JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 - Marking Scheme, Total Marks & Paper Structure
Understanding the JEE Main exam pattern 2026 is essential for effective preparation. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts JEE Main as a Computer Based Test (CBT) with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value Questions. This guide covers the complete JEE Main 2026 paper pattern, marking scheme, section-wise distribution, and important changes from previous years.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Questions (Paper 1) | 90 Questions (75 to attempt) |
| Total Marks (Paper 1) | 300 Marks |
| Marking Scheme (MCQ) | +4 for Correct, -1 for Wrong |
| Marking Scheme (Numerical) | +4 for Correct, 0 for Wrong |
| Medium | English, Hindi, and Regional Languages |
| Number of Sessions | 2 (January and April) |
JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) Pattern
Paper 1 is for admission to B.E./B.Tech courses and consists of three sections - Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
| Section | MCQ Questions | Numerical Questions | Total Questions | Questions to Attempt | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 20 | 10 (Attempt 5) | 30 | 25 | 100 |
| Chemistry | 20 | 10 (Attempt 5) | 30 | 25 | 100 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 10 (Attempt 5) | 30 | 25 | 100 |
| Total | 60 | 30 (15) | 90 | 75 | 300 |
JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme
| Type of Question | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer | Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Section A) | +4 Marks | -1 Mark | 0 Marks |
| Numerical Value (Section B) | +4 Marks | 0 Marks | 0 Marks |
JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) Pattern
Paper 2A is for admission to B.Arch courses and includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing sections.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 (25 MCQ + 5 Numerical) | 100 | Part of 3 hours |
| Aptitude Test | 50 | 200 | Part of 3 hours |
| Drawing Test | 2 | 100 | Part of 3 hours |
| Total | 82 | 400 | 3 Hours |
JEE Main Paper 2B (B.Planning) Pattern
Paper 2B is for admission to B.Planning courses and includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning Based Questions.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 (25 MCQ + 5 Numerical) | 100 |
| Aptitude Test | 50 | 200 |
| Planning Based Questions | 25 | 100 |
| Total | 105 | 400 |
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Each question has 4 options with only ONE correct answer
- Correct answer: +4 marks
- Wrong answer: -1 mark (negative marking)
- All 20 MCQs in each section must be attempted
Section B: Numerical Value Questions
- Answers are numerical values (integer or decimal)
- No options provided - candidates enter the answer
- Correct answer: +4 marks
- Wrong answer: 0 marks (NO negative marking)
- 10 questions given, attempt any 5
JEE Main 2026 Subject-wise Weightage
Based on analysis of previous years, here's the approximate topic-wise weightage:
Physics Weightage
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanics | 6-8 | High |
| Electrodynamics | 5-6 | High |
| Modern Physics | 4-5 | High |
| Optics | 3-4 | Medium |
| Thermodynamics | 3-4 | Medium |
Chemistry Weightage
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Chemistry | 10-12 | Very High |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 7-8 | High |
| Physical Chemistry | 8-10 | High |
Mathematics Weightage
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Calculus | 6-8 | Very High |
| Algebra | 6-8 | Very High |
| Coordinate Geometry | 5-6 | High |
| Trigonometry | 3-4 | Medium |
| Statistics & Probability | 2-3 | Medium |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Instructions
- Report at exam center 2 hours before scheduled time
- Carry admit card printout (mandatory)
- Carry valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
- No electronic devices, calculators, or watches allowed
- Virtual calculator available on screen
- Use rough sheets provided at center
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is the total marks in JEE Main 2026?
JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Tech) is of 300 marks total - 100 marks each for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) is of 400 marks.
2 Is there negative marking in JEE Main?
Yes, there is -1 negative marking for wrong MCQ answers. However, numerical value questions have NO negative marking.
3 How many questions are there in JEE Main 2026?
JEE Main Paper 1 has 90 questions in total (30 per subject), but candidates need to attempt 75 questions (25 per subject).
4 What is the duration of JEE Main exam?
JEE Main exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes). PwD candidates with scribe get 4 hours (240 minutes).
5 Is calculator allowed in JEE Main?
No, physical calculators are not allowed. A virtual on-screen calculator is provided during the exam for basic calculations.
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