JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern : Latest Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Chapter Wise Weightage, Duration

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the exam pattern with a few changes for the JEE Main 2026. As per the latest JEE Main exam pattern 2026, the total number of questions has been reduced from 82 to 77 for the BArch paper and from 105 to 100 for the BPlan paper. On the other hand, the pattern for JEE Main paper 1 2026 is the same as the previous year, whereas the duration of the exam is 3 hours. Check the detailed JEE Main exam pattern 2026 on the page.

JEE Main exam pattern is prescribed for Paper 1 (BTech/Be), Paper 2A (BArch), and Paper 2B (BPlan). Paper 1 is conducted for a total of 300 marks, whereas Papers 2A and 2B are performed for a total of 400 marks. JEE Main 2026 follow a negative marking scheme. 1 mark is deducted from the secured marks as a penalty for wrong answers, whereas 4 marks are awarded for correct answers.

The candidates willing to pursue a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) or Bachelor of  Engineering must appear for the Paper 1 exam. In contrast, the candidates who want to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture have to take Paper 2A and those willing to pursue a Bachelor of Planning have to take Paper 2B. However, candidates can appear for Papers 2A and 2B together to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture & Planning.

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JEE Main Exam Pattern Overview

Candidates can check the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern overview in the table below to understand the JEE Main exam 2026 better:

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Paper 1

The JEE Mains exam pattern 2026 has been divided into two sections: Section A and Section B. Further, Section A comprises 60 MCQs collectively from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. According to the new JEE Main exam pattern, Section B will comprise only 15 questions and all of them will be mandatory. Check the detailed JEE Main changed exam pattern in the table below:

Also Read:JEE Main Syllabus 

JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme for Paper 1 (BE/BTech) 

The JEE Main exam follows the negative marking scheme in the exam. Candidates appearing for the exam must know the JEE Main Marking Scheme, as it will help them to know about the exam. Check the detailed JEE Main marking scheme for Paper 1 (BTech/BE) in the table below:

Also Read: JEE Main 2026 Physics Syllabus

JEE Main Marking Scheme 2026

Check the summary of the JEE Main marking scheme (paper 1) for the upcoming exam according to the JEE Main new exam pattern:

• For all the correct answers for MCQs and NVQs, four marks will be awarded, and 1 mark will be deducted for incorrect answers from the secured marks. 
• No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions or marked for a review question

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JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: B Arch (Paper 2A)

According to the latest JEE Main exam pattern 2026 for the BArch course, Section B will have 5 mandatory numerical value questions. After the revision in the exam pattern, the JEE Main BArch paper will have 77 questions instead of 82 questions. Check the  exam pattern for the JEE Main B.Arch exam in the table below:

JEE Main Marking Scheme: BArch (Paper 2A)

As the JEE main paper 1 exam, the JEEM paper 2A also follows the negative marking scheme. Candidates can check the detailed marking scheme for the JEE main BArch in the table below:

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern BPlan

The JEE Mains BPlan exam is conducted for three sections: Maths, Aptitude, and Planning, for a total mark of 400 for 100 questions. The total duration of the JEE Mains BPlan exam is 3 hours (180 minutes) Check the detailed JEE main session 1 exam pattern for BPlan (Paper 2B0 in the table below:

JEE Main Marking Scheme: BPlan (Paper 2B)

The JEE Main paper 2A also follows the negative marking scheme. Candidates can check the detailed marking scheme for the JEE main BArch in the table below:

Also Read: Best Books for JEE Main 2026 

JEE Main Subject Wise Question Distribution 2026

As per the revised exam pattern for the JEE Main exam, candidates can check the latest JEE Main exam pattern 2026 for a number of questions below:

Note*: All the marks will carry +4 marks each for correct answers, which makes it a total of 300 marks, and a -1 mark will be deducted for incorrect answers. However, no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions or questions marked for review. 

Total Number of Questions in the JEE Main Exam

Candidates can check the total number of questions in the JEE main session 1 exam for different subjects below on the page.

JEE Mains BE/BTech Total Number of Questions

Candidates appearing for the JEE Mains Paper 1 exam for BE/BTech must know the total number of questions asked. Check the section-wise distribution of questions for the JEE Main in the table below: 

JEE Mains BArch Total Number of Questions

Candidates appearing for the JEE Mains Paper 2A exam for BArch must know the total number of questions asked. Check the section-wise distribution of questions for the JEE main in the table below: 

Also Read:JEE Main Preparation Tips 

JEE Mains BPlan Total Number of Questions

Candidates appearing for the JEE mains paper 2B exam for BPlan must know the total number of questions asked. Check the section-wise distribution of questions for the JEE main in the table below: 

Also Read: JEE Main Mock Test Free 

Important Topics for JEE Main Exam

Candidates who are going through the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern are advised to go through the important topics for the upcoming exam to secure maximum marks in the exam. Check the important topics for the JEE Main 2026 exam in the table below:

