JEE Main 2026

Joint Entrance Examination for B.Tech/B.Arch admissions in NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs.

Stream: Engineering Exam Date: Jan 24, 2026

Overview

The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration is over now, and city intimation slip is expected to be released in second week of March on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exams will be held from April 2 to April 9, 2026, and the admit cards will be released 3 to 4 days before the exam.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Results for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) have been released on 16th February 2026, and for Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) on 24th February 2026. The JEE Main Session 1 Results include NTA Score (percentile), Category Rank, and subject-wise percentile scores. You can download your scorecard by logging in using your application number and password, and the best of 2 sessions will be considered for the final ranking.

With an improvement of around 20-25 marks in session 2, you can boost your percentile, as it is a second opportunity to improve your rank and secure a better college.

Related Links:

JEE Main 2026

Key Summary

In this Article, we have discussed about JEE Main 2026, including the Result, Final Answer Key, Cutoff, College Predictor and Session 2 Registration.

  • As per various coaching institutes, there are around 8-9 dropped questions, for which candidates will be given full marks if attempted.
  • For the general category candidate, around 91-94, whereas for OBC/EWS, the percentile will be around 78 to 88.
  • Around 75% board marks are mandatory for IIT/NIT Admissions by JoSAA despite qualification in JEE Main.
  • In case of a tie, the Maths percentile, then Physics percentile, and age is used for rank tie-breaking.
  • If you score below 90 percentile, you can get a seat through state counselling, private universities, and GFTIs using JEE Main scores.
  • After JoSAA rounds, CSAB special rounds fill vacant NIT+ seats, giving another admission opportunity for candidates with ranks up to 40,000–80,000+.

JEE Main 2026 Important Dates

The JEE Main final answer key is out, and the JEE Main 2026 Result has been released. Registration for session 2 is ongoing. You should know the important dates related to the results, session 2 exams & counselling.

Event Date
Final Answer Key 16th Feb 2026
Session 1 Result 16th Feb, 2026 (Out)
Session 2 Registration Last Date Feb 25, 2026 (9 PM)
Session 2 Exam Dates Apr 2 – Apr 9, 2026
Session 2 Admit Card 3–4 days before the exam
Final Rank & AIR Release After Session 2
JoSAA Counselling Begins June 2026 (expected)
JEE Main 2026

Source: JEE Main Information Bulletin

Check: Important Dates for JEE Main 2026

JEE Main Paper 2 Result

The JEE Main Paper 2 Result is out for the candidates who appeared in B.Arch and B.Planning. The JEE Main Scorecard will include the Normalised percentile score, subject-wise & overall score.

Particulars Details
Exam Name JEE Main 2026 – Paper 2A (B.Arch) & Paper 2B (B.Planning)
Session 1 Exam Dates January 29, 2026
Provisional Answer Key Release February 19, 2026
Final Answer Key 23rd February 2026 (OUT)
Result Date (Session 1) 24th February 2026 (OUT)
Result Mode Online (Scorecard PDF Download)
Login Credentials Required Application Number + Date of Birth/Password
Normalization Process Percentile calculated shift-wise to ensure fairness
Admission Through NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and other participating institutes
Score Validity Valid for Academic Session 2026–27

JEE Main Result Login

The Candidates can check their JEE Main 2026 result on the official website after clicking on the “JEE Main Result 2026 Session-1.

JEE Main Result

Source: JEE Main Results 

JEE Main Topper List

In the JEE Main Result Press Release, NTA has released the list of the total number of candidates registered & appeared in the exam, along with the state-wise toppers, gender-wise toppers & category-wise toppers. 

JEE Main Overall Toppers 2026

JEE MAIN TOPPERS

JEE Main State-Wise Toppers

JEE Main State-wise toppers

JEE Main Gender-Wise Toppers

JEE Main Gender-wsie toppers

Source: JEE Main Result Release PDF

JEE Main Result: Next Steps Based on Percentile

  • The Best Percentile, from both sessions 1 & 2, will be used for the final ranking.
  • The AIR and JEE Advanced eligibility will be released only after the Session 2 results.
  • You can apply to different entrance exams to increase the admission options.
  • Along with JEE Main preparation, also maintain 75% in boards.
  • If you have scored above 95 percentile, you should shift towards the Advanced level practice.
  • If your score is below 90%, then you should treat your april attempt as the main scoring chance.
Percentile Range What It Means Recommended Focus
95%ile & above Strong position for top NITs/IITs
  • Start JEE Advanced preparation
  • Maintain Mains practice for Session 2 improvement
90–95%ile Borderline for top branches Focus on the April attempt to boost the percentile; then decide on Advanced
Below 90%ile Needs major improvement
  • Target Session 2 + other exams like BITSAT, COMEDK, state CETs
  • Aim for the best college options

How to Download JEE Main Result 2026?

The JEE Main Result 2026 will be released online on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. You can download the JEE Main Session 1 Scorecard by using the Application Number & password.

You can check this video by @collegedunia to know how to download the JEE Main Result in a step-by-step way.

Check:

Ques. How can I download the JEE Main 2026 scorecard from the official website?

Ans. The JEE Main Scorecard 2026 will be released online on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in.

You can log in by using the NTA website and download the PDF scorecard for counselling and admission use.

Step Action
1 Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in
2 Click on “JEE Main 2026 Result”
3 Enter login credentials
4 Download scorecard PDF

Ques. What login details are required to check the JEE Main 2026 result?

Ans. To check the JEE Main Result, you will require the application number and password.

  • These will be the same as those created during the registration process, along with a security pin.
  • The result will include Candidate details, application number, Subject-wise percentile, Overall percentile, Raw scores, Exam session and paper.

How to Download the JEE Main Final Answer Key & Calculate Your Final Raw Score?

The JEE Main Final Answer key will be released along with the session 1 result, which will be used to calculate the final raw scores and percentiles.

  • You can download the answer key PDF and match it with the response sheet to calculate the final marks before the results are declared.
  • To download the JEE Main Final Answer key, no login is required, as it will be released in PDF Form on the homepage of jeemain.nta.nic.in.

How to Calculate JEE Main 2026 Raw Score?

You can calculate the JEE Main Raw Score with the help of the final answer key by simply using the marking scheme.

As per the marking scheme, +4 marks will be given to each correct answer, and -1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.

Formula for Raw Score:

Raw Score = (Correct Answers × 4) – (Incorrect Answers × 1)

For Eg:

Parameter Example Value
Total Correct Answers 55
Total Incorrect Answers 10
Marks from Correct Answers 55 × 4 = 220
Negative Marks 10 × 1 = 10
Final Raw Score 220 – 10 = 210

After the raw score is calculated, NTA will normalise it to generate the final percentile score, which determines the final rank & eligibility for JEE Advanced & Counselling.

JEE Main Percentile Calculation

The NTA will use the normalisation method to convert raw scores into percentiles across shifts. The Percentile will show the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or below a candidate in that session.

JEE Main Percentile Formula:

Percentile = (Number of candidates with score ≤ yours ÷ Total candidates in session) × 100

For Example:

Candidate Raw Score Candidates Below Total Candidates in Shift Percentile
232 92,000 95,000 (92,000/95,000)×100 = 96.84
180 70,000 95,000 73.68
120 40,000 95,000 42.10

Ques. What is a safe score in JEE Main 2026 for NITs and IIITs admission?

Ans. In JEE Main, the Safe Score depends on the category and branch preference. For general candidates, a 170 -220+ score is considered competitive for top NITs/IIITs options.

Score Range Admission Chances
220+ Top NIT CSE
180–220 Good NIT/IIIT
140–180 Decent NIT
120–140 Lower NIT/GFTI

Ques. What is the expected JEE Advanced 2026 cutoff percentile?

Ans. The JEE Advanced Qualifying cutoff is expected to be around the 93–95 percentile for the General category, based on recent trends and participation levels.

Category Expected Percentile Cutoff
General 93–95
OBC/EWS 90–93
SC 60–75
ST 50–65

Check:

What After JEE Main 2026 Result?

After the declaration of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Result, you can check your percentile, have rank expectations and chances of admission.

The Next step will include appearing for session 2, checking for JEE Advanced Eligibility, and preparing for JoSAA Counselling for NITs, IIITs and GFTIs.

Next Steps After the JEE Main Result

  • After both sessions are conducted, the best percentile will be used for the Final AIR and Counselling.
  • The candidates who are above the required cutoff can register for JEE Advanced 2026.
  • If you are targeting NIT/IIIT branches, consider giving the session 2 exam for improvement.
  • Start shortlisting colleges based on expected rank and previous cutoffs.
Step Timeline What to Do
Check Scorecard & Percentile Immediately after the result Download and verify details
Decide on Session 2 Attempt Feb 2026 Reappear for score improvement if needed
Session 2 Registration Last Date Feb 25, 2026 Apply on the NTA portal
JEE Advanced Eligibility Check After Session 2 Top 2.5 lakh candidates qualify
Final AIR Release After Session 2 results Based on the best percentile
JoSAA Counselling Registration June 2026 (expected) Choice filling for colleges
Seat Allotment Rounds June–July 2026 Accept/upgrade/freeze seat

Ques. When will JoSAA counselling for JEE Main 2026 start?

Ans. The JoSAA Counselling is expected to start in June 2026, after the session 2 results and the release of the final rank. This will include registration, choice filling, and seat allotment rounds.

Stage Expected Timeline
Registration June 2026
Choice Filling June 2026
Seat Allotment June–July 2026

Ques. Can I improve my percentile by appearing in JEE Main Session 2?

Ans. Yes, if not satisfied with the session 1 score, you can appear in session 2 to improve your percentile.

The NTA will consider the best percentile of both sessions for the final ranking, without any disadvantage for multiple attempts.

JEE Main College Predictor

The JEE Main College Predictor will help the candidates check which college and branch they can get according to their expected percentiles and rank.

Top Colleges Accepting JEE Main Scores

Institute Category College Name Admission Mode
NIT NIT Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy) JoSAA Counselling
NIT Surathkal
NIT Warangal
NIT Calicut
IIIT IIIT Hyderabad Institute Counselling
IIIT Allahabad JoSAA Counselling
IIIT Bangalore Institute Counselling
GFTI IIEST Shibpur JoSAA / CSAB
BIT Mesra
PEC Chandigarh
Delhi Govt College DTU Delhi JAC Delhi
NSUT Delhi JAC Delhi
State University Jadavpur University State Counselling
Private (JEE Main Based) LNMIIT Jaipur Institute Counselling
JEE Main 2026

Check:  List of colleges accepting more than 90 percentile

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Process

The NTA has released the JEE Main 2026 Application form for Session 2 for candidates who want to improve their percentile and have missed Session1 for better college options.

As NTA will consider the best score out of both sessions, session 2 is highly important for candidates.

Particulars Details
Registration Mode Online
Official Website jeemain.nta.nic.in
Registration Window Feb 1 – Feb 25, 2026 (up to 9:00 PM)
Form Correction Window Last week of February 2026
Eligible Candidates Appeared in Session 1 or for new applicants
Number of Attempts Allowed 2 (Session 1 & Session 2)
Score Considered Best of two sessions

How to apply for JEE Main 2026 Session 2?

To apply for JEE Main 2026 Session 2, you have to follow a few simple steps, including registration, documents & fees submission.

Check this video by @collegedunia to know about the step-by-step process of JEE Main Session 2 Registration.

Check:  JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Started

How Many Candidates Registered for JEE Main Session 2?

Every year, a large number of candidates appear for JEE Main Session 2 after Session 1, to improve their score or because they have missed the first attempt.

Check year-wise registration statistics for candidates appearing in session 2 & session 1, as per the official data from NTA and exam statistics:

  • In Years 2024 & 2025, the candidates registered in session 2 are the same as those in session 1, showing a high interest in the improvement session.
  • In 2023, the registration for session 2 was more than for session 1.
  • As the NTA chooses the best scores out of 2 sessions for ranking, the candidates choose to sit in both sessions to increase their score.
Year Session 1 Registered Candidates Session 2 Registered Candidates % Increase from Session 1 to Session 2
2025 13,11,544 10,61,840 81% of Session 1
2024 12,21,624 11,79,569 97% of Session 1
2023 8,60,064 9,31,334 108% of Session 1
2022 8,72,970 6,22,034 71% of Session 1

Check: How many students appeared for JEE Main 2026?

JEE Main 2026 Shift-Wise Marks vs Percentile Analysis

The JEE Main Percentile will be calculated by using the shift-wise normalisation, so the raw marks will differ for each day as per the shift.The JEE Main Percentile will be your relative performance as per the overall session’s performance, depending on the shift-wise difficulty.

