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JEE Main 2026Exam Pattern

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern — Complete Guide

JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) consists of 90 questions across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, of which you attempt 75. Total marks: 300. Duration: 3 hours. Here is the complete breakdown of the exam pattern, marking scheme, and paper types.

90
Total Questions
per paper
75
Questions to Attempt
per paper
300
Total Marks
Paper 1
3 hrs
Duration
4 hrs PwD

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) — Subject-wise Breakdown

SubjectSection A (MCQ)Section B (Numerical)Questions to AttemptMax Marks
Physics20 (all)10 (any 5)25100
Chemistry20 (all)10 (any 5)25100
Mathematics20 (all)10 (any 5)25100
Total6030 (attempt 15)75300

Marking Scheme

Question TypeCorrectWrongUnattemptedNote
Section A — MCQ+4−10All 20 must be attempted
Section B — Numerical+400Attempt any 5 out of 10

JEE Main Papers — Overview

Paper 1 — B.E. / B.Tech

  • For admission to engineering degree programs at NITs, IIITs, GFTIs
  • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
  • Computer-based test (CBT) only
  • Gateway to JEE Advanced for IIT admissions

Paper 2A — B.Arch

  • For admission to Architecture programs
  • Subjects: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test
  • Drawing test is pen-and-paper (offline) component
  • 100 questions, 400 marks total

Paper 2B — B.Planning

  • For admission to Planning programs
  • Subjects: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning-based Questions
  • Fully computer-based
  • 100 questions, 400 marks total

Is a calculator allowed in JEE Main 2026?

No physical calculator is allowed inside the exam hall. However, NTA provides a virtual on-screen calculator within the exam software. Candidates cannot bring their own calculators, phones, or any electronic devices.

Key Tips for JEE Main 2026

  • Section B has no negative marking — always attempt all 5 numerical questions.
  • In Section A, skip questions you are unsure of to avoid the −1 penalty.
  • You do not need to attempt all 10 Section B questions — only 5 are counted.
  • Manage time: ~2 minutes per MCQ, ~3–4 minutes per numerical is a healthy pace.
  • Mock tests on the NTA practice portal match the actual exam interface.

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