JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 (Released) - New Paper Pattern, Total Marks, No. of Questions

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 (Released) - New Paper Pattern, Total Marks, No. of Questions

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Team Careers360Updated on 03 Nov 2025, 12:09 PM IST
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JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 - NTA has released the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. Students can check the NTA JEE Main 2026 exam pattern on this page. The JEE Main exam for B.E/B. Tech will consist of 75 questions covering Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Each section will consist of 25 mandatory questions: 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 5 numerical value questions (NVQs). The JEE Main 2026 exam will be held from January 21 to 30, 2026, while Phase 2 is scheduled for April 2 to 9, 2026. The authority will conduct the JEE Main entrance exam in online mode only.
Also Read: JEE Main 2026 registration | JEE Main Syllabus

LiveJEE Main 2026 Registration LIVE: NTA session 1 applications close on November 27; apply at jeemain.nta.nic.inNov 18, 2025 | 3:28 PM IST

At IIT Delhi, Computer Science (CSE) and Electrical Engineering (EE) remained the top choices in 2025, with 27,697 and 23,503 students respectively. The BTech CSE closing rank for the open gender-neutral category improved from 126 in 2024 to 116. In contrast, the newly introduced BTech Design programme was the least preferred, with only 3,173 candidates selecting it.

Read More: JEE Main 2026: IIT Delhi’s CSE, EE most opted; last 2 years' closing ranks for all categories

Read More

This Story also Contains

  1. NTA JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 (Paper 1 & 2)
  2. Exam Pattern of JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 (B.Arch & B.Plan)
  3. NTA JEE Mains Paper Pattern 2026: Types of questions
  4. NTA JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Subject Wise Distribution of Marks
  5. JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme for BE/BTech & BArch/BPlan
  6. JEE Main 2026 Syllabus
  7. JEE Main 2026 Sample Papers
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 (Released) - New Paper Pattern, Total Marks, No. of Questions
NTA JEE Mains Exam Pattern 2026

The JEE Mains 2026 exam pattern PDF provides details on the marking scheme, exam duration, mode, and question types. The JEE exam pattern differs for paper 1 (BE/BTech) and paper 2 (BArch/BPlan). Candidates can check the detailed JEE Main exam pattern, JEE Mains total marks, syllabus and more.

NTA JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 (Paper 1 & 2)

This year, the exam pattern of JEE Main 2026 is same as that of last year. In 2025, the authority had shifted the JEE Main exam pattern to pre-pandemic format. 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 Mains 2026 exam pattern provides insights into the number of questions, total marks, sections, negative marking, and passing criteria. More detailed information about the JEE Mains 2026 paper pattern can be found in the table below.

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Exam Pattern of JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech)

Particulars

Details

Exam Mode

Computer-based examination

JEE Main exam duration

3 hours

Language of Examination

English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odisha, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Type of Questions

  • Multiple choice questions (MCQs)

  • Questions with numerical values as answers

No. of Sections

There are three sections:

  • Mathematics

  • Physics

  • Chemistry

JEE Main Total questions (paper 1)

  • 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.

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 in 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 Exam Pattern Paper 2

Particulars

Details

Mode of Exam

Computer-based examination, except forthe Drawing section in B.Arch (Pen & Paper-based mode)

Language

English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Exam Duration

Three hours

No. of Sections

B.Arch (Paper 2A):

  • Part 1 - Mathematics

  • Part 2 - Aptitude test

  • Part 3 - Drawing test

B.Plan (Paper 2B):

  • Mathematics

  • Aptitude test

  • Planning tests (MCQs)

Type of Questions

B.Arch -

  • 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 that section B will comprise five compulsory questions. There will be no optional questions according to the JEE Mains 2026 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. Candidates must be aware of the JEE Main total marks. Candidates can check the details on the subject-wise distribution of marks for the JEE Main 2026 BE/BTech paper. The total marks for JEE Main Paper 1 is 300. The JEE Mains 2026 exam pattern includes key details such as test duration, marking scheme, subjects, total marks, and other relevant aspects.

JEE Mains Total Marks in Paper 1: Subject Wise Marks Distribution

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 Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

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.

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.
Download EBook

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus

National Testing Agency has released 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 assists 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)

Q: What is the new exam pattern for JEE Main 2026?
A:

The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern has been released online. This year as well, the optional questions in section B have been removed.

Q: What is the marking scheme of JEE Mains 2026?
A:

According to the JEE Main exam pattern, for MCQs, +4 marks for each correct answer is awarded and -1 marks will be deducted for the wrong answer.

Q: What is the distribution of sections and questions in JEE Main Paper 2 for B.Arch?
A:

As per the JEE Mains 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.

Q: What are numerical questions in JEE Main 2026 exam?
A:

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.

Q: Are there any samples of how numerical questions asked in JEE Main 2026?
A:

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.

Q: What will be the number of sections in the JEE Main 2026 exam for Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech)?
A:

There will be three sections in JEE Mains exam for Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech) including Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

Q: Why was the optional question format discontinued?
A:

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.

Q: What is the JEE Main total marks?
A:

The total marks for JEE Main 2026 paper 1 is 300 marks. The JEE Main total marks for paper 2 is 400 marks.

Q: How many questions in JEE Mains 2026?
A:

There are 75 questions in paper 1 and 77 questions in paper 2A (BArch) and 100 (BPlan).

Q: Is there negative marking in jee mains 2026?
A:

Yes, there will be negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.

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Questions related to JEE Main

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to JEE Main ?

Hello,

Yes, you need an OBC-NCL certificate if you want to claim the OBC-NCL reservation in JEE Main .

Here are the key points:

  • If you want the OBC-NCL quota, you must upload a valid OBC-NCL certificate.

  • The certificate should be issued by the government and must follow the latest format.

  • It should usually be issued on or after 1 April of the current admission year.

  • If you do not have a valid certificate, you will be treated as a General (Unreserved) candidate.

If you apply under General category, then no OBC certificate is needed.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

Yes, transistor is included in the JEE Main 2026 Physics syllabus .

Topics generally covered are:

  • Junction transistor and its working

  • Characteristics of a transistor

  • Transistor as an amplifier (common-emitter)

  • Transistor as a switch

  • Basic use of transistor in simple circuits

Hope it helps !

Hello,

In 2025, IIT Madras JEE Advanced, closing ranks are around 171 for CSE, 306 for AI & Data Analytics, 849 for Electrical, about 1300 for Computational Engineering, around 1440 for Engineering Physics, 2468 for Mechanical, and about 6112 for Civil.

To know more access below mentioned link:

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-advanced-cutoff-for-iit-madras

Hope it helps.

Hello,

JEE Advanced College Predictor 2026 is an AI driven tool created by Careers360.

This JEE Adv college predictor tool uses the latest rank vs college details to give the most accurate information on best available colleges based on JEE Advanced ranks.

Here is the link where you can access the tool : JEE Advanced College Predictor 2026

Hope it helps !

Hello,

No, your form will not get rejected because of this.

If the Aadhaar number and personal details match , the photo on your old Aadhaar is not a problem . Many students use Aadhaar with an old photo, and NTA accepts it as long as the details are correct.

Since you have not done final submission yet , you can try once more to edit the Aadhaar number. If the portal still does not allow changes, just continue with the form. It will not cause rejection.

For the exam day, carry:

  • Your updated Aadhaar (new one)

  • The JEE admit card

This is enough. There is no risk of rejection.

Hope it helps !