Check an expected range of Marks vs percentile, the actual percentiles will depend on shift-wise performance and score distribution.

JEE Main Overall Shift-Wise Marks vs Percentile (Expected)

  • The JEE Main Marks vs Percentile will differ as per the candidate’s shift, but the normalisation will ensure rank fairness in the shifts.
  • With a difference of 5-10 marks, your result percentile can still be the same.
  • Maths is the most-time consuming, which also shows fewer marks for the same percentile.
  • Inan easier shift, the marks will be higher for the same percentile, because of a better average performance.
Percentile Range Easier Shifts (High Scoring) Moderate Shifts Tougher Shifts (Time-Consuming)
99+ 195–205 188–198 180–190
98–99 178–194 170–187 162–175
95–97 158–177 150–169 142–155
90–94 138–157 130–149 122–135
85–89 122–137 115–129 108–120

Also Read:

JEE Main 2026 Safe Score for NITs/IIITs

As more than 13 lakh candidates appeared in JEE Main Session 1, the competition for NITs and IIITs is expected to be high in 2026.

A “Safe Score” depends upon the branch preference, category, and college tier, but data trends from recent years suggest that scoring 170–220+ significantly improves chances for top branches and institutes.

JEE Main Category-Wise Safe Score Estimate

Category Safe Score for Top NITs/IIITs Safe Score for Decent NIT/IIIT Expected Percentile Range
General (UR) 200 – 230+ 140 – 180 96 – 99.5
EWS 190 – 220 130 – 170 95 – 99
OBC-NCL 180 – 210 120 – 160 94 – 98.5
SC 120 – 150 90 – 120 80 – 94
ST 90 – 120 70 – 100 70 – 90
PwD 70 – 100 50 – 80 60 – 85
JEE Main 2026

Also Check:

JEE Advanced 2026 Eligibility

The Eligibility of JEE Advanced will be completed after both JEE Main Sessions. The Top 2.5 lakh candidates of all the categories in JEE Main 2026 will be eligible to appear for JEE Advanced admission into IITs.

JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria

  • The JEE Advanced eligibility is based on the best percentile of both JEE Main Sessions.
  • Around 2.5 Lakh candidate qualify for the exam every year, out of which only 1.6 to 1.8 lakh candidates actually appear.
  • For the general category, a 95+ percentile is usually safe for qualification for JEE Advanced.
Criteria Requirement
JEE Main Qualification Among the top 2.5 lakh candidates (all categories combined)
Cutoff Percentile (General – expected) 93–95 percentile
Cutoff Percentile (OBC/EWS – expected) 90–93 percentile
Cutoff Percentile (SC/ST – expected) 50–75 percentile
Attempts Allowed Maximum 2 attempts in consecutive years
Class 12 Requirement Passed in 2025 or appearing in 2026
Age Limit Born on/after Oct 1, 2001 (relaxation for reserved categories)

Check: JEE Main vs JEE Advanced

JEE Main Seat Matrix 2026 (Expected)

The JEE Main seat matrix 2026 is expected to provide around 42,000-43,000 seats across the NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, increased to 60,000 with IITs included.

  • NITs lead with 24,500–25,000 seats, followed by 9,800–10,000 in IIITs and 11,000 in GFTIs, with a steady 3–4% yearly increase driven by new courses and female supernumerary seats.
  • The General category candidates will have the largest share of seats, while EWS will have around 7-8%, and the PwD category will have the horizontal reservation.

JEE Main Institute-Wise Seat Matrix (Expected)

Institute Type Number of Institutes Approx B.Tech Seats
NITs 31 24,000
IIITs 26 10,000
GFTIs 40+ 11,000
Total Seats 43,000- 45,000

IIT seats (~17,000), which are filled through JEE Advanced, are not included here.

Also Check:  JEE Main Seat Matrix 2026

JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria

In JEE Main, the Seat allocation by JoSAA will follow the Government of India policies. These reservations will apply across NITs, IIITs and Most GFTIs, with additional home-state quotas in NITs.

JEE Main Category-Wise Reservation

Category Reservation Percentage
EWS 10%
OBC-NCL 27%
SC 15%
ST 7.5%
PwD (within each category) 5%
Female Supernumerary Seats 20% (in select institutes)
Home State Quota (NITs) 50% seats

Also Check:

JEE Main Counselling 2026

The JEE Main Counselling for NITs, IIITs and GFTIs will be conducted by JoSAA after the release of the final AIR after Session 2.

The JEE Main Counselling process is completely online and includes registration, choice filling, multiple seat allotment rounds, and final admission confirmation.

Stage Timeline (Expected) Detailed Explanation
JoSAA Registration June 2026 Candidates log in using JEE Main credentials and complete counselling registration. Only registered candidates can participate in seat allotment.
Choice Filling June 2026 Fill and arrange NIT/IIIT/GFTI branches in order of preference. More choices increase the chances of allotment. Lock choice before the deadline.
Mock Allotment Rounds June 2026 JoSAA releases 1–2 mock allotments. The candidates should understand the possible seat outcomes and modifies choices accordingly.
Round 1 Seat Allocation June 2026 First official allotment based on AIR, category, and preferences. Candidates must choose Freeze/Float/Slide and pay the seat acceptance fee.
Document Upload & Verification After allotment Upload the required documents online for verification. Failure to verify can lead to seat cancellation.
Subsequent Rounds (2–6) June–July 2026 Candidates can upgrade seat using the Float/Slide options. Cutoffs drop slightly in later rounds.
Final Seat Allotment July 2026 The last round confirms the final institute and branch. No further upgrades after this stage.
Reporting to the Institute July–Aug 2026 Candidates report to the allotted institute (online/offline) and complete admission formalities.

Also Check: JEE Main Counselling 2026

FAQs for JEE Main 2026

Ques. When will the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result be declared?

Ans. The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result is officially expected to be released on 12th Feb 2026; it can also be released on the evening of 11th Feb as well, along with the final answer key.

Event Date (Expected)
Final Answer Key Feb 11–12, 2026
Session 1 Result By Feb 12, 2026
Scorecard Download Same day as the result

Ques. When will the JEE Main 2026 final answer key be released?

Ans. The JEE Main Final Answer key is expected to be released before the Session 1 Result. On the basis of the final answer key, the result will be released.

JEE Main Answer Key Timeline

Stage Status
Provisional Key Released
Objection Window Closed
Final Key Before result
Result After the final key

Ques. How can I calculate my JEE Main 2026 raw score using the answer key?

Ans. To calculate your score, you can match your responses with the final answer key and use the marking scheme to estimate your raw marks before normalisation.

JEE Main Score calculation Formula:

Raw Score = (Correct × 4) – (Incorrect × 1)

Ques. How many candidates appeared for JEE Main 2026 Session 1?

Ans. Around 13.5 lakh candidates registered for JEE Main Session 1, from which 13,00,368 candidates appeared.

The attendance rate of 96%, showing high competition in the exam.

Ques. What are the total seats available through JEE Main 2026 counselling?

Ans. The total JEE Main Scores used for Admission in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs are around 45,000 B.Tech Seats.

Institute Type Seats
NITs 24,000
IIITs 9,000
GFTIs 11, 000
Total 45, 000

Ques. What should I do after the JEE Main 2026 result is declared?

Ans. After the JEE Main Session 1 result is declared, you can analyse percentile, predict rank, and plan next steps like Session 2 attempt or counselling preparation.

Next Steps after result declaration are:

Step Action
Download scorecard Check percentile
Decide Session 2 Improve score if needed
Track AIR release After Session 2
Prepare for JoSAA Shortlist colleges

Eligibility

JEE Main eligibility criteria are divided into two categories, including criteria for appearing for the JEE Main Examination and JEE Main admission criteria. NTA has prescribed the JEE Main eligibility criteria in the JEE Main information bulletin on the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

  • To appear for JEE Main 2026, you only need to fulfil qualifying examination criteria and year appearance in qualifying examination criteria.
  • To get admission based on JEE Main scores, you must fulfil criteria like subject combination, and minimum marks requirement.
Criteria General Requirement SC/ST/PwD Requirement
Age Limit No age restriction Same
Minimum Subjects 5 subjects (PCM + 1 language + any other) Same
Aggregate Marks ≥75% in 5 subjects ≥65%
Top 20%ile ≥75 percentile in board Same
Attempts 3 consecutive years post-Class 12 Result Same

You can check the detailed JEE Main eligibility criteria by going through the JoSAA Business Rules/CSAB Information Brochure on the official websites at josaa.nic.in and csab.nic.in.

Related Articles

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026

Key Summary

  • No minimum age is required for JEE Main 2026, however, you can appear for JEE Main 2026 in only 3 consecutive years.
  • You can only have a maximum of 6 attempts in JEE Main examination, with 2 attempts each year in 3 years.
  • Eligibility for JEE Main is determined based on year of passing class 12 exam. Students who passed class 12th in 2023 or earlier are not eligible to appear for JEE Main 2026.
  • Candidates who passed class 12 in 2024 have only 2 attempts remaining and those passed class 12 in 2025 have 4 attempts left.
  • Physics, Mathematics, and a Language subjects are compulsory for Paper 1. For Paper 2A Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are compulsory.
  • For Paper 2B, Mathematics is a compulsory subject.

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility and Qualification

JEE Main eligibility and qualification criteria include age criteria, qualifying examination, year of appearance in the qualifying examination, and state of eligibility.

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Criteria

To appear for JEE Main 2026, there is no age restriction prescribed by NTA on the official website. If you have passed the class 12th examination in 2024 or 2025 or are appearing for the class 12 examination in 2026, you are eligible to appear for JEE Main 2026.

After qualifying the JEE Main 2026, you may be required to fulfil the JEE Main age requirement prescribed by instituition to which you are desirous of taking admission.

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026: Qualifying Examination

Aspirants must have completed class 12th or equivalent from any recognized board or institute to be eligible to appear for JEE Main 2026. You can check the list of qualifying examinations required to appear for JEE Main 2026 in the table below.

S.No. Qualifying Examination Conducted by/Recognized by
1 Class 10+2 Examination conducted by Any recognized Central/ State Board, such as the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi; Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, New Delhi, etc, recognized Central/ State Board, such as the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi; Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, New Delhi, etc.
2 Intermediate or two-year Pre-University examination Recognized Board/ University
3 Final examination of the two-year course of the Joint Services Wing National Defence Academy
4 Senior Secondary School Examination (with a minimum of five subjects) National Institute of Open Schooling
5 Public School/ Board/ University examination in India or any foreign country Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
6 3-year Diploma AICTE/State board of technical education
7 General Certificate of Education (GCE) examination (London/Cambridge/Sri Lanka) at theAdvanced (A) level
8 High School Certificate Examination or InternationalBaccalaureate Diploma Cambridge University/International Baccalaureate Office, Geneva
9 Class 10+2 Board of Open Schooling and Skill Education (BOSSE), Sikkim

Note:

  • Those who have cleared class 12th or equivalent from outside India or from a Board not specified in the table above must have a certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) stating that the qualification is equivalent to class 12th.
  • If the class 12 examination is not a public examination, then the candidates must have cleared at least one public examination earlier (Board or Pre University).

JEE Main Qualifying Examination Criteria: Year of Appearance

Aspirants who cleared class 12th in 2024 or 2025 are eligible to appear for JEE Main exam 2026.

  • Students appearing for the Class 12th or equivalent examination in 2026 are also eligible to appear for the JEE Main 2026 examination.
  • Candidates who have passed class 12th in 2023 or before are not eligible to appear for JEE Main 2026.

Note:

  • Class 12 passing year means the year in which the result is released and the candidate is declared “Pass” for the first time in that particular year.
  • If a candidate has cleared class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 2023 and has passed class 12th with Mathematics in 2024, then 2023 will be considered as the year of their class 12 passing.
  • If you are appearing in class 12th in 2026, you must mention your Roll Number/ Registration Number/ Enrollment Number, etc., in the relevant fields while filling out the JEE Main application form 2026.

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026: State of Eligibility

JEE Main State Code of Eligibility is the code of the state from which aspirants have passed their class 12th or equivalent examination. Students become eligible for JEE Main 2026 based on the state code of eligibility.

  • State code of eligibility does not depend on the place of residence or the native place of students. However, it is the state from which candidates have passed the Class 12 examination.
  • Students who have passed class 12th from one state and appeared for improvement from another state, the state from which they first passed the examination will be their state of eligibility.
  • For students who passed or are appearing for class 12th from NIOS, their state code of eligibility will be the state in which the study Centre is located.
  • Indian nationals who passed class 12th from Nepal/Bhutan, their state code of eligibility will be determined based on their permanent address in India, as mentioned on their passports.
  • The state code of eligibility for OCI candidates is similar to that of Indian Nationals. However, such candidates are eligible only for All India quota seats, but not the home state quota seats.

