JEE Main 2026 Exam Mode: Online or Offline? Complete Paper-Wise Details
JEE Main 2026 Exam Mode remains unchanged despite recent discussions. The exam is primarily conducted online in CBT mode, with Paper 2A including an offline Drawing Test. Session 1 is scheduled from January 21 to 29, 2026. Candidates should continue CBT-based preparation.
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JEE 2026 Exam Mode has raised curiosity among students, parents, and teachers following discussions by a parliamentary panel. However, there is no change in the exam mode from previous years. JEE Main continues to be conducted primarily online as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and the Mathematics and Aptitude sections of Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning).
Paper 2A (B.Arch) will again include an offline, pen-and-paper Drawing Test, maintaining the same mixed mode followed earlier. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the exam, making online mock tests crucial for preparation. The JEE Main 2026 exam has two sessions, with Session 1 scheduled from January 21 to 29, 2026—Paper 1 on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, and Paper 2 on January 29.
Live: JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Live Updates 21 To 29 Jan
Is JEE Main 2026 Online or Offline?
JEE Main 2026 will be conducted primarily in online mode as a Computer-Based Test (CBT), with no change from previous years. Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) will be held completely online. Paper 2A (B.Arch) follows a hybrid format, where Mathematics and Aptitude are conducted online, while the Drawing Test is held offline (pen-and-paper mode).
Also Read: JEE Main Admit Card 2026
What Does “Online” Mean in JEE Main 2026?
In JEE Main 2026, “online” refers to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) where candidates:
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Read questions on a computer screen
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Select MCQ answers using a mouse
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Enter numerical responses through an on-screen keypad
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Manage time using a live exam interface, which is often where many students lose marks
JEE Main 2026 Exam Mode (Paper-Wise)
The JEE Main 2026 examination is conducted in different modes depending on the paper, with most sections held as Computer-Based Tests (CBT).
| JEE Main 2026 Exam Mode (Paper-Wise) | |||
| Paper | Subjects | Type of Questions | Mode of Examination |
| Paper 1: B.E. / B.Tech | Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry | Objective Type – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Questions for which the answer is a numerical value, with equal weightage to Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry | “Computer Based Test (CBT)” mode only |
| Paper 2A: B. Arch | Part-I: Mathematics | Objective Type – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Questions for which the answer is a numerical value | “Computer Based Test (CBT)” mode only |
| Part-II: Aptitude Test | Objective Type – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | “Computer Based Test (CBT)” mode only | |
| Part-III: Drawing Test | Questions to test drawing aptitude | “Pen and Paper Based” (offline) mode to be attempted on a Drawing sheet of A4 size. | |
| Paper 2B: B. Planning | Part-I: Mathematics | Objective Type – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Questions for which the answer is a numerical value | “Computer Based Test (CBT)” mode only |
| Part-II: Aptitude Test | Objective Type – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | “Computer Based Test (CBT)” mode only | |
| Part-III: Planning-Based Questions | Objective Type – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | “Computer Based Test (CBT)” mode only | |
Also Check: JEE Main 2026 99 Percentile in 35 Days
What should JEE Main 2026 Students do?
Students preparing for JEE 2026 should remain calm and continue with their regular study routine, as there is no change in the JEE 2026 exam mode, syllabus, or difficulty level. The exam will be conducted in the same format as previous years. Discussions around the exam mode do not affect the subjects, chapters, or preparation strategy."
How Students Should Prepare
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Follow only official updates
Rely on information released by NTA through official websites. Avoid rumours or unverified social media claims. -
Continue online-focused preparation
Since there is no exam mode change, students should keep practising CBT-based mock tests as per the existing pattern. -
Strengthen conceptual clarity
Clear understanding of concepts, formulas, units, and diagrams remains the key to scoring well, regardless of discussions. -
Do not stress about exam format
The purpose of JEE is to test knowledge and problem-solving ability, not adaptability to a new format. -
Use reliable study resources
NCERT books, short notes, and topic-wise practice questions are sufficient for effective preparation. -
Practice time management
Solving mock tests within the allotted time improves speed, accuracy, and confidence. -
Maintain consistency
Regular study with proper breaks is more effective than irregular long study hours.