JEE Main exam pattern 2027: Paper pattern, total marks, questions and duration

Official Update 2027


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JEE Main exam pattern 2026 highlights

JEE Main paper pattern 2026

JEE Main total marks and questions 2026

JEE Main marking scheme 2026

JEE Main exam duration and time 2026

JEE Main Paper 2 pattern 2026

JEE Main Paper 1 vs Paper 2 pattern

Changes in JEE Main exam pattern 2026

Important points about JEE Main exam pattern 2026

Frequently asked questions

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JEE Main exam pattern 2026 for Paper 1 includes 75 compulsory questions from Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for a total of 300 marks. The JEE Mains pattern gives candidates 3 hours to complete 60 MCQs and 15 numerical-value questions.

The JEE Main paper pattern has 25 questions in each subject, including 20 MCQs and 5 numerical questions. The JEE marking scheme awards +4 marks for a correct answer and deducts 1 mark for an incorrect answer in both Section A and Section B.

The question paper pattern of JEE Main 2027 will differ for B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch and B.Planning. Candidates can check the official 2026 paper structure, marking rules and examination duration in the NTA JEE Main Information Bulletin .

JEE Main exam pattern 2026 highlights

The JEE Main exam pattern includes three papers based on the programme selected by candidates. JEE Main Paper 1 is for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A is for B.Arch and Paper 2B is for B.Planning.

The JEE Mains exam pattern uses Computer Based Test mode except for the Drawing Test in Paper 2A. Paper 1 carries 300 marks, while Paper 2A and Paper 2B carry 400 marks each.

The table below provides the important JEE exam pattern details for 2026.

JEE Main exam detail 2026 pattern
Conducting authority National Testing Agency
JEE Main Paper 1 B.E./B.Tech
JEE Main Paper 2A B.Arch
JEE Main Paper 2B B.Planning
Paper 1 subjects Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
Paper 1 questions 75
JEE Main total marks for Paper 1 300
Paper 2A questions 77
Paper 2A total marks 400
Paper 2B questions 100
Paper 2B total marks 400
Paper 1 duration 3 hours
Paper 2A duration 3 hours
Paper 2B duration 3 hours
Paper 2A + 2B duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Correct answer +4 marks
Incorrect answer -1 mark
Unattempted question 0
Paper 1 mode CBT
Paper 2A mode CBT + offline Drawing Test
Paper 2B mode CBT

JEE Main paper pattern 2026

The JEE Main paper pattern for B.E./B.Tech contains Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with equal question distribution. Each subject carries 100 marks, giving JEE Main Paper 1 full marks of 300.

The JEE Mains paper pattern contains two types of questions: multiple-choice questions in Section A and numerical-value questions in Section B. The current JEE paper pattern does not provide the older 10-question numerical pool with an option to attempt five.

JEE Main Paper 1 pattern

JEE Main Paper 1 contains 75 compulsory questions for B.E./B.Tech candidates. Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics each contain 20 MCQs and 5 numerical-value questions.

The JEE Main exam paper pattern gives equal weightage to all three subjects. The table below provides the complete Paper 1 structure.

Subject MCQs Numerical questions Total questions Marks
Mathematics 20 5 25 100
Physics 20 5 25 100
Chemistry 20 5 25 100
Total 60 15 75 300

JEE Main question pattern: Section A and Section B

The JEE Main question pattern divides Paper 1 into Section A and Section B within each subject. Section A contains MCQs, while Section B contains questions whose answers are entered as numerical values.

The JEE question paper pattern applies negative marking to both sections. Numerical answers need to be entered through the on-screen keypad and rounded to the nearest integer as prescribed by NTA.

Section Question type Questions in Paper 1 Marking scheme
Section A Multiple-choice questions 60 +4 / -1
Section B Numerical-value questions 15 +4 / -1
Total MCQ + Numerical 75 300 marks

JEE Main total marks and questions 2026

JEE Main total marks depend on the paper selected by the candidate. JEE Main Paper 1 carries 300 marks, while Paper 2A for B.Arch and Paper 2B for B.Planning carry 400 marks each.

The number of questions also changes between the papers. Paper 1 has 75 questions, Paper 2A has 77 questions and Paper 2B has 100 questions.

JEE Main total marks

JEE Mains total marks for B.E./B.Tech are 300, divided equally among Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates searching for the total marks of JEE Mains or JEE Main full marks should use 300 for Paper 1.

JEE total marks are different for architecture and planning papers because Paper 2A and Paper 2B carry 400 marks.

JEE Main paper Course JEE Main paper total marks
Paper 1 B.E./B.Tech 300
Paper 2A B.Arch 400
Paper 2B B.Planning 400

How many questions are there in JEE Mains?

There are 75 questions in JEE Mains Paper 1. Candidates get 25 questions each from Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, making the total questions in JEE Mains 75 for B.E./B.Tech.