Also Read: JEE Main Attempts

Ques. I first appeared in class 12 in 2023 but passed in 2025. Will I be eligible for the JEE Mains 2026?

Ans. As per the JEE Main eligibility criteria, only the passing year will be considered to calculate your remaining attempts. If ou have passed class 12th examination for the first time in 2025, then only you are eligible for JEE Main 2026. If you have passed few subjects in 2023 and remaining subjects in 2025, then you are not eligible for JEE Main 2026.

 official brochure

Source: @ jeemain.nta.nic.in official brochure

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026: Reservation

Reserved categories ike EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PwD are eligible to avail the JEE Main reservation benefits. JEE Main eligibility criteria are designed as per the reservation criteria prescribed by the Government of India.

  • The OBC-NCL category has the highest reservation percentage of 27% seats in JEE Main.
  • 10% seats are reserved for EWS candidates.
  • For SC and ST candidates, 15% and 7.5% seats are reserved, respectively.
  • 5% seats from each category are reserved for PwD candidates. To avail of the reservation benefits, students must have a specified disability of at least 40%.
Category Reservation(%)
EWS 10%
OBC-NCL 27%
SC .15%
ST 7.5%
PwD 5% in each category

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: Admission

At the time of admission, students must follow the admission policies prescribed by the respective institutions. Aspirants can check below the eligibility criteria for admission to NITs, IIEST, IIITs & GFTIs.

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria for NITs, IIEST, IIITs & GFTIs

For NIT+ system (NITs, IIEST, IIITs, & GFTIs), aspirants must have passed class 10+2 or equivalent board examination with a minimum of 5 subjects.

  • In the qualifying examination, students must have secured at least 75% marks in aggregate in 5 subjects.
  • For reserved categories like SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the minimum marks required are 65% in aggregate.
  • Candidates must be within the category wise top 20 percentile of successful candidates in their respective class 12th board examination.

Students musst have relevant subject combinations in class 12th for respective courses as prescribed in the table below.

Course Subjects Requirement for Class XII / Equivalent qualifying Examination
Programs based onPaper 1 rank (BE/Btech) Physics, Mathematics, Language, one from Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Biology/ Technical VocationalSubject and any other subject
Programs based on Paper 2A rank (B.Arch) Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and two other subjects
Programs based on Paper 2B rank (B.Planning) Mathematics and four other subjects
jeemain eligibility crieteris

Source: @jeemain.nta.nic.in

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria for Other Institutions

Other institutions can also consider the above mentioned eligibility criteria adopted by institutes participating in JoSAA/CSAB counselling. Institutes affiliated with state universities are free to prepare their separate rank list as per the eligibility criteria prescribed by them.

However, for B.Plan. and BArch programs, students must fulfil the below eligibility criteria.

  • For B.Planning programs, aspirants must have passed qualifying examination with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
  • No candidate will be admitted to BArch course unless she/he has passed 10+2 or equivalent with at least 45% marks in aggregate in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Biology or Technical Vocational subject or Computer Science or Information Technology or Informatics Practices or Engineering Graphics or Business Studies.

Also Check

Eligibility Criteria for Appearing in JEE Advanced

After clearing JEE Main, students must fulfil the eligibility conditions to appear for JEE Advanced examination. To be eligible for appearing in JEE Advanced 2026, students must be among the top 2,50,000 candidates in B.E./B.Tech. Paper of JEE Main 2026.

The last year’s JEE Main qualifying marks for appearing in JEE Advanced are listed in the table below.

Category Qualifying Percentile (from) Qualifying Percentile (to)
UR 100 93.1023262
PwBD 93.0950208 0.0079349
EWS 93.0950208 80.3830119
OBC 93.0950208 79.4313582
SC 93.0950208 61.1526933
ST 93.0950208 47.9026465

Read More: JEE Advanced Eligibility

People asked on quora: What is the JEE Mains eligibility criteria for a dropper student?

A Quora user replied: You must have scored atleast 75 % in your 12th exam. This is the only eligibility criteria assuming that it's your 1st or 2nd drop after your class 12th.

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Ques. How is JEE Main eligibility criteria different from BITSAT eligibility criteria?

Ans.

Aspect JEE Main BITSAT
75% Aggregate
  • 75% in best 5 subjects (PCM + English + 1 other)
  • 74.8% or below = ineligible for counseling
  • SC/ST: 65%
  • 75% in PCM only (≥60% each subject)
  • overall aggregate ignored
Subjects
  • PCM mandatory + 2 others
  • Vocational Subjects (e.g., Biotech) can replace Chem for NITs (not IITs)
  • PCM only: theory + practicals count
Age Limit
  • No limit mentioned: based on Class 12 passing year (2024-2026 eligible)
  • No specific age; same as JEE
Attempts/Improvement
  • Up to 3 years (6 sessions): 2 attempts every year
  • All 5 subjects must be improved if partial; no partial eligibility
Top 20%ile
  • >75% needed in CBSE for qualification if aggregate is low
  • Not directly applicable: PCM-focused

Ques. What if I do not fulfil the JEE Main 75% eligibility criteria?

Ans. if a candidate fails to fulfil the JEE Main eligibility criteria of 75% marks, such candidates must appear for improvement exams. Improvement exams can help aspirants to get 75% marks or more if prepared well.

If any of your main subjects are weak, you must appear for improvement for those papers in which you are confident.

Aspect Key Details User Advice/Tips
75% Criteria
  • ≥75% aggregate for NIT/IIIT (PCM aggregate ~69-70% is OK if overall hits)
  • SC/ST: 65%
  • If 69%, improve 1 subject (revaluation can add 0.2-1%).
Subjects
  • PCM core: 1-subject compartment must clear first, then improve others.
  • Avoid improving Maths if weak; pick confident one.

Ques. Is 75 criteria removed from JEE 2026?

Ans. No, 75% criteria is not removed from JEE Main 2026. Students must have scored a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate to be eligible for admission to NIT+ system (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, etc.).

Ques. Do we need 75 in PCM or overall for JEE?

Ans. for JEE Main 2026, you do not need 75% in PCM only. However, you must have secured a minimum of 75% marks in 5 subjects chosen by candidates. That means, overall 75% marks are required for JEE Main 2026 admissions.

Ques. What happens if I am OBC but not ncl?

Ans. If you are OBC but not NCL, you will not be eligible for JEE Main reservation benefits for OBC candidates. You will be considered as general candidate while appearing for JEE Main exam and JEE Main counselling.

Application Process

The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration has concluded on 25th February 2026. The Form Correction Window for JEE Main Session 2 has started on 27th February and will continue till 28th February 2026,  (up to 11:50 PM) on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. 

You can log in by using your Application Number and Password to have access to the JEE Main Session 2 Form Correction Window. 

  • This is an one time opportunity for candidates to submit their changes; the forms will be frozen, and no further changes will be allowed. 
  • In the correction window, you cannot change your mobile number, email address, or permanent/present address. 
  • The JEE Main Form correction window is free for some changes, but for category change, more additional papers and for change of the exam city, fees will be charged.

In JEE Main 2026 Session 1,  13,55,293 Canddiates registered, and from which 13,04,653 candidates appeared, with an attendance rate of 96.26%. The Registration is expected to be higher in session 2 as well. 

Check:

JEE Main Registration Session 2

Key Summary

In this Article, we have discussed about JEE Main Registration for Session 2, including the Expected Dates, Documents Required & Fees.

  • The JEE Main Session 2 can be a strategic second attempt for the candidates, as around 40 to 45% toppers use Session 2 to improve their percentile.
  • The Rejections in JEE Main Session 2 can be because of category, Pwd or paper selection issues.
  • The JEE Main Session 2 also aligns with board exams and other entrances; the major metro city slots are filled more easily.
  • In JEE Main Session 2, more than 80% candidates score 95+ percentile.
  • In 2026, NTA implemented major changes such as live photo capture, Aadhaar-based e-KYC, mandatory scanned ID proof, APAAR ID entry, and introduced 33 new exam cities.
  • JEE Main Registration is mandatory for admission into 31 NITs, 25 IIITs, 28 GFTIs, and other state/private engineering institutes

JEE Main 2026 Registration Dates

The JEE Main Session 2 Registration is a shorter and more competitive admission cycle, as it is a final opportunity for candidates to improve their scores before the final rank calculation and JoSAA Counselling. The NTA is expected to open the session 2 registration on 1st february 2026. 

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Dates

Event Date
Session 2 Registration Start 1st February 2026
Last Date to Apply 25th February 2026 
Application Correction Window February–March 2026
City Intimation Slip Release March 2026
Admit Card Release 3–5 days before the exam
JEE Main Session 2 Exam Dates April 2–9, 2026
JEE Main 2026 Registration Dates

Source: JEE Main Information Brochure

Ques. Is there a separate registration timeline for fresh candidates and Session 1 applicants?

Ans. In JEE Main, there is no separate registration window for fresh candidates and Session 1 candidates in JEE Main Session 2.

JEE Main Registration Timeline (Session 2)

Candidate Type Registration Method Timeline
Fresh candidates New registration Same Session 2 window
Session 1 candidates Log in with existing credentials

Ques. How long is the application correction window for Session 2?

Ans. The Correction window for JEE Main Session 2 will open for 2-3 days after the registration window closes.

JEE Main Session 2 Correction Window

Aspect Details
Mode Online only
Duration 2–3 days
Opens After Session 2 registration closes
Extension Not extended

Ques. Is NTA providing a centre near the permanent address?

Ans. Yes, NTA prioritises centres near your permanent address.

  • For JEE Main 2026, centres are allotted based on your Aadhaar-linked permanent address or present address.
  • You can select up to 4 preferred cities during the application form, but they must be in the same state as your address.

Check:

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Process

The JEE Main Session 2 Registration is mainly for the repeat candidates, as a large number of candidates appear for this session to improve their January scores.

  • The JEE Main Registration process is completely online, where NTA uses a single candidate process to apply for both sessions.
  • For the Session 2 Registrations, the session 1 candidates can log in using their existing credentials and new candidates must do a fresh registration.
  • The Candidates have to upload a live photograph along with a scanned signature as per the NTA Guidelines.

How to Apply for JEE Main 2026?

To know about the complete registration process for JEE Main, you can watch this video by @collegedunia for the full step-by-step registration process of JEE Main Session 2.

Check:

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Fees

The JEE Main Application fee for session 2 should be paid separately for the candidates who have already appeared in session 1. As per the analysis, more than 60% session 2 candidates are repeat candidates, and the delayed fee payment is the top reason for the incomplete application process.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Application Fee (Expected)

Category Application Fee (₹)
General (Male) 1000
General (Female) 800
OBC-NCL / EWS 800
SC / ST / PwD 500
Transgender 500
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Fees

Source: JEE Main Information Brochure

Ques. What is the step-by-step process to register for JEE Main Session 2?

Ans. The JEE Main Session 2 Registration Process is completely online, and the profile is maintained by NTA. The Candidates have to complete all the steps for registration, which are:

  • Visit the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on JEE Main Session 2 Registration.
  • Log in if you are a session 1 candidate and complete the new registration, if a new candidate.
  • Fill in the personal, academic and contact details & upload a live photograph along with the signature.
  • Select your paper type, city preference & pay the application fee online.

Ques. Can Session 1 candidates use their existing credentials for Session 2 registration?

Ans. Yes, candidates who have appeared in JEE Main Session 1 can use their existing application number and password to apply for Session 2. They are not required to register again.

JEE Main Session 1 vs Session 2 Login Process

Candidate Type Login Requirement
Session 1 appeared to be for candidates Use existing credentials
Fresh candidates New registration required

Ques. I passed Class 12 in 2023—am I eligible for JEE Main 2026? NTA says 2024/2025/appearing 2026 only. As a two-year dropper, can I still apply, or is this my last chance?

Ans. No, you are not eligible for JEE Main 2026, as NTA requires passing Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026; 2023 passers are excluded.

As a two-year dropper (2023 pass, now 2025), this aligns with the 3 attempts, but it is limiting the passing year rule.

  • This is your last chance, but due to the year passing, you are not eligible.
  • Your options are: Reappear for Class 12 in 2026to qualify as “appearing”, or you can consider state exams like BITSAT, VITEEE for engineering.

JEE Main Registration Statistics: Session 1 & Session 2

To understand the competition level of JEE Main, you should know about the JEE Main Session 1 vs Session 2 registration statistics.

