NTA conducts the JEE Main exam for admission to the undergraduate engineering program across the country. The JEE exam entitles one to get admission to the courses such as B.E., B.Tech., B.Arch. and B.Planning. Paper 1 of the JEE Main exam is for the B.E. and B.Tech courses, while Paper 2 of the JEE Main exam is for B.Arch. and B.Planning courses.
After clearing Paper 1 and Paper 2, the top candidates are eligible for JEE Advanced, which is the only exam to seek admission to the IITs in India. To score well in these exams, it is essential to understand the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern and key differences between them. Read the full blog to clear all your doubts and boost your JEE Main 2026 preparation.
JEE Main Exam Pattern
There are two papers in the JEE Main exam sessions 1 and 2, which serve for different purposes. The detailed exam pattern of the Paper 1 & Paper 2 is as follows:
JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./ B.Tech.)
Paper 1 has 75 questions in two sections: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value-Based (NVB) questions. The total marks of paper 1 are 300. The section-wise details are given below:
|
JEE Main Exam Paper 1 |
|
|
Mode of Exam |
Online or Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Purpose |
Admission to B.E. or B.Tech programs |
|
Duration |
3 Hours |
|
Sections |
Three: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
|
Types of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions Numerical Value Based |
|
Total Number of Questions |
75 ( 20 MCQs + 5 NVB) |
|
Total Marks |
300 |
|
Marking |
+4 For Each Correct Answer -1 For Each Incorrect Answer |
|
Exam Paper Languages |
English, Hindi, Tamil, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Telugu and Urdu |
Look at the JEE Main 2026 Eligibility – Age Criteria, Number of Attempts & Reservation Policy
JEE Main Paper 2 ( B.Arch and B.Plan)
The Paper 2 of the JEE Main exam is subdivided into Paper 2A and Paper 2 B. There are 82 questions in Paper 2A and 104 in Paper 2 B. The details of the papers are given below:
|
JEE Main Paper 2 A |
|
|
Mode of Exam |
Online & Offline |
|
Purpose |
For Admission to B.Arch |
|
Duration |
3 Hours |
|
Subjects |
Mathematics Drawing Aptitude |
|
Types of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions Numerical Value-Based Questions Drawing (2 Questions) |
|
Total Questions |
77 |
|
Marking Scheme |
+4 for each correct answer -1 for each incorrect answer (No negative marking for drawing section) |
|
Total Marks |
400 Marks |
|
Languages |
English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. |
|
JEE Main Paper 2B |
|
|
Mode of Exam |
Online |
|
Duration |
3 Hours |
|
Purpose |
For admission to B.Planning |
|
Subjects |
Mathematics Aptitude Planning |
|
Total Questions |
100 |
|
Marking Scheme |
+4 for each correct answer -1 for each incorrect answer |
|
Total Marks |
400 |
|
Languages |
English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. |
Check out the JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme: Full Details
JEE Main Syllabus 2026
The detailed syllabus of the JEE Main 2026 is as follows:
JEE Main Paper 1 Syllabus
Mathematics
|
S.No. |
Unit Name |
|
1 |
Sets, Relations and Functions |
|
2 |
Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations |
|
3 |
Matrices and Determinants |
|
4 |
Permutations & Combinations |
|
5 |
Binomial Theorem |
|
6 |
Limit, Continuity and Differentiability |
|
7 |
Sequence & Series |
|
8 |
Integral Calculus |
|
9 |
Differential Equations |
|
10 |
Coordinate Geometry |
|
11 |
Vector Algebra |
|
12 |
Statistics and Probability |
|
13 |
Trigonometry |
Physics
|
S. No. |
Unit Name |
|
1 |
Physics and Measurement |
|
2 |
Kinematics |
|
3 |
Work, Energy & Power |
|
4 |
Gravitation |
|
5 |
Laws of Motion |
|
6 |
Rotational Motion |
|
7 |
Properties of Solids and Liquids |
|
8 |
Thermodynamics |
|
9 |
Kinetic Theory of Gases |
|
10 |
Oscillation and Wave |
|
11 |
Electrostatics |
|
12 |
Current Electricity |
|
13 |
Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism |
|
14 |
Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current |
