JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern – Paper 1 & Paper 2 Details

JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E.) carries a total of 300 marks and must be completed in 3 hours. Each of the three subjects — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics — contributes 100 marks (25 questions each). The exam is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

For Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): +4 marks for correct answer, -1 mark for incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted. For Numerical Value Questions (NVQs): +4 marks for correct answer, 0 for incorrect or unattempted (no negative marking). There are 20 MCQs and 5 NVQs per subject.

JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 has 75 questions total — 25 per subject (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics). Each subject has 20 MCQs and 5 Numerical Value Questions (NVQs). Candidates must attempt all MCQs but can choose which 5 NVQs to answer (though in recent years, all 5 are compulsory — verify in official brochure).

JEE Main Paper 2A is for B.Arch admissions. It has three parts: Mathematics (100 marks, CBT), Aptitude Test (200 marks, CBT), and Drawing Test (100 marks, pen-and-paper mode). Total: 400 marks. Paper 2B is for B.Planning: Mathematics + Aptitude + Planning-based questions (no drawing), conducted entirely in CBT mode.

Yes, candidates can appear in both sessions. Session 1 is held in January–February 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026. NTA considers the better NTA score from either session for the final All India Rank and JEE Advanced eligibility. There is no restriction on appearing in both sessions.