pattern decided by the conducting IIT. With JEE 2026 approaching, many aspirants are wondering whether Assertion–Reason questions might reappear on the question paper. This article breaks down the trends, possibilities, and important things students should keep in mind.
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The Shift from Assertion–Reason Questions in JEE Main 2026
Over the years, JEE Main has decreased the number of Assertion–Reason questions asked in the exam due to their inherent ambiguity. Assertion-reason questions have largely disappeared from JEE Mains as they seemed difficult to evaluate correctly. As a result, the exam became more straightforward, confusion reduced, and uniformity in question types across all shifts was maintained. Since then, students have not seen A–R–based questions in recent JEE Main papers.
What JEE Main currently prioritises is clarity and scoring predictability, with the exam pattern consisting of Single Choice Correct Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value-based Questions. Putting more emphasis on accuracy, the aim is now at NCERT-level conceptual understanding and application-based questions rather than complex reasoning-based formats.
Looking at the past exams and patterns, JEE Main 2026 is unlikely to bring back Assertion–Reason questions. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been consistent with the pattern for several years, and any major change is usually announced well in advance.
However, you still need to ensure that you practice these questions. Practicing Assertion–Reason questions on a regular basis will enhance your conceptual thinking, which can be fruitful for both the exams, especially JEE Advanced.
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The Likelihood of Assertion–Reason Questions in JEE Advanced 2026
It is evidently seen that JEE Advanced follows an unpredictable and ever-evolving paper pattern, which is not seen in JEE Main. The conducting IIT, which changes every year, has the authority to change question types, marking schemes, and structure based on what it wants to test.
JEE Advanced highly concentrates on problem-solving depth, reasoning skills, and multi-conceptual thinking, which is why, Assertion–Reason questions have always fulfilled the exam’s objectives.
Despite A–R questions not being a part of every year's paper, they have appeared in the older formats known as the IIT-JEE. These questions were asked in the 2009 JEE Advanced exam. With increasing emphasis on conceptual understanding over rote learning, there is a real possibility that Assertion–Reason questions may make a comeback in JEE Advanced 2026.
While appearing for JEE Advanced, it is essential for you to be mentally and academically prepared for this possibility, even if the exact pattern is not confirmed. Staying ready will help avoid surprises on exam day.
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Key Points to Remember for IIT JEE 2026
1. Unpredictability of Assertion–Reason Questions Due to Changing Pattern
One of the biggest challenges of JEE Advanced that you need to overcome is that the pattern changes every few years. You may see matrix-match in one year, while numerical-only sections or mixed-format problems in another. This flexible structure is an indication that Assertion–Reason questions can return at any time. They might appear in full format, partial format, or integrated inside multi-statement reasoning questions. So, it is better that you follow a balanced preparation strategy than to completely depend on prediction.
2. Conceptual Depth of Assertion–Reason Questions
A–R questions are not just for testing your memory. They check if you have the logical ability to connect two related pieces of information correctly.
These questions train the mind to figure out misconceptions, weak links, and surface-level understanding.
3. Official Notification by NTA / Conducting IIT
When it comes to changes in exam pattern, it is advised that you only trust official notifications.
JEE Main patterns are announced by NTA.
JEE Advanced pattern is released by the conducting IIT for that year.
As of now, no official announcement suggests that Assertion–Reason questions will return for JEE Main 2026. However, since JEE Advanced patterns vary every year, you should read the brochure carefully when it is released. The brochure usually gives a clear section-by-section breakdown of question types.
On a final note, it can be said that while JEE Main 2026 is unlikely to include A–R questions, JEE Advanced remains flexible and could bring them back, depending on the conducting institute’s approach for the year.
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FAQs
Official updates for JEE Main are released exclusively on the NTA website and the detailed Information Bulletin published before each session. Students should avoid relying on rumours or predictions from unofficial sources. For JEE Advanced, updates are released by the conducting IIT on the official JEE Advanced website, including the exact pattern, marking scheme, and question types. It’s important to read the brochures carefully every year since Advanced patterns change frequently. Following only official notifications ensures that students prepare with clarity and avoid misinformation.
JEE Main removed Assertion–Reason questions to keep the exam more uniform, easy to manage across multiple shifts, and straightforward for students. A–R questions require deeper reasoning and often create confusion over interpretation, which can lead to variability in difficulty levels between shifts. By sticking to MCQs and numerical-value questions, NTA maintains better consistency and fairness. However, removing A–R questions does not mean the exam became easier—it simply shifted towards application-based questions that still require conceptual understanding.
The best way to prepare for A–R questions is by understanding concepts rather than memorising formulas. Start by revising NCERT thoroughly for Chemistry and Physics, as many A–R questions are rooted in conceptual clarity. Then practise A–R type questions from past Advanced papers and concept-based question banks. While solving, focus on verifying whether the assertion is factually correct and whether the reason correctly explains it. This practice trains you to identify logical errors and strengthens your ability to evaluate statements critically—an important skill for all JEE exams.
Yes, very much. JEE Advanced is known for changing its pattern frequently, and the conducting IIT has the freedom to introduce or remove question types. Assertion–Reason questions match the nature of Advanced, where multi-layered reasoning and conceptual linkage are heavily tested. Even if A–R questions are not guaranteed to appear, preparing for them strengthens your analytical thinking and your ability to identify relationships between concepts. This skill is useful across all question types, especially in multi-statement, comprehension-based, and paragraph-based formats used often in Advanced.
As of now, there is no official announcement from NTA suggesting that Assertion–Reason questions will return in JEE Main 2026. The pattern for the last several years has remained stable, focusing on MCQs and numerical-value questions. Since JEE Main aims for uniformity, predictability, and NCERT-level testing, the chances of A–R questions making a comeback are low. However, students should still build strong conceptual clarity because even without A–R questions, the exam tests understanding rather than rote memorisation. Keeping an eye on official notifications is important to stay updated on any last-minute pattern changes.
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