JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 OUT: Check Total Questions, Marks, Marking Scheme Here
The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern has been released by the NTA, providing essential details for candidates preparing for the exam. Understanding the JEE Main exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation, as it outlines the total questions in JEE Mains, the time duration, and the marking scheme.
The JEE Mains paper pattern consists of three papers: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning). Candidates can expect 75 MCQs in JEE Paper 1, 77 questions in Paper 2A, and 100 MCQs in Paper 2B. Each paper has a different structure, and knowing the JEE total questions for each paper helps in strategising time management and preparation.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the JEE Mains pattern and gain a clear understanding of the exam structure.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 (Paper-wise Details)
The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern is crucial for candidates preparing for the exam. Understanding the structure and marking scheme of each paper is essential to plan for success. The JEE Main exam consists of three papers:
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)
Paper 2A (B.Arch)
Paper 2B (B.Planning)
Each paper has distinct features, including the mode of exam, total duration, subjects, and number of questions. Candidates can refer to the JEE Main exam pattern table below for a detailed breakdown:
Has the JEE Main Exam Pattern Changed in 2026?
No, the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern remains the same as the pattern introduced in 2025. According to NTA’s latest rules:
Section B in Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) will have 5 numerical questions per subject, and all 5 must be attempted — there are no optional questions.
For Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning), the Mathematics section in Section B also has no optional questions. All questions are compulsory.
This makes it important for students to prepare all topics thoroughly, as skipping questions in Section B is no longer allowed.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern for BTech (Paper 1)
The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern for B.Tech (Paper 1) remains unchanged from previous years. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed that the exam structure and marking scheme will follow the established format. Below is the complete breakdown of the JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Tech) exam pattern for 2026:
Important Points to Note:
MCQs: There are 20 MCQs in each of the three subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) in Section A.
Numerical Value Questions: Each subject in Section B has 5 Numerical Value Questions that candidates must attempt.
The total number of questions in JEE Main Paper 1 is 75, with 300 marks in total.
Candidates can prepare for the JEE Main 2026 exam with this detailed pattern in mind, ensuring they are familiar with the number of questions, the marking scheme, and the exam duration.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern for BArch (Paper 2A)
Candidates preparing for the JEE Main 2026 BArch exam (Paper 2A) can find all the necessary details about the exam pattern below. The JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) consists of three sections: Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing. Here's a breakdown of the JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A exam pattern:
JEE Main 2026 BArch Paper 2A Exam Pattern Details
Key Highlights:
Mathematics: Includes 20 MCQs and 5 Numerical Value Questions (Section I).
Aptitude: Contains 50 MCQs (Section II).
Drawing: 2 practical drawing tasks to assess sketching and design abilities (Section III).
Total Marks: The exam is worth a total of 400 marks, with the Drawing Test contributing 100 marks.
This JEE Main Paper 2A pattern helps candidates prepare for all sections of the exam. Be sure to practice both objective-type questions and the drawing section for comprehensive preparation.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern for BPlan (Paper 2B)
Candidates preparing for the JEE Main 2026 BPlan exam (Paper 2B) can find all the important details related to the exam pattern, including the marking scheme, total number of questions, and exam duration, below. The JEE Main Paper 2B (B.Planning) consists of three key sections: Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning-Based Questions.
JEE Main 2026 BPlan (Paper 2B) Exam Pattern Details
Key Highlights:
Mathematics Section: Consists of 20 MCQs and 5 Numerical Value Questions.
Aptitude Section: Includes 50 MCQs designed to test the candidate's general aptitude.
Planning-Based Questions: Comprises 25 MCQs that assess a candidate’s understanding of planning-based concepts and their application.
Total Marks: The exam is worth 400 marks, with each section contributing significantly to the final score.
This JEE Main Paper 2B (BPlan) exam pattern is designed to test the candidate's proficiency in mathematical concepts, aptitude, and planning-based scenarios, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation for B.Planning aspirants.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Total Number of Questions for BTech, BArch, and BPlan
The JEE Main 2026 exam consists of three separate papers for B.Tech (Paper 1), B.Arch (Paper 2A), and B.Planning (Paper 2B), each with its own structure and number of questions. The total number of questions in each paper differs based on the sections and subjects included.
Here is the subject-wise breakdown of the total number of questions for each paper:
Total Questions in JEE Main Paper 1 (BTech)
Paper 1 (B.Tech) includes 75 questions, with 20 MCQs and 5 Numerical Value Questions in each subject.
Total Questions in JEE Main Paper 2A (BArch)
Paper 2A (B.Arch) includes 77 questions, with 20 MCQs and 5 Numerical Value Questions in Mathematics, 50 MCQs in the Aptitude section, and 2 drawing tasks.
