National Testing Agency has released the JEE Main exam pattern 2026, and it remains the same as last year. The pattern includes the total number of questions, marking schemes, and duration of the exam, which are essential for effective preparation. JEE Main is conducted for three papers. Paper 1 for B.E. and B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch and Paper 2B for B.Plan.
Paper 1 consists of 75 multiple choice questions in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, carrying a total of 300 marks. It is conducted online. Paper 2A has 77 questions for 400 marks, while Paper 2B has 100 questions for 400 marks. All sections in Paper 2A are conducted online except for the Drawing section, which is conducted offline.
In this article, the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern is discussed in detail, which will help you understand the structure clearly and prepare effectively for the exam.
What Are the Key Highlights of the JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern?
The table below provides a clear summary of the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern. It is based on the pattern released by the National Testing Agency in previous years. Students can use this table to understand the expected pattern of the exam.
| Paper | Course | Subjects | Type of Questions | Mode of Examination |
| Paper 1 | B.E. / B.Tech | Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry | Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and questions for which the answer is a numerical value, with equal weightage to Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry | Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only |
| Paper 2A | B.Arch | Part I: Mathematics | Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and questions for which the answer is a numerical value | Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only |
| Part II: Aptitude Test | Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only | ||
| Part III: Drawing Test | Questions to test drawing aptitude | Pen and Paper Based (offline) mode, to be attempted on a Drawing sheet of A4 size | ||
| Paper 2B | B.Planning | Part I: Mathematics | Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and questions for which the answer is a numerical value | Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only |
| Part II: Aptitude Test | Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only | ||
| Part III: Planning-Based Questions | Objective Type - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only |
Also Check : JEE Main 2026 Syllabus
What Is the JEE Main 2026 Paper Pattern?
The JEE Main 2026 exam is divided into three papers, each with its own structure and marking scheme. This section explains the paper pattern of Paper 1, Paper 2A and Paper 2B, which will help students know what to expect in the exam.
JEE Main Paper Pattern for B.E/B.Tech (Paper 1)
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of Examination | Online mode (Computer-Based Test) |
| Number of Sections and Subjects | Three - Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
| Duration of Examination | 3 hours (180 minutes) for general candidates and 4 hours for PwD candidates |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with one correct option and Numerical Value Questions where answers must be entered as numerical values |
| Note on Section B | Candidates must attempt all five numerical questions from each subject |
| Total Number of Questions | 75 questions in total |
| Total Marks | 300 marks |
| Languages Available | English, Hindi, Gujarati, Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
JEE Main Paper Pattern for B.Arch (Paper 2A)
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of Examination | Mathematics and Aptitude sections are conducted online (Computer-Based), while the Drawing Test is held offline using pen and paper |
| Number of Sections and Subjects | Three - Drawing, Mathematics, and Aptitude |
| Duration of Examination | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Number of Questions | 77 questions in total |
| Type of Questions | Mathematics and Aptitude sections include objective-type questions Drawing section includes descriptive drawing and sketching-based questions to assess creativity and design ability |
| Total Marks | 400 marks in total Drawing section carries 100 marks, with marking details specified for each task |
| Languages Available | English, Hindi, Gujarati, Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
JEE Main Paper Pattern for B.Plan (Paper 2B)
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of Examination | Online mode (Computer-Based Test) |
| Number of Sections and Subjects | Three - Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning-Based Questions |
| Duration of Examination | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Number of Questions | 100 questions in total |
| Type of Questions | Mathematics and Aptitude sections include objective-type questions Planning-Based section includes multiple-choice questions designed to test planning and analytical skills |
| Total Marks | 400 marks |
| Languages Available | English, Hindi, Gujarati, Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
What Is the Question-wise Weightage in JEE Main 2026?
JEE Main 2026 exam will be conducted separately for B.Tech, B.Arch and B.Plan candidates. The question pattern and topic-wise distribution of each paper are different. The following table shows the detailed division of questions for the three papers.
