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By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 28 Apr 2026, 13:54 IST
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will soon release the official JEE Main 2026 Notification along with JEE Main Exam pattern and 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.
Note: Registration Process for JEE Mains 2026 Will start soon check out for detailed: JEE Mains 2026 Registration Process
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.
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (Main) or JEE Main 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) for all papers, except the Drawing Test in B.Arch, which is held in pen-and-paper mode |
| Exam Sessions | Two sessions – January and April 2026 (tentative) |
| Papers | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours for most candidates; 4 hours for PwD candidates |
| Question Types | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions |
| Total Marks | 300 marks for Paper 1; 400 marks for Paper 2A and 2B |
| Negative Marking | Yes – applicable for MCQs in Section A; No negative marking for Section B (Numerical Answer Type) |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
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
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.
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
NEET
Foundation JEE
Foundation NEET
CBSE
| Paper | Course | Subjects | Total Marks |
| Paper 1 | B.E./B.Tech | Physics, Chemistry, Maths | 300 |
| Paper 2A | B.Arch | Maths, Aptitude, Drawing | 400 |
| Paper 2B | B.Planning | Maths, Aptitude, Planning | 400 |
Paper 1 is for engineering aspirants and evaluates proficiency in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It is conducted entirely in CBT mode.
| Subject | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (NAT) | Total Marks |
| Physics | 20 Questions (80 Marks) | 10 Questions (Attempt any 5) (20 Marks) | 100 |
| Chemistry | 20 Questions (80 Marks) | 10 Questions (Attempt any 5) (20 Marks) | 100 |
| Mathematics | 20 Questions (80 Marks) | 10 Questions (Attempt any 5) (20 Marks) | 100 |
| Total | 60 Questions | Attempt any 15 Questions | 300 |
Paper 2A is for architecture aspirants and tests mathematical, aptitude, and drawing skills.
| Subject | Sections & Question Types | Total Questions | Total Marks |
| Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 10 NAT (Attempt 5) | 30 | 100 |
| Aptitude Test | 50 MCQs | 50 | 200 |
| Drawing Test | 2 Questions (Pen & Paper) | 2 | 100 |
| Total | 82 | 400 |
Paper 2B is for planning aspirants and evaluates mathematical, aptitude, and planning-based knowledge.
| Subject | Sections & Question Types | Total Questions | Total Marks |
| Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 10 NAT (Attempt 5) | 30 | 100 |
| Aptitude Test | 50 MCQs | 50 | 200 |
| Planning Test | 25 MCQs | 25 | 100 |
| Total | 105 | 400 |
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.
| Question Type | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer | Unanswered |
| Section A (MCQs) | +4 | -1 | 0 |
| Section B (NAT) | +4 | 0 | 0 |
| Drawing Test (Paper 2A) | Evaluated out of 100 marks | — | — |
Key Points:
Also Check: JEE Mains 2026 Admit Card
Let's see how this works. Imagine a student gives the following answers:
Calculation:
Also Check: 3-Month JEE Main Study Plan 2026: Week-Wise Schedule, Subject Strategy & Mock-Test
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.
| Feature | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Paper 2B (B.Planning) |
| Purpose | Admission to B.E./B.Tech courses at NITs, IIITs & GFTIs | Admission to B.Arch (Architecture) courses | Admission to B.Planning (Planning) courses |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | CBT for Mathematics & Aptitude + Pen-and-Paper Drawing Test | Fully Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing | Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning |
| Total Questions | 90 (75 to be attempted) | 82 | 105 |
| Total Marks | 300 | 400 | 400 |
| Question Type | MCQs + Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | MCQs + NAT + Drawing questions | MCQs + NAT (Planning-based MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | -1 for incorrect MCQs | -1 for incorrect MCQs; no penalty for NAT/Drawing | -1 for incorrect MCQs; no penalty for NAT |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (4 Hours for PwD) | 3 Hours | 3 Hours |
| Evaluation Focus | Conceptual clarity and numerical problem-solving | Mathematical reasoning, spatial visualization & design ability | Analytical reasoning, planning aptitude & general awareness |
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech):
Paper 2A (B.Arch):
Paper 2B (B.Planning):
Also Check: What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your JEE Main 2026 Admit Card
Knowing how to approach each section differently is key to boosting your score.
| Feature | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (NATs) |
| Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions | Numerical Answer Type Questions |
| Total Questions | 20 per subject | 10 per subject (Attempt any 5) |
| Risk Level | High (due to -1 negative marking) | Low (no negative marking) |
| Ideal Approach | Attempt only when you are confident | Attempt the 5 questions you know best |
In the JEE Main 2026 exam, each subject — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics — is divided into two sections:
Key Difference:
For Section A (MCQs):
For Section B (NAT):
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According to the most recent NTA guidelines, no major changes are expected in the JEE Main 2027 exam pattern compared to the previous year. The exam is likely to follow the same structure, with Section A containing MCQs and Section B containing numerical-based questions for each subject. The overall paper is expected to carry 300 marks, with 90 questions provided and 75 questions to be attempted by candidates. The marking scheme and paper duration are also expected to remain unchanged. Students and parents are advised to keep checking the official NTA website for the latest announcements regarding JEE Main 2027.
Yes, JEE Main 2026 numerical questions also have negative marking. For every correct answer, students get +4 marks, while an incorrect answer results in -1 mark. Unattempted questions receive 0 marks. This rule applies to both MCQs and numerical value questions.
JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) consists of a total of 90 questions, out of which students are required to attempt 75 questions. Each subject, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, has 30 questions: 20 MCQs in Section A (all compulsory) and 10 Numerical Value questions in Section B (out of which only 5 need to be attempted). The total duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes). PwD candidates are given an additional 60 minutes.
| Subject | Section A (MCQ) | Section B (Numerical) | To Attempt |
| Physics | 20 | 10 (attempt 5) | 25 |
| Chemistry | 20 | 10 (attempt 5) | 25 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 10 (attempt 5) | 25 |
| Total | 60 | 30 | 75 |
The maximum score in JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 is 300 marks. Each subject, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, carries 100 marks. Within each subject, Section A (20 MCQs x 4 marks) contributes 80 marks, and Section B (5 numerical questions x 4 marks) contributes 20 marks. The marking scheme is as follows:
| Question Type | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer | Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Section A) | +4 | -1 | 0 |
| Numerical (Section B) | +4 | -1 | 0 |
The total maximum score across all three subjects is 300 marks.
JEE Main 2026 largely follows the same structure as JEE Main 2025 with no major overhaul announced by NTA so far. The paper pattern, 90 questions (75 to attempt), 300 total marks, same marking scheme, and 3-hour duration, remains consistent. However, there may be minor refinements in the syllabus based on revised NCERT textbooks. Repeaters should note that the core exam structure has not changed significantly, but staying updated with official NTA notifications is essential. Any syllabus rationalization introduced for 2025 continues to apply in 2026 as well.