JEE Main Exam Shift Timing

Candidates appearing for the exam must know the shift timing before appearing for the JEE Mains exam. The schedule for the upcoming JEE Main exam is yet to be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) However, based on the previous session data the JEE Main shift timing has been provided below:

JEE Main Negative Marking

The JEE Main exam does follow a negative marking exam pattern, however, it does not apply to every section of the exam, it only applies to Section B in each paper. Check the JEE Main Session 1 negative marking exam pattern in the table below:

• Section B of Paper 1, which comprises numerical value questions, follows a negative marking scheme. 1/4 marks, i.e, 1 mark will be deducted for incorrect answers from the secured marks. 
•  Section B of Paper 2A & 2B, which comprises numerical value questions from Maths, follows a negative marking scheme. 1/4 marks, i.e, 1 mark will be deducted for incorrect answers from the secured marks.

Tie Breaking Policy for JEE Main Paper I

If two or more candidates score the same marks in JEE Main Paper I exam, the order of merit will be determined as per the following tie-breaking rules. In order to give the candidates a detailed understanding of the tie-breaking policy, we have explained the same with some examples.

Tie Breaker 1: Candidates scoring higher marks in Mathematics will be given priority in the merit list as per tie-breaker policy - 1.

Example:

Let us assume that Candidate A and Candidate B have scored 280 out of 300 in JEE Main Paper I. However, Candidate A scored 80 marks in Mathematics, while Candidate B scored 82 in Mathematics. Here, Candidate B will be given priority in the merit list as per the Tie Breaker Policy 1.

Also Read:JEE Main Mathematics Syllabus 

Tie Breaker 2: This policy comes into effect only if two or more candidates score the same marks in Mathematics. Since two or more candidates have similar marks in Mathematics, the marks scored by candidates in Physics will be taken into consideration to determine the merit.

Example:

Let us assume that Candidate A and Candidate B have scored 280 out of 300 in JEE Main Paper I. Both of them have also scored 80 marks in Mathematics. However, Candidate A scored 85 in Physics and Candidate B scored 82 in Physics. As per the tie-breaker policy 2, Candidate A will be given higher preference in the merit list than Candidate B.

Tie Breaker 3: This policy comes into effect only if two or more candidates score similar marks in Physics. In such cases, marks scored by candidates in Chemistry will be taken into consideration to determine their merit.

Example:

Let us assume that Candidate A and Candidate B have scored 280 out of 300 marks in JEE Main Paper I. On the other hand, both these candidates scored the same marks in the Mathematics and Physics section of the exam. However, Candidate A scored 80 marks in Chemistry and Candidate B scored 81 marks. As per tie-breaker policy 3, Candidate B will be given a higher preference in the merit list than Candidate A.

Also Read: JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus 

Tie Breaker 4: This policy comes into effect only if two or more candidates score the same marks in the Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry sections of JEE Maine Paper I. In such cases, the candidate with less number of negative responses in the exam will be given higher preference in the order of merit.

Example:

Let us assume that Candidate A and Candidate B have scored 250 marks in JEE Main Paper I. On the other hand, both these candidates score the same marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. However, the number of wrong answers by Candidate A is 16, while the number of wrong answers by Candidate B is 18. In order to determine the merit, Candidate A will be given higher preference in the order of merit, as the number of wrong answers by Candidate A is less than Candidate B.

Tie Breaker 5: This policy comes into effect only if a tie still persists after applying all the above rules. In such cases, candidates older in age will be given higher preference in the merit list. Check the example below for a better understanding.

Example:

Let us assume that Candidate A and Candidate B scored 240 marks in JEE Main Paper I. On the other hand, these candidates scored the same marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. At the same time, the number of incorrect answers by these candidates is also the same. However, Candidate A is 17 years and 6 months old and Candidate B is 17 years and 8 months old. As per tie-breaker policy 5, Candidate B will be given higher preference in the merit list.

Related Questions

Q: How does the Tie-Breaking Policy work in JEE Main 2026 Paper I?

A. In case two more candidates get the same JEE Main scores, the NTA employs the tie-breaking policy. As per the tie-breaking policy, a candidate with a higher Mathematic score will be given preference. If the tie still exists higher Physics score will be given preference. And in case there is still a tie then the Chemistry score will be given preference. If the tie persists, candidates with fewer negative markings or wrong answers in the JEE Main paper will be given preference to prepare the merit list. 

Q: In case two candidates have the same marks in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry then how will the JEE Main 2026 tie-breaking policy work?

A: In such cases, the candidate with the lowest negative answer marked in the JEE Main exam will be given preference. 

Q: Is the JEE Main 2026 Tie-Breaking Policy different for different categories of candidates?

A: The JEE Main Tie-Breaking Policy 2026 remains the same for all categories.

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Tie Breaking Policy for JEE Main Paper II

If two or more candidates secure the same marks in the JEE Main Paper II exam, the below rules or tie-breaking policy will be applied to determine the merit of candidates.