As per the previous year's statistics, in april session, major registered candidates are repeat candidates who have already appeared in session 1 to improve their percentiles.

JEE Main Registration & Appearance Statistics (Session 1 vs Session 2)

  • In JEE Main Session-1, January, around 15 to 25% higher registrations are expected there as compared to Session 2.
  • The JEE Main Session 2 is more competitive, as 60 to 65% of the candidates are repeaters, making a high percentile jump.
  • As per the attendance rate, 90% of the registered candidates appear for the exam.
Year Session Registered Candidates Appeared Candidates
2026 (Expected) Session 1 (Jan) 14,50,000 13,80,000
Session 2 (Apr) 11,50,000 11,00,000
2025 Session 1 (Jan) 13,78,000 13,00,273
Session 2 (Apr) 10,61,840 9,92,350
2024 Session 1 (Jan) 12,21,624 11,70,048
Session 2 (Apr) 11,79,569 10,67,959
2023 Session 1 (Jan) 8,60,064 8,23,967
Session 2 (Apr) 9,31,334 8,83,367
JEE Main Registration & Appearance Statistics (Session 1 vs Session 2)

Check: JEE Main vs JEE Advanced

Ques. What is the average attendance rate for Session 2 compared to Session 1?

Ans. The JEE Main Session 2 can be less than Session1, but it remains high. The January session sees more registrations due to fresh attempts, but in april session, more serious and prepared candidates appear for the exam.

JEE Main Average Attendance Trend

Session Registered Candidates Appeared Candidates Attendance Rate
Session 1 (Jan) Higher Slightly higher 93–95%
Session 2 (Apr) Lower Lower 90–93%

Ques. Is the competition tougher in Session 2 compared to Session 1?

Ans. Yes, Session 2 is generally considered tougher as per the percentile, even if the difficulty is the same. This is a larger number of repeated and better-prepared candidates.

JEE Main Session 1 vs Session 2

Factor Session 1 Session 2
Fresh candidates Higher Lower
Repeat candidates Lower Much higher
Percentile jump difficulty Moderate High
Score vs percentile tightness Relatively flexible More compressed

JEE Main 2026 Registration Major Changes

The Major changes in JEE Main 2026 Registrations are:

  • Aadhaar e-KYC: Auto-fetches personal details from UIDAI; applicants must match Aadhaar with school records; users reported form lock issues and city allotment tied to Aadhaar address.
  • Live Photo Capture: Mandatory browser-based live photo during registration; applicants should use a device with a working camera; introduced as an anti-fraud feature.
  • Scanned ID Upload: Compulsory upload of scanned Aadhaar/passport/ID; applicants must scan in advance; tied to e-KYC glitches as reported by students.
  • Mandatory UDID for PwD: PwD candidates must upload UDID + updated medical certificate; applicants should prepare documents early; UDID portal downtime caused panic.
  • Class 11 Registration Number: Required to avoid board verification clashes; applicants should obtain it from school beforehand; user complaints forced schools to share IDs.
  • Updated Fee Structure: New fee slab, for male ₹1000, female ₹800, OBC/EWS male ₹900, SC/ST/PwD ₹500; applicants must ensure correct category proof; certificate update reminders trending.
  • More Test Cities Added: 33 new cities added; applicants can choose 4 preferences, but may be reassigned; widely praised for better accessibility.
  • New Form Sections: Added APAAR ID and additional disability details; applicants must fill in carefully, as the correction window may not allow edits; overlaps with UDID issues discussed online.

Check: how many students will appear for JEE Main 2026?

Who Can Apply for JEE Main Session 2?

The JEE Main Eligibility Criteria for Session 2 is the same as Session 1, but the april attempt is mainly for the repeat candidates and those looking for score improvement.

The NTA allows the eligible candidates to appear in both sessions of the same year; the best percentile will be considered for ranking.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2: Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Parameter Requirement for Session 2
Age Limit No age limit for appearing in JEE Main
Class 12 Passing Year Passed/appearing in 2024, 2025, or 2026
Qualifying Exam Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board
Mandatory Subjects (B.E./B.Tech) Physics & Mathematics + one of Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational
Mandatory Subjects (B.Arch) Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics
Mandatory Subjects (B.Planning) Mathematics
Number of Attempts 3 consecutive years maximum
Sessions Allowed per Year Up to 2 sessions (Jan & Apr)
Minimum Class 12 Percentage Not required for registration
75% Criteria Applicable only at the JoSAA admission stage, not during registration
Nationality Indian, NRI, OCI, PIO & Foreign nationals

Also, Check: JEE Main Eligibility

Ques. Can candidates who missed Session 1 directly apply for Session 2?

Ans. The Candidates who did not appear or register for Session1 can directly apply for JEE Main Session 2.

The NTA offers different opportunities for candidates in the form of a separate application, which allows fresh registration in JEE Main Session 2.

Aspect Session 2 Rule
Missed Session 1 Can apply directly
New registration allowed Yes
Same application portal jeemain.nta.ac.in
Credentials required Fresh registration details
Attempts counted Session 2 counted as a separate attempt

Ques. Are there any age limits for Session 2 registration?

Ans. No, there is no upper age limit to appear for JEE Main Session 2. The NTA does not have any age restrictions for either session.

Criteria Session 2 Requirement
Minimum age Not specified
Maximum age No upper limit
Year of passing Class 12 As per current eligibility rules
Attempts allowed Up to 3 consecutive years

What All Do You Need Before Filling JEE Main Session 2 Form?

To complete the JEE Main Registration Process, candidates have to upload the required documents.

  • The NTA follows strict upload and verification rules, along with minor issues like blurred images and incorrect certificates.
  • The Candidates from session 1 are not required to upload the documents again unless there is a correction in the same.

Documents Required for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration

Document Purpose Key Specifications / Notes
Passport-size Photograph Identity verification Recent, clear, preferably white background; live photo upload required
Signature Application authentication Scanned signature in black/blue ink on white paper
Class 10 Marksheet / Certificate Date of birth verification Must match the details entered in the application
Class 12 Marksheet / Certificate Academic eligibility Required if already passed; appearing candidates can skip upload
Category Certificate (if applicable) Reservation benefits SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS certificate in the prescribed format
PwD Certificate (if applicable) Disability reservation Issued by a competent medical authority
Photo ID Proof Identity confirmation Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or PAN Card
Active Mobile Number & Email ID Official communication Used for OTP, login, and NTA alerts

Check: JEE MAIN Photo-size guidelines

JEE Main Registration: Application Form Correction Window

The JEE Main Registration Correction window for session 2 will be provided once by the candidates to allow them to edit the specific details they have submitted in the application form.

CUET Session 2 Correction Window

Particulars Details
Who Can Use It Candidates who successfully submitted the CUET application form
Correction Window Mode Online only (no offline requests accepted)
When It Opens Usually, after the registration window closes
Duration 2–3 days (short, non-extendable)
Official Website cuet.nta.nic.in
Fee for Corrections Applicable only ifthe category/subject change increases the fee

Fields That Can Usually Be Corrected

Editable Fields Remarks
Candidate Name Minor spelling corrections allowed
Category / Sub-category Fee difference may apply
Gender Editable
Date of Birth Must match the Class 10 certificate
Exam City Preferences Allowed before final allotment
Subject / Test Paper Selection Editable within eligibility rules
Photograph & Signature Re-upload permitted if rejected

Check: JEE Main Form correction window

JEE Main Admit Card vs City Slip: What Comes First for JEE Main Session 2 & Why It Matters?

For the JEE Main Session 2, NTA will release 2 separate documents before the exam: the city intimation slip and the admit card. The Purpose of both documents is different, and they are released separately.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2: City Intimation Slip & Admit Card

Aspect City Intimation Slip Admit Card
Purpose Informs the allotted exam city Confirms exam centre, date, shift & roll number
Release Timeline Around 7–10 days before the exam 3–5 days before the exam
Contains Centre Address? No Yes
Mandatory on Exam Day? No Yes (compulsory)
Official Website jeemain.nta.nic.in
Download Requirement Log in with the application number & DOB

Check:

FAQs for JEE Main Registration 2026

Ques. Which payment modes are accepted for the Session 2 application fee?

Ans. The JEE Main Session 2 Application fee should be paid online.

  • The NTA does not accept offline payment or cash transactions.
  • The NTA accepts the UPI, Debit card, credit card and net banking for payment.

Ques. During registration, should names be written in all caps as per the 10th marksheet? How to avoid rejection?

Ans. Enter exactly as in your Class 10 marksheet – match spelling, order, capitalisation. If it’s all in caps (e.g., ROHAN), use all caps; if title case (e.g., Rohan), then use that.

The NTA verifies against the uploaded Class 10 certificate—no specific "all caps" rule, but discrepancies lead to rejection.

Ques. Do I have to register again for Athe pril session if I registered for Jan but didn't appear?

Ans. Yes, you must apply separately for session 2 of JEE Main, as the sessions are independent; your session 1 registration does not auto-enrol you in session 2.

Ques. What is the right time to register for JEE Mains? Does registration time affect shift/date?

Ans. Register ASAP – now is ideal (open till Nov 27, 2025, for Session 1).

  • Session 1 Window: Oct 31 – Nov 27, 2025 (form by 9 PM; fee by 11:50 PM IST).
  • Why early? Avoids last-minute glitches (e.g., Aadhaar/photo issues), gives time for corrections (late Nov), and ensures eligibility. No advantage to delaying.

Ques. How many repeat candidates appear in Session 2 every year?

Ans. Around 60% of the candidates in Session 2 are repeaters, who have already appeared in January and are attempting to improve their percentile.

Repeat Candidate Share in Session 2

Year Trend Repeat Candidates in Session 2
Average share 60–65%
Fresh candidates 35–40%

Exam Pattern

The JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern has been released on the official website along with the information brochure. The JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 is the same as the previous year, including 75 questions, 25 in each subject Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech).

  • JEE Main Exam Pattern for BE/BTech- 25 questions will be asked from each section, including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. 20 questions will be MCQs, and 5 questions will be numerical value-based from each section.
  • JEE Main Exam Pattern for BArch- A total of 77 questions will be asked in JEE Main BArch (Paper 2A). 25 Questions will be from Mathematics, 50 questions from Aptitude, and 2 questions from drawing.
  • JEE Main Exam Pattern for BPlan- A total of 100 questions will be asked in JEE Main BPlan (Paper 2B). 25 questions will be from Mathematics, 50 questions from Aptitude Test, and 25 from Planning.
  • According to the JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 1, each subject will include 20 MCQs and 5 NVQs, ensuring a balanced exam across all subjects.

The NTA has revised the JEE Main Exam Pattern for Section B. In Section B, Numerical value-based questions have been reduced from 10 to 5, and all 5 questions are compulsory.

The JEE Main Difficulty level is expected to be the same as the NCERT, which will focus on conceptual clarity and application concepts, rather than rote learning.

Also Read

What is the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026?

The JEE Main Exam Pattern will follow the same structure as the previous year. The JEE Main will include Paper 1 for B.E./ B.Tech. and Paper 2A/2B for B.Arch and B.Planning.

  • The JEE Main Exam will be held in a CBT Mode for a duration of 3 hours.
  • Each subject will have the same weightage, with negative marking in both MCQs and NVQs.

JEE Main Exam Pattern: Overview

Particulars Details
Exam Name Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026
Conducting Body National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Mode Online (Computer-Based Test) – Drawing in Paper 2A: Pen-Paper
Papers Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Planning)
Medium of Exam 13 languages: English, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Assamese, Urdu
Duration 3 hours (180 minutes) – 3.5 hours for combined papers
Type of Questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) + Numerical Value Questions
Total Marks
  • Paper 1: 300 marks
  • Paper 2A: 400 marks
  • Paper 2B: 400 marks
Subjects
  • Paper 1: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
  • Paper 2A: Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing
  • Paper 2B: Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning
Marking Scheme +4 for correct answer & -1 for incorrect MCQ and Numerical Value-based Questions
Total Questions
  • Paper 1: 75 Questions
  • Paper 2A: 77 Questions
  • Paper 2B: 100 Questions
Eligibility Passed or appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Exam Frequency Twice a year (Session 1: January, Session 2: April)
JEE Main Pattern

Ques. Is JEE Main 2026 Going to Be Tough?

Ans. The JEE Main Difficulty level is expected to be moderate to difficult, the same as the previous year.

As per the expert analysis, Physics includes conceptual and numerical questions, whereas Maths remains lengthy.

