The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is conducted every year by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This exam is important for admission into B.E, B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Plan courses. Additionally, it serves as the qualifying exam for the JEE (Advanced) exam, which is necessary for gaining admission to the prestigious IITs.
Furthermore, the JEE exam 2026 consists of two main papers. Paper 1 is specifically for admission to B.Tech/B.E courses. On the other hand, Paper 2 is for admission to B.Arch/B.Plan courses. In addition, the second paper of the JEE Main 2026 will be divided into two parts. Part 2A is designated for B.Arch courses, while Part 2B is intended for B.Plan courses.
In this article, we will look into the JEE exam pattern 2026. Moreover, we will also discuss the JEE Main marking scheme and syllabus.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the JEE exam pattern is important to do well in the JEE exam 2026. Additionally, knowing the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern can lead to better time management during the test. Students who have already appeared for JEE and are planning a dedicated reattempt in JEE exam 2026 can benefit from a structured preparation plan like a Droppers Course, which focuses on concept strengthening, advanced problem-solving, and regular mock tests.
Below is the breakdown of the JEE exam pattern of Paper – 1 and Paper – 2:
1. JEE Exam Pattern for Paper – 1 (B.Tech/B.E.)
The duration of the JEE Main exam Paper 1 is 3 hours. However, PwD candidates have a duration of 4 hours. This paper is held online. Additionally, there are two sections for each subject: MCQs in Section A and numerical questions in Section B.
Starting this year, there is a minor change in the paper pattern for each subject, which includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Specifically, Section A will have 20 questions.
- Meanwhile, Section B will have 5 questions. Importantly, all 75 questions are compulsory.
The exam is conducted to judge the theoretical and practical knowledge of the students. Below is the JEE exam pattern:
| Particulars | Details |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Examination |
| Number of Papers | The exam has two papers — Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours4 hours (for PwD Candidates) |
| Sections-wise Number of Questions | Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 have three sections:Physics – 25Chemistry – 25Mathematics – 25 |
| Type of Questions | Section A: MCQ – 20 questions for each subject.Section B: Numerical values as answers – 5 questions each subject. |
| Marking System | 4 marks for each correct answer.-1 mark for each wrong answer.0 mark for unattempted questions. |
| Total Questions | 75 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Language of Exam | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and Gujarati |
2. JEE Exam Pattern for Paper-2 (B.Arch and B.Plan.)
The JEE exam pattern for Paper 2 differs for B.Arch and B.Planning. However, both papers allow candidates 3 hours to complete them.
For B.Arch (Paper 2A), the exam is conducted in both online and offline modes. Specifically, the Aptitude and Mathematics test occurs in online mode. In contrast, the Art or Structure Drawing test is conducted in a pen-and-paper format or offline mode.
- Only 2 questions are asked from the drawing section, which assesses the drawing skills of the candidates.
- 20 MCQs (in Section A) and 5 numerical questions (in Section B) are asked in the Mathematics section. All questions are compulsory.
- 50 questions are asked in the Aptitude section.
- Total Number of Questions: 77
The B.Arch exam for B.Plan (Paper 2B) is conducted online, featuring questions from three subjects: Planning, Mathematics, and Aptitude.
- 25 questions are asked in the planning section.
- 20 MCQs and 5 numerical questions are asked in the Mathematics section.
- 50 questions are asked in the Aptitude section.
Below is the JEE exam pattern for Paper – 2:
| Particulars | Details |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Mode of exam | Paper 2A: Online and Offline Paper 2B: Online |
| Number Of Sections | Paper 2A: 1. Mathematics 2. Aptitude test 3. Drawing testPaper 2B: 1. Mathematics 2. Aptitude test 3. Planning test |
| Total number of questions | Paper 2A: 77 QuestionsPaper 2B: 100Questions |
| Total marks | 400 marks for each paper |
| Type of Questions | Paper 2A: Multiple choice questions, Numerical-based questions, Drawing AptitudePaper 2B: Multiple-choice and numerical-based questions |
| Marking System | Paper 2A: +4 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each wrong answer, and 0 marks for each unattempted answer. For the Drawing Test, 50 marks for each of the 2 questions |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and Gujarati |
JEE Marking Scheme
Candidates can find the JEE marking scheme for all the papers of the JEE Main below. For students preparing beyond JEE Main, it is also helpful to understand the total marks and structure of JEE Advanced. You can check the detailed breakdown here:
Total Marks of JEE Advanced 2025 – Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
1. Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)
- The JEE Main exam Paper 1 has a total of 300 marks.
