Preparing for JEE Mains 2026? Understanding the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 is your first step toward effective preparation. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the JEE Main and Advanced exams, which are one of the toughest engineering exams. The JEE Mains 2026 exam pattern, including subject-wise weightage, question types, and marking schemes for all three papers: B.E./B. Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning. Here’s everything you need to know.
Overview of JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
JEE Mains 2026 will be held in two sessions, Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April 2026. Candidates have the flexibility to appear in either one or both sessions. If a student appears in both, the better score out of the two will be considered for the final merit list. The exam will be conducted in computer-based mode, across multiple shifts, and offered in 13 different languages, ensuring accessibility for students from all regions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Papers Offered | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Planning) |
| Duration | 3 hours for each paper |
| Languages Available | 13 Indian languages including English and Hindi |
| Total Marks | 300 for Paper 1, 400 for Paper 2A and 2B |
JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 Exam Pattern (B.E./B.Tech)
Paper 1 is for students aiming to get admission into B.E. or B.Tech.Tech.Tech programs. It includes three subjects – Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject contains a mix of MCQs and numerical-type questions.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 20 MCQs + 10 numerical (any 5) | 100 |
| Chemistry | 20 MCQs + 10 numerical (any 5) | 100 |
| Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 10 numerical (any 5) | 100 |
| Total | 90 questions (75 to be attempted) | 300 |
Students must answer only 5 out of 10 numerical questions in each section, giving them flexibility. MCQs have negative marking, while numerical questions do not.
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A Exam Pattern (B.Arch)
Paper 2A is designed for candidates seeking admission into Architecture courses. It evaluates not only analytical and mathematical abilities but also drawing skills.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (CBT) | 20 MCQs + 10 numerical (any 5) | 100 |
| Aptitude (CBT) | 50 MCQs | 200 |
| Drawing Test (Offline) | 2 Questions | 100 |
| Total | 82 questions | 400 |
The Drawing Test is held offline, and candidates must bring their own pencils and geometry box. This section is critical for B.Arch aspirants and evaluates creativity and spatial skills.
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2B Exam Pattern (B. Planning)
If you’re planning a career in urban planning, infrastructure development, or architecture technology (without drawing), Paper 2B is your choice. It includes an additional planning-based section instead of a drawing test.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (CBT) | 20 MCQs + 10 numerical (any 5) | 100 |
| Aptitude (CBT) | 50 MCQs | 200 |
| Planning (CBT) | 25 MCQs | 100 |
| Total | 105 questions | 400 |
The planning section includes topics like urban settlements, general awareness about cities, and map interpretation. It’s a scoring section if prepared well.
Language Options in JEE Main 2026
To make the exam accessible to students across India, JEE Mains 2026 will be conducted in 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Candidates can choose their preferred language while filling out the application form.
Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
Understanding the marking scheme is crucial to avoid losing marks unnecessarily. For MCQs, you earn +4 marks for every correct answer and lose 1 mark for every wrong answer. For numerical-type questions, there’s no negative marking. Unattempted questions carry zero marks.
Duration and Shift Timings
Each paper will be conducted for 3 hours. The exam is held in two shifts per day:
- Morning Shift: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Candidates must arrive at the center well in advance with all required documents, including the admit card and photo ID.
Conclusion
The JEE Mains 2026 exam pattern gives you a clear direction for preparing strategically. From subject-wise breakup to marking scheme and shift timings, every detail counts when it comes to competitive exams. Focus on time management, attempt mock tests regularly, and understand which paper suits your career goal—whether it’s engineering, architecture, or planning. By knowing the pattern well, you are already ahead of many aspirants.
FAQs
Q1. Can I appear for all three papers – Paper 1, 2A, and 2B?
Yes, you can apply for multiple papers, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and pay the combined application fee.
Q2. What is the duration of each paper in JEE Mains 2026?
Each paper is of 3 hours (180 minutes) duration.
Q4. Will there be negative marking for all sections?
Only MCQs have negative marking. Numerical questions do not carry any negative marks.
Q5. Can I change my language preference after form submission?
No, the language selected during form filling cannot be changed later. Choose wisely.