JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern on its website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. Students appearing for the exam can find the complete details of the new JEE Main exam pattern 2026 here.
The JEE Main 2026 exam for B.E./B.Tech courses will include a total of 75 questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject will have 25 questions, divided into 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 5 numerical value questions (NVQs).
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is scheduled to take place from January 21 to 30, 2026, while Session 2 will be held from April 2 to 9, 2026. The entire exam will be conducted online (computer-based mode).
The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern PDF includes key details such as the marking scheme, exam duration, mode of exam, and types of questions. It’s important to note that the exam pattern differs for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan). Students are advised to go through the detailed JEE Main exam pattern, total marks, and syllabus to prepare effectively for the upcoming exam.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
The JEE Main exam pattern 2026 remains unchanged from last year. NTA had reverted to the pre-pandemic exam format, and the same structure will continue this year in 2025. Students preparing for the JEE Main 2026 January Session should carefully understand the exam pattern, as it covers essential details such as exam duration, marking scheme, subjects, total marks, and question distribution.
The JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) will include a total of 75 questions carrying 300 marks. Each subject, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, will have 25 questions, divided into 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 5 numerical value questions (NVQs). The total exam duration is three hours.
Candidates must attempt all questions from both sections. Negative marking will be applied in Section A for every incorrect answer. In Section B, all five numerical value questions are compulsory. The JEE Main 2026 paper pattern gives a clear idea about the number of questions, total marks, sections, marking scheme, and passing criteria.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for B.Tech/B.E. (Paper 1)
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed that the JEE Main exam pattern 2026 for B.Tech/B.E. (Paper 1) will remain unchanged from last year. Students can check the detailed structure of the exam below to understand the marking scheme, number of questions, subjects, and exam duration clearly.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Subjects/Sections | 3 – Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) 4 hours for PwD candidates |
| Type of Questions | MCQs: 4 options with one correct answer Numerical Value Questions: Answers to be entered as numerical values |
| Section A (MCQs) | Physics – 20 questions Chemistry – 20 questions Mathematics – 20 questions |
| Section B (Numerical Value Questions) | Physics – 5 questions Chemistry – 5 questions Mathematics – 5 questions |
| Total Questions | 75 (All are compulsory) |
| Total Marks | 300 marks |
| Medium of Exam | English, Hindi, Gujarati, Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu |
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for B.Arch (Paper 2A)
Students aiming to pursue Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) must appear for JEE Main Paper 2A. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has retained the same exam pattern for 2026 as in the previous year. This paper evaluates a candidate’s mathematical skills, aptitude for architecture, and drawing ability.
Below are the complete details of the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for B.Arch (Paper 2A):
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online for Mathematics and Aptitude sections Offline (pen and paper) for Drawing test |
| Subjects/Sections | 3 – Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Sections | Part I – Mathematics: 20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value Questions Part II – Aptitude Test: 50 Questions Part III – Drawing Test: 2 Questions |
| Total Number of Questions | 77 |
| Type of Questions | Mathematics & Aptitude: Objective type Drawing: Sketch-based descriptive questions |
| Total Marks | 400 Marks (Drawing section carries 100 marks; detailed marking will be mentioned in the paper) |
| Medium of Exam | English, Hindi, Gujarati, Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for B.Plan (Paper 2B)
Candidates aspiring to pursue a Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) can appear for JEE Main Paper 2B. The NTA has kept the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern for Paper 2B the same as last year. This paper evaluates candidates’ analytical, reasoning, and planning abilities essential for urban and regional planning courses.
Below is the detailed JEE Main 2026 Paper 2B (B.Plan) Exam Pattern:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Subjects/Sections | 3 – Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning-Based Questions |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Sections | Mathematics: 20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value Questions Aptitude Test: 50 Questions Planning-Based Questions: 25 Questions |
| Total Number of Questions | 100 |
| Type of Questions | Mathematics & Aptitude: Objective-type questions Planning-Based Section: Multiple-choice questions related to planning concepts |
| Total Marks | 400 marks |
| Medium of Exam | English, Hindi, Gujarati, Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme
The National Testing Agency (NTA) follows a uniform marking scheme for all three papers of JEE Main 2026 – Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Plan). Understanding the marking scheme helps candidates plan their attempts wisely and avoid unnecessary negative marking.
