NTA Exam Pattern 2026: Check Marking Scheme, Number of Questions for JEE Main/NEET/UGC NET/CSIR NET/CUET
National Testing Agency 2026 ( NTA )
NTA Exam Pattern 2026: NTA conducts various exams under its purview, and all exam have their specific exam format and pattern. On this page, we will be discussing the NTA exam pattern for all the exams like JEE Main 2026, NTA NEET 2026, UGC NET 2026, CUET UG/PG, and others. NTA releases the NTA exam pattern with the NTA information brochure for all the exams on their respective website. Additionally, the NTA exam syllabus is also released with the brochure. The candidates must check the NTA exam pattern 2026 and the syllabus from the official websites of the NTA exams 2026 to prepare for their exams.
NTA exam pattern for most of the exams includes positive marks for correct answers and also negative marking for wrong attempts. Hence, in NTA exams, guesswork can lead to a loss of marks. Also, most of the NTA exams have multilingual question papers - Hindi and English. However, JEE Main and NEET are also held in regional languages. Check the NTA exam pattern 2026 for all exams on this page below.
- NTA Exam Pattern 2026 - Sections and Subjects
- NTA Exam Pattern 2026 - Exam Duration and Exam Mode
- NTA Exam Pattern 2026 - Marking Scheme
- NTA Exam Pattern 2026 - Total Number of Questions Asked, Types and Total Marks
- NTA Exam Pattern 2026 - Question Paper Language
- NTA JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 in Details
- NTA CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026 in Details
- NTA CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026 in Details
- NTA NEET Exam Pattern 2026 in Details
- NTA Exam Mock Test 2026
- NTA Helpline and Official Website for Queries and Updates
NTA Exam Pattern 2026 - Sections and Subjects
Check below the sections and subjects asked in each of the NTA exams 2026:
| NTA Examination |
Number of Papers |
Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| NTA UGC NET |
Paper 1 - Common for all candidates Paper 2- Subject-specific questions (82 Subjects) |
Paper 1: Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Communication, Reasoning (including Maths), Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), People & Environment, Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration Paper 2: Subject-specific questions |
| NTA CSIR NET |
One | Part A: This part consists of General Aptitude questions, which are common to all disciplines. All candidates must attempt this part. Part B: This part consists of discipline-related multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Part C: This part consists of higher-value questions, which are designed to test the candidates' knowledge of scientific concepts and their ability to analyse and apply them. |
| NTA JEE Main |
Paper 1 (for BE/BTech candidates) Paper 2a (for BArch candidates) Paper 2b (for BPlan candidates) |
Paper 1: Maths, Physics, Chemistry Paper 2a: Maths, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test Paper 2b: Maths, Aptitude Test, Planning-based Questions |
| NTA NEET |
One | Physics, Chemistry and Biology (Botany + Zoology) |
| NTA CMAT |
One | Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
| CUET UG |
One | Part 1 - Languages Part 2 - Domain-specific Part 3 - General Test |
| CUET PG |
One | Based on the domain of the candidate |
| NTA NCHM JEE |
One | Numerical Ability and Analytical Aptitude, Reasoning and Logical Deduction, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, English Language, and Aptitude for Service Sector |
| NTA NIFTEE |
GAT (General Ability Test) CAT (Creative Ability Test) |
GAT: Communication Ability & English Comprehension, Case Study, Quantitative Ability, Analytical & Logical Ability, and General Knowledge And Current Affairs CAT: Intuition skill, power of observation, innovation in the development of a concept, as well as the design ability of the candidate. |
| NTA ICAR AIEEA Exam |
One | Discipline-specific |
| JIPMAT |
One | Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
| AIAPGET |
One | Ayurveda, Unani, Homoeopathy, Siddha |
NTA Exam Pattern 2026 - Exam Duration and Exam Mode
| NTA Examination |
Duration of the exam |
Mode of Exam |
|---|---|---|
| NTA UGC NET |
3 hours | Computer-based test |
| NTA CSIR NET |
3 hours | Computer-based test |
| NTA JEE Main |
3 hours | Paper 1: Computer-based test Paper 2a: Maths and Aptitude Test will be a computer-based test, and the Drawing Test will be a pen and paper-based test. Paper 2b: Computer-based test |
| NTA NEET |
3 hours | Pen and paper-based test |
| NTA CMAT |
3 hours | Computer-based Test |
| CUET UG |
Varies | Computer-based Test |
| CUET PG |
1 hour 30 minutes |
Computer-based test |
| NTA NCHM JEE |
3 hours | Computer-based test |
| NTA NIFTEE |
GAT: 2 hours CAT: 3 hours |
GAT: Computer-based test CAT: Pen and paper-based test |
| NTA ICAR AIEEA Exam |
2 hours | Computer-based test |
| JIPMAT |
2:30 hours | Computer-based test |
| AIAPGET |
2 hours | Computer-based test |
NTA Exam Pattern 2026 - Marking Scheme
The marking scheme of NTA 2026 varies as per the exam. For unanswered questions, NTA do not deduct any marks; however, negative marking is applicable for wrong answers. For more details about the NTA marking scheme 2026, candidates can refer to the table given below.