Year Overall Difficulty Physics Chemistry Mathematics Key Observation
2024 Moderate Moderate Easy-Moderate Lengthy NCERT-based Chemistry dominated
2025 Moderate to Difficult Moderate Moderate Difficult High weightage to Calculus & Mechanics
2026 (Expected) Moderate to Slightly High Conceptual Balanced Lengthy More application-based questions are likely

Ques. Which IIT Made JEE Main 2026 Paper?

Ans. Unlike JEE Advanced, JEE Main is conducted by NTA, not by IIT. However, the JEE Main Exam is created by experienced educators and subject experts who follow the NTA Pattern.

Exam Conducting Body Paper Prepared By Mode of Exam Notable Change
JEE Main 2026 National Testing Agency (NTA) Expert panel of educators Computer-Based Test (CBT) Increased focus on analytical reasoning
JEE Advanced 2026 IIT Madras IIT Faculty CBT Conceptual & multi-step reasoning focus

Also Read

JEE Main Exam Pattern

Key Summary

In this Article, we have discussed about JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026, including the Latest updates, Marking Scheme, Weightage, & Syllabus.

  • Changes in JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern: The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern is expected to follow the same pattern as 2025, returning to the pre-pandemic in CBT mode.
  • The NVQ questions will have negative marking of -1 for each incorrect answer. Paper 1 (B.Tech): 75 questions (25 each in PCM), 300 marks. +4 for correct, −1 for wrong MCQs and NAVs both.
  • Paper 2A (B.Arch): 77 questions (Maths, Aptitude, Drawing), 400 marks.
  • The drawing section (100 marks) has no negative marking. Paper 2B (B.Plan): 100 questions (Maths, Aptitude, Planning), 400 marks. No drawing section. +4/−1 marking for all.
  • Marking Scheme: The NVQ will also have a negative marking of -1 mark for each wrong answer.
  • JEE Main Syllabus: The JEE Main 2026 syllabus will align with the NCERT Class 11-12 curriculum, with no additions or deletions from the 2025 syllabus.

Table of Contents

What Has Changed in the JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern?

If you are going to appear in JEE Main 2026, you should know that there are no major changes in the JEE Main Exam Pattern. As per the NTA official notification, the structure is the same as the previous year.

As per the Reddit user, there are no expected changes in the syllabus and the exam pattern of JEE Main.

JEE Main Exam Pattern: Then vs Now

  • If you are appearing for JEE Main 2026, you can follow the same mock test format according to the previous year, as the exam will have 75 Total questions of 300 marks and to be completed in a duration of 3 hours.
  • As there were some confusing regarding the use of calculators, NTA has now clarified that no type of calculator will be used in a CBT Mode.
  • The JEE Main Exam cities will be linked as per your Aadhar address, which will reduce random allotments and help you with a centre nearer to your home.
Feature / Change Area JEE Main 2025 JEE Main 2026 Impact
Overall Structure 3 Subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics); 75 questions total Same structure followed No change — Paper 1 pattern remains stable since 2021
Numerical Value Questions (NVQs) Section B had 10 questions, any 5 to attempt All 5 are now compulsory and with no choice Follows a balanced pattern in all subjects
Calculator Usage Confusion existed due to an NTA typo Not allowed (officially clarified) Ensures equal conditions for all test-takers
Exam Mode Fully Computer-Based except Drawing Test (Paper 2A) Same for 2026 No change — continues hybrid mode for B.Arch
Exam City Allotment Based on city preferences Linked to Aadhaar-based address verification Helps reduce city allocation errors and fraud
Syllabus Revised in 2025 (based on NCERT 2023) No further revision in 2026 Maintains consistency for ongoing aspirants
Marking Scheme
  • +4 / -1 (MCQs)
  • +4 / 0 (NVQs)
Same No change; negative marking continues for MCQs
JEE Main Changes

Ques. Is 75% Criteria Removed from JEE Main 2026?

Ans. No, the 75% criteria has not removed from JEE Mains 2026. It is still applicable for admission into NITs, IIITs and GFTIs, still not mandatory to appear in the exam.

You should score 75% marks (65% for SC/ST) in Class 12 or should be in top 20 percentile of the respective board.

Criteria Type General/OBC SC/ST Applicable For Status in 2026
Minimum Marks in Class 12 75% 65% Admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs Applicable
Top 20 Percentile Rule Valid alternative Valid alternative All Categories Accepted
Requirement to Appear in JEE No No All Candidates Not mandatory

Ques. What Are the Most Weightage Chapters for JEE Main 2026?

Ans. In JEE Mains, most weightage chapter are same as 2025, in which Calculus, Thermodynamics, and Coordination Compounds are of high importance.

  • Around 60 to 65% questions are directly NCERT Based.
  • Consistent practice of Numerical and Application-type questions are also important.
Subject High Weightage Chapters Avg. No. of Questions Weightage (%)
Physics Laws of Motion, Current Electricity, Modern Physics 7–8 25–27%
Chemistry Thermodynamics, Organic Reactions, Coordination Compounds 9–10 30–32%
Mathematics Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors & 3D 10–12 35–38%

Ques.Is Scoring 150 in JEE Main Easy?

Ans. The Score of 150 marks in JEE Mains can be achieved with strong concepts and regular mock test practice.

As per previous year analysis, with 150 marks you can get around 92 to 94 percentile, and can get admission in decent NITs and GFTIs.

Score Range Expected Percentile Difficulty Level Admission Possibility
180+ 98–99+ High Top NITs (CSE/EEE)
150–170 92–94 Moderate Mid-tier NITs, IIITs
120–140 85–88 Easy-Moderate State-level GFTIs, Private Colleges

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Paper-wise

The JEE Main Exam is conducted for 3 Subjects: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning). Each paper will follow a pattern according to the course type.

The JEE Main Paper 1 will test candidates in physics, chemistry and mathematics, whereas Paper 2A and 2B will include architectural and planning skills.

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

  • In JEE Main, around 60 to 65% questions are based on NCERT, which makes conceptual clarity important.
  • The Physics & Mathematics are of moderate to difficult level, whereas Chemistry is more conceptual and scoring.
Section Number of Questions Questions to be Attempted Marks per Question Total Marks
Physics 25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical) 25 4 100
Chemistry 25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical) 25 4 100
Mathematics 25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical) 25 4 100
Total 90 75 300
JEE Main Paper 1 Pattern

Source: jeemain.nta.nic.in

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

  • In JEE Main Paper 2A, the aptitude test carries the highest weightage of around 50% and will test spatial ability and visualisation.
  • In the drawing section, creativity, clarity, and proportion will influence the final score.
  • The Mathematics will be based on Class 11 & 12 NCERT, focusing on geometry and 3D visualisation.
Section Number of Questions Type of Questions Marks per Question Total Marks
Mathematics 25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical) Objective & Numerical 4 120
Aptitude Test 50 Objective 4 200
Drawing Test 2 Descriptive 50 100
Total 77 400
JEE Main Paper 2A Pattern

Source: jeemain.nta.nic.in

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

  • In JEE Main, the B.Planning will focus on urban planning, general awareness, and the reasoning section.
  • The Aptitude section is of moderate difficulty level and includes the highest weightage of 200 marks.
Section Number of Questions Type of Questions Marks per Question Total Marks
Mathematics 25 (20 MCQs + 5 Numerical) Objective & Numerical 4 120
Aptitude Test 50 Objective 4 200
Planning-Based Questions 25 Objective 4 100
Total 100 400
JEE Main Paper 2B Pattern

Source: jeemain.nta.nic.in

Ques. How Many Questions Are There in Each Subject of Paper 1?

Ans. In JEE Mains Paper 1, each subject: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics includes 25 questions, which makes a total of 75 questions.

  • In each, 20 questions are of MCQs, and 5 are of NVQs.
  • Every question will carry +4 marks and will have a total of 300 marks.
Subject Type of Questions Total Questions Marks per Question Total Marks
Physics 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs 25 4 100
Chemistry 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs 25 4 100
Mathematics 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs 25 4 100
Total 75 300

Ques. Are All Questions Compulsory in JEE Main Paper 1?

Ans. Yes, in JEE Main 2026, every question in each section is compulsory. Earlier, the candidates had internal choices in Numerical-type questions, but according to latest pattern, all 5 NVA questions should be attempted.

Section Question Type Choice Available Status (2026)
Section A MCQs No Compulsory
Section B Numerical Value Questions No Compulsory

Ques. How Is Section A Different from Section B in Each Subject?

Ans. The Section A, focuses on MCQs while testing the conceptual understanding, whereas Section B will include NVQs, which will test the problem-solving and calculation-skills.

Section Type No. of Questions Marking Scheme Negative Marking Skill Tested
Section A MCQs 20 +4 / -1 Yes Conceptual Understanding
Section B NVQs 5 +4 / 0 No Calculation Accuracy

Ques. Can I Skip Numerical-Type Questions in Section B?

Ans. If you are not aware about the answer you can skip them, but it is not advised as all 5 questions are compulsory and have a contribution in total marks.

Section Can You Skip? Negative Marking Marks Lost if Skipped Suggested Strategy
Section B (NVQs) No -1 20 marks per subject Attempt all; no penalty for wrong answers

Ques. How Much Time Should I Spend per Section to Complete the Paper on Time?

Ans. You have 3 hours around 180 minutes to complete the entire article, so management of time is important. You should systematically divide your time among all 3 subjects.

Subject Ideal Time (Minutes) Recommended Strategy Key Focus Area
Physics 55–60 Attempt conceptual MCQs first, then NVQs Speed + Accuracy
Chemistry 50–55 Solve theoretical questions quickly Formula Recall
Mathematics 60–65 Prioritize easy and medium-level problems Logical Flow
Total 180 mins Include 5–10 mins for review Overall Balance

JEE Main Subject-Wise Exam Pattern

JEE Main Total Questions

JEE Main total questions are different for different papers, like JEE Main Paper 1 BE/BTech, JEE Main Paper 2A BArch, and JEE Main Paper 2B BPlan.

  • As per the JEE Main exam pattern for each paper, JEE Main Paper 1 BE/B.Tech. The total questions is 75.
  • However, for JEE Main Paper 2A, BArch has a total of 77 questions, and JEE Main Paper 2B has a total of 100 questions.
JEE Main Paper Total Questions Total Marks Time Allotted
Paper 1 BE/BTech 75 300 3 hours
Paper 2A BArch 77 400 3.5 hours
Paper 2B BPlan 100 400 3 hours

JEE Main Total Marks 2026

The JEE Main 2026 total marks vary across the different papers, as per the specific requirements.

  • Paper 1 (B.Tech) will be of a total of 300 marks, including 75 questions across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with 4 marks awarded for each correct answer and -1 will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
  • Paper 2A (B.Arch) will be of 400 marks, with 77 questions, including a drawing section for 100 marks, which will be evaluated separately.
  • Paper 2B (B.Plan) will also be of 400 marks, consisting of 100 MCQs across the Maths(100), Aptitude(200), and Planning(100).
Paper Total Questions Total Marks Question Types
Paper 1 (B.Tech) 75 300 MCQs + Numerical-value questions
Paper 2A (B.Arch) 77 400 MCQs, Numerical (Math/Aptitude), Drawing
Paper 2B (B.Plan) 100 400 MCQs including the Planning section

Also Read

Ques. Which Subject Carries the Highest Weightage in JEE Main Paper 1?

Ans. In JEE Main Paper 1, Mathematics carries highest weightage, as it often decides the percentile difference among the candidates. Each subject Physics, chemistry & mathematics are of 100 marks each, but in maths questions are more time-consuming and concept-based.

Subject Total Questions Total Marks Level of Difficulty Effective Impact on Rank
Physics 25 100 Moderate Medium
Chemistry 25 100 Easy–Moderate High (Scoring)
Mathematics 25 100 Moderate–Tough Very High

Ques. What Sections Are Included in the JEE Main B.Arch Paper?

Ans. In JEE Main Paper 2A, 3 sections are included: Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing. The JEE Main Exam includes both analytical and and creative skills, unlike Paper 1, which is objective-based.

Section Mode of Exam Total Questions Marks Skill Tested
Mathematics Computer-Based 25 100 Quantitative Aptitude
Aptitude Computer-Based 50 200 Spatial & Visual Reasoning
Drawing Pen-and-Paper 2 100 Creativity & Design Skills
Total Mixed Mode 77 400

Ques. How Many Questions Are Asked in the Drawing Section?

Ans. In the drawing section of JEE Main Paper 2A, 2 descriptive questions will be included carrying 50 marks, for a total of 100 marks. You should attempt all of them on manual basis in the exam.

Number of Questions Marks per Question Total Marks Medium of Attempt
2 50 100 Pen and Paper

Ques. How Much Time Is Allotted for the Drawing Section?