The number of questions in JEE Mains Paper 2 is different. Candidates appearing for B.Arch receive 77 questions, while B.Planning candidates receive 100 questions.

JEE Main paper Number of questions Questions to attempt
Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech 75 75
Paper 2A: B.Arch 77 77
Paper 2B: B.Planning 100 100

JEE Main marking scheme 2026

The JEE Main marking scheme gives four marks for every correct answer and deducts one mark for every incorrect response. Unanswered questions or questions marked for review without a response receive zero marks.

The JEE marking scheme applies to both MCQs and numerical-value questions. Candidates should therefore consider accuracy while attempting Section B because numerical questions also carry negative marking.

Negative marking in JEE Main

The marking scheme of JEE Mains includes a penalty of one mark for every incorrect response. Negative marking applies in both Section A and Section B under the current JEE Main marking system.

Candidates should not follow older resources that state numerical questions do not have negative marking. The official JEE Main exam format applies the +4/-1 system to numerical-value questions as well.

Response type JEE marking scheme
Correct answer +4
Incorrect answer -1
Unanswered 0
Marked for review without response 0

JEE Main numerical questions

Paper 1 contains 15 numerical-value questions, with five questions each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. These questions form Section B of the JEE Main paper pattern.

All five Section B questions in each subject are part of the current JEE exam structure. The table below provides the numerical-question distribution.

Subject Numerical questions Maximum marks
Mathematics 5 20
Physics 5 20
Chemistry 5 20
Total 15 60

JEE Main exam duration and time 2026

JEE Main exam time duration is 3 hours for Paper 1, Paper 2A and Paper 2B for regular candidates. Candidates appearing for both Paper 2A and Paper 2B receive 3 hours 30 minutes.

The JEE Mains time duration is longer for eligible PwD/PwBD candidates using a scribe. NTA provides compensatory time according to the rules specified in the official information bulletin.

JEE Main Paper 1 exam time

JEE Main exam time for Paper 1 is three hours. The regular exam shifts are 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM according to the applicable examination schedule.

The duration of JEE Main exam for eligible PwD/PwBD candidates using a scribe is four hours.

JEE Main Paper 1 timing detail Time
Standard duration 3 hours
PwD/PwBD candidates eligible for scribe 4 hours
Morning shift 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Afternoon shift 3:00 PM–6:00 PM

JEE Main Paper 2 exam time

JEE Main Paper 2A and Paper 2B each have a standard duration of three hours. Candidates appearing for both papers together receive three hours and 30 minutes.

JEE Main paper Regular duration PwD/PwBD with scribe
Paper 2A 3 hours 4 hours
Paper 2B 3 hours 4 hours
Paper 2A + Paper 2B 3 hours 30 minutes 4 hours 10 minutes

JEE Main Paper 2 pattern 2026

JEE Main Paper 2 is conducted for architecture and planning admissions. Paper 2A is for B.Arch, while Paper 2B is for B.Planning.

The JEE Main Paper 2 pattern differs from Paper 1 because it includes Mathematics and Aptitude along with Drawing or Planning-Based Questions.

JEE Main Paper 2A pattern for B.Arch

The JEE paper 2 pattern for B.Arch contains Mathematics, Aptitude and Drawing. Candidates receive 77 questions carrying a maximum of 400 marks.

Mathematics and Aptitude are conducted through CBT, while the Drawing Test is conducted in pen-and-paper mode.

Paper 2A section Question pattern Questions Marks
Mathematics 20 MCQs + 5 numerical 25 100
Aptitude Test MCQs 50 200
Drawing Test Drawing questions 2 100
Total — 77 400

JEE Main Paper 2B pattern for B.Planning

JEE Main Paper 2B contains Mathematics, Aptitude and Planning-Based Questions. Candidates receive 100 questions carrying 400 marks.

Paper 2B is conducted completely through Computer Based Test mode.

Paper 2B section Question pattern Questions Marks
Mathematics 20 MCQs + 5 numerical 25 100
Aptitude Test MCQs 50 200
Planning-Based Questions MCQs 25 100
Total — 100 400

JEE Main Paper 1 vs Paper 2 pattern

JEE Main Paper 1, Paper 2A and Paper 2B follow different exam structures because they are used for different undergraduate programmes. Paper 1 is for engineering, Paper 2A is for architecture and Paper 2B is for planning.

The JEE Main exam format also differs in total questions and total marks. The table below provides a direct comparison of the JEE Mains paper format.

Particulars Paper 1 Paper 2A Paper 2B
ProgrammeB.E./B.TechB.ArchB.Planning
SubjectsPhysics, Chemistry, MathematicsMathematics, Aptitude, DrawingMathematics, Aptitude, Planning
Total questions7577100
Total marks300400400
Duration3 hours3 hours3 hours
Main exam modeCBTCBT + offline DrawingCBT
Numerical questions1555
Negative markingYesYes for applicable objective questionsYes

Changes in JEE Main exam pattern 2026

The JEE Main exam pattern 2026 continues the revised Section B structure introduced before the 2026 examination. Candidates receive five numerical-value questions per Paper 1 subject instead of the earlier pool of ten questions with a choice to attempt five.