What is the Question Weightage for Paper 1 (B.Tech)?
| Subjects | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (Numerical Value Questions) | Question Paper Design |
| Mathematics | 20 | 5 | Each subject includes two sections - Section A with Multiple Choice Questions and Section B with Numerical Value Questions. There is no negative marking in Section B. |
| Physics | 20 | 5 | |
| Chemistry | 20 | 5 | |
| Total Questions | 60 (MCQs) | 15 (Numerical) | Total - 75 Questions |
What is the Question Weightage for Paper 2A (B.Arch)?
| Subjects | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (Numerical Value Questions) | Question Paper Design |
| Mathematics - Part I | 20 | 5 | Part I includes two sections - Section A with MCQs and Section B with Numerical Value Questions. Negative marking applies to Section B. |
| Aptitude Test - Part II | 50 | - | Conducted to assess spatial ability and logical reasoning. |
| Drawing Test - Part III | 2 | - | Conducted offline to evaluate sketching and design skills. |
| Total Questions | 72 (Objective) | 5 (Numerical) | Total - 77 Questions |
What is the Question Weightage for Paper 2B (B.Plan)?
| Subjects | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (Numerical Value Questions) | Question Paper Design |
| Mathematics - Part I | 20 | 5 | Part I includes two sections - Section A with MCQs and Section B with Numerical Value Questions. All five numerical questions are compulsory. |
| Aptitude Test - Part II | 50 | - | Evaluates problem-solving, reasoning, and spatial understanding. |
| Planning-Based Questions - Part III | 25 | - | Assesses knowledge of urban and regional planning concepts. |
| Total Questions | 95 (Objective) | 5 (Numerical) | Total - 100 Questions |
What Is the Marking Scheme for JEE Main 2026?
Each paper of the JEE Main 2026 exam has a specific marking scheme. It shows the marks awarded for correct answers, deductions for wrong answers, and how the total score is calculated. To make it easier for students to understand, the marking scheme based on the previous year?s data is presented in the table below.
| Particulars | B.E/B.Tech (Paper 1) | B.Arch (Paper 2A) | B.Plan (Paper 2B) |
| Marks for Correct Answer | +4 marks will be awarded for every correct response | +4 marks will be awarded for every correct response | +4 marks will be awarded for every correct response |
| Marks for Incorrect Answer | -1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect response | -1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect response | -1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect response |
| Unattempted Question | No marks will be awarded or deducted | No marks will be awarded or deducted | No marks will be awarded or deducted |
| Section-wise Mark Distribution | Mathematics: 25 questions x 4 marks = 100 marks Physics: 25 questions x 4 marks = 100 marks Chemistry: 25 questions x 4 marks = 100 marks Total = 300 marks | Mathematics: 25 questions x 4 marks = 100 marks Aptitude Test: 50 questions x 4 marks = 200 marks Drawing Test: 2 questions x 50 marks = 100 marks Total = 400 marks | Mathematics: 25 questions x 4 marks = 100 marks Aptitude Test: 50 questions x 4 marks = 200 marks Planning-Based Questions: 25 questions x 4 marks = 100 marks Total = 400 marks |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Not all subjects have equal difficulty or scoring potential. Students should analyze which chapters they understand well, and which ones are high yielding, based on previous trends. Focusing on these areas first allows for better utilization of time and improves overall score without stressing over less influential sections.
Ans: Instead of just practicing for the sake of practicing, analyze each mock test in detail. Identify repetitive mistakes, time-consuming question patterns, and weak sections. Then, adjust study plans to focus on these areas. Strategic mock test analysis is more effective than rote study.
Ans: Students should attempt easy questions first to score quickly, then tackle medium and difficult questions with tight time limits. Using segmented time management combined with awareness of negative marking, ensures that accuracy and speed are balanced.
Ans: Accuracy can be improved by breaking complex questions into smaller parts and using the elimination technique. For conceptual questions, remembering related formulas or principles helps in problem solving. Practicing pattern recognition and analytical thinking in advance saves time on unfamiliar problems.
Ans: Regular self-assessment identifies topics where errors are frequently made. Once weak areas are found, focused revision and targeted practice can strengthen them without neglecting strong topics. This approach builds confidence and reduces the chances of repeating mistakes in the actual exam.
Ans: Divide your total time based on the difficulty of the section and the importance of the questions. Keep a buffer for difficult questions and revision. Practicing in exam-like situations helps students adapt to real-life situations, improve skills, and reduce time pressure.
Ans: Incorporating short breaks, meditation, or relaxation exercises with daily preparation helps in maintaining focus. Building confidence through consistent practice, familiarity with question patterns, and gradual improvement in weak areas ensures that students remain calm and perform steadily during the exam.
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