Ans. In JEE Main Paper 2A, the drawing section includes a total of 60 minutes, in 3 hours.

This section will be conducted after CBT Portion, under the supervision of invigilators.

Section Duration Mode Total Marks Ideal Time per Question
Drawing 1 hour Offline 100 30 minutes

Ques. What Type of Questions Are Asked in the Aptitude Section?

Ans. In JEE Main Aptitude Section, B.Arch and B.Planning are included having spatial reasoning, visualization and analytical ability. It includes 50 objective based question of 4 marks each.

Topic Area Type of Question Avg. No. of Questions Weightage (%)
3D Visualization Spatial reasoning & shapes 10–12 25%
Mental Ability Analytical & logical thinking 10–15 30%
Architecture Awareness Historical monuments, design basics 10 20%
Direction & Perspective 2D/3D observation 10–12 25%

What Is the JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme, Normalisation & Tie-Breaker Process?

The JEE Main Marking Scheme is the same as the previous year. In JEE Main Paper 1 (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics), each carries equal weightage, which makes a total of 300 marks.

The JEE Main Exam includes both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value Questions (NVQs), with different marking rules for each.

Aspect Rule
MCQ Correct +4 marks
MCQ Incorrect −1 mark
Numerical Correct +4 marks
Numerically Incorrect 0 (No negative marking)
Unanswered 0 marks
Normalization Percentile-based across multiple sessions (raw marks converted to NTA score)
Tie-Breaker (Paper 1)
  • Higher NTA score in Mathematics
  • Higher NTA score in Physics
  • Higher NTA score in Chemistry
  • Older candidates are given priority

How to Use the JEE Main Exam Pattern for Smart Preparation ?

By Understanding the JEE Main Exam Pattern, you will not only know the marks and questions, its about strategic preparation as well.

The Smart candiates will use the pattern to plan their time, prioritize topics and balance accuracy along with speed.

Using Exam Pattern for Smarter JEE Main Preparation

Strategy Area Data-Based Insight Smart Preparation Tip
Weightage per Subject Each subject (Physics, Chemistry, Math) = 100 marks Allocate equal study hours; don’t over-focus on one subject.
Question Type Mix 60 MCQs + 15 Numerical Questions Practice MCQs for accuracy and NVQs for conceptual clarity.
Negative Marking Impact 1 wrong MCQ = loss of 5 marks (4 + 1 penalty) Attempt only those MCQs you’re 70–80% sure about.
Time Management 180 minutes = 2.4 min per question (approx.) Divide time: 60 min per subject + 15 min buffer for review.
Numerical Section No negative marking Attempt all numerical questions, without any risk of marks deduction.
Exam Simulation 2 shifts × 3 hrs each (in CBT mode) Practice full-length online mocks to improve screen speed.
Consistency Factor 75 total questions (fixed format since 2021) Use previous year papers to analyze recurring question patterns.

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus: What Should You Focus On?

If you are focusing on JEE Main Syllabus 2026, you should now that no major changes are there in JEE Main Syllabus.

  • The NTA has kept the JEE Main Syllabus same as 2025, including the revised format for NCERT Class 11 & 12.
  • The JEE Main Syllabus will test your understanding for fundamental concepts of Physics, chemistry and mathematics for paper-1, and Aptitude, Drawing, and Planning topics for Paper 2A and 2B.

You can check the JEE Main official syllabus from the link given below:

Also Read

Ques. Which Paper Should I Choose — B.Arch or B.Planning?

Ans. Your choice will depend upon your career interest, B.Arch for architecture and design, B.Planning for city and regional planning. Both requires different skills and focuses on exam pattern.

Course Core Focus Key Sections Skill Type Suitable For
B.Arch (Paper 2A) Architecture & Design Math, Aptitude, Drawing Creative + Analytical Students with drawing skills
B.Planning (Paper 2B) Urban & City Planning Math, Aptitude, Planning Analytical + Logical Students with planning interest

Ques. Can I Appear for Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the Same Session?

Ans. Yes, you can appear in both paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) in the same sessions.

Whereas, you have to select this option, while filling the JEE Main Application form 2026 and pay the required fees.

Paper Combination Permitted in Same Session Additional Fee Required Total Duration
Paper 1 + Paper 2A Yes Yes 3 hrs (CBT) + 1 hr (Drawing)
Paper 1 + Paper 2B Yes Yes 3 hrs (Combined CBT)
Paper 2A + 2B Yes Yes 3 hrs each (Same Day/Slot)

How Is the Difficulty Level Different Across Paper 1, 2A, and 2B?

Ans. The JEE Main difficulty level will different for each 3 papers due to their focus areas as technical creative and analytical skills. The JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) is more conceptual based, whereas Paper 2A and 2B requires visual and spatial understanding.

Paper Course Main Skill Tested Difficulty Level Ideal Preparation Focus
Paper 1 B.E./B.Tech Conceptual problem-solving Moderate–High NCERT + Practice PYQs
Paper 2A B.Arch Creativity & Drawing Moderate Sketching + Aptitude
Paper 2B B.Planning Analytical reasoning Easy–Moderate Logical + Quantitative Ability

JEE Main Previous Year Question Papers

Here are the JEE Main previous years' question papers in PDF to download. The candidates can assess the pre- and post-pandemic pattern of the JEE Main exam.

JEE Main 2025 Session 1 Question Papers with Solution PDF

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date JEE Main 2025 Question Paper JEE Main 2025 Solution PDF
JEE Main 2025 Jan 22 Shift 1 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 Jan 22 Shift 2 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 Jan 23 Shift 1 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 Jan 23 Shift 2 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 Jan 24 Shift 1 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 Jan 24 Shift 2 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 Jan 28 Shift 1 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 Jan 28 Shift 2 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 Jan 29 Shift 1 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 Jan 29 Shift 2 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 Jan 30 Shift 1 B.Arch Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions

JEE Main 2025 Session 2 Question Papers with Solution PDF

JEE Main 2025 Paper/ Subject JEE Main 2025 Question Paper JEE Main 2025 Solution PDF
JEE Main 2025 April 2 Shift 1 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 2 Shift 2 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 3 Shift 1 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 3 Shift 2 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 4 Shift 1 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 4 Shift 2 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 7 Shift 1 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 7 Shift 2 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 8 Shift 2 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 9 B.Arch Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 9 B.Planning Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions
JEE Main 2025 April 9 B.Arch & B.Planning Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions

Also Read

JEE Main Previous Year Question Paper

JEE Main PYQs- Download Most Asked JEE Main PYPs

JEE Main Exam Pattern Previous Years Analysis (2025-2022)

The JEE Main Exam pattern from 2026 to 2020 shows a significant change throughout the years.

  • In JEE Main 2020, the NVQ-type questions were introduced, where candidates had the option to attempt 5 questions out of 10 NVQs with no negative marking.
  • JEE Main 2021 - 2024 followed the same pattern as 2020 (post-pandemic pattern).
  • However, in JEE Main 2025, the NTA removed Section B, where all 5 NVQs were compulsory to attempt, with negative marking introduced for them, aligning with the MCQ marking scheme (+4 for correct, -1 for wrong).
  • The JEE Main 2026 is expected to follow the same exam pattern as JEE Main 2025, with 75 questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), including 20 MCQs and 5 compulsory NVQs, all marked +4 / -1.
Year Total Marks Total Questions Subjects MCQs/NVQs Marking Scheme
2026 (Expected) 300 75 (25 × 3) PCM 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs (5 compulsory) +4 / –1 for all questions
2025 300 75 (25 × 3) PCM 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs (no choice, all 5 mandatory) +4 / –1 for both MCQs & NVQs
2024 300 90 (30 × 3) PCM 20 MCQs + 10 NVQs (attempt 5) +4 / –1 (MCQ only); NVQs: no negative marking
2023 300 90 (30 × 3) PCM 20 MCQs + 10 NVQs (attempt 5) +4 / –1 (MCQ only); NVQs: no negative marking
2022 300 90 (30 × 3) PCM 20 MCQs + 10 NVQs (attempt 5) +4 / –1 (MCQ only); NVQs: no negative marking
2021 300 90 (30 × 3) PCM 20 MCQs + 10 NVQs (attempt 5) +4 / –1 (MCQ only); NVQs: no negative marking
2020 300 75 (25 × 3) PCM 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs (optional: 5 out of 10) +4 / –1 (MCQ only); NVQs: no negative marking

JEE Main Exam Pattern FAQs

Ques. Is JEE Mains of 300 or 360 marks?

Ans. For JEE Main (B.E/B.Tech), the total marks are 300 marks, consisting of 75 questions (25 each in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), with each question worth 4 marks, and a deduction of 1 mark for each incorrect answer

Exam/Component Total Marks Qs per Subject Marking Scheme
JEE Main – Paper 1 300 25 (20 MCQs + 5 NVQs) +4 / –1
JEE Main – Paper 2A / 2B 400 77 (Arch), 100 (Planning) +4 / –1 (except Drawing)
JEE Advanced (2 papers) 360 Subjective, Tougher

Ques. What is the pass mark in JEE Main?

Ans. In JEE Main, there are no fixed “pass marks” in terms of percentage or marks to take the JEE Main exam, but the candidates need a qualifying cutoff percentile for the JEE Main Counselling and for JEE Advanced.

JEE Main 2025 Qualifying Cut-Off (for JEE Advanced eligibility)

Category Cut-Off Percentile
General (UR) 93.1023
Gen-EWS 80.3830
OBC‑NCL 79.4314
SC 61.1527
ST 47.9026
UR‑PwD ~0.0079

Ques. How much marks is 75 in JEE Mains?

Ans. According to the JEE Main 2020 marks vs percentile, scoring 75 out of 300 marks is expected to get a percentile ranging between 84 and 91, based on the difficulty of shift and the normalization process.

Percentile Around 75 Marks:

  • Range: ~84.6 to 91.8 percentile
  • Typical percentile estimate: ~87 to 90 percentile

75 marks in JEE Main are relatively below average, placing students ahead of roughly 75-90% of candidates but not competitive for top institutes like IITs, NITs, or IIITs.

Top Colleges with 75 Marks in JEE Main

College Name Location Type Courses Offered Expected Cutoff (Percentile)
Maharishi Markandeshwar University Ambala, Haryana Private CSE, ECE, Civil, Mech 70–85
SAGE University Indore, MP Private CSE, IT, Civil 70–80
Arya College of Engineering Jaipur, Rajasthan Private ECE, CSE, Mech, Civil 70–80
Symbiosis Institute of Technology Indore, MP Private CSE, IT, ECE 75–85
GITAM (Deemed to be University) Visakhapatnam/Hyderabad Private B.Tech (all major branches) 75–85
Quantum University Roorkee, Uttarakhand Private CSE, ECE, Mech 70–80
NIT Hamirpur (Home State Quota only) Himachal Pradesh Government Bio-Tech, Material Science ~90+ (Rank ~1 Lakh)
NIT Meghalaya (HS/ST quota possibilities) Shillong, Meghalaya Government EEE, Civil (HS quota) ~88–90+
NIT Goa (HS quota) Goa Government Mechanical, Mining ~88–91+

Ques. Is JEE Mains of 300 marks?

Ans. Maximum marks are different for each paper of JEE Main 2026. For BE/BTech paper, the maximum marks are 300. For JEE Main BArch, the total marks are 308, and for JEE Main B.Planning, the total marks are 400.

JEE Main Paper JEE Main Total Questions Marks for Each Question JEE Main Total Marks
BE/BTech (Paper 1) 75 4 300
BArch (Paper 2A) 77 4 308
BPlan (Paper 2B) 100 4 400

Ques. Are there 75 questions in the JEE Mains?

Ans. Yes, for the JEE Main BE/BTech paper, the total number of questions is 75. However, for papers like BArch and BPlan, the total questions asked in JEE Main 2026 is 77 and 100, respectively.

JEE Main Paper JEE Main Total Questions
BE/BTech (Paper 1) 75
BArch (Paper 2A) 77
BPlan (Paper 2B) 100

Ques. What is paper 1 and paper 2 in JEE Mains?

Ans. Paper 1 and Paper 2 indicate different papers for different courses. Paper 1 in JEE Main 2026 is conducted for BE/B.Tech programs offered by various participating institutes. However, Paper 2 is divided into two papers, including Paper 2A and Paper 2B with Paper 2A for BArch courses and Paper 2B for B Plan programs.

JEE Main Papers JEE Main Courses
JEE Main Paper 1 BE/BTech
JEE Main Paper 2A BArch
JEE Main Paper 2B BPlan

Ques. What is the paper pattern of JEE Mains?

