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

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 may get a chance to correct it.
NTA usually opens a correction window before each session. In previous years, candidates were allowed to change their photo if it did not follow the guidelines, including background issues.

For JEE Main 2026 also, the correction window is expected. When it opens, you will be able to upload a proper photo with a plain white background.

What you should do now:

  • Keep checking your JEE Main login for any correction option.

  • Keep a correct photo ready (white background, clear image).

  • If NTA flags your photo, you can update it during the correction period.

So yes, you should get a chance to fix it once the correction window opens.

Hope it helps !

Hello,
The JEE main 2027 will include three subjects: Physics, chemistry and Mathematics.
PHYSICS:
Units and Measurements: kinematics, laws of motion, work, energy & power: rotational motion & moment of inertia: gravitation: properties of solids and fluids: thermodynamics: kinetic theory of gases: oscillations & waves: electrostatics: current electricity; magnetism & magnetic effects of current; electromagnetic induction & alternating current; optics; atoms and nuclei; modern physics topics.
CHEMISTRY:
Physical chemistry (basic concepts, mole concept, stoichiometry; atomic structure; chemical bonding; thermodynamics; equilibrium; chemical kinetics; solutions and chemical reactivity), inorganic chemistry (periodic table, classification of elements including p-, d-, f-block, coordination compounds), and organic chemistry including basics of hydrocarbons, organic compounds containing halogens/oxygen/nitrogen etc.
MATHEMATICS
Sets, relations & functions; complex numbers and quadratic equations; matrices and determinants; permutations & combinations; sequences & series; limits, continuity & differentiability; integral and differential calculus; coordinate geometry (lines, circles, conics); 3D geometry; vector algebra; trigonometry; statistics & probability.

Hope this helps you.

That's the most efficient approach to preparation! The entire JEE Main Syllabus is fundamentally based on the topics covered in the NCERT Class 11th and 12th textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Here's what you need to know:

  • NCERT is the Core: Approximately 60-70% of the JEE Main syllabus directly comes from the NCERT books. You must consider these textbooks as your foundation and cover every single topic and exercise.

  • Minor Overlaps/Additions: While most of the syllabus aligns, JEE Main sometimes includes a few concepts or deeper applications (especially in complex numbers, differential calculus, and some physics derivations) that extend slightly beyond the direct NCERT text, requiring extra practice.

  • Chemistry Exception: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry are almost 100% covered by NCERT. For Organic Chemistry, mastering the reactions and mechanisms taught in the NCERT is critical before moving to advanced texts.

You can download the PDF containing the complete, topic-wise JEE Main syllabus to cross-reference with your NCERT chapters here: https://engineering.careers360.com/download/ebooks/jee-main-syllabus . This linkage is your best study guide!

start by finishing the scoring topics in physics, chemistry and maths.. and revise them deeply through examples and pyqs.. spend 60% of ur time on topics that frequently appear in exam and the remaining 40% on weak areas.. give one mock test every week, analyze mistakes and create a revision book as well as formula book to keep revising the formulae and the mistakes.. plan ur schedule one week ahead and plan the concepts u want to study.. keep small milestones and reward urself constantly to maintain ur motivation.

‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ In case you want to have access to the handwritten notes made by the JEE toppers, the most convenient manner is certainly by means of proper platforms which share the study material in a legal way. A good number of toppers have their notebooks uploaded on some educational apps or YouTube channels, and a few coaching institutes may offer compilation notes either for free or upon registration. Also, you can visit official JEE preparation forums where students share their handwritten notes for the convenience of others without any charges.

When you are downloading notes, it is always better to check if the source is trustworthy and the files are genuine because if you take the incomplete or incorrect notes, it will have an impact on your preparation. A more secure choice would be to look at the toppers' plans and brief notes that are written in the form of books or PDFs by the known coaching institutes. Never forget to combine such notes with the questions of previous years and mock tests so that your preparation will be complete. ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