How to crack JEE Mains in first attempt?

To crack JEE Mains on the first attempt, candidates need to start preparation as soon as possible. Get hold of conceptual clarity, consistent speed, and smart time management.

What type of questions are asked in JEE Main?

There are two question types in JEE Main exam. Multiple choice questions and numerical ability questions. In MCQ, every question has 4 options with only 1 correct answer. Select the correct option. In numerical ability question type, no options are there. Solve them and write answer using keyword and mouse.

Is there any change in marking scheme and total number of questions in JEE Main 2026?

No, there is no change in JEE Main 2026 total number of questions and marking scheme. It is the same as pervious year.

How do I balance school studies with JEE Main preparation?

Students who are in class 12 and would also be appearing in JEE Mains 2026 exam mostly find it difficult to manage both their class/school and JEE studies. However, all these students have an advantage over others/droppers aspirants as there are many common topics in class 12 and JEE. To benefit, they must identify all the topics that are common and study those first. Secondly, cover the topics that have more weightage in class 12 and complete them. Before a few days of JEE Mains, study specifically for JEE. This way, they can manage both class 12 and JEE efficiently.

What type of questions are asked in JEE Main?

There are two question types in JEE Main exam. Multiple choice questions and numerical ability questions. In MCQ, every question has 4 options with only 1 correct answer. Select the correct option. In numerical ability question type, no options are there. Solve them and write answer using keyword and mouse.

Will there be any break in JEE Main 2026 exam?

JEE Main exam is held for 3 hours continuously without any break. Candidates are allowed to leave exam hall only after 3 hours of the test are over.

Is there negative marking in JEE Main?

Yes, JEE Main exam has negative marking. 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.

Are calculators allowed inside exam centre in JEE Main exam?

Students are not allowed to carry calculators inside the exam centre in JEE Main exam. Students can use the virtual calculator available on the screen during the exam. Virtual calculators will be available on the computer screen of students during the JEE Main exam.

Do I need to attempt all the questions in JEE Main exam?

NO, it is compulsory to attempt all questions in the JEE Main exam. The JEE Main exam has negative marking and candidates must answer only those questions for which they know the correct answer. Students must note that there are no minimum marks in JEE Main that students need to score. Students gets All India Rank based on the marks they secure in exam and gets admission based on that rank.

How is JEE Main conducted, online or offline?

JEE Main exam is conducted in online mode as a computer based test. This is conducted in 3 different courses. The exam for B.Tech and B. Plan is completely online while the exam for B.Arch is partially online and drawing part is conducted offline.

How many questions are asked in JEE Main exam?

Paper 1 has 75 questions where Physics Chemistry and Mathematics, each section has 25 questions. Out of 25 questions, 20 are MCQs and five are numerical value questions. You must answer all 5 numerical value-type questions. All 20 multiple-choice questions are compulsory. Complete all 75 questions in 3 hours.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: How Many Questions are there in JEE Mains, Marking Scheme, Total Marks

Updated on Jun 7, 2026 22:42 IST

By Mamona Majumder, Assistant Manager

Overview

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: The NTA has released the JEE Mains exam pattern 2026. Candidates preparing for the JEE Mains 2026 can check here exam pattern to understand total number of questions in JEE Main, time duration, and marking scheme of the question paper.

JEE Main 2026 consists of three papers: Paper 1 (BE/B.Tech), Paper 2A (BArch), and Paper 2B (BPlan). The JEE Main exam for B.E./B. Tech (Paper 1) will consist of three sections - Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, consisting of 75 MCQs carrying 300 marks, and the test will be conducted online as a computer-based test. JEE Main Paper 2A will consist of 77 questions carrying 400 marks, and the BPlan paper will have 100 MCQs of 400 marks. JEE Main Paper 2 will be conducted online except the drawing section of Paper 2A, which is conducted offline.

Table of contents

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
JEE Maun 2026 Subject Wise Weightage
JEE Main Total Marks: Marking Scheme for BE/BTech & BArch/BPlan
JEE Mains 2026 Exam Pattern: Section and Important Topics
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

Candidates can check the table below to get an overview of the JEE Main exam pattern for all three papers.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026

Aspect	Paper 1 (BE/BTech)	Paper 2A (BArch)	Paper 2B (BPlan)
Mode of Exam	Online (Computer-Based)	Mathematics & Aptitude: Online Drawing: Offline	Online (Computer-Based)
Subjects	Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics	Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test	Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning-based Questions
Total Duration	3 hours	3 hours	3 hours
Total Marks	300 marks (100 per subject)	400 marks	400 marks
Number of Questions	Physics - 25 Chemistry - 25 Mathematics - 25	Math- 25 (20 MCQs + 5 NVQs), Aptitude- 50, Drawing- 2	Math- 25 (20 MCQs + 5 NVQs) Aptitude- 50 Planning- 25
Numerical Value Questions	5 per subject, all compulsory	5 in Math, attempt all 5	5 in Math, all compulsory
Question Types	20 MCQs + 5 Numerical (per subject)	MCQs (Math & Aptitude), Drawing Tasks (pen & paper)	MCQs + Numerical Value + Planning-based questions
Marking Scheme	+4 for correct, -1 for incorrect	+4 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted	+4 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted
Languages Offered	Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, etc.	Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, etc.	Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, etc.