Ans. NTA releases the JEE Main paper pattern on the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in. As per the JEE Main exam pattern published by NTA, there will be a total of 75 marks in JEE Main Paper 1 BE/B.Tech, 77 questions in JEE Main Paper 2 A BArch, and 100 questions in Paper 2 B B Planning.

  • JEE Main exam pattern for Paper 1 BE/BTech indicates the exam to be conducted for a total of 300 marks, with 100 marks (25 questions) each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • JEE Main exam pattern for Paper 2 BArch indicates the exam to be conducted for a total of 400 marks, with 25 questions from Mathematics, 50 questions from Aptitude, and 2 questions from Drawing.
  • JEE Main exam pattern for Paper 1 BPlan indicates the exam to be conducted for a total of 400 marks with 25 questions from Mathematics, 50 questions from Aptitude, and 25 questions from Planning.
  • For each MCQ and Numerical Value-Based question, 4 marks will be awarded, and -1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
  • Drawing questions asked in JEE Main Paper 2A BArch will carry a total of 100 marks, with 50 marks in each question.

Ques. Is JEE Mains paper hard?

Ans. Yes, JEE Main paper is considered among the difficult examinations conducted across the country. JEE Main qu

Syllabus

JEE Main Syllabus shows how Class 11 and 12 topics connect, which chapters carry more weightage, and where your strengths and weaknesses lie. The JEE Main Syllabus is like getting a roadmap before starting a long, unpredictable journey of JEE Mains. NTA has released the official JEE Main Syllabus for January and April 2026 online at jeemain.nta.nic.in. The JEE Main 2026 syllabus includes concepts from Classes 11 and 12 in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. NTA has not made any changes to the JEE 2026 syllabus. So you can follow the previous year's JEE Main syllabus for preparation.

  • JEE syllabus for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) consists of Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry topics from the Class 11 and 12 NCERT.
  • JEE Main exam syllabus of Paper 2A for Architecture (BArch) includes topics of Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing
  • Paper 2B (BPlan) of the JEE Main syllabus includes Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Planning topics.

One student once shared that the JEE Main syllabus felt like a “mirror” — it showed what I knew, what I didn’t, and how much I had grown by the time the mock tests rolled in. Another said, “The more I read the syllabus, the less lost I felt.” It is expected that nearly 17 lakh students will appear for JEE Mains in 2026. With the increase in the number of students, the JEE Main cut-off is also expected to increase from last year.

Also Read:

Where can I download the JEE Main Syllabus 2026 PDF?

You can download the JEE Main syllabus PDF from the official website. You can use the links below for JEE Main Syllabus 2026 PDF download for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, B.Arch and B.Planning.

Subject JEE Main 2026 Syllabus PDF
Physics Download PDF
Chemistry Download PDF
Mathematics Download PDF
B.Arch Download PDF
B.Planning Download PDF

Table of Contents

JEE Main Syllabus

What are the changes in JEE Main Syllabus 2026?

NTA has not made any changes for JEE Mains 2026 syllabus. A few changes were made in the syllabus in 2024 by removing several topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The deleted topics from the JEE Mains syllabus are

  • Mathematics: Mathematical Induction and Mathematical Reasoning units have been removed.
  • Physics: In Physics, the Communication Device unit has been removed from the syllabus.
  • Chemistry: Surface Chemistry, States of Matter, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals, s-block elements, Hydrogen, Environmental Chemistry, Alcohol, Phenol, and Ether, and Polymers chapters have been removed.

Also Read:

JEE Main Syllabus 2026 for Paper 1 (BE/B.Tech)

If you are opting for BE or B.Tech, you can follow the JEE Main syllabus for Class 11 and Class 12 below:

JEE Main Syllabus: Class 11 Chapters

Also Read:

JEE Main Syllabus: Class 12 Chapters

JEE Main Syllabus 2026 for Paper 1 FAQ

Ques: How do I prepare for the Drawing Test in JEE Main 2026?

To prepare for the Drawing Test, practice sketching simple 3D shapes, perspectives, and real-life scenes. Focus on:

  • Drawing geometrical shapes.
  • Sketching architectural designs, such as floor plans and elevations.
  • Improving freehand sketching skills.

Ques: What are the best ways to improve my time management for JEE Main 2026?

It is the most common problem faced by aspirants of any examination. Some of the methods that students used and found useful.

  • Always try to solve each problem in 3–4 minutes.
  • Always work on a set of minimum 10 questions in a sitting and try to solve that set in 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Study for one hour with full dedication. Then take a 10-minute break to do something that heals you deeply.
  • Decide on your goals for a week. Extend your limits to achieve your weekly goals.

Ques: Is 98% good in JEE Mains?

Yes, 98% is a very good score in JEE Mains. Candidates securing the 98th percentile have a strong chance of getting admission into NIT Rourkela. A percentile of more than 90 is considered a good percentile for admission into NITs.

Also Read:

JEE Main Syllabus for Paper 2 (B.Arch and B.Plan)

Candidates can check here the JEE Main Paper 2 Syllabus for BArch and B.Plan courses. The JEE Main syllabus 2026 for BArch and B.Plan is provided here.

JEE Main Paper 2 Syllabus for BArch

Subjects Topics
Mathematics Sets, Relations and Functions, Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations, Matrices and Determinants, Permutations and Combinations, Mathematical Inductions, Binomial Theorem and its Simple Applications, Sequence and Series, Limits, Continuity and Differentiability, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Coordinate Geometry, Three-dimensional Geometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability, Trigonometry, Mathematical Reasoning
General Aptitude Awareness of persons, Buildings, and Materials: Objects, Texture related to Architecture and build environment. Visualising three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings. Visualizing. Different sides of three-dimensional objects. Analytical Reasoning Mental Ability (Visual. Numerical and Verbal)
Three-dimensional perception: Understanding and appreciation of scale and proportions of objects, building forms and elements, colour texture harmony and contrast Design and drawing of geometrical or abstract shapes and patterns in pencil. Transformation of forms both 2D and 3D union, subtraction rotation, development of surfaces and volumes, Generation of Plan, elevations and 3D views of objects, Creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional compositions using given shapes and forms.
Drawing Sketching of scenes and activities from memory of urbanscape (public space, market, festivals, street scenes, monuments, recreational spaces, etc), landscape (riverfronts. Jungle. Gardens, trees. Plants, etc.) and rural life.

JEE Main Syllabus Paper 2B (B.Plan)

Subjects Topics
Mathematics Sets, Relations and Functions, Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations, Matrices and Determinants, Permutations and Combinations, Mathematical Inductions, Binomial Theorem and its Simple Applications, Sequence and Series, Limits, Continuity and Differentiability, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Coordinate Geometry, Three-dimensional Geometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability, Trigonometry, Mathematical Reasoning
General Aptitude Awareness of persons, Buildings, and Materials: Objects, Textures related to Architecture and building environment Visualising three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings. Visualizing. Different sides of three-dimensional objects. Analytical Reasoning Mental Ability (Visual. Numerical and Verbal)
Three-dimensional- perception: Understanding and appreciation of scale and proportions of objects, building forms and elements, colour texture harmony and contrast Design and drawing of geometrical or abstract shapes and patterns in pencil. Transformation of forms both 2D and 3D union, subtraction rotation, development of surfaces and volumes, Generation of plans, elevations and 3D views of objects, Creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional compositions using given shapes and forms.
Planning General Awareness: General knowledge questions and knowledge about prominent cities, development issues, government programs, etc.
Social Science: The idea of nationalism, nationalism in India, pre-modern world, 19th-century global economy, colonialism, and colonial cities, industrialization, resources, and development, types of resources, agriculture, water, mineral resources, industries, national economy; Human Settlements
Power-sharing, federalism, political parties, democracy, the constitution of India
Economic development- economic sectors, globalization, the concept of development, poverty; Population structure, social exclusion, and inequality, urbanization, rural development, colonial cities,
Thinking Skills: Comprehension (unseen passage); map reading skills, scale, distance, direction, area, etc.; critical reasoning; understanding of charts, graphs, and tables; basic concepts of statistics and quantitative reasoning.

Ques: Is B.Arch JEE easy?

Ans: The level of difficulty of JEE Main Paper-2 (B. Arch) was Easy to Moderate as per feedback from students.

  • Mathematics was Easy to Moderate level.
  • A few students reported that the numerical-based section had a few lengthy questions involving calculations.

Ques: What is a good score in JEE BArch?

Ans: A score above 250 to 300 is considered good for JEE B. Arch, typically achieving a percentile of 98.5 to 99.9+. This can help you secure admission into top institutions like SPAs and NITs. A score in the 220-250 range is also competitive, with a 97-98.5 percentile, offering a strong chance for premier NITs and good state universities. The "good" score depends on your target institution, category, and the year's cutoffs.

Ques: Is JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 syllabus reduced or updated from 2025?

Ans: No changes have been made in JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 syllabus.

  • Mathematics follows 2025 (post-2024 reductions)
  • Aptitude, Drawing, and Planning sections remain unchanged
  • NTA confirmed: No further updates for 2026.

Is it possible to complete the whole JEE Main Syllabus before the exam?

Yes, it is definitely possible to complete the syllabus if you start preparing early. However, if you are unable to complete, do not worry.

As per Quora user: JEE contains a huge amount of content to study. So it is very difficult for an individual to cover the whole syllabus, and you don't even need to cover the whole syllabus to get a good rank.

Another user said: Syllabus completion upto 80% gives you damn high confidence…

You can also check How can one efficiently complete the entire JEE Main syllabus?

JEE Main Syllabus 2026: Chapter Wise Weightage

You must be aware of how many questions you can get in JEE Main from each chapter. We have provided the important topics above and the expected number of questions or JEE main chapter-wise weightage below.

Physics Chapter-Wise Weightage for JEE Main 2026

This analysis from preparation forums emphasizes high-weightage topics like Current Electricity and Ray Optics for focused revision.

Chapter Name Expected Questions Most Expected Questions (Based on PYQ Trends 2020–2025)
Current Electricity 3 Kirchhoff’s laws in complex circuits, Wheatstone bridge balancing, RC circuit charging/discharging
Magnetic Effect of Current and Magnetism 2 Force on current-carrying wire in magnetic field, magnetic moment of loop, solenoid field
Alternating Current 2 Phasor diagram of LCR series, average & RMS power, resonance frequency
Kinetic Theory of Gases & Thermodynamics 2 RMS speed vs temperature, Carnot engine efficiency, adiabatic process work
Kinematics 2 Projectile on inclined plane, relative velocity in river-boat problems
Work, Energy, and Power 2 Variable force work calculation, spring-block energy conservation
Laws of Motion 2 Pseudo force in non-inertial frame, friction on double incline
Centre of Mass 2 Collision with variable mass (rocket), COM of irregular lamina
Rotational Dynamics 2 Torque due to couple, rolling without slipping on an incline
Modern Physics 2 de-Broglie wavelength, binding energy per nucleon graph
Wave Optics 2 YDSE fringe width with glass slab, diffraction minima condition
Electrostatics 1 Electric field due to charged ring on axis, Gauss law flux
Capacitors 1 Dielectric insertion energy change, series-parallel combo
Simple Harmonic Motion 1 Damped oscillation time period, angular frequency of spring combo
Sound Waves 1 Open vs closed pipe resonance, Doppler with moving source & observer
Elasticity 1 Poisson’s ratio relation, stress-strain curve interpretation
Error in Measurement 1 Percentage error in density, vernier caliper least count
Circular Motion 1 Minimum speed at top of vertical circle, banking angle
Electromagnetic Waves 1 Poynting vector, EM wave energy density ratio
Semiconductors 1 Half-wave rectifier output, logic gate truth table
Communication Systems 1 Modulation index, bandwidth of AM/FM, satellite communication

Chemistry Chapter-Wise Weightage for JEE Main 2026

Compiled from student discussions on previous papers, this table highlights Organic Chemistry and Coordination Compounds as must-revise areas.