- For each correct response, candidates are awarded 4 marks.
- Each incorrect response results in a deduction of 1 mark.
- Questions that are left unattempted do not affect the overall score.
- The exam is divided into three sections: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- Each section has a maximum of 100 marks, with 25 questions available per subject.
- Overall, there are 75 questions to attempt in the exam.
- The scoring system is based on 75 questions, leading to a total of 300 marks (75 questions multiplied by 4 marks each).
2. Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning)
- The total marks for the JEE Main exam Paper 2 are 800.
- The allocation of marks is divided equally, with 400 marks designated for B.Arch (2A) and 400 marks for B.Plan (2B).
- Candidates receive 4 marks for each correct answer.
- For each incorrect response, candidates face a deduction of 1 mark.
- There is no penalty for questions that are not attempted.
a. Paper 2A (B.Arch)
- In the drawing section, a maximum of 50 marks is awarded for each of the 2 drawing questions, which equals 100 marks.
- In the Mathematics section, a maximum of 4 marks are awarded for each of the 25 questions to be attempted, which equals 100 marks.
- In the Aptitude section, 4 marks are awarded for each of the 50 questions – a maximum of 200 marks.
b. Paper 2B (B.Plan)
- In the planning-based section, 4 marks are awarded for each of the 25 questions, which equals 100 marks.
- In the Mathematics section, a maximum of 4 marks is awarded for each of the 25 questions, which equals 100 marks.
- In the Aptitude section, 4 marks are awarded for each of the 50 questions- a maximum of 200 marks.
JEE Exam Syllabus
The JEE exam syllabus aligns with the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12. It covers a wide range of topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Candidates should also stay updated with official syllabus notifications, as released by NTA from time to time. You can check the latest updates on the JEE Main syllabus release. Consequently, it ensures that students are adequately prepared for the engineering entrance examination. These aspects are based on last year’s trends.
1. JEE Main Paper-1 Syllabus (B.E./B.Tech.)
a. Mathematics
| Unit | Topic |
| Unit 1 | Sets, Relations and Functions |
| Unit 2 | Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations |
| Unit 3 | Matrices and Determinants |
| Unit 4 | Permutations and Combinations |
| Unit 5 | Binomial Theorem and Its Simple Applications |
| Unit 6 | Sequence and Series |
| Unit 7 | Limit and Continuity, and Differentiability |
| Unit 8 | Integral Calculus |
| Unit 9 | Differential Equations |
| Unit 10 | Coordinate Geometry |
| Unit 11 | Three-Dimensional Geometry |
| Unit 12 | Vector Algebra |
| Unit 13 | Statistics and Probability |
| Unit 14 | Trigonometry |
b. Physics
Section A – Theory
| Unit | Topic |
| Unit 1 | Units and Measurement |
| Unit 2 | Kinematics |
| Unit 3 | Laws of Motion |
| Unit 4 | Work, Energy, and Power |
| Unit 5 | Rotational Motion |
| Unit 6 | Gravitation |
| Unit 7 | Properties of Solids and Liquids |
| Unit 8 | Thermodynamics |
| Unit 9 | Kinetic Theory of Gases |
| Unit 10 | Oscillations and Waves |
| Unit 11 | Electrostatics |
| Unit 12 | Current Electricity |
| Unit 13 | Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism |
| Unit 14 | Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents |
| Unit 15 | Electromagnetic Waves |
| Unit 16 | Optics and Wave Optics |
| Unit 17 | Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation |
| Unit 18 | Atoms and Nuclei |
| Unit 19 | Electronic Devices |
Section B: Experiment Skills
| S. No. | Experiment |
| 1 | Vernier Caliper -it is used to measure the internal and external diameter and depth of a vessel. |
| 2 | Screw gauge-its use is to determine the thickness/ diameter of a thin sheet/wire. |
| 3 | Simple Pendulum-dissipation of energy by plotting a graph between the square of amplitude and time. |
