Negative Marking In JEE Main 2026 Session 2, Check Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

About JEE Main 2026 Session 2

The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 is the second and final opportunity for students to qualify for top engineering colleges like NITs and IIITs, or to become eligible for JEE Advanced. Managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this session is crucial for those looking to improve their January scores.

Here are the key highlights and pointers for the upcoming exam:

• Exam Dates: The examination is scheduled to be conducted between April 2 and April 9, 2026.

• City Intimation Slip: The advanced city allotment slip is expected to be released today, March 20, 2026. It allows you to see your exam city and date to help with travel planning.

• Admit Card Release: Official hall tickets are typically released 3 to 4 days before your specific exam date (expected around March 30).

• Exam Mode: The test will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT), except for the Drawing section of Paper 2A (B.Arch), which is pen-and-paper based.

• Shift Timings:

  • Shift 1: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

  • Shift 2: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

• Marking Scheme:

  • Correct Answer: +4

  • Incorrect Answer: −1 (Negative marking applies to both MCQs and Numerical Value Questions).

  • Unattempted: 0

• Official Website: All updates and downloads are available exclusively at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

Is There Any Negative Marking in JEE Mains 2026?

Yes, negative marking is applicable in JEE Main 2026. According to the official marking scheme prescribed by NTA, marks are awarded and deducted based on the accuracy of responses.

• Each correct answer is awarded +4 marks

• Each incorrect answer results in −1 mark

• Unattempted questions carry 0 marks

Candidates must be careful while attempting MCQs, as wrong answers directly reduce the total score. Numerical questions, on the other hand, can be attempted with slightly more confidence as they do not carry negative marking.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 

The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern remains the same as the revised pattern introduced earlier. Each subject is divided into two sections to test both conceptual understanding and numerical problem-solving ability.

• Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Section B: Numerical Value Questions (All compulsory)

There are no optional questions in Section B, and candidates must attempt all numerical questions. This revised structure ensures uniformity and fairness across shifts and sessions.

Read More - JEE Main Exam Preparation with Last Year Question Paper

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

Paper 1 of JEE Main 2026 is conducted for candidates seeking admission into B.E./B.Tech programs. The exam includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with equal weightage given to each subject.

Each subject contributes 100 marks, and candidates must maintain accuracy across all three subjects to avoid unnecessary negative marking.

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

Paper 2A is conducted for candidates aspiring to pursue B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) programs. The paper tests mathematical ability, aptitude, and drawing skills.

The Drawing Test evaluates creative and architectural skills, while the Mathematics and Aptitude sections follow the standard marking and negative marking rules where applicable.

Best Study Material For JEE 2026 Preparation: Click to Check

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

Paper 2B is conducted for candidates seeking admission into B.Planning programs. This paper includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning-based questions.

The Planning section tests analytical and logical planning skills required for urban and regional planning programs.