JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 - The National Testing Agency will release the JEE Mains 2026 exam pattern on the website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. Aspirants can check the detailed JEE Main exam pattern on this page. Last year, the authority revised the JEE Mains paper pattern, removing the optional questions in Section B from both Paper 1 and 2. Section B now contains five questions, which are all mandatory. The JEE exam pattern PDF includes details on the marking scheme, exam duration, mode, and question types. The authority conducts JEE Main in two sessions - January and April. The JEE Main 2026 exam will be held for 300 marks.
This Story also Contains
NTA JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 (Paper 1 & 2)
Revised Exam Pattern of JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 (B.Arch & B.Plan)
NTA JEE Mains Paper Pattern 2026: Types of questions
NTA JEE Main 2026 exam pattern: Subject-wise distribution of marks
JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme for BE/BTech & BArch/BPlan
JEE Main 2026 Syllabus
JEE Main 2026 Sample Papers
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 - New Paper Pattern, Total Marks, No. of Questions
The JEE Main exam for B.E/B. Tech will have 75 questions covering Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Each section consists of 25 mandatory questions: 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 5 numerical value questions (NVQs). The JEE exam pattern differs for paper 1 (BE/BTech) and paper 2 (BArch/BPlan). Candidates can check the detailed JEE Main exam pattern 2026 below. Also Read: JEE Main Question Paper | JEE Main Syllabus
NTA JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 (Paper 1 & 2)
Last year, the authority revised the exam pattern of JEE Main 2026 to shift to the pre-pandemic format of the exam. Candidates preparing for the NTA JEE Main January Session must be aware of the JEE Main 2026 paper pattern. The exam pattern outlines key details, including test duration, marking scheme, subjects, total marks and more. The exam will feature 75 questions for 300 marks, with each subject consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 5 numerical value questions (NVQs). Each paper is three hours long.
Candidates must attempt all questions in both sections, and negative marking is applicable in Section A for incorrect answers. In Section B, candidates are required to answer all 5 NVT questions. The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern provides insights into the number of questions, total marks, sections, negative marking, and passing criteria. More detailed information about the JEE Main paper pattern can be found in the table below.
JEE Main 2026: Preparation Tips & Study Plan
Download the JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips PDF to boost your exam strategy. Get expert insights on managing study material, focusing on key topics and high-weightage chapters.
Mathematics: 25 (20+5) 5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.
Physics: 25 (20+5) 5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.
Chemistry: 25 (20+5) 5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.
Total: 75 Questions (25 questions each)
How many marks in JEE Main
300 Marks (100 marks for each section)
JEE Mains negative marking
MCQs: Four marks will be awarded for each correct answer and there will be a negative marking of one mark on each wrong answer.
Questions with numerical value answers: Candidates will be given four marks for each correct answer and there will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
Revised Exam Pattern of JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 (B.Arch & B.Plan)
Students interested in appearing for the B.Arch and B.Planning entrance exam can check the JEE Main revised exam pattern 2026 below. The JEE Main exam pattern changes include the removal of optional questions in section B, i.e., only 5 questions will be available in section B as opposed to the 10 optional questions previously and all will be compulsory. The JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 will be held online mode except for the Drawing section in B.Arch. Check the total questions, total marks, and marking scheme for paper 2. The following tables show the detailed JEE Main exam pattern 2026 for Paper 2.
JEE Main 2026 Revised Exam Pattern Paper 2
Particulars
Details
Mode of Exam
Computer-based examination except for Drawing section in B.Arch (Pen & Paper based mode)
Mathematics: MCQs and questions with numerical value as answers
Aptitude- Multiple- choice questions
Drawing- Drawing aptitude
B.Planning-
Mathematics- MCQs, and questions with numerical value as answers
Aptitude- MCQs (Multiple choice questions)
Planning- MCQs (Multiple choice questions)
JEE Mains total questions
B.Arch: 75+2 (Drawing test) Questions
B.Plan: 100 Questions
Total Marks in JEE Mains 2026 paper 2A
400 Marks
JEE Mains Marking Scheme
MCQs: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each wrong answer.
Questions with numerical value answers: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 for each wrong answer.
Drawing Test: Two questions are evaluated out of 100 marks.
NTA JEE Mains Paper Pattern 2026: Types of questions
As per the IIT JEE exam pattern, each subject has two sections. Section A will be of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Section B will contain questions whose answers are to be filled in as a numerical value. The JEE Main revised exam pattern 2026 states section B will comprise five compulsory questions. There will be no optional questions according to the JEE Main exam pattern change. There will be negative markings for both Section A and Section B. For each question in Section B, a candidate has to enter the correct integer value of the answer using the mouse and the on-screen virtual numeric keypad designated to enter the answer. For Section B, the answer should be rounded off to the nearest integer.