| NTA Examination |
Correct answer |
Incorrect answer |
|---|---|---|
| NTA UGC NET |
+2 for the correct answer | NA |
| NTA CSIR NET |
+2 for the correct answer | Negative marking of 25 per cent (33 per cent for some parts) |
| NTA JEE Main |
+4 for the correct answer | -1 for wrong answer |
| NTA NEET |
+4 for the correct answer | -1 for wrong answer |
| NTA CMAT |
+4 for the correct answer | -1 for wrong answer |
| CUET UG |
+5 for each correct answer | -1 for each incorrect answer |
| CUET PG |
+4 for the correct answer | -1 for wrong answer |
| NTA NCHM JEE |
+4 for the correct answer | -1 for wrong answer |
| NTA NIFTEE |
+1 for the correct answer | GAT: The objective-type tests will have negative marking. The negative marks for any question will be 25% of the full marks for the question (for each wrong answer). CAT: No negative marking |
| NTA ICAR AIEEA Exam |
+4 for the correct answer | -1 for wrong answer |
| JIPMAT |
+4 for the correct answer | -1 for wrong answer |
| AIAPGET |
+4 for the correct answer | -1 for wrong answer |
NTA Exam Pattern 2026 - Total Number of Questions Asked, Types and Total Marks
| NTA Examination |
Types of questions asked |
Total number of questions |
Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTA UGC NET |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS) | Paper 1 - 100 Paper 2 - 200 |
Paper 1 - 200 Paper 2 - 400 |
| NTA CSIR NET |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS) | 200 | 400 |
| NTA JEE Main |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS) and Numerical Answer Types (NATs) | Paper 1: 75 Paper 2a: 82 Paper 2b: 100 |
Paper 1: 300 Paper 2a: 400 Paper 2b: 400 |
| NTA NEET |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS) | 180 |
720 |
| NTA CMAT |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS) | 100 | 400 |
| CUET UG |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
50 | 250 |
| CUET PG |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 75 | 300 |
| NTA NCHM JEE |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS) | 200 | 800 |
| NTA NIFTEE |
GAT: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS) CAT: Subjective and drawing-based ( drawing, sketching, and model making based on provided themes or scenarios) |
GAT: 100 for BDes, 120 for MDes, 150 for BFTech, MFTech, and MFM CAT: varies for various programmes |
GAT: 100 for BDes, 120 for MDes, 150 for BFTech, MFTech, and MFM CAT: varies for various programmes |
| NTA ICAR AIEEA Exam |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
120 | 480 |
| JIPMAT |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS) | 100 | 400 |
| AIAPGET |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS) | 120 | 480 |
NTA Exam Pattern 2026 - Question Paper Language
| NTA Examination |
Languages in which the exam is held |
|---|---|
| NTA UGC NET |
English and Hindi |
| NTA CSIR NET |
English and Hindi |
| NTA JEE Main |
English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu |
| NTA NEET |
English, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam |
| NTA CMAT |
English only |
| CUET UG |
English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
| CUET PG |
English and Hindi |
| NTA NCHM JEE |
English and Hindi |
| NTA NIFTEE |
Hindi and English |
| NTA ICAR AIEEA Exam |
English only |
| JIPMAT |
English |
| AIAPGET |
Ayurveda - English and Hindi Homoeopathy - English only Siddha - English and Tamil Unani - English and Urdu |
NTA JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 in Details
The National Testing Agency mentions the NTA JEE Main 2026 exam pattern in the official notification. The exam authority will conduct the JEE Main 2026 exam in computer-based mode. There will be a total of three sections in the JEE Main exam 2026 – Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. JEE Main exam pattern 2026 varies for engineering and architecture courses. Aspirants appearing in the exam are advised to refer to the NTA JEE Main exam pattern for their preparations. For more details, candidates can refer to the table provided below.
| Particulars |
BTech/BE |
|---|---|
| Exam mode |
Online (Computer-based) |
| Number of sections and subjects |
3 (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) |
| Duration of exam |
3 hours (180 minutes) 4 hours for PwD candidates |
| Type of questions |
MCQs: 4 options with only 1 correct option Numerical Value Questions: Questions whose answers are to be filled in as a numerical value |
| Section A (MCQ) |
Mathematics: 20 |
| Section B (Numerical Value) |
Mathematics: 5 |
| How many questions in JEE Main 2026 exam |
75 |
| JEE Main 2026 Maximum Marks |
300 marks |
| Language of paper |
Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, in addition to Hindi, English, and Gujarati |
NTA CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026 in Details
The National Testing Agency releases the CUET PG exam pattern along with the official notification. Candidates appearing in the exam are advised to refer to the CUET PG 2026 exam pattern for their preparations. CUET PG 2026 exam comprises 100 multiple-choice questions for 4 marks each. There will be a negative marking of one mark for every wrong answer in the CUET PG 2026 exam. For more details, candidates can refer to the table given below.