Tie Breaker 1:Candidates scoring higher marks in Mathematics in JEE Main Paper II will be given preference in the merit list as per tie-breaker policy 1.

Example:

Let us assume that Candidate A and Candidate B have scored 360 out of 400 marks in JEE Main. However, Candidate A scored 79 marks in Mathematics and Candidate B scored 81 marks. The preference in the order of merit will be given to Candidate B, as he scored higher marks in Mathematics than Candidate A.

Also Read: JEE Main Application Form 2026

Tie Breaker 2: This policy comes into effect when two or more candidates score the same marks in Mathematics. In such cases, candidates with higher marks in the Aptitude Test will be given higher preference in the merit list.

Example:

Let us assume that Candidate A and Candidate B have scored 350 out of 400 marks in JEE Main. However, Candidate A scored 140 marks in Paper II, while Candidate B scored 139 marks. In such cases, Candidate A will be given higher preference in the order of merit than Candidate B.

Tie Breaker 3: This policy comes into effect if two or more candidates score the same marks in the Mathematics and Aptitude Test. In such cases, candidates with higher marks in the Drawing Test will be given preference in the order of merit.

Example:

Let us assume that Candidate A and Candidate B have scored 350 out of 400 in JEE Main Paper-II. On the other hand, these candidates have also scored the same marks in Mathematics and Aptitude Test. However, Candidate A scored 78 marks in the Drawing Test while Candidate B scored 80 marks. In such cases, Candidate B will be the higher preference in the merit list, as he scored higher marks in the Drawing Test than Candidate A.

Tie Breaker 4: This policy comes into effect if two or more candidates score the same marks in Mathematics, Aptitude Test and Drawing Test. In such cases, candidates with fewer negative answers or incorrect answers in the JEE Main Paper-II exam will be given preference in the order of merit.

Example:

Let us assume that Candidate A and Candidate B have scored 250 marks in JEE Main Paper-II. On the other hand, both these candidates score the same marks in Mathematics, Aptitude Test and Drawing Test. However, the number of wrong answers by Candidate A is 16, while the number of wrong answers by Candidate B is 18. In order to determine the merit, Candidate A will be given higher preference in the order of merit, as the number of wrong answers by Candidate A is less than Candidate B.

Tie Breaker 5: This policy comes into effect only if the tie still persists after applying all the above rules. In such cases, candidates older in age will be given higher preference in the merit list. Check the example below for a better understanding.

Also Read: JEE Main Eligibility Criteria

Example:

Let us assume that Candidate A and Candidate B scored 240 marks in JEE Main Paper-II. On the other hand, these candidates scored the same marks in Mathematics, Aptitude Test and Drawing Test. At the same time, the number of incorrect answers by these candidates is also the same. However, Candidate A is 17 years and 6 months old and Candidate B is 17 years and 8 months old. As per tie-breaker policy 5, Candidate B will be given higher preference in the merit list.

Related Questions

Q: What is the tie-breaking policy for JEE Main Paper II?

A: In case two more candidates secure the same marks in JEE Main Paper II NTA will use the tie-breaking policy to break the tie. According to the JEE Main paper II tie-breaking policy, if two candidates get the same score, applicants with higher scores in Mathematics will be given preference while preparing a merit list.

Q: If two or more applicants score the same marks in Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing Test then how will the tie be resolved?

A: If two or more candidates have the same score in the Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing Tests then the candidate with fewer negative or wrong answers in the JEE Main Paper-II exam would be given precedence in the order of merit in such instances.

Q: Who prepares the JEE Main 2026 tie-breaking policy for Paper 2?

A: The National Testing Agency (NTA) prepares the JEE Main tie-breaking policy for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Also Read:JEE Main Sample Papers

JEE Main Exam Day Instructions

Candidates who will appear for the JEE Main Session 1 2026 exam must go through the exam day instructions so they can handle the exam centre smoothly. Check the JEE Main exam day instructions below:

• Candidates must reach the exam centre as per the reporting time mentioned in the JEE Mains admit card 
• Candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam centre without the JEE Mains hall ticket. The candidates are advised to take the hard copy of the JEE Mains admit card as the digital admit card will not be accepted at the exam centre
• Candidates have to take a valid photo identity proof at the exam centre along with two recent coloured passport-size photographs
• Candidates will not be allowed to take any electronic device like mobile phones, digital watches, or calculators, which can be used for unfair means in the exam
• Male candidates are advised to wear regular and comfortable clothes like t-shirts, slippers, chappals, & regular pants and avoid dresses like cargo with multiple pockets, graphic t-shirts, and shoes, as candidates may be asked to remove their shoes or not be allowed to enter the exam centre due to dress code
• Female candidates are advised not to wear multiple-layered clothes, scarves, stoles, fancy jewellery, etc.

We have provided the complete details of the JEE main exam pattern on the page and hope that it will benefit the candidates preparing and appearing for the exam. Register on CollegeDekho for the latest updates related to the JEE Mains exam. All the best for your upcoming JEE main exam!

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