JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern Changes: NTA has released the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. There are no changes in the JEE Main exam pattern 2026. JEE Main 2026 exam will be held in CBT mode. The JEE Main 2026 exam paper pattern consists of three papers: Paper 1 for B.E./B. Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch, and Paper 2B for B.Plan. JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with 75 mandatory questions. Paper 2A consists of 77 questions from Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing. While Paper 2B will have 100 questions from Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning section. The JEE Main 2026 session 1 will be conducted from January 21 to 30, 2026.
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The JEE Main 2026 is a national-level entrance test conducted to offer admission in engineering and architecture courses in top colleges and institutions in India. In this article, Careers360 will discuss JEE Main exam details like pattern changes over the years and JEE Main expected changes, and the actual exam pattern.
The NTA has not announced any changes for the 2026 exam pattern so far. However, there were some notifiable changes made last year year. Below is a table consisting of the exam pattern changes made in 2025:
Criteria | JEE Main 2024 | JEE Main 2025 (Updated) | Changes Highlighted |
Section A (Paper 1) | 20 MCQs per subject (PCM) | 20 MCQs per subject (PCM) | No changes |
Section B (Paper 1) | 10 numerical questions (5 to be answered, choice) | 5 numerical questions (all mandatory) | Removal of 5 optional questions |
Paper 2A Maths (B.Arch) | 10 numericals (5 to be answered, choice) | 5 numericals (all mandatory) | Removal of 5 optional questions |
Paper 2B Maths (B.Plan) | 10 numericals (5 to be answered, choice) | 5 numericals (all mandatory) | Removal of 5 optional questions |
Negative Marking (Numerical) | Not applicable | Applicable (-1 for incorrect answer) | Negative marking introduced |
Total Questions (Paper 1) | 90 questions (75 to be answered) | 75 questions (all are mandatory) | Reduced number of questions |
Total Marks (Paper 1) | 300 | 300 | No change |
The JEE Main exam pattern for 2026 has been released on the official website. The exam pattern consists of 2 papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2A and 2B. The exam is conducted for 3 hours in computer-based mode. Candidates can check the exam pattern below which is paper-wise and in detail:
Subject | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (Numerical Value Questions) | Total Questions per Subject | Marks per Subject | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 20 | 5 | 25 | 100 | |
Physics | 20 | 5 | 25 | 100 | |
Chemistry | 20 | 5 | 25 | 100 | |
Total | 60 | 15 | 75 | 300 | 300 |
Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks | Exam Mode |
Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 5 Numerical | 25 | 100 | Computer-Based Test |
Aptitude Test | Multiple Choice Questions | 50 | 200 | Computer-Based Test |
Drawing Test | Drawing Questions | 2 | 100 | Pen-and-Paper (Offline) |
Total | 77 | 400 |
Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks | Exam Mode |
Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 5 Numerical | 25 | 100 | Computer-Based Test |
Aptitude Test | Multiple Choice Questions | 50 | 200 | Computer-Based Test |
Planning Based Questions | Multiple Choice Questions | 25 | 100 | Computer-Based Test |
Total | 100 | 400 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Paper 1 consists of subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with total marks being 300.
The authority has not made any changes to the JEE Main 2026 paper pattern so far.
On Question asked by student community
Good Evening,
Yes, you are eligible for both JEE Mains and Advanced, as you completed your 12th with physics, chemistry and biology. Moreover, you passed mathematics in 2025, which makes you fit the eligibility criteria of both exams.
Aspirant, I would like to inform you that Careers360 recently launched a free mock test series for JEE students. The last date of registration is 8th January, 2026. Enroll and solve chapter wise question papers and improve you concept and assess your learning. The link to the mock test series is attached herewith. https://learn.careers360.com/test-series-jee-main-free-mock-test/
Best regards.
Hello,
Since the NTA conducts exams in Tamil, these official papers will have a Tamil language option. Kindly check the following link to get the question papers.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-main-question-papers
I hope this helps you.
Hello there,
Understanding and solving different question papers is one of the best practice for the preparation specially when it comes to JEE mains. It gives you proper understanding of the exam pattern, important topics to cover and marking scheme.
Here is the link attached from the official website of Careers360 which will provide you with the link of previous year question papers on chemistry in PDF format. Hope it helps!
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-mains-chemistry-questions-in-last-year-exam-premium
thank you!
Good Morning, Candidate,
The 30-day study plan for JEE is now available on the website of Careers360. The link is attached herewith.
https://engineering.careers360.com/download/ebooks/jee-main-study-plan-30-days
There is an option for free download, which will help to proceed further.
Careers360 would like to inform you that you can have an opportunity to analyse your in-depth performance. Careers360 is conducting a free all-India online JEE mock test series on 11th January. It will provide you with a proper question pattern with chapter-wise questions and answers.
Registration is closed on 8th January. Registered and assessed your learning.
Thank You
Hello,
Yes, you can be eligible , but it depends on how you passed Mathematics.
JEE Main
You are eligible if:
You passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.
Mathematics was passed as a full subject from NIOS.
NIOS is a recognized board.
Having two marksheets is allowed.
You are not eligible if:
Mathematics was taken only as an improvement or additional without passing it as a full subject.
MHT-CET
You are eligible if:
You passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.
Mathematics from NIOS is shown as a passed subject.
NIOS is recognized for Maharashtra admissions.
Mathematics was passed before the admission year.
You are not eligible if:
Mathematics is not shown as a passed subject.
Important
Mathematics must be a separate and passed subject.
Keep both marksheets during counselling.
Always check the current year information brochure before applying.
Hope it helps !
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