If you are planning to give JEE Main in 2026, then the first thing you should know is the exam pattern. Why? Because if you know the pattern, you can plan better and save time in the exam. Don’t worry, I will explain everything in a very easy way.
What is JEE Main?
JEE Main is a big entrance exam in India for students who want to take admission in engineering colleges like NITs, IIITs, and many government colleges. If you want to go to IITs, then first you have to clear JEE Main, then you can give JEE Advanced.
When is JEE Main conducted?
The exam happens two times every year – one time in January and one time in April.
- You can give both exams and your best score will be counted.
This is a good chance because if the first exam doesn’t go well, you can try again.
JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E.) – Pattern
If you want to do B.Tech or B.E., then you will give Paper 1. This is the most common paper. Here is the pattern:
| Subject | Questions | Question Type |
| Physics | 30 | 20 MCQs + 10 Numerical |
| Chemistry | 30 | 20 MCQs + 10 Numerical |
| Mathematics | 30 | 20 MCQs + 10 Numerical |
- Total Questions: 90
- Questions You Need to Answer: 75
- Time: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 300
How to choose questions?
- Each subject has 20 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and 10 Numerical questions.
- From 10 numerical questions, you only need to answer 5.
- So in the end, you will do 75 questions out of 90.
Marking System
This is very important because of negative marking.
- Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Wrong Answer (MCQ): –1 mark
- Numerical Questions: +4 marks (no negative marking if you leave it blank)
So be careful. Don’t guess if you are not sure. You will lose marks.
Other Papers
There are two more papers in JEE Main:
- Paper 2A – For B.Arch (Architecture)
- Paper 2B – For B.Planning
But if you are going for B.Tech, you only need Paper 1.
Why should you know the pattern?
Because it helps you make a plan.
- You can decide how much time for each subject.
- You can practice mock tests in the same format.
- You can save time and reduce stress in the real exam.
For example, if you know that you only need 5 numerical questions, you can choose the easiest ones and save time.
Time Management Tips
Here is a simple plan for 3 hours:
- Physics – 60 minutes
- Chemistry – 50–55 minutes
- Mathematics – 65–70 minutes
- Keep 10–15 minutes for revision at the end.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t waste time on one difficult question.
- Don’t guess answers blindly because of negative marking.
- First solve easy questions you know.
| Detail | Info |
| Total Questions | 90 (attempt 75) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Maths |
| Time | 3 hours |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Negative Marking | Yes (–1 for wrong MCQs) |
How to Prepare?
- Start with NCERT books.
- Solve old papers to understand question style.
- Give mock tests regularly.
- Revise daily. Make short notes for quick revision.
Final Words
The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern is simple once you understand it.
- 90 questions, attempt 75
- 3 hours
- 300 marks
- +4 for correct and –1 for wrong answers
If you plan well and practice, you can do great in this exam. All the best!
