JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026, Paper 1 and Paper 2 Format, Marking Scheme
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: The JEE Main exam pattern outlines the types of questions, marking scheme, exam duration, and languages, helping candidates optimize their preparation strategy. The JEE Main 2026 exam will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in two sessions (i.e. January and April).
Knowing the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 is crucial as it helps you plan a focused preparation strategy, manage your time efficiently during the exam, and boost your confidence. Here, we have provided the comprehensive exam pattern for Paper 1 and Paper 2.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
The JEE Main Exam Pattern consists of 75 compulsory questions from Physics, Chemistry and Math, with each question carrying 4 marks. There is a negative marking of 1 mark for every wrong answer, and the exam spans 3 hours.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 Overview |
|
Exam Name |
JEE Main 2026 |
Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency |
Exam Mode |
Online |
Name of Papers |
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Plan) |
Sessions |
2 (January and April) |
JEE Main Duration |
3 hours |
Total Marks |
300 (Paper 1) |
JEE Main Sections |
Physics, Chemistry, Math |
Type of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) & Numerical Value |
Negative Marking |
¼ mark |
JEE Main Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026 (B.E./B.Tech)
The JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) is outlined below:
-
The exam is conducted online (via computer-based mode).
-
The exam consists of 90 questions covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, but candidates are required to answer only 75 questions.
-
Each question carries 4 marks.
-
1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer, as per negative marking.
-
The exam ends in 3 hours.
JEE Main Paper 1 Exam Pattern |
|||
Subject |
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
Physics |
A (MCQ) |
20 |
80 |
B (Numerical) |
10 (attempt any 5) |
20 |
|
Chemistry |
A (MCQ) |
20 |
80 |
B (Numerical) |
10 (attempt any 5) |
20 |
|
Mathematics |
A (MCQ) |
20 |
80 |
B (Numerical) |
10 (attempt any 5) |
20 |
|
Total |
90 (attempt 75) |
300 |
JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan)
The JEE Main Paper 2 is split into Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Plan). Candidates can find the exam pattern for both papers below:
JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2A (B.Arch)
A detailed exam pattern for JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) program is mentioned below:
JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) Exam Pattern |
||
Subject |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
Mathematics |
20 MCQs + 10 Numericals (5 to attempt) |
100 |
Aptitude Test |
50 |
200 |
Drawing Test |
2 questions |
100 |
Total |
82 |
400 |
Also Read: JEE Main Exam Analysis 2025 Session 1
JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2B (B.Plan)
A detailed exam format for JEE Main Paper 2B (B.Plan) is structured as follows:
JEE Main Paper 2B (B.Plan) Exam Pattern |
||
Subject |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
Mathematics |
20 MCQs + 10 Numericals (5 to attempt) |
100 |
Aptitude Test |
50 |
200 |
Planning |
25 |
100 |
Total |
105 |
400 |
Also Read: Best Books IIT JEE Mains & Advance
JEE Main Marking Scheme for Paper 1 & Paper 2
Understanding the marking scheme for JEE Main is vital for students to minimize negative marking during the exam. The following outlines the key details of the marking scheme for both JEE Main Paper 1 and Paper 2.
JEE Main Marking Scheme |
|||
Particulars |
B.E./B.Tech Marking Scheme |
B.Arch Marking Scheme |
B.Plan Marking Scheme |
Correct Answer |
+4 marks awarded |
+4 marks awarded |
+4 marks awarded |
Incorrect Answer |
-1 mark deducted |
-1 mark deducted |
-1 mark deducted |
Un-attempted Questions |
0 marks |
0 marks |
0 marks |
Subject-wise Marks Distribution |
Mathematics: 25 ques X 4 marks = 100 marks Physics: 25 ques X 4 marks = 100 marks Chemistry: 25 ques X 4 marks = 100 marks |
Mathematics: 25 ques X 4 marks = 100 marks Aptitude Test: 50 ques X 4 marks = 200 marks Drawing test: 2 ques X 50 marks = 100 marks |
Mathematics: 25 ques X 4 marks = 100 marks Aptitude Test = 50 questions X 4 marks = 200 marks Planning Based Ques = 25 X 4 = 100 marks |
Also Read: JEE Mains Exam Pattern 2024, Marking Scheme, Question Types, And Paper Pattern
Languages in JEE Main 2026 Exam
The JEE Main exam is conducted in 13 regional languages except drawing section (for Paper 2A). The languages included in the JEE Main exam are as follows:
-
English
-
Hindi
-
Assamese
-
Bengali
-
Gujarati
-
Kannada
-
Malayalam
-
Marathi
-
Odia
-
Punjabi
-
Tamil
-
Telugu
-
Urdu
Also Read: 5 Exams to Attempt while Preparing for JEE Mains
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
Q. How many questions are asked in the JEE Main Paper 1?
Ans. The JEE Main Paper 1 consists of 90 questions, of which candidates are required to answer 75.
Q. Is there any sectional timing for JEE Main 2026?
Ans. No, candidates have to attempt all three sections within a total duration of 3 hours.
Q. Is negative marking applied for JEE Main?
Ans. Yes, a negative marking of ¼ mark is applicable for every wrong answer.
Q. What is the time duration for the JEE Main exam?
Ans. The total time duration for the JEE Main exam is 3 hours; however, PwD candidates are provided an additional hour.
Q. How many papers will be included in the JEE Main 2026 exam?
Ans. The JEE Main 2026 exam will consist of three papers: Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch, and Paper 2B for B.Plan.