JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme Explained by NTA: +4, −1 Rule You Must Know

JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme Explained by NTA: +4, −1 Rule You Must Know

Team Careers360Updated on 17 Dec 2025, 02:28 PM IST

JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme- National Testing Agency (NTA) has released marking scheme for JEE Main 2026 at jeemain.nta.ac.in. Candidates preparing for the JEE Main 2026 exam must clearly understand the marking scheme and exam pattern to maximize their scores. The JEE Mains marking scheme 2026 explains the number of questions, marks distribution, and negative marking rules for each subject. The authority will conduct the JEE Main exam in two sessions. Session 1 exam will be held from January 21 to 30, 2026 and Session 2 is scheduled for April 2 to 9, 2026.

This Story also Contains

  1. JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme – Highlights
  2. JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme
  3. JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
  4. Key Points for JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme
JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme Explained by NTA: +4, −1 Rule You Must Know
JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme

There will be a total of 75 questions of 300 marks in JEE Main 2026. Each question will have +4 marks and -1 will be deducted for incorrect response. The complete details of the updated JEE Mains marking scheme is updated on this page. Along with the JEE marking scheme, candidates should also be aware of all topics listed in JEE Main syllabus 2026.

JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme – Highlights

Below are the key details of the marking scheme for JEE Main 2026:

Particulars

Details

Total Number of Questions

75 (25 Questions in each section)

Questions to be Attempted

75 (25 per subject)

Marks for Correct Answer

+4

Marks for Wrong Attempt

-1 (only for MCQs)

Marks for Unattempted Question

0

Question Types

  • MCQ

  • Numerical Value Questions

Total Marks

300

JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme

The JEE Main 2026 paper will consist of two sections in each subject:

  • Section A (MCQs) : All Compulsory, with negative marking.

  • Section B (Numerical Value Questions) : All Compulsory, with no negative marking.

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Subject-Wise JEE Main Marking Scheme

Subject

Physics

Chemistry

Mathematics

Section A (MCQs) : All Compulsory

20

20

20

Section (Numerical)

05

05

05

Total Number of Questions

25

25

25

Marks Distribution

25 x 4 = 100

25 x 4 = 100

25 x 4 = 100

Total Marks

300

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

Candidates should also understand the overall JEE Main 2026 exam pattern before preparation:

Particulars

Details

Exam Mode

Computer Based Test (CBT)

Duration

3 Hours (180 Minutes)

Language

English, Hindi, and Regional Languages (as per choice)

Type of Questions

MCQs & Numerical Value Questions

Total Marks

300 (Paper 1)

Type of Questions

MCQs & Numerical Value Questions

Key Points for JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme

  • Each correct answer will award +4 marks.

  • Each incorrect MCQ will deduct -1 mark.

  • No negative marking for Numerical Value Questions.

  • In Section B, candidates need to attempt only 5 out of 10 numerical questions in each subject.

  • The total marks for JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech) is 300 marks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the total marks of JEE Main 2026?
A:

The JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 will be for 300 marks with a duration of 3 hours.

Q: How many questions need to be attempted in JEE Main 2026?
A:

Candidates have to attempt 75 questions in total – 25 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

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

In JEE Main 2026, each correct answer gives +4 marks, while every wrong MCQ deducts 1 mark. Numerical questions have no negative marking.

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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 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 !

The marks needed for a 99+ percentile in the JEE Main January attempt depend on the difficulty of the paper and the total number of candidates. Generally, you need roughly *180–200* marks out of 300 to hit the 99+ percentile. The exact cutoff varies each session, so checking the official NTA percentile score calculator or previous year cutoffs gives a more precise idea.


Hello aspirant

JEE Main accepts NIOS, so you can appear if you meet the basic eligibility.

BITS does not accept marks from two different boards, so this option won’t work for BITS.

VIT and SRM generally accept NIOS, but having two separate mark sheets can be an issue. You should check their official eligibility rules before applying.

Thankyou I hope this help

Hello,

The NCHM JEE 2026 registration is expected to start in the second week of December 2025 .
The application form will be available online.
The last date to apply will likely be February or March 2026 .

The exact dates will be announced in the official notification.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

Here are some Government colleges that generally do not require 75% CBSE board criteria for admission through JEE mains based or university counselling.

  • Delhi technological university
  • Netaji subhas university of technology
  • Jamia milia Islamia
  • Aligarh Muslim university
  • College of engineering ,Pune
  • Jadavpur university, Kolkata
  • Punjab engineering college,  Chandigarh

I hope it will help you. Kindly check the latest eligibility rules for the specific year.

Thank you.