JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme: JEE Main is one of the significant events in the academic journey of engineering aspirants. Understanding the JEE marking scheme is crucial for improving performance and achieving high scores. JEE Main exam will be held in January 2026 and April 2026. The official dates will be finally announced by the exam conducting agency, NTA, in December 2025.
Read the full blog to understand the JEE Main 2026 Marking scheme and know some tips from our expert desk to boost your overall performance.
JEE Main 2026: Highlights
|
Exam Name |
IIT JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) |
|
Conducting Authority |
NTA (National Testing Agency) |
|
Purpose |
For admission to a top engineering course To be eligible for JEE Advanced (Top 2.5 Lakh students) |
|
Number of Sessions |
Session 1: January 2026 Session 2: April 2026 |
|
Subjects |
Physics Chemistry Mathematics |
|
Number of Questions |
Physics: 25 Chemistry: 25 Mathematics: 25 |
|
Marking Scheme |
For each correct answer: +4 For each incorrect answer: -1 |
|
Curriculum |
Classes 11th & 12th syllabus based on the CBSE and NCERT books. |
|
Official Website |
jeemain.nta.nic.in |
Check out the JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
JEE Main 2026: Marking Scheme
There are a total of 75 questions in the JEE Main exam paper. The NTA has removed the provision of optional questions from 2025 and brought back the pre-pandemic exam format. The details of the questions and the marks distribution of the JEE Main 2026 are as follows:
|
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Types of Questions |
|
Physics |
25 |
MCQs and Numerical Value-Based Questions |
|
Chemistry |
25 |
|
|
Mathematics |
25 |
Marks for Each Question in JEE Main 2026 Exam Paper
The marks distribution for each section and question will help you to understand where to focus and how much. There are two sections in the JEE Main exam paper. The first section comprises multiple-choice questions where the negative marking applies, while Section B comprises numerical value-based questions where the negative marking does not apply. The marks in section B are provided based on the accuracy of the integers. The section-wise and subject-wise marking scheme for the JEE Main 2026 is as follows:
|
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Number of Marks |
|
|
Section A |
Section B |
||
|
Physics |
20 |
5 |
100 |
|
Chemistry |
20 |
5 |
100 |
|
Mathematics |
20 |
5 |
100 |
|
Total |
60 |
15 |
300 |
Check out the JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
Marking Scheme JEE Main 2026
Section A
For each correct answer: +4
For each incorrect answer: -1
No marks are awarded or deducted for unanswered questions.
Section B
For each correct answer: +4
For each incorrect answer: no negative marking
For unanswered questions: no marks
Total Marks= 75 * 4 = 300
JEE Main Negative Marking Policy
The detailed negative marking of the JEE Main 2026 and its implications on the overall performance are as follows:
|
Particulars |
Section A (Multiple Choice Questions) |
Section B (Numerical Value-Based Questions) |
|
Total Number of Questions |
60 |
15 |
|
Marks Per Question |
+4 |
+4 |
|
Negative Marking |
-1 |
No negative marking |
|
Unanswered Questions |
No marks |
No marks |
|
Impact on the performance |
A candidate can lose marks due to guessing and random answering of questions. |
Attempt all questions as there is no mark deduction |
|
Tips |
Answer only those questions for which you are sure or confident to improve your score. |
To boost your score, attempt all the questions, even if you are unsure about the solution. |
How to Calculate Your JEE Score by Incorporating Negative Marking
Suppose you solved a mock test of the JEE Main exam. Based on your performance and the JEE marking scheme, we can calculate the total score as follows:
|
Subject |
Answered Question |
Unanswered Questions |
Incorrect Answers |
Correct Answers |
Marks Calculations |
Total |
|
Physics |
25 |
2 |
4 |
17 |
(17*4) -(4*1) |
68 – 4 = 64 |
|
Chemistry |
25 |
3 |
5 |
17 |
(17*4) – (5*1) |
68 – 5 = 63 |
|
Mathematics |
25 |
3 |
5 |
17 |
(17*4)- (5*1) |
68 – 5 = 63 |
|
Total |
75 |
8 |
14 |
51 |
190 |
Tie-Breaking Criteria for Rank Calculation – JEE Main 2026
In addition to the negative marking, the JEE Exam also has a tie-breaking policy for the candidates scoring equal marks. The details of the tie-breaking policy for the JEE Main 2026 exam are as follows:
Rule 1: Higher score in Mathematics
The candidate who scores higher marks in mathematics is ranked higher, if there is a tie due to equal marks.
Rule 2: Higher score in Physics
The candidate who scores higher marks in Physics is ranked higher.
Rule 3: Score in Chemistry
If the ties persist, the chemistry scores are considered for the tie-breaking policy.
Rule 4: Fewer incorrect answers in all subjects
Candidates with fewer incorrect answers are ranked higher in the JEE examination.
JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips and Tricks
To get ready for the JEE Main 2026, the candidates must follow the following tips by our expert team. Here are a few of them:
- Get a Thorough Understanding of the Exam Syllabus and Pattern
Check the NTA JEE Main 2026 syllabus (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics – NCERT + advanced topics). Find the weightage of chapters from past years to prioritize. Focus on conceptual clarity instead of rote learning.
- Create a Realistic Study Plan
Split the timetable into three major realms: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with equal emphasis on all the subjects. 6-8 hours of study are a must for the JEE Main exam. Set daily goals and weekly targets to complete your syllabus on time with regular revisions.
- NCERT First, then Reference Books
NCERT is a must-book for understanding Chemistry concepts and Physics fundamentals. In addition, incorporates books such as
Physics: HC Verma, DC Pandey
Chemistry: NCERT + OP Tandon / JD Lee (for Inorganic) + MS Chauhan (Organic)
Maths: RD Sharma, Objective, and Arihant
- Practice is the Key
Solve the past 10 years of JEE Main exam papers to know the exam pattern and types of questions. Attempt a mock test under an exam-simulated environment to boost your speed and accuracy. Analyse your mock test performance to identify the gaps and resolve them before the final examination.
- Time Management in Exam
Do not waste time on too long or difficult questions; leave them and come back again after completing the other sections. Use the policy of 60% time for easy & moderate questions, 20% for tricky ones, and 10% for reviewing answers.
- Focus on Accuracy
Avoid guessing as JEE penalises for wrong answers. If you are confused, use methods such as elimination to get the right answer to score more points.
Conclusion
Understanding the JEE Main 2026 marking scheme is a must for JEE aspirants. The candidates understand where they can lose marks if they attempt a wrong question. At the IIB Career Institute, we prepare our students with tricks to answer the questions that can help them score more within the time allotted. We offer JEE Main + advanced classes for 11th, 12th and repeaters to guide them on the road to JEE success.
JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme: JEE Main is one of the significant events in the academic journey of engineering aspirants. Understanding the JEE marking scheme is crucial for improving performance and achieving high scores. JEE Main exam will be held in January 2026 and April 2026. The official dates will be finally announced by the exam conducting agency, NTA, in December 2025.
Read the full blog to understand the JEE Main 2026 Marking scheme and know some tips from our expert desk to boost your overall performance.
JEE Main 2026: Highlights
|
Exam Name |
IIT JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) |
|
Conducting Authority |
NTA (National Testing Agency) |
|
Purpose |
For admission to a top engineering course To be eligible for JEE Advanced (Top 2.5 Lakh students) |
|
Number of Sessions |
Session 1: January 2026 Session 2: April 2026 |
|
Subjects |
Physics Chemistry Mathematics |
|
Number of Questions |
Physics: 25 Chemistry: 25 Mathematics: 25 |
|
Marking Scheme |
For each correct answer: +4 For each incorrect answer: -1 |
|
Curriculum |
Classes 11th & 12th syllabus based on the CBSE and NCERT books. |
|
Official Website |
jeemain.nta.nic.in |
Check out the JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
JEE Main 2026: Marking Scheme
There are a total of 75 questions in the JEE Main exam paper. The NTA has removed the provision of optional questions from 2025 and brought back the pre-pandemic exam format. The details of the questions and the marks distribution of the JEE Main 2026 are as follows:
|
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Types of Questions |
|
Physics |
25 |
MCQs and Numerical Value-Based Questions |
|
Chemistry |
25 |
|
|
Mathematics |
25 |
Marks for Each Question in JEE Main 2026 Exam Paper
The marks distribution for each section and question will help you to understand where to focus and how much. There are two sections in the JEE Main exam paper. The first section comprises multiple-choice questions where the negative marking applies, while Section B comprises numerical value-based questions where the negative marking does not apply. The marks in section B are provided based on the accuracy of the integers. The section-wise and subject-wise marking scheme for the JEE Main 2026 is as follows:
|
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Number of Marks |
|
|
Section A |
Section B |
||
|
Physics |
20 |
5 |
100 |
|
Chemistry |
20 |
5 |
100 |
|
Mathematics |
20 |
5 |
100 |
|
Total |
60 |
15 |
300 |
Check out the JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
Marking Scheme JEE Main 2026
Section A
For each correct answer: +4
For each incorrect answer: -1
No marks are awarded or deducted for unanswered questions.
