The JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 is available on its official website that is “jeemain.nta.ac.in”. JEE Mains exam pattern is categorised into three papers i.e., Paper 1 for B.E / B.Tech, Paper 2(A) for B.Arch, and Paper 2(B) for B.Plan. Each paper has a different exam pattern which is specified by the NTA -the exam conducting body. All papers of JEE Mains are conducted in computer based test mode which includes both multiple-choice questions and numerical value questions. However, JEE Main Paper 2(B) also comprises a drawing test which is conducted offline.
As per the revised exam pattern, the Section B of each paper will now have only 5 numerical value questions instead of 10. It is mandatory for the students to attempt all 5 questions of Section B as now there is no optional facility available (unlike earlier) in regards with choosing questions.
This article will assist students in having a clear idea about the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 as it consists of paper wise exam pattern, marking scheme, and more.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the revised JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 on “jeemain.nta.ac.in”. Every JEE Main paper has 3 parts; each part is divided into two parts i.e., Section A and Section B. Objective-type questions will be asked in Section A. Section B will consist of questions for which the answer will be in numerical value. The numerical value questions should be answered in the rounded off to the nearest integer.
The below-listed table contains the important aspects of the JEE Mains paper pattern:
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Particular
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Details
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Mode of Examination
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- Online - Computer Based Test
* Drawing Test of Paper 2(B) is conducted offline.
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Sessions
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Number of Section in Each Paper
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Exam Duration
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For Paper 1 / 2A / 2B:
- For Non-PwD Candidates: 3 Hours
- For PwD Candidates: 4 Hours
For B.Arch & B.Planning Both:
- For Non-PwD Candidates: 3 Hours and 30 Minutes
- For PwD Candidates: 04 hours 10 minutes
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Total Number of Questions
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- For Paper 1: 75
- For Paper 2(A): 77
- For Paper 2(B): 100
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Total Marks of JEE Mains
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- For Paper 1: 300
- For Paper 2(A) & 2(B): 400
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Type of Questions
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- Multiple Choice Questions
- Numerical Value Questions
- Test Questions (For Drawing Test of Paper 2A)
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Note: Compensatory time for PwD / PwBD Candidates of 20 minutes for a 1 Hour examination will be given to those who are eligible for Scribe.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Paper 1 (For B.E / B.Tech)
JEE Main Paper 1 is expected to be conducted in January 2026 for getting admission in one of top Institutes offering B.E / B.Tech through JEE score. It is crucial for the appearing students to have an understanding about the JEE Main pattern for paper 1.
The subject-wise pattern can be understood from the following table:
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Subject (Part)
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Number of Questions
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Marks
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Section A
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Section B
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Mathematics
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20
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5
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100
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Physics
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20
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5
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100
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Chemistry
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20
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5
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100
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Overall
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90
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300
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JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: For Paper 2A (For B.Arch)
The Paper 2A of JEE Mains is going to be conducted in April 2026 (tentatively) in both online and offline mode. In addition to this, only Part 3 of this paper i.e., drawing test is conducted offline on a A4 size sheet. The subject-wise JEE Mains 2026 exam pattern of paper 2A is explained below:
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Subject (Part)
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Number of Questions
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Marks
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Mathematics
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Section A: 20
Section B: 5
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100
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Aptitude Test
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50
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200
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Drawing Test
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02
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100
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Overall
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82
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400
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JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: For Paper 2B (For B.Plan)
JEE Main exam pattern 2026 for paper 2(B) is stated in the table below:
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Subject (Part)
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Number of Questions
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Marks
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Mathematics
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Section A: 20
Section B:10
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100
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Aptitude Test
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50
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200
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Planning
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25
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100
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Overall
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105
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400
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JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
Candidates appearing for the exam should clearly understand the marking scheme to avoid any confusion. The details about the marking scheme of both MCQs and numerical value questions are as follows:
- For the correct answer: +4 Marks.
- Negative marking for a wrong answer: -1 Mark.
- No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
- If any question is found wrong or it is dropped due to any technical / human error, +4 marks will be granted to those candidates who have attempted it.
* Eligible candidates who have started preparing for the exam on the basis of JEE Main syllabus 2026 should have knowledge about the exam pattern.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Revised Tie-Breaking Policy for B.E / B.Tech
The National Testing Agency (NTA) i.e., the exam conducting body has revised the tie-breaking policy for JEE Main 2026 - Paper 1 (For B.E / B.Tech). On the basis of revised guidelines, the age criteria and application number will not be used to solve the ties between the students.
If two or more candidates secures the identical / same JEE Main score, then the below-given tie-breaking rules will be applied:
- Students who have obtained a higher score in Mathematics will be ranked 1st by the authorities.
- If a tie still remains, candidates who have secured the higher marks in Physics will be considered.
- If a tie still has not been solved after applying the above-mentioned rules, aspirants with higher Chemistry marks will be given priority.
- Students with a lower ratio of wrong to right answers in all the subjects will be considered for the JEE Main rank if a tie still persists.
- If a tie still continues, candidates with lower proportion of incorrect to correct answers in Mathematics subjects will be prioritised.
- After applying all the above-specified rules, if a tie still remains unsolved, aspirants who have lower percentage of wrong to right answers will be ranked.
- If a tie is still unsolved, students who have got a lower proportion of incorrect to correct answers will be ranked by the NTA.
- However, if a tie is still not breaked or solved, students will be granted the same rank.