|
15 |
Electromagnetic Waves |
|
16 |
Optics |
|
17 |
Dual Nature of Matter |
|
18 |
Atoms & Nuclei |
|
19 |
Electronic Devices |
Chemistry
|
S.No. |
Unit Name |
|
1 |
Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry |
|
2 |
Atomic Structure |
|
3 |
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure |
|
4 |
Chemical Thermodynamics |
|
5 |
Solutions |
|
6 |
Equillibrium |
|
7 |
Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry |
|
8 |
Chemical Kinetics |
|
9 |
Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties |
|
10 |
p-Block Elements |
|
11 |
d- and f-Block Elements |
|
12 |
Coordination Compounds |
|
13 |
Purification and Characterisation of Organic Compounds |
|
14 |
Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry |
|
15 |
Hydrocarbons |
|
16 |
Organic Compounds Containing Halogens |
|
17 |
Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen |
|
18 |
Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen |
|
19 |
Biomolecules |
|
20 |
Principles Related to Practical Chemistry |
JEE Main Paper 2A and 2B
|
Subject |
JEE Main Paper 2A |
JEE Main Paper 2 B |
|
Mathematics |
Same as JEE Main Paper 1 |
Same as JEE Main Paper 1 |
|
Aptitude |
|
|
|
Drawing |
Sketching scenes, landscapes, and memory-based drawing |
– |
|
Planning |
– |
|
JEE Main Paper 1 & 2: Preparation Strategy
|
JEE Main Paper 1 |
JEE Main Paper 2A |
JEE Main Paper 2B |
|
Focus on conceptual clarity and numerical problem solving for each subject PCM. |
Along with PCM, give special attention to Aptitude (3D visualization, analytical reasoning) |
A strong mathematical basis is essential. |
|
Prioritize NCERT and advanced problem-solving books (H.C. Verma for Physics, R.D. Sharma/JEE books for Maths, and NCERT and P. Bahadur for Chemistry). |
For Drawing, practice sketching, perspectives, geometric shapes, and daily-life objects. |
Aptitude section: practice thinking, problem-solving, and mental ability questions. |
|
Regular mock tests are used to enhance speed and accuracy. |
Use reference books like “NATA & JEE B.Arch Guide.” |
For planning-related questions, focus on your general knowledge of urban growth, the environment, transportation networks, and government. |
|
Review formulas and theorems, and practice past years’ exam papers. |
Improve creativity and time management for drawing tasks. |
Read about basic planning concepts & current affairs related to infrastructure. |
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of the JEE Main exam paper 1 & 2 syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategy, it’s time to revamp your preparation and get ready for the JEE Main exam. At IIB, we have a team of well-qualified and experienced teachers who prepare you for the JEE Main exam papers 1 & 2 and take you on the road to engineering success. We offer JEE Classes for 11th, 12th and repeaters to prepare for JEE Main and Advanced at our centres across Maharashtra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JEE Main exam pattern for Paper 1 for 2025?
Answer:The JEE Main exam paper 1 consists of multiple-choice questions and numerical value-based questions in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. There are a total of 75 questions, and the total marks of the paper are 300.
What are the sections of the B.Tech and B.Arch in JEE Mains?
Answer:The B.Tech. paper has three sections for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, whereas the B.Arch. paper has three sections for Mathematics, Drawing, and Aptitude.
Is JEE Paper 2 harder?
Answer:Most of the students appearing for both exams find Paper 2 easier compared to Paper 1. The questions from the drawing section and aptitude are direct and can be answered easily.
Can I skip maths in JEE Mains paper 2?
Answer:No, it is mandatory to attempt all the sections of the exam paper. Whether you are appearing for B.Arch or B. Planning mathematics covers a significant part of the JEE Main Paper 2 exam.
Can I appear for both JEE Main Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Answer:Yes, you can appear for both paper 1 & 2 exams of the JEE Mains as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
