JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 – Detailed Guide by Origin Educare
Learning about the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 is essential for every student/student who plans to pursue NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs and realize their future. With the expert coaching imparted by Origin Educare for the IIT JEE Main, we have introduced the structure of the exam, the marking system, and the components of the exam pattern, thereby aiding our students with the strategy of preparation.
Why Understanding the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 is Important?
Before you get started with all the numerous books from your shelf or online, consider that you will have a head start by knowing the exam format through the following:
- Subject-wise weightage
- Efficiency of time-juggling during the exam
- Identify scoring sections
- Prepare mock tests accordingly
Let’s get into everything concerning the JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern.
Overview of JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
The JEE Main exam is commissioned by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and conducted in multiple sessions consisting of three papers, depending on the program you want to pursue:
- Paper 1 – B.E./B.Tech
- Paper 2A – B.Arch
- Paper 2B – B.Planning
Each paper has different structures and focuses, as well as different question types. The table below provides a high-level summary:
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
| Examination | Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E.) | Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Paper 2B (B.Plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mode of Exam
|
Computer-based (Online)
|
Online (Math & Aptitude), Offline (Drawing)
|
Computer-based (Online)
|
|
Duration |
3 Hours
|
3 Hours
|
3 Hours
|
|
Subjects |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
|
Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing
|
Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning
|
|
Total Questions
|
75 |
77 |
100 |
|
Total Marks
|
300 |
400 |
400 |
|
Question Types
|
MCQs + Numerical
|
MCQs + Numerical + Drawing
|
MCQs + Numerical
|
|
Marking Scheme
|
+4/-1 for MCQs, 0 for unattempted & numericals
|
+4/-1 for MCQs, Drawing (50 marks)
|
+4/-1 for MCQs
|
|
Languages |
13 Languages
|
13 Languages
|
13 Languages
|
Detailed Breakdown of JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
Paper 1 – B.E./B.Tech (Engineering Aspirants)
This paper is the most opted by students; it is mainly intended for students pursuing undergraduate engineering courses in India.
Subjects & Question Format:
| Subject | Questions | Type |
|---|---|---|
|
Physics |
25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical)
|
Objective + Numerical
|
|
Chemistry |
25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical)
|
Objective + Numerical
|
|
Mathematics |
25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical)
|
Objective + Numerical
|
Marking Scheme:
- +4 marks for every correct answer
- -1 mark for each incorrect MCQ
- No negative marking for numerical questions
Total Marks: 300
Paper 2A – B.Arch (Architecture Aspirants)
Students aspiring for B.Arch programs need to appear for Paper 2A which includes a combination of technical and creative skills.
Subjects & Question Format:
| Subject | Questions | Type |
|---|---|---|
|
Physics |
25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical)
|
Objective + Numerical
|
|
Aptitude Test
|
50 |
MCQs |
|
Drawing Test
|
2 |
Offline Drawing (Pen/Paper)
|
Marking Scheme:
- +4 for every correct answer
- -1 for incorrect answers in MCQs
- Drawing questions are evaluated for a total of 50 marks
Total Marks: 400
Paper 2B – B.Plan (Planning Aspirants)
This paper is for students aiming to pursue a career in urban planning and related disciplines.
Subjects & Question Format:
| Subject | Questions | Type |
|---|---|---|
|
Physics |
25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical)
|
Objective + Numerical
|
|
Aptitude Test
|
50 |
MCQs |
|
Planning Test
|
2 |
MCQs |
Marking Scheme:
- +4 for correct answers
- -1 for wrong answers
Total Marks: 400
Important Points About JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
- Numerical Value Questions: These questions do not incur negative marking.
- Section B (Numericals): Students have to attempt 5 out of 10 in Section B (Numericals).
- Drawing Part: The Drawing part is offline for the B.Arch paper.
- Language Options: The students have the flexibility of attempting JEE Main in one of 13 regional and national languages.
- Sessions: The exam may be conducted in two sessions, one in January and the other in April, and may also have multiple shifts for each session.
Mode of Examination
- CBT: The exam would be in CBT mode in all sections apart from the Drawing Test of Paper 2A.
- Offline Mode: The Drawing test is pen-paper based and consists of a student’s creativity and perspective drawing assigned to them.
| Feature | Paper 1 (B.Tech) | Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Paper 2B (B.Plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Duration |
3 Hours
|
3 Hours
|
3 Hours
|
|
Question Types
|
MCQ + Numerical
|
MCQ + Numerical
|
MCQ + Numerical
|
|
Offline Component |
No |
Drawing Section
|
No |
|
Evaluation Criteria
|
Accuracy in problem solving
|
Aptitude + Drawing Skills
|
Analytical + Planning ability
|
Recommended Strategy for Each Paper
For Paper 1 (Engineering)
- Load up on the NCERT textbook
- Practice mock tests on a weekly basis
- Spend more time working through Physics numericals and representative Chemistry theory
For Paper 2A (Architecture)
- Practice aptitude and 3D visualization questions
- Become better at drawing through regular sketching
- Practice old drawing questions
For Paper 2B (Planning)
- Spend most of your time focusing on logical reasoning and mental ability
- Try to understand general knowledge regarding planning concepts
- Practice MCQs on a regular basis and timed mock tests
It’s recommended to solve the JEE Main Previous Year Question Papers to understand recurring patterns and difficulty levels
Pattern Changes in JEE Main Over the Years
While the fundamental structure remains intact, JEE Main has seen:
- Introduction of numerical questions from now on will be optional
- 5 out of 10 numericals can be attempted
- More language modes will be introduced
- Drawing will take place on a paper test while the other sections will take place online
These updates aim to enhance student flexibility and reduce exam stress.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule (Tentative)
| Event | Date (Expected) |
|---|---|
|
Notification Release
|
November 2025
|
|
Registration Begins
|
December 2025
|
|
Session 1 Exam Dates
|
January 2026
|
|
Session 2 Exam Dates |
April 2026
|
|
Result Announcement
|
May 2026
|
Expert Tips by Origin Educare
- Take at least 3 mocks a week following the 2026 pattern
- Equally time your MCQs and Numericals
- If you study Architecture, Spend at least 1 hour Practicing sketching everyday
- Do some previous year papers so you can be familiar with the difficulty levels
- Keep yourself update through NTA guidelines and official updates
You can attempt our JEE Main Test Series designed as per the latest pattern.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have some knowledge around the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026, you now take the first steps toward being prepared. At Origin Educare, we assist students to decode the exam pattern and format, prepare their study, and walk confidently towards their IIT dream.
For one-on-one coaching sessions and a advanced Test series based on the latest pattern please connect with Origin Educare – your trusted partner for IIT JEE exams success.
FAQs on JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
There will be 75 questions – 25 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Out of 10 numerical questions per subject, you need to attempt 5.
Yes, -1 for MCQs. Numerical questions have no negative marking.
Drawing test in Paper 2A will be conducted offline.
Yes, if eligible, you can appear for more than one paper.
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