This means the JEE Main question paper pattern contains a fixed total of 75 Paper 1 questions. Candidates preparing from older papers should account for this change while selecting mocks and practice material.

The table below compares the older optional structure with the current JEE Mains pattern.

JEE pattern feature Older optional pattern JEE Main 2026
Section A per Paper 1 subject20 MCQs20 MCQs
Section B questions provided105
Section B questions attemptedAny 5All 5 form part of paper
Question pool in Paper 19075
Questions attempted7575
JEE Main total marks300300
Negative marking in Section BApplicable under recent patternApplicable

Important points about JEE Main exam pattern 2026

Candidates should understand the latest JEE exam pattern before starting full-length mock tests. Older JEE paper pattern resources may contain a larger Section B question pool that does not match the 2026 examination structure.

The important JEE Main paper pattern points are given below.

  • JEE Main Paper 1 is conducted for B.E./B.Tech.
  • JEE Main Paper 2A is conducted for B.Arch.
  • JEE Main Paper 2B is conducted for B.Planning.
  • JEE Main Paper 1 contains 75 questions.
  • JEE Mains total questions for Paper 1 are 75.
  • Physics contains 25 questions.
  • Chemistry contains 25 questions.
  • Mathematics contains 25 questions.
  • JEE Main total marks for Paper 1 are 300.
  • Maximum marks in JEE Mains Paper 1 are 300.
  • Each Paper 1 subject carries 100 marks.
  • Section A contains 60 MCQs in total.
  • Section B contains 15 numerical-value questions.
  • Correct answers carry +4 marks.
  • Incorrect answers carry -1 mark.
  • Negative marking applies to Section B.
  • JEE Main exam duration for Paper 1 is 3 hours.
  • Paper 2A contains 77 questions for 400 marks.
  • Paper 2B contains 100 questions for 400 marks.
  • Paper 2A includes an offline Drawing Test.
  • Paper 1 and Paper 2B are conducted in CBT mode.
  • Candidates appearing for both Paper 2A and 2B receive 3 hours 30 minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

1. What is the JEE Main exam pattern 2026? +
The JEE Main exam pattern 2026 for Paper 1 includes 75 questions from Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The paper carries 300 marks and candidates get three hours to complete it.
2. What is the JEE Mains pattern for Paper 1? +
The JEE Mains pattern has 25 questions each from Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Every subject includes 20 MCQs and 5 numerical-value questions for 100 marks.
3. What is the JEE exam pattern for B.E./B.Tech? +
The JEE exam pattern for B.E./B.Tech consists of Paper 1 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. It contains 75 questions carrying a maximum of 300 marks.
4. What is the JEE Main paper pattern? +
The JEE Main paper pattern for Paper 1 includes 60 multiple-choice questions and 15 numerical-value questions. Candidates need to complete all 75 questions within three hours.
5. What is the JEE Mains paper pattern for Section B? +
The JEE Mains paper pattern includes five numerical-value questions in Section B of every Paper 1 subject. Incorrect numerical responses carry a negative mark of one.
6. How many questions are there in JEE Mains? +
There are 75 questions in JEE Mains Paper 1. The total includes 25 questions each from Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
7. What are JEE Main total marks? +
JEE Main total marks for Paper 1 are 300. Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics each contribute 100 marks.
8. What are the maximum marks in JEE Mains? +
The maximum marks in JEE Mains Paper 1 are 300. The maximum marks are 400 for both Paper 2A and Paper 2B.
9. What is the JEE Main marking scheme? +
The JEE Main marking scheme gives +4 marks for a correct answer and -1 mark for an incorrect answer. Unanswered questions receive zero marks.
10. Is there negative marking in numerical questions in JEE Main? +
Yes. Numerical-value questions have negative marking under the current JEE Main exam pattern. Candidates receive +4 for a correct response and -1 for an incorrect response.
11. What is the JEE Main exam time duration? +
The JEE Main exam time duration is three hours for Paper 1, Paper 2A and Paper 2B. Candidates appearing for both Paper 2A and 2B get three hours 30 minutes.
12. What is JEE Main Paper 1? +
JEE Main Paper 1 is the entrance paper used for B.E./B.Tech admission. It consists of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with 75 questions carrying 300 marks.
13. What is JEE Main Paper 2? +
JEE Main Paper 2 is conducted for B.Arch and B.Planning admissions. Paper 2A is for B.Arch, while Paper 2B is for B.Planning.
14. What is the JEE Main Paper 2 pattern? +
JEE Main Paper 2A contains Mathematics, Aptitude and Drawing for 400 marks. Paper 2B contains Mathematics, Aptitude and Planning-Based Questions for 400 marks.

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