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of the examination |
Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Medium/Language |
English and Hindi |
| Duration of CUET PG examination |
Two hours |
| Frequency of exams in a year |
Once a year |
| Type of questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total number of Questions |
100 |
| Total Marks |
400 |
| CUET PG negative marking |
Yes |
| Marking Scheme |
+4 for correct answer | -1 for an incorrect answer |
| Total sections in the question paper |
2 |
| Name of the section and number of questions asked from it |
Section A: Language Comprehension/Verbal Ability, and or General Knowledge, Mathematical Ability and Analytical Skills Section B: Domain Specific Questions |
NTA CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026 in Details
NTA NEET Exam Pattern 2026 in Details
NTA Exam Mock Test 2026
NTA Helpline and Official Website for Queries and Updates
NTA Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
NTA (National Testing Agency) plays a very important role in the CUET PG admission process.
- Conducts the Exam
- Application Form
- Question Paper Development
- The Admit Card
- Answer Key Release
- Result Declaration
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, National Testing Agency does not announce the CUET dates for counselling. The role of NTA ends soon after the declaration of CUET UG results. To know the CUET counselling sates, candidates must visit the official website of university they desire to take admission in. Every CUET participating un
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the December session of the UGC NET 2025 exam. The notification is not released yet. It is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for the post of Assistant Professor, the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and the admission to Ph.D
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The current director general of NTA is Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola, IAS.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) was established by the Ministry of Education (MoE) as an autonomous and self-reliant organistion with an aim to conduct national-level examinations. Key exams such as NEET and JEE Main, previous
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The current NTA chairman is Prof. (Retd.) Pradeep Kumar Joshi. He is also a former chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The exams that NTA conducts are:
- UGC NET - eligibility for Indian nationals for 'Assistant Professor' as well as 'Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor'.
- JEE Main - for BE/BTech admission at IITs, NITs, IIITs, CFTIs.
- NEET - for admission to MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, BAMS, Veterinary, and oth
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
NTA was established with the objective conducting transparent, efficient and high standard tests to assess candidates' competency for admission purposes. To imporve the quality, efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and security of all the national level tests, MOE has established NTA. It is one single
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
NTA releases NTA application form for all the exam it holds as per the schedule of the individual exam. The tentative NTA exam application form 2026 release date for all NTA exams are as follows:
NTA exam | Registration start date |
|---|---|
NTA UGC NET December 2025 Registration Date | November 2025 |
NTA UGC NET June 2026 Registration Date | April 2026 |
NTA JEE Main 2026 Registration Date | Session 1 (January) - November 2025 Session 2 (April) - February 2026 |
NTA NEET 2026 Registration Date | February 2026 |
NTA CMAT 2026 Registration Date | November 2025 |
NTA NCHM JEE 2026 Registration Date | December 2025 |
NTA NIFTEE 2026 Registration Date | November 2025 |
NTA ICAR AIEEA Registration Date | May 2026 |
NTA JIPMAT 2026 Registration Date | February 2026 |
| NTA AIAPGET 2026 Registration Date | May 2026 |
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The official NA website is nta.ac.in. Also, NTA updates individial exam websites too, where the informatio related to all the exams are hosted. check the table below for reference:
NTA Exam | Website |
|---|---|
NATIONAL TESTING AGENCY | nta.ac.in |
UGC-NET Examination (UGC-NET) | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE-MAIN) | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) | neet.nta.nic.in |
Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) | exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/ |
All India Ayush Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) | aiapget.nta.ac.in |
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) | icar.nta.ac.in |
Joint CSIR-UGC NET (CSIR) | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT) | exams.nta.ac.in/JIPMAT/ |
Common University Entrance Test CUET- UG | cuet.samarth.ac.in |
Common University Entrance Test CUET- PG | cuet.nta.nic.in |
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
NTA will be releasing the NTA exam calenders for all exams it conducts at nta.ac.in. Check the tentative exam dates for NTA exams 2026 in the table below:
NTA exam | Exam date |
|---|---|
NTA UGC NET December 2025 Exam Date | January 2026 |
NTA UGC NET June 2026 Exam Date | June 2026 |
NTA JEE Main 2026 Exam Date | Session 1 (January) - January 2026 Session 2 (April) - April 2026 |
NTA NEET 2026 Exam Date | May 2026 |
NTA CMAT 2026 Exam Date | January 2026 |
NTA NCHM JEE 2026 Exam Date | April 2026 |
NTA NIFTEE 2026 Exam Date | February 2026 (Written Exam) June 2026 (Stage 2) |
NTA ICAR AIEEA 2026 Exam Date | July 2026 |
NTA JIPMAT 2026 Exam Date | April 2026 |
| NTA AIAPGET 2026 Exam Date | July 2026 |
V
Contributor-Level 6
2 Institutes accepting NTA
The LNM Institute of Information Technology
Jaipur • Partnership
4.2Kanpur Institute of Technology
Kanpur • Private
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