Negative Marking In JEE Main 2026 Session 1, Check Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
Souvik Podder28 Jan, 2026
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Negative Marking in JEE Main 2026 (Session 1): Candidates appearing in the ongoing JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (January attempt) can check complete details about negative marking, exam pattern, marking scheme, and total number of questions here. With Session 1 Day-wise exams underway, understanding negative marking is crucial, as even a single incorrect MCQ can impact the final percentile due to the normalization process. As per the exam conducted so far, the marking rules remain unchanged, and accuracy is playing a key role in overall performance. The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern, released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) through the official information bulletin, outlines subject-wise question distribution, duration, total marks, and negative marking rules for all papers. Candidates are advised to follow this page for session-wise and shift-wise updates based on live exam trends and official information.
Also Check: JEE Main Session 1 Exam Analysis 2026
About JEE Main 2026
JEE Main is a national-level engineering entrance examination conducted every year by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Through JEE Main, students can secure admission into NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and other centrally funded technical institutions. JEE Main also serves as the qualifying examination for JEE Advanced.
JEE Main 2026 is conducted in two sessions:
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JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 began on 21st January 2026 and will continue till 29th January 2026.
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JEE Mains 2026 Session 2 will be conducted in April 2026
Candidates are allowed to appear in one or both sessions, and the best percentile score out of the two attempts is considered for ranking and admissions. The exam is conducted in computer-based mode, and candidates must follow the exam pattern and marking scheme strictly to score well.
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.
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Each correct answer is awarded +4 marks
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Each incorrect answer results in −1 mark
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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.
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Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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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.
| JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | |||
|
Subject |
Section A |
Section B |
Marks |
|
Mathematics |
20 |
5 |
100 |
|
Physics |
20 |
5 |
100 |
|
Chemistry |
20 |
5 |
100 |
|
Total |
75 Questions |
300 Marks |
|
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.
| JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 2A (B.Arch) | ||
|
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Marks |
|
Mathematics |
25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical) |
100 |
|
Aptitude Test |
50 |
200 |
|
Drawing Test |
2 |
100 |
|
Total |
77 Questions |
400 Marks |
The Drawing Test evaluates creative and architectural skills, while the Mathematics and Aptitude sections follow the standard marking and negative marking rules where applicable.
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.
| JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 2B (B.Planning) | ||
|
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Marks |
|
Mathematics |
25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical) |
100 |
|
Aptitude Test |
50 |
200 |
|
Planning Test |
25 |
100 |
|
Total |
100 Questions |
400 Marks |
The Planning section tests analytical and logical planning skills required for urban and regional planning programs.
To calculate negative marks in the JEE Main 2026, deduct ¼th mark from the marks you receive for a correct answer. As a result, you receive a +4 for any question you answer correctly and a -1 for any question you answer wrong.JEE Main 2026 preparation can be strengthened in the first attempt with the help of Physics Wallah’s JEE Online Course in which subject matter dedicated teachers teach students dedicatedly.How to Calculate Negative Marks in JEE Mains 2026?
Negative marking in JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 is calculated by deducting 1 mark for every incorrect MCQ attempted. For every correct answer, 4 marks are added to the total score.
Example Calculation:
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Correct MCQs: 20 × 4 = 80 marks
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Incorrect MCQs: 6 × (−1) = −6 marks
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Final Score = 74 marks
This makes it essential for candidates to focus on accuracy rather than attempting all questions blindly, especially during Session 1 where percentile margins are narrow.
Also Check: JEE Main Session 1 Question Paper 2026
Strategies to Avoid Negative Marking in JEE Mains 2026 Exam
Here are some strategies candidates must follow to avoid negative marking in JEE Mains 2026 exam:
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One of the most common reasons for negative marking is misreading the question. Candidates must carefully read all statements, units, and conditions before selecting an answer. Even a small oversight can lead to an incorrect response.
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Using the elimination method allows candidates to remove clearly incorrect options and increase the probability of choosing the correct answer. This method works best when combined with strong conceptual understanding.
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Once you have logically solved a question and selected an answer, avoid unnecessary changes unless you are certain of a mistake. Second-guessing often leads to negative marking.
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Regular practice through mock tests helps candidates manage time effectively and decide which questions to attempt first. Proper time allocation reduces panic and careless errors.
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Guessing without eliminating options is risky due to negative marking. It is better to leave a question unattempted than to lose marks through random guessing.