JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme: Check Paper 1, 2A & 2B Details, and Negative Marking

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will soon release the official JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern along with the detailed JEE Main Marking Scheme 2026 on the official website—jeemain.nta.ac.in. Before starting preparation, every aspirant must understand the NTA JEE Exam Pattern, as it determines the structure, number of questions, and scoring method used in the national-level engineering entrance test.

The JEE exam is conducted for three papers — Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning). Each paper follows a distinct pattern designed to evaluate candidates’ problem-solving, analytical, and drawing/planning skills. Knowing the JEE Main Paper 1 Pattern, JEE Main B.Arch Pattern, and JEE Main B.Planning Pattern helps candidates design a clear study roadmap and avoid surprises on exam day.

The question paper comprises two sections — Section A (Multiple-Choice Questions) and Section B (Numerical Answer Type [NAT] questions). Candidates should note that JEE Main Negative Marking applies to both sections, except for certain Numerical Answer Type questions where no marks are deducted for wrong attempts. Understanding the subject-wise marks distribution, total marks, and question paper format plays a crucial role in crafting an effective preparation strategy.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights

Before starting the preparation, it’s essential to know the complete structure of the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern as defined by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam will be held in two sessions — January and April 2026 (tentatively) — for admission to B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning courses offered by NITs, IIITs, and other participating institutions. The table below provides a quick overview of the JEE Main 2026 pattern, including the exam mode, duration, question types, and total marks.

The JEE Main exam pattern 2026 ensures a balanced assessment of conceptual understanding, analytical skills, and numerical problem-solving ability. While JEE Mains 2026 Syllabus Paper 1 focuses on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, the B.Arch and B.Planning papers test aptitude, mathematics, and subject-specific drawing/planning skills. Understanding these exam highlights helps aspirants design their JEE Main 2026 preparation strategy more effectively and manage their time across sections to maximize scores.

Also Check: JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Is There Any Change in the JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern?

As of October 2025, the NTA has not announced any major changes to the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern. The structure is expected to remain consistent with the previous year, featuring Section A (MCQs) and Section B (NATs).

This means candidates can confidently continue their preparation based on the current format. However, the NTA releases the final details in the official Information Bulletin before the registration process begins. This article will be updated immediately if any changes are announced.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper 1, 2A, and 2B

The NTA conducts JEE Main for three distinct courses. Understanding the pattern for your chosen paper is key to strategic preparation. Here is a summary of the papers before a detailed breakdown.

JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) Exam Pattern 2026

Paper 1 is for engineering aspirants and evaluates proficiency in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It is conducted entirely in CBT mode.

JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) Exam Pattern 2026

Paper 2A is for architecture aspirants and tests mathematical, aptitude, and drawing skills.

JEE Main Paper 2B (B.Planning) Exam Pattern 2026

Paper 2B is for planning aspirants and evaluates mathematical, aptitude, and planning-based knowledge.

JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme: How Your Score is Calculated

Understanding the marking scheme is vital to avoid losing marks and maximize your score. The NTA follows a clear and standardized process for all papers.

Key Points:

• Section A (MCQs): You get +4 marks for a right answer and a -1 mark penalty for a wrong one.
• Section B (NAT): You get +4 marks for a right answer, but there is no negative marking for wrong answers.
• Unanswered Questions: Any question you don't attempt is marked as 0.

Also Check: JEE Mains 2026 Admit Card

Example Score Calculation

Let's see how this works. Imagine a student gives the following answers:

• MCQs: 10 correct and 5 incorrect
• NATs: 3 correct and 1 incorrect

Calculation:

1. MCQ Score: (10 × 4) - (5 × 1) = 40 - 5 = 35 marks
2. NAT Score: (3 × 4) - (1 × 0) = 12 - 0 = 12 marks
3. Total Score: 35 + 12 = 47 marks

Also Check: 3-Month JEE Main Study Plan 2026: Week-Wise Schedule, Subject Strategy & Mock-Test

Differences Between JEE Main Paper 1, 2A, and 2B Formats

The JEE Main 2026 exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is divided into three separate papers — Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning).
Each paper is designed to evaluate a specific set of skills required for admission into different undergraduate programs.
Understanding the difference in paper format, exam mode, subjects, and marking scheme helps students prepare more effectively.

JEE Main 2026 Paper-Wise Comparison

Detailed Breakdown of Each Paper

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech):

• Focused on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Entirely Computer-Based Test (CBT).
• Designed to test analytical ability, accuracy, and conceptual understanding.
• Ideal for engineering aspirants targeting NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

Paper 2A (B.Arch):

• Includes Mathematics and Aptitude Test (online) and a Drawing Test (offline).
• Tests a student’s creativity, visualization, and architectural design skills.
• Recommended for candidates aspiring to become architects or join B.Arch programs.

Paper 2B (B.Planning):

• Conducted fully in online mode (CBT).
• Includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning-based questions.
• Focuses on logical reasoning, spatial thinking, and planning awareness.
• Best suited for students interested in urban planning and design careers.

Also Check: What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your JEE Main 2026 Admit Card

Section A vs. Section B: Key Differences and Strategy

Knowing how to approach each section differently is key to boosting your score.

Which Questions Are Numerical Answer Type vs MCQ?

In the JEE Main 2026 exam, each subject — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics — is divided into two sections:

• Section A: Contains Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) where candidates must choose one correct option out of four.
• Section B: Contains Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions where candidates must enter a numerical value (integer or decimal) using the virtual keypad.

Key Difference:

• MCQs have negative marking (−1 for wrong answers).
• NAT questions have no negative marking, making them a safer scoring opportunity.

JEE Mains 2026 Question Attempt Strategy Tips

For Section A (MCQs):

• Focus on accuracy, not just speed.
• Avoid blind guessing since negative marking can reduce your total score.
• Practice elimination techniques to improve precision.

For Section B (NAT):

• Attempt the five questions you’re most confident about — it’s a risk-free section.
• Strengthen numerical solving skills and get used to typing precise answers.
• Use this section to boost your score safely, as incorrect responses don’t attract penalties.