Total Questions in JEE Main Paper 2B (BPlan)
Paper 2B (B.Planning) consists of 100 questions, with 20 MCQs and 5 Numerical Value Questions in Mathematics, 50 MCQs in Aptitude, and 25 Planning-Based MCQs.
Summary of Total Questions in JEE Main 2026:
Paper 1 (B.Tech): 75 questions
Paper 2A (B.Arch): 77 questions
Paper 2B (B.Planning): 100 questions
The total number of questions varies depending on the paper, but each paper has a structured approach that includes both MCQs and Numerical Value Questions, along with specific sections unique to B.Arch and B.Planning papers.
FAQs on JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper-wise Question Distribution, Marks and Marking Scheme
1. What type of questions are asked in JEE Main?
In JEE Main 2026, the exam consists of two types of questions:
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Candidates select the correct answer from four options.
Numerical Value Questions: Candidates enter the numerical answer in the form of a number. These questions are based on calculation-based problems.
The questions cover topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
2. Is there any change in marking scheme and total number of questions in JEE Main 2026?
No, there is no change in the marking scheme and total number of questions for JEE Main 2026. The exam will continue with the existing format, where each correct answer earns +4 marks, while an incorrect answer attracts a -1 mark penalty. Unanswered questions receive 0 marks.
3. How is JEE Main conducted, online or offline?
The JEE Main exam is primarily conducted online as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1), B.Planning (Paper 2B), and Aptitude sections in B.Arch (Paper 2A). However, the Drawing Test for B.Arch (Paper 2A) is conducted offline on paper.
4. How many questions are asked in JEE Main exam?
The number of questions varies depending on the paper:
Paper 1 (B.Tech): 75 questions (25 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics)
Paper 2A (B.Arch): 77 questions (20 in Mathematics, 50 in Aptitude, and 2 in Drawing)
Paper 2B (B.Planning): 100 questions (25 in Mathematics, 50 in Aptitude, and 25 Planning-based questions)
5. Is there any change in JEE Main 2026 exam pattern?
No, the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern remains the same as previous years. The changes made in the 2025 exam pattern remain in place. For example, in Section B, all questions are compulsory, and there are no optional questions in Mathematics and Aptitude sections for B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning.
6. How do I balance school studies with JEE Main preparation?
Balancing school studies with JEE Main preparation can be challenging, but with a strategic approach, it’s manageable:
Create a Timetable: Dedicate specific hours for schoolwork and JEE preparation.
Focus on Core Subjects: Prioritize subjects that overlap with your school syllabus and JEE topics.
Use Breaks Wisely: Utilize school breaks to revise and solve problems.
Stay Consistent: Regular study and revision will ensure you stay on track for both school exams and JEE preparation.
7. What is the JEE exam pattern for 2026?
The JEE exam pattern for 2026 consists of two parts: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Main is the entrance exam for B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning courses, with MCQs and Numerical Value Questions. JEE Advanced is taken by candidates who qualify JEE Main and assesses their understanding of advanced topics through MCQs, integer-based questions, and matching-type questions.
8. How is the JEE Main exam structured?
The JEE Main exam is divided into three papers:
Paper 1: For B.Tech, consists of 75 questions (MCQs and Numerical Value Questions) in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Paper 2A: For B.Arch, includes 77 questions (MCQs for Mathematics and Aptitude, and a Drawing Test).
Paper 2B: For B.Planning, consists of 100 questions (MCQs for Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning).
9. How many questions are there in the JEE Main exam?
Paper 1 (B.Tech): 75 questions (25 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics).
Paper 2A (B.Arch): 77 questions (20 in Mathematics, 50 in Aptitude, 2 in Drawing).
Paper 2B (B.Planning): 100 questions (25 in Mathematics, 50 in Aptitude, 25 Planning-based).
10. What are the types of questions asked in JEE Main?
The questions in JEE Main are of two types:
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Candidates select the correct answer from four options.
Numerical Value Questions: Candidates fill in the correct numerical answer.
11. Is JEE Main conducted online or offline?
Paper 1 (B.Tech) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) are conducted online as computer-based tests (CBT).
Paper 2A (B.Arch) is a combination of online (Mathematics and Aptitude) and offline (Drawing Test).
12. Is there any change in the JEE Main exam pattern for 2026?
No, there are no significant changes in the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern. The structure remains the same as previous years, with the MCQs and Numerical Value Questions in each paper.
13. How are marks awarded in JEE Main?
The marking scheme for JEE Main is as follows:
+4 marks for each correct answer.
-1 mark for each incorrect answer.
0 marks for unattempted questions.