| 4 | Metre Scale – the mass of a given object by the principle of moments. |
| 5 | Young’s modulus of elasticity of the material of a metallic wire. |
| 6 | Surface tension of water by capillary rise and effect of detergents. |
| 7 | The coefficient of Viscosity of a given viscous liquid is determined by measuring the terminal velocity of a given spherical body. |
| 8 | Speed of sound in air at room temperature using a resonance tube. |
| 9 | Specific heat capacity of a given (i) solid and (ii) liquid by the method of mixtures. |
| 10 | The resistivity of the material of a given wire using a metre bridge. |
| 11 | The resistance of a given wire is calculated using Ohm’s law. |
| 12 | Resistance and figure of merit of a galvanometer by half deflection method. |
| 13 | The focal length of (i) Convex mirror, (ii) Concave mirror, and (ii) Convex lens, using the parallax method. |
| 14 | The plot of the angle of deviation vs angle of incidence for a triangular prism. |
| 15 | The refractive index of a glass slab using a travelling microscope. |
| 16 | Characteristic curves of a p-n junction diode in forward and reverse bias. |
| 17 | Characteristic curves of a Zener diode and finding the reverse breakdown voltage. |
| 18 | Identification of Diode. LED, Resistor. A capacitor from a mixed collection of such items. |
c. Chemistry
Sections A: Theory
| Physical Chemistry | |
| Unit 1 | Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry |
| Unit 2 | Atomic Structure |
| Unit 3 | Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure |
| Unit 4 | Chemical Thermodynamics |
| Unit 5 | Solutions |
| Unit 6 | Equilibrium |
| Unit 7 | Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry |
| Unit 8 | Chemical Kinetics |
| Inorganic Chemistry | |
| Unit 9 | Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties (Periodic Table) |
| Unit 10 | p-block Elements |
| Unit 11 | d-block and f-block Elements |
| Unit 12 | Coordination Compounds |
| Organic Chemistry | |
| Unit 13 | Purification and Characterisation of Organic Compounds |
| Unit 14 | Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry |
| Unit 15 | Hydrocarbons |
| Unit 16 | Organic Compounds Containing Halogens |
| Unit 17 | Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen |
| Unit 18 | Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen |
| Unit 19 | Biomolecules |
Sections B: Experiment Skills
| Principles Related to Practical Chemistry | |
| 20 (i) | Detection of extra elements (Nitrogen, Sulphur, halogens) in organic compounds; |
| 20 (ii) | Detection of the following functional groups: hydroxyl (alcoholic and phenolic), carbonyl (aldehyde and ketones), carboxyl, and amino groups in organic compounds |
| 20 (iii) | The chemistry involved in the preparation of the following: l Inorganic compounds; Mohr’s salt, potash alum. l Organic compounds: Acetanilide, p-nitro acetanilide, aniline yellow, iodoform |
| 20 (iv) | The chemistry involved in the titrimetric exercises – Acids, bases, and the use of indicators, oxalic acid vs KMnO4, Mohr’s salt vs KMnO4 |
| 20 (v) | Chemical principles involved in the qualitative salt analysis: Cations – Pb2+, Cu2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Mg2+, NH4+ Anions- CO32−, S2-, SO42− ,NO3-, NO2-, Cl-, Br-, I- (Insoluble salts excluded) |
| 20 (vi) | Chemical principles involved in the following experiments: 1. Enthalpy of solution of CuSO4 2. Enthalpy of neutralization of a strong acid and a strong base. 3. Preparation of lyophilic and lyophobic sols. 4. Kinetic study of the reaction of iodide ions with hydrogen peroxide at room temperature. |
2. JEE Main Syllabus for Paper 2A (B.Arch)
The JEE Main Syllabus for B. Arch consists of three main subjects: Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing. Additionally, the subject-wise syllabus is mentioned below. This structure helps students understand what to focus on for their preparation. Consequently, they can develop their skills in each area effectively.
