JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Your Ultimate Guide to Paper 1 and 2 with Marking Scheme

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The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 is your gateway to India’s top engineering institutions, including NITs, IIITs, and other prestigious colleges. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this exam is held twice a year (January and April) and serves as a qualifier for JEE Advanced for IIT admissions.

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.
This comprehensive guide, brought to you by VVT Coaching, details the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning), including the marking scheme, to help you strategize and succeed.

Overview of JEE Main 2026

JEE Main 2026 comprises three papers tailored to different academic paths:

• Paper 1: For B.E./B.Tech courses, testing Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Paper 2A: For B.Arch courses, covering Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing.
• Paper 2B: For B.Planning courses, including Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning.

The exam is conducted in 13 languages, including English and regional languages like Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, ensuring accessibility. With over 10 lakh candidates annually, only about 2.5 lakh qualify for JEE Advanced, making strategic preparation essential. VVT Coaching’s expert resources can guide you through this competitive journey.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

Paper 1 is designed for engineering aspirants and is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format.

• Mode: CBT
• Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates)
• Total Marks: 300
• Total Questions: 75
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Each subject has two sections:

• Section A: 20 MCQs, +4 marks for correct answers, -1 for incorrect.
• Section B: 5 NVQs, +4 marks for correct answers, -1 for incorrect (Numerical Value Questions) are now compulsory and carry -1 for wrong answers, unlike previous years.

JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 Exam Pattern

Key Notes:

• All 75 questions are compulsory, with no optional questions in Section B.
• Negative marking for NVQs increases the need for precision in calculations.

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

Paper 2A targets architecture aspirants, combining CBT and a pen-and-paper drawing test.

• Mode: CBT for Mathematics and Aptitude; pen-and-paper for Drawing
• Duration: 3 hours
• Total Marks: 400
• Total Questions: 77
• Sections:
  • Mathematics: 25 questions (20 MCQs, 5 NVQs)
  • Aptitude Test: 50 MCQs
  • Drawing Test: 2 questions

Marking Scheme:

• MCQs and NVQs: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect
• Drawing: 100 marks total, no negative marking, evaluated on creativity and skill

JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A Exam Pattern

Key Notes:

• The Drawing Test requires offline sketching, testing artistic and spatial skills.
• Practice drawing regularly to excel in Part-III.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper 2B (B.Planning)

Paper 2B is for planning aspirants and is fully computer-based.

• Mode: CBT
• Duration: 3 hours
• Total Marks: 400
• Total Questions: 100
• Sections:
  • Mathematics: 25 questions (20 MCQs, 5 NVQs)
  • Aptitude Test: 50 MCQs
  • Planning Test: 25 MCQs

Marking Scheme:

• Mathematics and Aptitude: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect (MCQs and NVQs)
• Planning Test: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect (confirmed negative marking in 2026)

JEE Main 2026 Paper 2B Exam Pattern

Key Notes:

• The Planning Test now includes -1 negative marking for incorrect answers like other sections.
• Focus on planning-related topics like urban development and policies.

Key Changes in JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

Recent updates to the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern include:

1. No Optional Questions: Section B in Paper 1 and Mathematics in Paper 2 now have 5 compulsory NVQs, removing the previous option to choose.
2. Negative Marking for NVQs: Unlike earlier years, NVQs in Paper 1 and parts of Paper 2 now carry a -1 penalty for incorrect answers.
3. Planning Test (Paper 2B’s): Now includes -1 negative marking for incorrect answers — unlike previous years where it had no penalty. This makes accuracy more important.
4. Streamlined Structure: The exam aligns with pre-pandemic formats, emphasizing all questions’ mandatory nature.

Preparation Tips for JEE Main 2026

To excel in JEE Main 2026, consider these strategies:

• Master the Syllabus: Focus on high-weightage topics from the NCERT-based syllabus (NTA JEE Main Syllabus).
• Practice Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions with VVT Coaching’s mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Time Management: Allocate time per section (e.g., 40 minutes for Section A, 20 for Section B per subject in Paper 1).
• Strengthen Concepts: Build a strong foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, especially for NVQs requiring precise calculations.
• Drawing Practice: For B.Arch, enhance sketching skills for the Drawing Test.
• Planning Knowledge: For B.Planning, study urban planning and general awareness topics.
• Stay Updated: Monitor NTA’s official website for updates.

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Conclusion

The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern, with its updated structure and marking scheme, demands strategic preparation. By understanding the format of Paper 1, Paper 2A, and Paper 2B, you can tailor your study plan to maximize your score.

VVT Coaching is here to support you with expert guidance, comprehensive resources, and proven strategies. Start your journey to success today by visiting VVT Coaching or contacting us at +91 8122122333 .

Also read:

• Top IIT-JEE and BITSAT Coaching in Chennai!
• What Is JEE: Purpose, Process, & Everything You Need to Know!
• Achieve Your JEE Advanced 2025 Dreams!
• JEE Main Marks Vs Rank: Calculate Your Rank Using Marks & Understand Cutoff Trends!

FAQs

1: What is the total number of questions in JEE Main 2026 Paper 1?
Paper 1 has 75 questions (25 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics).

2: Is there negative marking in Section B of Paper 1?
Yes, for 2026, Section B NVQs have a -1 penalty for incorrect answers.

3: How does Paper 2A differ from Paper 2B?
Paper 2B (B.Planning) has a Planning Test, which now includes -1 negative marking for incorrect answers (as per 2026 changes).

4: Can I appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Yes, candidates can attempt both if applying for B.E./B.Tech and B.Arch/B.Planning courses.

5: How can VVT Coaching help with JEE Main 2026 preparation?
VVT Coaching provides expert faculty, mock tests, and personalized strategies to master the exam pattern and secure top ranks.