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2026

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What is the Marking Scheme of JEE Main 2026?

MCQ questions: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted. Numerical value questions: +4 for correct, 0 for wrong (no negative marking). Total 90 questions — attempt 75 (60 MCQ + 15 numerical) = maximum 300 marks.

JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme – Complete Guide

Question TypeCorrectWrongUnattempted
MCQ (Single Correct)+4−10
Numerical Value (Integer)+400

Strategy Based on Marking Scheme

The asymmetry between MCQ (+4/-1) and Numerical (+4/0) is crucial for strategy. For MCQ questions, always calculate your confidence level. If you are less than 50% sure, the risk-reward ratio may not justify attempting. If you can eliminate even one option, the odds improve to 1 in 3 (33%), which tilts slightly in your favour.

For numerical questions, the no-negative-marking rule means you should always attempt all 5 chosen questions, and if unsure, make an educated guess. A wrong numerical answer costs you nothing. This is the safest source of marks in JEE Main.

How Negative Marking Affects Strategy

A common mistake is being too conservative with MCQs out of fear of negative marking. Data from JEE Main toppers shows that 99+ percentile scorers typically attempt 60-65 MCQ questions (out of 60 mandatory + others) with high accuracy rather than leaving many blank. Building speed and accuracy through mock tests is the best approach to overcome fear of negative marking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

More questions about JEE Main marking and negative marking

1
Does JEE Main have negative marking for numerical questions?
No. Numerical value questions in JEE Main do NOT have negative marking. A wrong numerical answer scores 0. Only MCQ (multiple choice) questions have -1 negative marking for wrong answers. This makes numerical questions risk-free to attempt — always try them, especially if you can narrow down the answer range.
2
How much is deducted for a wrong answer in JEE Main MCQ?
For MCQ questions in JEE Main, a wrong answer deducts 1 mark (−1). A correct answer gives +4 marks. Leaving a question blank gives 0. So each wrong MCQ attempt costs you a net 5 marks relative to a correct answer. Be selective: only mark MCQs when you have reasonable confidence.
3
What is the break-even point for guessing in JEE Main MCQ?
In JEE Main MCQ with 4 options, the probability of a correct random guess is 1/4 (25%). Expected marks from guessing = (1/4 × 4) + (3/4 × −1) = 1 − 0.75 = +0.25. So random guessing has a slight positive expected value, but this is not recommended in practice as exam pressure affects judgment. Only guess when you can eliminate at least 2 options.
4
Is the marking scheme the same for Paper 2 (BArch)?
JEE Main Paper 2A (BArch) has different sections: Mathematics follows the same +4/-1/0 scheme. Aptitude Test MCQs also follow +4/-1/0. Drawing section has no negative marking — it is evaluated by examiners out of 100 marks. Paper 2B (BPlan) Planning section also follows +4/-1/0.
5
Can I change my answer in JEE Main during the exam?
Yes. JEE Main is a CBT (Computer Based Test). You can change your selected MCQ answer or clear a numerical answer at any time before submitting the section. Use the 'Mark for Review' feature to flag questions to revisit. Ensure you finalise all answers before time runs out — the system locks responses automatically.

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