a. Mathematic Syllabus
Same as JEE Main Paper-1 Syllabus (B.E./B.Tech.)
b. General Aptitude Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
| Aptitude: Part-I | • Awareness of Places, Materials, Objects, Persons, and Places. • Visualising different sides of three-dimensional Objects. • Visualising 3D objects from 2D drawings. • Analytical Reasoning Mental Ability (Verbal, Numerical, and Visual). |
| Aptitude: Part-II | • 3D – perception: Understanding and appreciation of scale and proportion of building elements. forms, Objects. harmony, texture, colour. and contrast• Drawing and designing abstract and geometrical shapes and patterns in pencil • Transformation of forms in both 20 and 3D union, development of volumes & surfaces, subtraction, rotation, elevations, and Generation of plans. and 3D views of objects. • Creating 3D & 2D Compositions using given forms and shapes. • Sketching of scenes and activities from memory of urban landscape (public space, market, festivals, street scenes, monuments, recreational spaces, etc.). landscape (river fronts, jungles, trees, plants, etc.), and rural life. |
c. Drawing Syllabus
Sketching of scenes and activities from memory of urbanscape (public space, market, festivals, street scenes, monuments, recreational spaces, etc.). landscape (riverfronts, jungle, gardens, trees, plants, etc.) and rural life.
3. JEE Main Syllabus for Paper 2B (B.Plan)
The syllabus for B.Plan consists of three main subjects. These subjects are Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Planning. Notably, the syllabus for Mathematics and General Aptitude is the same as that of B.Arch. Therefore, students can expect a similar foundation in these areas.
a. Planning Syllabus
| Units | Topics |
| Unit-1 (General Awareness) | General knowledge questions and knowledge about prominent cities, development issues, government programs, etc. |
| Unit-2 (Social Science) | The idea of Nationalism, nationalism in India, the pre-modern world, the 19th-century global economy, colonialism, and colonial cities, industrialization, resources, and development, types of resources, agriculture, water, mineral resources, industries, national economy, and Human Settlements. Power-sharing, federalism, democracy, political parties, and the constitution of India. Economic development- economic sectors/ globalization, the concept of development, poverty; Population structure, social exclusion, and inequality, urbanization, rural development, colonial cities. |
| Unit-3 (Thinking Skills) | Comprehension (unseen passage); map reading skills, scale, distance, direction, area, etc. Critical Reasoning; Understanding of charts, graphs, and tables; Basic concepts of Statistics & Quantitative Reasoning. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the JEE exam pattern and marking scheme is important for aspiring candidates. First, familiarity with the structures of Paper 1 and Paper 2 can significantly aid in effective preparation. Additionally, it helps with time management during the exam. Therefore, use this guide to support your studies. Finally, best of luck on your journey. To strengthen your preparation with reliable guidance and study support, you can visit SPM & Lalans.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of questions are asked in JEE Main 2026?
The JEE Main 2026 exam includes Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value Questions (NVQs). In B.Arch, there are also drawing-based questions, while B. Planning includes planning-based analytical questions to test aptitude and spatial reasoning.
2. How many questions are asked in the JEE Main 2026 exam?
The total number of questions differs for each paper:
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): 75 questions (25 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics)
- Paper 2A (B.Arch): 77 questions (Math, Aptitude, and 2 Drawing questions)
- Paper 2B (B.Planning): 100 questions (Math, Aptitude, and Planning-based)
3. Is there any change in the JEE exam pattern 2026?
No, there is no change in the JEE exam pattern. The structure remains the same as in 2025. Each subject continues to have 20 MCQs and 5 numerical questions, and all are compulsory.
