JEE Main 2026 exam pattern includes negative marking for incorrect answers as per the NTA notifications released on the official website- jeemain.nta.ac.in. The information bulletin released by the authorities consists of the exam details, such as exam duration, number of questions, marking scheme, subject-wise weightage and syllabus.
The JEE 2026 Main exam will comprise three sessions for all three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each section has 25 questions; therefore, the total number of questions is 75. The total marks of the JEE Main exam paper are 300.
Read on to know more about the negative marking in the JEE Main 2026 exam and prepare accordingly.
Is There Negative Marking in JEE 2026?
Aspirants often ask if there is negative marking in the JEE 2026 exam. The answer is yes, the JEE exam has negative marking for the multiple choice questions (MCQs) only. However, no marks are dedicated to Numerical Value Based (NVB) and unanswered questions. Each question in JEE carries 4 marks, while one mark is deducted from the total score for each wrong answer.
JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme
|
Answer Type |
Marks Added |
Marks Deducted |
|
Correct |
+4 |
0 |
|
Incorrect |
0 |
-1 |
|
Unanswered |
0 |
0 |
|
Numerical Value Based (Correct Answer) |
+4 |
0 |
|
Numerical Value Based (Incorrect Answer) |
0 |
0 |
Note: The negative marking of the numerical value-based question depends on the instructions in the question paper.
Check out the JEE Main 2026 Syllabus: Latest Changes & Updates
JEE Main 2026: Exam Pattern
Paper 1: Exam Pattern (B.E./B.Tech.)
JEE revised its exam pattern in 2025. It reverted to the pre-pandemic pattern. The optional questions in section B will not be available in the JEE exam paper from the 2025 session. Therefore, the JEE exam will have only 75 questions instead of 90 questions. The section-wise JEE 2026 exam pattern is as follows:
|
Subject |
Section A (MCQs) |
Section B (Numerical Value-Based) |
Total Questions |
|
Physics |
20 |
5 |
25 |
|
Chemistry |
20 |
5 |
25 |
|
Mathematics |
20 |
5 |
25 |
|
Total |
60 |
15 |
75 |
Paper 2A: Exam Pattern (B.Arch.)
The paper 2A exam is for admission to the B.Arch. It is conducted in subjects such as Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing. The negative marking in this exam applies to the mathematics and Aptitude sections. The section-wise exam pattern of JEE paper 2A is as follows:
|
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Total Questions |
Total Marks |
|
Mathematics |
20 [Section A (MCQs)] + 5 [Section B (Numerical Value-Based)] |
25 |
100 |
|
Drawing |
2 |
2 |
100 |
|
Aptitude |
50 |
50 |
200 |
|
Total |
77 |
77 |
400 |
Paper 2B: Exam Pattern (B.Planning)
The paper 2B of the JEE Main exam is for admission to the B.Planning program. The exam paper comprises questions from Mathematics, Planning, and Aptitude. The negative marking is applicable to all the multiple-choice questions. The section-wise exam pattern is as follows:
|
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Total Questions |
Total Marks |
|
Mathematics |
20 [Section A (MCQs)] + 5 [Section B (Numerical Value-Based)] |
25 |
100 |
|
Planning |
25 |
25 |
100 |
|
Aptitude |
50 |
50 |
200 |
|
Total |
100 |
100 |
400 |
How to Calculate the Total Score for JEE Main 2026
The formula for calculating the total score in the JEE Main 2026 exam is as follows:
Total Marks = (4* number of correct answers) – (1*number of incorrect answers)
Candidates can easily check the total score in the JEE exam by using the formula given above.
How to Avoid Negative Marking in JEE Main 2026 Exam
Here are a few tips from our expert desk to reduce the impact of negative marking on your overall JEE score:
- Read Questions Carefully: Misreading can lead to mistakes. Careful reading ensures correct understanding and reduces careless errors, minimising negative marking.
- Apply the Elimination Method: Check out wrong options to narrow choices. Use logic and subject knowledge to improve accuracy and avoid random guessing.
- Stay Confident in Your Answer: Once you choose an option, stick to it unless there’s a solid reason to change. Rethinking and overthinking can cost you marks.
- Practice & Manage Time: Regular practice improves accuracy and confidence, while proper time management prevents rushed decisions in the exam.
- Avoid Blind Guessing: Don’t guess randomly. Make reasonable guesses only if you can confidently eliminate one or more options.
- Use Contextual Hints: Pay attention to clues in the question, especially in reasoning or numerical problems, to make better answer choices.
- Attempt Confident Questions First: Start with the questions you know well to secure marks before moving to uncertain ones.
- Don’t Rush at the End: Avoid answering in the final minutes. Keep buffer time to review or recheck doubtful questions.
- Understand Marking Scheme: Be aware of the marking scheme (+4 for correct, -1 for wrong). This helps you decide whether to attempt doubtful questions.
- Practice in Exam-Simulated Conditions: Take mocks under real test conditions to build speed, accuracy, and confidence while handling exam pressure.
Conclusion
Negative marking has a significant impact on the total score of the JEE Main 2026 exam. Understanding negative marking can help you in selecting questions and attempting the JEE exam paper wisely. At the IIB Career Institute, we make our students aware of the negative marks in the JEE Main exam and prepare them accordingly. Our team of experienced faculty helps you to minimize the impact of the negative marking on your JEE score to boost your rank.
Join the IIB Career Institute for JEE Main preparation from class 11th or 12th or as a repeater and ensure your success in the national competitive exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking in JEE Main?
Answer: Yes, JEE Main has a negative marking policy for wrong answers. 4 marks are awarded for each correct answer, while one mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. However, no marks are awarded or deducted for unanswered questions.
What are the total marks of the JEE Main 2026 exam?
Answer: There are a total of 75 questions in the JEE Main exam. Each question carries 4 marks; therefore, the total marks for the JEE exam paper are 300.
How to avoid negative marks in JEE Main 2026?
Answer:To avoid negative marks in JEE Main 2026, candidates must avoid guessing work. They can use the elimination method and link the options with their subject understanding before marking the options.