Type of Questions Asked in JEE Mains
Paper
Subject
Types of questions
Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech.
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry
Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Numerical value questions
Paper 2A: B. Arch
Part-1- Mathematics
Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Numerical value questions
Part-II: Aptitude Test
Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Part III: Drawing Test
Questions to test drawing aptitude
Paper 2B: B.Plan
Part-I: Mathematics
Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Numerical value questions
Part-II: Aptitude Test
Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs
Part-III: Planning-Based Questions
Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
NTA JEE Main 2026 exam pattern: Subject-wise distribution of marks
Along with the IIT exam pattern, the authorities have released the complete details about the JEE Mains total marks. It is important that candidates need to be aware of the JEE Main total marks. Candidates can check the details on the subject-wise distribution of marks for JEE Main 2026 BE/BTech paper. The total marks for JEE Main Paper 1 is 300. The JEE Main exam pattern 2026 includes key details such as test duration, marking scheme, subjects, total marks, and other relevant aspects.
Subject-wise Marks Distribution in JEE Mains paper 1
Subjects
Section A
Section B
Marks
Maths
20
5
100
Physics
20
5
100
Chemistry
20
5
100
Total Marks of JEE Mains 2026
75
300
JEE Main BArch Exam Pattern 2026
Subjects
Number of Questions
Marks
Mathematics
25 (20+5*) 5 questions with answers as a numerical value have to be answered.
100
Aptitude
50
200
Drawing Test
2
100
JEE Exam Total Marks & Questions
77 Questions
400 Marks
JEE Main BPlan Exam Pattern 2026
Subjects
Number of Questions
Marks
Mathematics
25 (20+5*) 5 questions with answers as a numerical value have to be answered.
100
Aptitude
50
200
Planning Test
25
100
Total Marks in JEE Mains 2026 BArch & Questions
100 Questions
400 Marks
JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme for BE/BTech & BArch/BPlan
The marking scheme for JEE Mains 2026 paper 1 and paper 2 is similar. JEE Main total mark is 400 for paper 2. The total marks in JEE Mains 2026 paper 1 is 300. Each incorrect answer will lead to a deduction of 1 mark and for each correct response, candidates will get +4 marks.
+4 marks for each correct answer and -1 for each wrong answer.
Drawing Test: Two questions are evaluated out of 100 marks. There is no negative marking in the drawing test.
National Testing Agency will release the JEE Main 2026 syllabus on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. Students appearing for the entrance test must be aware of the JEE Mains paper pattern and syllabus. Knowledge of the JEE Main 2026 syllabus will assist the students in preparing a proper study schedule and the important topics for the JEE entrance exam. Hence, it is a must for aspirants to have details of the syllabus and JEE Mains paper pattern.
Important JEE Main Topics
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Simple Harmonic Motion
Rotational Motion
Thermodynamics
Electrostatics
Magnetism
Optics
Modern Physics
Kinetic energy
Electrochemistry
Coordination compound
Salt analysis
Ionic equilibrium
Thermodynamics & thermochemistry
Aldehydes and ketones
Aromatic hydrocarbons
Alkyl halides and aryl halides
Complex Number
Calculus
Vector & 3 D
Probability
Trigonometric Equation
Properties of Triangles
Quadratic Equation
Sequence and Series
Permutations and combination
JEE Main 2026 Sample Papers
Prepare for JEE Main 2026 with a valuable collection of sample papers. These practice tests are tailored to simulate the real exam experience, helping you hone your skills and boost your confidence. Solve JEE Main Sample Papers to assess your readiness and excel in the upcoming exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is the new exam pattern for JEE Main 2026?
The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern will be released online. Last year, the authority revised the JEE Main exam pattern by removing the optional questions.
2.What is the marking scheme of JEE Mains 2026?
According to the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern, for MCQs, +4 marks for each correct answer is awarded and -1 marks will be deducted for the wrong answer.
3.What is the distribution of sections and questions in JEE Main Paper 2 for B.Arch?
As per the JEE Main exam pattern for B.Arch, there will be three sections- Mathematics (25 questions), Aptitude (50 questions), and Drawing (2 questions). The JEE Main exam pattern changes state that there will be 5 compulsory numerical questions instead of 10 optional questions.
4.What are numerical questions in JEE Main 2026 exam?
As per the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern, numerical questions have a numerical value as an answer and these have to be generally accurate to the point of four decimals. Unlike multiple-choice questions, these answers need to be worked on and calculated by the candidates.
5.Are there any samples of how numerical questions asked in JEE Main 2026?
