JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026, Paper-wise Structure, Total Questions & Marking Scheme

The JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to follow a structure similar to last year, with minor changes in the numerical question format. Aspirants preparing for the upcoming exam should understand the JEE paper pattern, total questions, marking scheme, and subject-wise marks distribution to plan their preparation effectively. This guide covers the complete JEE Mains exam pattern, including how many questions are there in JEE Mains, total marks for each paper, exam modes, question types, and the revised Section B rules.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to follow a structure similar to the previous year, with some important updates. While the official notification is awaited, candidates can refer to the JEE Mains pattern of 2025 for preparation. The examination will be conducted in three distinct papers: B.E./B. Tech (Paper 1), B.Arch (Paper 2A), and B.Planning (Paper 2B). The JEE Mains pattern for 2026 is expected to feature a mix of multiple-choice and numerical value-type questions across various subjects.

Also Check:

• JEE Main Syllabus 2026
• JEE Main Chapter-wise Weightage 2026
• JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is yet to release the official notification for the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026, but based on previous trends, the structure is expected to remain mostly unchanged. The exam will be held for three papers:

• Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech

• Paper 2A: B.Arch

• Paper 2B: B.Plan

All papers will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, except the Drawing Test in B.Arch, which remains pen-and-paper.
As in previous years, candidates frequently ask how many questions are there in JEE Mains or JEE Mains total marks. Paper 1 is expected to include 75 questions (300 marks), while Papers 2A and 2B may carry 400 marks each.

Also check: JEE Main Previous Year Question Papers

How Many Questions Are There in JEE Mains? (Paper-wise)

The number of questions varies for each paper. Below is the expected structure based on the 2025 pattern:

• Paper 1 (B.Tech): 75 questions

• Paper 2A (B.Arch): 77 questions

• Paper 2B (B.Plan): 100 questions

This answers the frequently searched queries such as how many questions in JEE Mains, total questions in JEE Mains, and number of questions in JEE Mains.

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

The JEE Main Paper 1 is for candidates seeking admission into B.Tech/B.E. programs. It includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, each carrying equal weightage. The pattern is expected to remain aligned with the previous year’s JEE Main question pattern.

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JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2 (B.Arch & B.Plan)

Students aspiring to take the B.Arch and B.Planning entrance examinations can look back at last year's pattern for cues. Among the important changes made last year was the elimination of the optional questions in Section B. While earlier the candidates had the option of solving 5 out of 10, they are now given 5 questions and all 5 are compulsory. JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 will probably be held online, except for the drawing part in the B.Arch paper, which will probably be held offline. The following tables represent last year's exam pattern, question distribution, JEE Main total questions, and the marking scheme for JEE Main Question Paper 2.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for JEE Main 2026

Subject-Wise Question Distribution in JEE Main 2026

Understanding the subject-wise division of questions helps candidates focus on high-weightage areas. Candidates often search what is the total number of questions in JEE Mains or JEE Mains subject-wise marks. The distribution below answers them clearly.

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper-1 (BTech)

NTA is conducting Paper 1 of JEE Main for BTech admissions. It is supposed to contain a total of 90 questions. You can refer to the table below for an overview of the expected number of questions in JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.Tech). 

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper-2A (BArch)

JEE Main Paper-2A is to be carried out by the NTA for admissions to B.Arch, will consist of approximately 90 questions in total. The paper would examine the candidates on Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing in general. If you wish, you can go through the provided table for a better sectional question breakup of what is expected in it. 

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper-2B (BPlan)

NTA has announced that JEE Main Paper 2B, conducted for admission to the B.Planning course, will consist of approximately 90 questions. These questions are expected to be divided among three sections: Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning. The table below provides an estimated subject-wise distribution of questions.

Marking Scheme in JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026

The format of last year mentioned the overall marks and section-wise marks for the BE/BTech (Paper 1) exam, which carried a total of 300 marks. The new pattern will give important information like the duration of the exam, marking scheme, number of questions, and subject-wise coverage. According to the old format, the exam contained a total of 90 questions, each subject having 20 multiple-choice questions and 5 numerical value-based questions.

For NVQs, the same rule applies unless specified otherwise.

JEE Main Exam Mode and Language Options

The exam is held primarily in CBT mode, except the drawing test.

The exam will be held in 13 regional languages across the country.

• English
• Hindi
• Assamese
• Bengali
• Gujarati
• Kannada
• Malayalam
• Marathi
• Odia
• Punjabi
• Tamil
• Telugu
• Urdu

This multi-language support helps ensure that candidates from different linguistic backgrounds can attempt the paper comfortably.

Changes in JEE Main Exam Pattern from the Previous Year

NTA has revised Section B starting from 2025:

What’s New in Section B?

• Only 5 numerical value questions per subject
• All 5 questions are compulsory
• No internal choice

This change applies to:

• Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

• Paper 2A (B.Arch)

• Paper 2B (B.Plan)

This change signifies a return to the pre-COVID exam structure, where no optional numerical questions were offered. As a result, candidates must now prepare all numerical questions thoroughly. The complete and official JEE Main 2026 exam pattern will be detailed in the upcoming Information Bulletin.