Below is the detailed JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme for all papers:
| Particulars | B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1) | B.Arch (Paper 2A) | B.Plan (Paper 2B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marks for Correct Answer | +4 marks | +4 marks | +4 marks |
| Marks for Incorrect Answer | -1 mark | -1 mark | -1 mark |
| Marks for Unattempted Question | 0 marks | 0 marks | 0 marks |
Marks Distribution by Section
The following table provides a detailed section-wise marks distribution for each JEE Main 2026 paper.
| Section | B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1) | B.Arch (Paper 2A) | B.Plan (Paper 2B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 Questions × 4 Marks = 100 Marks | 25 Questions × 4 Marks = 100 Marks | 25 Questions × 4 Marks = 100 Marks |
| Physics | 25 Questions × 4 Marks = 100 Marks | — | — |
| Chemistry | 25 Questions × 4 Marks = 100 Marks | — | — |
| Aptitude Test | — | 50 Questions × 4 Marks = 200 Marks | 50 Questions × 4 Marks = 200 Marks |
| Drawing Test | — | 2 Questions × 50 Marks = 100 Marks | — |
| Planning-Based Questions | — | — | 25 Questions × 4 Marks = 100 Marks |
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Total Number of Questions
The JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in three separate papers, Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Plan). Each paper has a different structure and total number of questions based on the course requirements. Below is the detailed subject-wise breakup of questions for all three papers.
Total Questions in JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E)
Check the detailed subject-wise breakup of questions for the JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E) exam in the table below.
| Subjects in Paper 1 | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (Numerical Value) | Question Paper Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 5 | Each subject will have two sections: Section A (MCQs) and Section B (Numerical Value Questions). |
| Physics | 20 | 5 | — |
| Chemistry | 20 | 5 | — |
| Total Questions | — | — | 75 |
Total Questions in JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch)
The table below highlights the complete question distribution for JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A (B.Arch).
| Subjects in Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (Numerical Value) | Question Paper Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Part I) | 20 | 5 | Part I has two sections: Section A (MCQs) and Section B (Numerical Value Questions). |
| Aptitude Test (Part II) | 50 | — | Objective-type questions to test reasoning and spatial skills. |
| Drawing Test (Part III) | — | 2 | Questions designed to evaluate drawing and visualization ability. |
| Total Questions | — | — | 77 |
Total Questions in JEE Main Paper 2B (B.Plan)
Check the section-wise question pattern and marks distribution for JEE Main 2026 Paper 2B (B.Plan) below.
| Subjects in Paper 2B (B.Plan) | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (Numerical Value) | Question Paper Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Part I) | 20 | 5 | Part I has two sections: Section A (MCQs) and Section B (Numerical Value Questions). All 5 numerical questions are compulsory. |
| Aptitude Test (Part II) | 50 | — | Objective-type questions assessing reasoning and problem-solving skills. |
| Planning-Based Questions (Part III) | 25 | — | Multiple-choice questions related to urban and regional planning concepts. |
| Total Questions | — | — | 100 |
JEE Main Syllabus 2026
The JEE Main 2026 syllabus is divided into three papers: Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Plan), each designed to assess different skill sets depending on the chosen course. The syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum and focuses on conceptual understanding, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
Below is a clear overview of the JEE Main 2026 syllabus for all three papers:
| Paper | Subjects |
|---|---|
| JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E) | Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
| JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing Skills |
| JEE Main Paper 2B (B.Plan) | Mathematics, Aptitude Test, and Planning-Based Questions |
Also Check:
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
Q1. What is the total number of questions in JEE Main 2026 Paper 1?
A1. JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E) consists of 75 questions, 25 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Q2. How many marks is the JEE Main 2026 exam for?
A2. The total marks for JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 are 300, while Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Plan) are 400 marks each.
Q3. Is there any negative marking in JEE Main 2026?
A3. Yes, one mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer in both MCQ and numerical value sections.
Q4. What is the duration of the JEE Main 2026 exam?
A4. The total exam duration is 3 hours. PwD candidates are given 4 hours to complete the paper.
Q5. When will the JEE Main 2026 sessions be conducted?
A5. The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will be held from January 21 to 30, and Session 2 from April 2 to 9, 2026.
