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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

What is the total number of questions in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech?

There will be 75 questions – 25 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

How many numerical questions need to be attempted?

Out of 10 numerical questions per subject, you need to attempt 5.

Is there any negative marking for wrong answers?

Yes, -1 for MCQs. Numerical questions have no negative marking.

Will the Drawing test be online or offline?

Drawing test in Paper 2A will be conducted offline.

Can I appear for all three papers?

Yes, if eligible, you can appear for more than one paper.

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