To get an overall idea of the exam, candidates must refer to the previous year JEE Main question paper, mock tests and sample papers. The Numerical questions have to be calculated by the aspirants and the value has to be entered in the space provided.
6.What will be the number of sections in the JEE Main 2026 exam for Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech)?
There will be three sections in JEE Mains exam for Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech) including Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
7.Why was the optional question format discontinued?
The optional format, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, was discontinued following the WHO's end of the public health emergency on May 5, 2023, reverting to the original exam structure.
8.What is the JEE Main total marks?
The total marks for JEE Main 2026 paper 1 is 300 marks. The JEE Main total marks for paper 2 is 400 marks.
9.How many questions in JEE Mains 2026?
There are 75 questions in paper 1 and 77 questions in paper 2A.
10.Is there negative marking in jee mains 2026?
Yes, there will be negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
11.How many questions are there in JEE Mains?
The JEE Main exam consists of 75 questions in total. These are distributed equally among Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject includes 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 5 numerical value answer questions.
12.Are the optional questions removed from section B for JEE Main 2026?
Yes, the authority removed the optional questions from JEE Main exam last year.
If your caste is recognized as OBC only by the state and not by the Central Government, then you cannot claim the OBC quota in central-level exams like JEE. For JEE (Main or Advanced), only those in the Central OBC list are eligible for the OBC-NCL reservation. In your case, you will be considered under the General category.
Now regarding EWS, if your family's annual income is below 8 lakhs, and you meet the other EWS eligibility criteria like not owning large land or a big house, you can apply under the EWS category even if you belong to a state OBC group. But for that, you must get an EWS certificate issued by the competent authority.
Yeah, with a 54.9 percentile in JEE and being from the SC category, there’s a decent shot at getting into Vignan University, especially if you’re flexible with the branch. They don’t rely only on JEEV-SAT and direct admission routes are open too. You might not get top branches like CSE, but others like Civil or Biotech are likely possible. Just apply early and maybe even reach out to the admissions office they’re usually quite helpful.
With 67 percentile in CET, you can target mid-level Mumbai University colleges like Atharva, Xavier, Vidyalankar, Shah & Anchor, and SFIT. Apply through CAP rounds. JEE score is low, focus on CET for better chances.
Through JoSAA after 6 rounds you will need to register for the CSAB counselling, with the rank of 42911 it is difficult to get any top tier nit or iiit like surathkal etc, but you have chances for newer, lower to middle level nit's and iit's in courses like civil, mechanical, etc.
Getting under AIR 100 in JEE Advanced in 6 months is very tough but possible if you already have strong basics and are scoring high in JEE Main-level tests. You'll need 10–12 hours of focused daily study, advanced problem-solving, and regular mock tests. If you're starting from scratch, it's unlikely, but you can still aim for a good IIT rank with consistent effort.
A flight attendant ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Key duties include conducting safety checks, assisting passengers, serving food and drinks, and managing emergencies. They must be well-trained in safety procedures and customer service. A high school diploma is typically required, followed by rigorous training to qualify for the role.
A Flight Engineer monitors and operates an aircraft’s complex systems like engines, fuel, and hydraulics during flight, ensuring optimal performance and safety. They assist pilots with technical issues, conduct inspections, and maintain records. This role requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving, and communication skills. Training usually involves a degree in aviation or aerospace engineering and specialised certification.
An Aircrew Officer operates and navigates aircraft, ensuring safe flights and compliance with aviation regulations. Key duties include managing flight systems, conducting pre- and post-flight checks, and adhering to safety standards. The role typically requires working five days a week, with around 120 flight hours monthly. Employment may be contractual or permanent, depending on the airline.
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They apply physics and engineering principles to improve aerospace technologies, often working in aviation, defence, or space sectors. Key tasks include designing components, conducting tests, and performing research. A bachelor’s degree is essential, with higher roles requiring advanced study. The role demands analytical skills, technical knowledge, precision, and effective communication.
An air hostess, or flight attendant, ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Responsibilities include safety demonstrations, serving meals, managing the cabin, handling emergencies, and post-flight reporting. The role demands strong communication skills, a calm demeanour, and a service-oriented attitude. It offers opportunities to travel and work in the dynamic aviation and hospitality industry.
An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft and related systems. They work on components like engines and wings, ensuring performance, safety, and efficiency. The role involves simulations, flight testing, research, and technological innovation to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. Aeronautical engineers collaborate with teams in aerospace companies, government agencies, or research institutions, requiring strong skills in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles.
A Safety Manager ensures workplace safety by developing policies, conducting training, assessing risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They investigate incidents, manage workers’ compensation, and handle emergency responses. Working across industries like construction and healthcare, they combine leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to protect employees and maintain safe environments.