Is there any change in JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026?

No, there is no change in the exam pattern of JEE Mains 2026. The NTA made updates to its pattern in 2025, and as per the new pattern, section B of the JEE Main Question Paper for BE/BTech have no optional questions. There will be only 5 questions per subject in Section B, and students must answer all 5 questions. Similarly, in Papers 2A and 2B, there will be no optional questions in the Mathematics section of Section B.

JEE Maun 2026 Subject Wise Weightage

JEE Main 2026 will have three separate papers for BTech, BArch, and BPlan. The total no. of questions in JEE Main Paper 1 is 75, while in Paper 2, it is 77 and 100. The breakup of subject-wise questions is given below for all three papers.

Total Number of Questions in JEE Mains Paper 1 (BTech)

Subjects in Paper-1	Section-A	Section-B	Question Paper Design
Mathematics	20	5	Each subject will have two sections, sections A and B. Section A will have Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Section B will contain Numerical Value Questions.
Physics	20	5
Chemistry	20	5
Total	75

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper 2A (BArch)

Subjects in Paper-2A (BArch)	Section-A	Section-B	Question Paper Design
Mathematics Part I	20	5	Part -1 will have two sections. Section A will be of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Section B will contain Questions whose answers are to be filled in as a numerical value
Aptitude Test Part II	50
Drawing Test Part III	02
Total	77

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper 2B (BPlan)

Subjects in Paper-2B (BPlanning)	Section-A	Section-B	Question Paper Design
Mathematics Part I	20	5	Part -1 will have two sections. Section A will be of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Section B will contain Questions whose answers are to be filled in as a numerical value In Section B, candidates have to attempt all five questions out of 5.
Aptitude Test Part II	50	-
Planning-Based Questions Part III	25	-
Total	100

JEE Main Total Marks: Marking Scheme for BE/BTech & BArch/BPlan

The table given below provides details of the marking scheme and total marks of JEE Main 2026 exam for Paper 1 & Paper 2.

Particulars	BE/BTech Marking Scheme	BArch Marking Scheme	BPlan Marking Scheme
Correct Answer	+4 (Four marks awarded)	+4 (Four marks awarded)	+4 (Four marks awarded)
Incorrect Answer	-1 (One mark deducted)	-1 (One mark deducted)	-1 (One mark deducted)
Un-attempted Question	0 (No marks deducted)	0 (No marks deducted)	0 (No marks deducted)
Marks per section	Mathematics: 25 questions X 4 marks = 100 marks Physics: 25 questions X 4 marks = 100 marks Chemistry: 25 questions X 4 marks = 100 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	Mathematics: 25 questions X 4 marks = 100 marks Aptitude Test = 50 questions X 4 marks = 200 marks Planning Based Questions = 25 X 4 marks = 100 marks

JEE Main 2026 Mock Test is a comprehensive Test including Questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Maths. This test will help you to get an idea about the type of questions that will be asked, the exam pattern, and the marking scheme. After taking the test, you can immediately check your score. You can also download the Question Paper along with answers and explanations for Free.

Free JEE Main 2026 Mock Test

JEE Mains 2026 Exam Pattern: Section and Important Topics

Sections in JEE Mains 2026 Paper 1 and important topics are as follows:

Mathematics

Vectors & 3D Geometry: Exceptionally high scoring; focuses on lines, planes, and dot/cross products.
Calculus: Includes Limits, Continuity, Differentiability, Definite Integrals, and Differential Equations.
Matrices & Determinants: Highly predictable questions on systems of linear equations.
Algebra: Sequence & Series, Complex Numbers, and Permutations & Combinations.

Physics

Modern Physics: Atomic structure, X-rays, Nuclear Physics, and Dual Nature of Matter.
Electrostatics & Current Electricity: Coulomb's Law, Gauss Law, Capacitance, and Kirchhoff's Laws.
Mechanics: Rotational Motion, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy & Power.
Thermodynamics & Kinetic Theory: Heat engines, cyclic processes, and ideal gas behaviour.
Optics: Wave Optics and Ray Optics.

Chemistry:

Organic Chemistry: General Organic Chemistry (GOC), Hydrocarbons, and Named Reactions.
Inorganic Chemistry: Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, and p-block elements.
Physical Chemistry: Chemical & Ionic Equilibrium, Chemical Kinetics, and Chemical Thermodynamics.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs

Check below for the frequently asked questions related to JEE Main exam pattern 2026.

Q: In how many languages JEE Main exam is conducted?

National Testing Agency conducts JEE Main exam in a total of 13 languages. The languages in which paper is conducted are Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu in addition to Hindi English and Gujarati. Students can select the language of their choice from the available options while filling the application form. The language of JEE Main question paper during the exam will be available in 3 languages- English Hindi and the language selected by the candidates. The language of paper can be switched among these 3 languages during the exam.