Section B
For each correct answer: +4
For each incorrect answer: no negative marking
For unanswered questions: no marks
Total Marks= 75 * 4 = 300
JEE Main Negative Marking Policy
The detailed negative marking of the JEE Main 2026 and its implications on the overall performance are as follows:
|
Particulars |
Section A (Multiple Choice Questions) |
Section B (Numerical Value-Based Questions) |
|
Total Number of Questions |
60 |
15 |
|
Marks Per Question |
+4 |
+4 |
|
Negative Marking |
-1 |
No negative marking |
|
Unanswered Questions |
No marks |
No marks |
|
Impact on the performance |
A candidate can lose marks due to guessing and random answering of questions. |
Attempt all questions as there is no mark deduction |
|
Tips |
Answer only those questions for which you are sure or confident to improve your score. |
To boost your score, attempt all the questions, even if you are unsure about the solution. |
How to Calculate Your JEE Score by Incorporating Negative Marking
Suppose you solved a mock test of the JEE Main exam. Based on your performance and the JEE marking scheme, we can calculate the total score as follows:
|
Subject |
Answered Question |
Unanswered Questions |
Incorrect Answers |
Correct Answers |
Marks Calculations |
Total |
|
Physics |
25 |
2 |
4 |
17 |
(17*4) -(4*1) |
68 – 4 = 64 |
|
Chemistry |
25 |
3 |
5 |
17 |
(17*4) – (5*1) |
68 – 5 = 63 |
|
Mathematics |
25 |
3 |
5 |
17 |
(17*4)- (5*1) |
68 – 5 = 63 |
|
Total |
75 |
8 |
14 |
51 |
190 |
Tie-Breaking Criteria for Rank Calculation – JEE Main 2026
In addition to the negative marking, the JEE Exam also has a tie-breaking policy for the candidates scoring equal marks. The details of the tie-breaking policy for the JEE Main 2026 exam are as follows:
Rule 1: Higher score in Mathematics
The candidate who scores higher marks in mathematics is ranked higher, if there is a tie due to equal marks.
Rule 2: Higher score in Physics
The candidate who scores higher marks in Physics is ranked higher.
Rule 3: Score in Chemistry
If the ties persist, the chemistry scores are considered for the tie-breaking policy.
Rule 4: Fewer incorrect answers in all subjects
Candidates with fewer incorrect answers are ranked higher in the JEE examination.
JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips and Tricks
To get ready for the JEE Main 2026, the candidates must follow the following tips by our expert team. Here are a few of them:
- Get a Thorough Understanding of the Exam Syllabus and Pattern
Check the NTA JEE Main 2026 syllabus (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics – NCERT + advanced topics). Find the weightage of chapters from past years to prioritize. Focus on conceptual clarity instead of rote learning.
- Create a Realistic Study Plan
Split the timetable into three major realms: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with equal emphasis on all the subjects. 6-8 hours of study are a must for the JEE Main exam. Set daily goals and weekly targets to complete your syllabus on time with regular revisions.
- NCERT First, then Reference Books
NCERT is a must-book for understanding Chemistry concepts and Physics fundamentals. In addition, incorporates books such as
Physics: HC Verma, DC Pandey
Chemistry: NCERT + OP Tandon / JD Lee (for Inorganic) + MS Chauhan (Organic)
Maths: RD Sharma, Objective, and Arihant
- Practice is the Key
Solve the past 10 years of JEE Main exam papers to know the exam pattern and types of questions. Attempt a mock test under an exam-simulated environment to boost your speed and accuracy. Analyse your mock test performance to identify the gaps and resolve them before the final examination.
- Time Management in Exam
Do not waste time on too long or difficult questions; leave them and come back again after completing the other sections. Use the policy of 60% time for easy & moderate questions, 20% for tricky ones, and 10% for reviewing answers.
- Focus on Accuracy
Avoid guessing as JEE penalises for wrong answers. If you are confused, use methods such as elimination to get the right answer to score more points.
Conclusion
Understanding the JEE Main 2026 marking scheme is a must for JEE aspirants. The candidates understand where they can lose marks if they attempt a wrong question. At the IIB Career Institute, we prepare our students with tricks to answer the questions that can help them score more within the time allotted. We offer JEE Main + advanced classes for 11th, 12th and repeaters to guide them on the road to JEE success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking in the JEE Main exam?
Answer: Yes, one mark is deducted from the total score if you mark an incorrect answer in the multiple-choice section. Whereas no marks are deducted for the numerical value-based questions in all subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Who will conduct the JEE Mains in 2026?
Answer:JEE Main will be conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency) for admission to the undergraduate engineering courses in IITs, NITs, and CFTIs across the country.
Is JEE Main 300 or 360?
Answer:The JEE Main exam comprises 75 questions in all sections. Each question carries 4 marks; therefore, the total marks for the JEE Main exam are 75*4 = 300.
Is 90 out of 300 good in JEE?
Answer: A JEE Main score of 250 or higher is considered good, while a JEE Main score of 85-95 percentile is desirable for admission to NITs and IITs through the exam. To get admission into the best NITs and IITs, candidates must rank within the top 15,000 and 20,000.