An airline pilot operates aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely. Responsibilities include pre-flight planning, in-flight operations, team collaboration, and post-flight duties. Pilots work in varying schedules and environments, often with overnight layovers. The demand for airline pilots is expected to grow, driven by retirements and industry expansion. The role requires specialized training and adaptability.
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
An architect plans and designs buildings, ensuring they are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They collaborate with clients, engineers, and contractors throughout the construction process. Key skills include creativity, design software proficiency, and knowledge of building codes. In India, a 5-year B.Arch degree and registration with the Council of Architecture are required to practise professionally.
Having a landscape architecture career, you are involved in site analysis, site inventory, land planning, planting design, grading, stormwater management, suitable design, and construction specification. Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York introduced the title “landscape architect”. The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) proclaims that "Landscape Architects research, plan, design and advise on the stewardship, conservation and sustainability of development of the environment and spaces, both within and beyond the built environment". Therefore, individuals who opt for a career as a landscape architect are those who are educated and experienced in landscape architecture. Students need to pursue various landscape architecture degrees, such as M.Des, M.Plan to become landscape architects. If you have more questions regarding a career as a landscape architect or how to become a landscape architect then you can read the article to get your doubts cleared.
Urban Planning careers revolve around the idea of developing a plan to use the land optimally, without affecting the environment. Urban planning jobs are offered to those candidates who are skilled in making the right use of land to distribute the growing population, to create various communities.
Urban planning careers come with the opportunity to make changes to the existing cities and towns. They identify various community needs and make short and long-term plans accordingly.
A plumber installs, maintains, and repairs water, gas, and waste systems in homes and buildings. Their duties include fixing leaks, installing fixtures, testing systems, ensuring safety compliance, and working with other professionals on projects. They also document repairs and may supervise apprentices. Plumbers play a key role in ensuring public health and the smooth functioning of essential utilities.
Individuals who opt for a career as construction managers have a senior-level management role offered in construction firms. Responsibilities in the construction management career path are assigning tasks to workers, inspecting their work, and coordinating with other professionals including architects, subcontractors, and building services engineers.
Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems.
Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.
Energy efficiency engineering is a broad field of engineering which deals with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, and sustainable energy resources. Energy efficiency engineering is one of the most recent engineering disciplines to emerge. The field combines the knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with economic and environmental engineering practices. The main job of individuals who opt for a career as an energy performance engineer is to find the most efficient and sustainable path to operate buildings and manufacturing processes.
Individuals who opt for a career as energy performance engineers apply their understanding and knowledge to increase efficiency and further develop renewable sources of energy. The energy efficiency engineers also examine the use of energy in those procedures and suggest the ways in which systems can be improved.
A geologist attempts to comprehend the historical backdrop of the planet we live on, all the more likely to anticipate the future and clarify current events. He or she analyses the components, deployments, results, physical characteristics, and past of the planet. A geologist examines the landforms and landscapes of the earth in relation to the geology, climatic, and human processes that have shaped them.
A geologist studies earth procedures, for example, seismic tremors, avalanches, floods, and volcanic eruptions to review land and draw up safe structure plans. When he or she researches earth materials, explores metals and minerals, yet in addition search for oil, petroleum gas, water, and strategies to extricate these.
A career as a Petroleum engineer is concerned with activities related to producing petroleum. These products can be in the form of either crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering also requires the exploration and refinement of petroleum resources. Therefore, a career as a petroleum engineer comes up with oil and gas onshore jobs. There are also desk jobs in the petroleum industry. In layman’s terms, a petroleum engineer is a person who finds the best way to drill and extract oil from oil wells. Individuals who opt for a career as petroleum engineer also tries to find new ways to extract oil in an efficient manner.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
A career as a civil engineer is of great importance for the infrastructural growth of the country. It is one of the most popular professions and there is great professional as well as personal growth in this civil engineering career path. There is job satisfaction in this civil engineering career path, but it also comes with a lot of stress, as there are multiple projects that need to be handled and have to be completed on time. Students should pursue physics, chemistry and mathematics in their 10+2 to become civil engineers.
A career as a Transportation Engineer is someone who takes care of people's safety. He or she is responsible for designing, planning and constructing a safe and secure transportation system. The transportation sector has seen a huge transformation and is growing day by day and improving every day.
As a Transport Engineer, he or she needs to solve complex problems such as accidents, costs, traffic flow, and statistics. A Transport Engineer also collaborates for projects with some other companies.
A Loco Pilot operates trains, ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers or goods. Starting as an Assistant Loco Pilot, one can progress to senior roles with experience. The job demands technical knowledge, focus, and adherence to safety protocols. It involves coordination with train staff and may require working long hours under pressure.