Q: Can I complete JEE Main syllabus in 6 months?

JEE Mains syllabus can be completed in 6 months considering that almost every topic of JEE syllabus is similar to class 11 and 12 syllabus. However, completing the syllabus does not mean that candidates will get a good score. JEE Main exam tests your conceptual and analytical understanding of topics. To get a good score, you need to have good understanding of core concepts and also use to of applying them in solving numerical questions.

Q: What is the difficulty level of JEE exam? What is it all about?

The difficulty level of JEE Main exam is a little high than the class 12 board exams. Students who are studying in class 12 can score good marks in JEE Main by studying a little extra for the JEE. Students who have studied NCERT textbooks of Physics Chemistry and Mathematics thoroughly can get good marks. The joint Entrance Examination, popularly known as JEE Main is for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs for B.Tech and architecture courses in India.

Q: What are the best books for JEE Main preparation for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics?

Do your research to choose the best book for JEE Main preparation. You can talk to your teachers before you decide. Some books recommended for your preparation are given below:

Subjects	Books
Physics	NCERT Class 11 and 12 Concepts of Physics (Vol.1 & 2) by H.C. Verma Problems and Solutions of Physics by Sashi Bhusan Tiwari
Chemistry	NCERT Class 11 and 12 Concepts of Physical Chemistry by P. Bahadur Organic Chemistry by O.P. Tandon
Mathematics	NCERT Class 11 and 12 Differential & Integral Calculus by Amit Aggarwal Trigonometry and Coordinate Geometry by S.L. Loney

Q: Can I change the language of the question paper during the exam?

JEE Main question paper is in English, Hindi and language selected when you filled application form. In total, JEE Main is in 13 languages and you can select any language out of available options. You cannot switch language of question paper during exam.

Q: Is there any change in JEE Main 2026 exam pattern?

No, NTA has not announced any change in JEE Main 2026 exam pattern. However, NTA made changes in JEE Main exam pattern in 2025. As per the current JEE exam pattern, the total number of questions in JEE Main Paper 1 (BE/BTech) are 75, 25 each from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Also, there are no optional question in section B in any subject. Students will need to answer all 5 questions in section B from all three subjects. The marking scheme and total marks remain the same.

Q: What is the syllabus of JEE Mains?

JEE Main is conducted for multiple courses and the syllabus is different for each course. The syllabus of JEE Main Paper 1 (BE/B.Tech) includes class 11 and 12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics topics. For JEE Main paper 2A B.Arch the syllabus consists of Mathematics, General Aptitude and Drawing. Similarly, for JEE Main Paper 2B B. Plan the syllabus is Mathematics, General Aptitude and Planning. Candidates can check and download the detailed topics-wise JEE Main syllabus on the Shiksha page as well as on the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in.

Q: In how much time can I complete the entire JEE Main syllabus?

Time required to cover JEE Main syllabus changes from one student to another student. In general, to complete the entire JEE Main syllabus, students would require around 1 year. The ideal time to start preparing for JEE Main is class 11 as the syllabus for JEE and class 11-12 is similar. Students who are studying in class 11 can point out the topics that are common in both and pay special emphasis to those topics.

Q: Which book should I refer to prepare for JEE Main exam?

It is advised that students begin their JEE Main preparation with NCERT books. NCERT class 11 and 12 books for Physics Chemistry and Mathematics are the best to understand basic concepts and solve numerical problems. Along with NCERTs, students can refer to additional books like H. C. Verma and Irodov for Physics. In Mathematics, students can take help from Arihant books. For Chemistry R C Mukherjee, O P Tandon and P Bahadur are best.

Q: What is the qualifying score in JEE Main?

There is no minimum qualifying marks in JEE Main. Exam. However, any candidate who wish to appear in JEE Advanced need to obtain the minimum cutoff marks in JEE Main. Candidates gets all India rank in JEE Main on the basis of the score they get in the exam. Admission to the institutes like NITs, IIITs and GFTIs is given on the basis of all India rank of candidates. Candidates who wish to apply for JEE Advanced need to get the minimum JEE Main qualifying cutoff marks only after which they can apply for admission to IITs.

Q: Which topics are most important in JEE Main Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics?

Students who are preparing for JEE Main exam are advised to first cover the entire JEE Main syllabus. Covering only the high weightage chapters would decrease their chances of getting full/high score in JEE Main exam. Only after covering the entire syllabus, students can check most important chapters for JEE Mains.

Q: How much is 120 marks in JEE Mains percentile?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will declare the JEE Mains result 2026 in the form of percentile scores. Candidates can check here the previous year JEE Main marks vs percentile data to understand how much is 120 marks in JEE Main percentile.

As per the last year JEE Main marks vs percentile analysis, 120 marks would be around 95 to 97 percentile. However, the exact JEE Main 2025 percentile marks 120 would vary depending upon the highest number scored by the candidate in a particula shift and the total number candidates appeared in that particular shift.