JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper-wise Question Distribution, Marks and Marking Scheme

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern, giving students a clear idea of how this year’s exam will be conducted. Knowing the JEE Mains exam pattern 2026 is important for every aspirant as it explains the number of questions, marking scheme, exam duration, and paper structure.

The JEE Main 2026 exam includes three papers- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning). Each paper has a different format and tests specific skills. The B.E./B.Tech paper focuses on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, while the B.Arch and B.Planning papers assess drawing, aptitude, and planning abilities.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern - Complete Paper-Wise Overview

Understanding the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern is the first step toward effective preparation. To help aspirants get a clear picture, we’ve provided a detailed breakdown of the JEE Mains paper pattern 2026, including the number of questions, marking scheme, and subject-wise structure. Knowing the format in advance helps students plan smarter and perform better on exam day.

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

The duration of Paper 1 is 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates). The test is conducted online in computer-based mode and includes three subjects - Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Each subject has two sections:

• Section A: 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

• Section B: 5 numerical value questions

• All 75 questions are compulsory.

JEE Main Paper 1 Pattern Overview

This paper evaluates both theoretical knowledge and problem-solving ability in core science subjects.

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2 (B.Arch and B.Planning)

The Paper 2 exam pattern varies slightly for B.Arch (Paper 2A) and B.Planning (Paper 2B). Both papers have a 3-hour duration, and each carries 400 marks.

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2 for B.Arch (Paper 2A)

• Conducted in online + offline mode (the drawing test is pen-and-paper based).

• Includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing sections.

• The Drawing section consists of 2 questions (50 marks each).

• All other sections are compulsory.

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2 for B.Plan (Paper 2B)

• Conducted entirely online (CBT).

• Includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning sections.

• The Planning section has 25 questions to assess analytical and design skills.

JEE Main Paper 2 Pattern Overview

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Total Number of Questions

The JEE Main 2026 exam will consist of three separate papers for B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning courses. Each paper follows a distinct pattern with a different number of questions and sections

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Below is the detailed subject-wise breakup of total questions in all three papers.

Total Questions in JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

Total Questions in JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A (B.Arch)

Total Questions in JEE Main 2026 Paper 2B (B.Planning)

JEE Main Marking Scheme Summary

• Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): Total 300 marks

• +4 marks for each correct answer

• -1 mark for each incorrect answer

• 0 marks for unattempted questions

• Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning): Total 800 marks (400 each)

• +4 marks for each correct answer

• -1 mark for each incorrect answer

• 0 marks for unattempted questions

• For Drawing (Paper 2A): 2 questions of 50 marks each

For Complete Details, check out the JEE Main Marking Scheme 2026

Is There Any Change in JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026?

No, there is no change in the JEE Mains 2026 exam pattern. The NTA introduced modifications in 2025, and those updates remain the same this year.

• In Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Section B now has five numerical questions per subject, and all are compulsory - there are no optional questions.

• Similarly, in Papers 2A (B.Arch) and 2B (B.Planning), the Mathematics section also includes five compulsory numerical questions with no choices.

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