What are the JEE Main Paper Modes for 2026? Complete Guide
JEE Main is a national computer-based engineering entrance exam conducted by NTA for admission to top colleges like NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. Knowing the JEE Mains exam mode and pattern helps students prepare better by clarifying the marking scheme, question distribution, section-wise weightage, and exam duration.
The JEE Main 2026 exam will mainly be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and the online sections of Paper 2 (B.Arch and B.Plan). Only the drawing section of Paper 2A (B.Arch) will be held in offline, pen-and-paper mode. Get all the information related to JEE Main 2026 exam mode here.
Also Check: JEE Main 2026 Registration
JEE Main Paper Mode 2026 - Highlights
The JEE Main exam is usually held twice a year, in January and April. Each year, over 10 lakh students take the exam, but only around 2.5 lakh qualify for JEE Advanced.
JEE Main Consists of Two papers:
Paper 1 is for admission to B.E./B.Tech. programs at NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, and it also serves as the gateway to JEE Advanced for IIT aspirants.
Paper 2A and Paper 2B are for students seeking admission to B.Arch and B.Planning courses.
Also Check: JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates
JEE Main 2026 Test Mode:
JEE Main 2026 is conducted in different modes based on the paper chosen. Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and most sections of Paper 2 (B.Arch and B.Planning) are held in online (computer-based) mode.
However, the Drawing Test in Paper 2A (B.Arch) is conducted in offline, pen-and-paper mode. This ensures that the exam pattern suits the specific requirements of each course.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Duration
The duration of JEE Main 2026 varies depending on the paper and candidate category. For most papers, the exam lasts 3 hours for non-PwD candidates and 4 hours for PwD candidates. If a student appears for both Paper 2A and Paper 2B together, the duration is slightly longer.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
Understanding the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern helps students know the types of questions, number of questions per section, marking scheme for right and wrong answers, and the overall distribution across subjects. The pattern varies for B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning papers.
To get complete details about exam pattern, visit; JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern JEE Main 2026 Exam Scheme
Important Study Materials Links for JEE Exams
FAQs on JEE Main 2026 - Exam Pattern, Mode of Exam, Duration, Marks Distribution and More
1. Are the JEE Mains 2026 form out?
Yes, the JEE Main 2026 application form is now available. The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the form on October 31. Candidates can apply online for the JEE Main 2026 January session until November 27.
2. Is JEE Mains online or offline in 2026?
JEE Mains 2026 will be conducted primarily in online (computer-based test/CBT) mode. Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) will be fully online. For Paper 2A (B.Arch), the Mathematics and Aptitude sections are online, while the Drawing Test is conducted offline using pen and paper. This ensures the JEE Mains exam mode suits each subject’s requirements.
3. Who will make the JEE Mains paper in 2026?
The JEE Main 2026 exam will be organised and conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). A panel of subject experts from various IITs prepares the question papers, ensuring quality and fairness in the JEE Main exam mode.
4. Is JEE Mains CBT or OMR?
JEE Mains exam mode 2026 is mainly computer-based (CBT). Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and the Aptitude Test of Paper 2A (B.Arch) are held online. However, the Drawing Test of Paper 2A (B.Arch) is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper). There is no OMR sheet for online sections; OMR is used only for the Drawing Test.
5. Does JEE 2026 allow calculators?
No, calculators are not allowed in the JEE Main 2026 exam. Candidates must solve all questions using their own calculations during the test, regardless of the JEE Mains exam mode.