Chapter Name Expected Questions Most Expected Questions (Based on PYQ Trends 2020–2025)
Transition Elements & Coordination Compounds 3 CFSE in octahedral complexes, geometrical & optical isomerism, IUPAC naming
Periodic Table 3 IE trend exception (N vs O), acidic nature of oxides across period
Atomic Structure 2 Bohr model radius/velocity, quantum number forbidden transitions
Chemical Bonding 2 Hybridization in IF₇/PCl₅, dipole moment of cis-trans isomers
Chemical and Ionic Equilibrium 2 Buffer pH calculation, Ksp & common ion effect
Solid-State and Surface Chemistry 2 Schottky/Frenkel defect, Langmuir adsorption isotherm
Nuclear & Environmental Chemistry 2 Radioactive decay series, ozone depletion mechanism
Thermodynamics & the Gaseous State 2 ΔH from bond energy, real gas deviation (compressibility)
Mole Concept 1 Limiting reagent yield, POAC method
Redox Reactions 1 Equivalent weight in disproportionation, n-factor
Electrochemistry 1 Nernst equation for a concentration cell, conductivity vs concentration
Chemical Kinetics 1 Order from half-life data, Arrhenius plot
Solution & Colligative Properties 1 Van’t Hoff factor for association/dissociation
General Organic Chemistry 1 Hyperconjugation count, carbonation stability order
Stereochemistry 1 Meso compound identification, R/S configuration
Hydrocarbon 1 Ozonolysis product, anti-Markovnikov addition
Alkyl Halides 1 SN1 vs SN2, E1 vs E2 product prediction
Carboxylic Acids & Their Derivatives 1 Decarboxylation (soda lime), HVZ reaction
Carbohydrates, Amino-Acids, and Polymers 1 Glycosidic linkage, zwitterion pH
Aromatic Compounds 1 Directing effect in disubstituted benzene, Birch reduction

Mathematics Chapter-Wise Weightage for JEE Main 2026

Based on student-tracked trends from 2025 sessions, you must focus on 3D Geometry and Calculus for 30–40% coverage. Students also suggest solving 50 PYQs per chapter for these high-yield topics.

Chapter Name Expected Questions Most Expected Questions (Based on PYQ Trends 2020–2025)
Sequences & Series 2 Sum of GP with r<1, AM-GP inequality application
Straight Lines 2 Image of point w.r.t. line, area of triangle by coordinates
3-D Geometry 2 Shortest distance between skew lines, plane from 3 points
Determinants 2 System of equations using Cramer’s rule, area using det
Sets 1 Venn diagram word problem, power set count
Permutations & Combinations 1 Circular arrangement with restrictions
Probability 1 Conditional probability with cards/dice, Bayes’ theorem
Complex Numbers 1 Locus of z (argument condition), square root of complex
Binomial Theorem 1 Coefficient of xⁿ in expansion, rational exponent
Limits 1 0/0 form using L’Hôpital, sandwich theorem
Differentiability 1 Continuity check at point, intermediate value theorem
Indefinite Integration 1 Integration by parts (LIATE), trigonometric substitution
Definite Integration 1 Property ∫₀ᵃ f(x)dx = ∫₀ᵃ f(a-x)dx, area bounded
Differential Equations 1 Variable separable, linear DE (IF method)
Height & Distance 1 Angle of elevation from top/bottom, two ships problem
Trigonometric Equations 1 General solution in [0, 2π), tan(3θ) type
The Area under the Curve 1 Area between parabola and line, parametric form
Quadratic Equations 1 Condition for common roots, equation from roots
Vectors 1 [a b c] scalar triple product, coplanarity
Tangents and Normals 1 Equation of tangent from external point, angle with curve
Maxima and Minima 1 Word problem (max volume, min distance)
Statistics 1 Standard deviation from grouped data, regression coefficient
Parabola 1 Parametric point, chord with given midpoint
Ellipse 1 Auxiliary circle, director circle equation
Hyperbola 1 Asymptote equation, conjugate hyperbola

Also Check:

List of top Questions asked in JEE Main

Check JEE Mains PYQ Chapter wise

What are the Important Topics and Questions Asked in JEE Main from 2020 to 2025?

The JEE Main important topics provided here are based on the analysis of the past year's JEE Main question papers released by the NTA. You can also check and download JEE Main Previous Years Question Papers here.

JEE Main Chapter-wise PYQ Trend (2020–2024)

Subject Chapter 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Trend Prep Priority
Physics Thermodynamics 2 3 2 3 3 Rising High
Chemistry Coordination Compounds 1 2 3 2 3 Rising Very High
Math Vectors & 3D 2 3 4 3 4 High Critical
Physics Semiconductors 1 1 1 1 2 Growing Medium-High
Chemistry Biomolecules 1 1 0 1 1 Stable Low

Also Read:

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026

You will get 3 hours to complete the test. According to the JEE exam pattern:

  • Each question is worth 4 marks.
  • There will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.
  • The marking scheme for Papers 2A and 2B is similar to Paper 1, except for the drawing questions in Paper 2A.

The JEE Main exam pattern will give you an idea of how many questions you need to answer within the specified time.

Paper Course Subjects Total Questions Total Marks Question Type
Paper 1 B.E./B.Tech Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics 75 (25 per subject) 300 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs per subject
Paper 2A B.Arch Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing 77 400 MCQs + Numerical + Drawing
Paper 2B B.Planning Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning 100 400 MCQs + Numerical

Ques. Is it possible to get 200+/300 in JEE MAINS by preparing only the 12th class syllabus?

Ans: No, definitely not. JEE papers (mains) consist of nearly 40–45% class 11 syllabus and 55–60% class 12 syllabus. By calculation, 60% = 216 marks. The only way you can get 200+ is by answering almost 60% correctly, which I think is not that easy.

Ques. How do I revise my JEE Mains syllabus in the one-week gap between the boards and the Mains, assuming that I have a 60% understanding of my class 12 syllabus?

Ans: I think you can prepare for JEE and revise with your board exams also, because questions in JEE Mains are completely taken from NCERT books. You can complete your 12th syllabus within the exam days themselves. But that requires a determination that goes for the whole month.

Ques. What is the best way to complete the whole JEE Mains syllabus in just 4 months?

Ans: If you are a fresher or haven't completed your Class 11, it's very hard to complete the JEE Mains syllabus in 4 months. JEE Mains is not an exam that can be prepared for in 4 months; at least you need 6 months minimum to complete your syllabus.

  • According to me, first of all, u have to complete those chapters which are of very high weightage in JEE Mains
  • Most importantly, daily try to learn inorganic chemistry as it will come as bonus marks in the mains.

Also Check:

JEE Main 2026 B. Arch Exam Pattern

JEE Main 2026 B. Planning Exam Pattern

JEE Main B.E./B.Tech Exam Pattern 2026

JEE Main 2-Month Crash Plan

If you are a school student and do not get much time to prepare, you must follow a timetable to manage your studies for JEE Main preparation. Adjust based on energy levels; include 1-hour mock tests thrice weekly.

“From Zero to Hero in 60 Days” – Shared by JEE 25’ Topper (AIR 892)

Week Focus Area Key Topics Daily Target Insights & Hacks
Week 1 Physics – Mechanics Kinematics, NLM, Work-Energy, Circular Motion 3 hrs Physics + PYQs Start with 1D motion → 2D → Energy; Solve Arihant 41-Yr PYQs daily
Week 2 Physics – Mechanics + Electrostatics Gravitation, SHM, Electrostatics (Capacitance later) 3 hrs + 1 hr revision Link SHM ↔ Circular Motion; Use HC Verma Vol 1 for concepts
Week 3 Chemistry – Physical + Mole Concept Mole Concept, Atomic Structure, Thermodynamics 2.5 hrs Chem + formula sheet Mole is King – 70% Physical Chem depends on it. Make 1-page mole map
Week 4 Chemistry – Organic (Basics) + Inorganic GOC, Hydrocarbons, Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding 2.5 hrs + NCERT lines NCERT is 90% Inorganic – Read line-by-line; GOC flowchart = 15 marks
Week 5 Maths – Calculus Foundation Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Applications 3 hrs + 1 hr PYQ Differentiation = 8–10 marks; Solve RD Sharma Objective daily
Week 6 Maths – Algebra + Coordinate Quadratic, Sequences, Straight Lines, Circles 3 hrs + graph practice Coordinate = 6–8 marks; Draw 10 graphs daily
Week 7 Full Revision + Mock Tests 1 Full Syllabus Mock (3 hrs) + Analysis (2 hrs) 1 Mock/day Analyze wrong Qs → tag weak topics; Use Error Log Notebook
Week 8 Final Sprint + Formula Marathon Formula Revision + 2 Mocks + Weak Topic Drill 2 Mocks + 2 hrs weak Last 3 days = Formula Flashcards + Sleep 8 hrs

Also Check: Top 10 Android Apps for JEE Main 2026 Preparation

NCERT Books for JEE Mains

You are always advised to start your JEE Mains preparation with class 11 and 12 NCERT Books. This will help you understand the basic concepts. Provided below are the links to download NCERT books for Physics, Chemistry, and Maths.

Also Check:

Best Books JEE Mains Maths 2026

Best Books JEE Mains Physics 2026

Best Books JEE Mains Chemistry 2026

JEE Main vs JEE Advanced Syllabus Comparison

The JEE Main and JEE Advanced Syllabus overlap ~90%, but the JEE Advanced syllabus weights deeper topics. Some other key differences that can help you prepare for JEE Mains are:

Topic Area JEE Main JEE Advanced Key Differences
Total Topics ~60-65 across PCM (NCERT-based) ~55-60, but more applications JEE Advanced excludes some Main topics but adds complexity
Difficulty Focus Formula-based, numerical Conceptual, multi-concept problems Your understanding of the topics is tested in JEE Advanced
Exclusive to JEE Main Electronic Devices, Experimental Skills, Mathematical Induction (partial), full Organic named reactions Removed in 2025: Polymers, Biomolecules, Everyday Chemistry, Communication Systems.
Exclusive to JEE Advanced Thermal Physics (Carnot, radiation), Vectors (scalar triple), Electrochemistry (Kohlrausch), MO theory Focus on conceptual rigor, multi-concept problems.
Common Core Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Electrostatics, Optics, Basic Organic, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry Same Similar topics, but Advanced tests higher application & integration.

Top Hacks from JEE Toppers

We have shared a few hacks from toppers that can help you improve your JEE Main scores.

Hack Shared By Impact
Try to solve 2020–2025 PYQs at least 5 times before appearing AIR 89, 2024 50+ marks guaranteed
You must make a 'Silly Mistake Log' of your own. This will help to reduce the mistakes. AIR 312, 2025 Reduced negative marks by 20
"Revise Organic Chemistry via reaction maps" Quora User Scored 90+ in Chemistry
Take mocks at 9 AM (exam time) at home. This will help to clear your mind and stay focused on the exam day. Discord JEE Server Helps build the exam-day rhythm

Cut-offs

The JEE Main cutoff for 2026 will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), expectedly by April 2026, along with the JEE Main session 2 results.- jeemain.nta.nic.in

The JEE Main cutoff is the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced and to be eligible for IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs via JoSSA Counselling.

  • With over 13 lakh candidates appearing for the JEE Main 2026 session 1, competition has increased compared to the previous years when participation was around 12 lakh, as a result, the cutoff is expected to remain high.
  • For JEE Main 2026, the expected cutoff percentile for the General category is likely to be between 93 to 95 percentile.
  • For the EWS and OBC categories, candidates can expect the cutoff to fall in the range of 80 to 82 percentile.
  • SC and ST category candidates can expect the cutoff to be around 60-63 and 47-50, respectively.

JEE Main 2025 Cutoff as released by NTA Officially.

JEE Main 2025 Cutoff as released by NTA Officially.

Related Links:

There are 15 lakh+ seats for B.Tech in different institutes, 24000+ in NITs , 9000+ in IIITs and 10000+ in GFTIs.

JEE Main 2026 Expected Cutoff

Source: Indian Express

Also Check:

FAQs:

Ques. How many marks are needed for under 10,000 rank in 2026?

Ans. For under 10,000 rank in JEE Main 2026, candidates need to score marks above 195 out of 300. For rank under 5000,candidates need to score between 200-230 out of 300.

Ques. Is the JEE Main 2026 cutoff higher than 2025?

Ans. In JEE Main 2026 paper level was moderate ,similar to that of 2025, but due to higher number of candidates as compared to previous years, cutoff is expected to increase slightly.

What is the JEE Main 2026 cutoff?

The JEE Main Cutoff will be calculated by using normalised percentile, not the raw marks, for balancing the difficulty among various shifts.

  • In JEE Main Qualifying cutoff & Admission cutoff will be different.
  • The qualifying percentile will be used for eligibility for JEE Advanced, whereas the JoSAA Closing ranks will decide the actual admission cutoff.

JoSSA Opening and Closing Ranks

*Above PDFs are directly taken from JoSSA’s official website, josaa.nic.in .

FAQs:

Ques. What is a good score in JEE Mains 2026?

Ans. A good JEE Main score is generally above 200 out of 300, with these marks you can expect your percentile between 98 to 99.9 and make easy entry to Top NITs,IIITs and GFTIs.For candidates with lower percentile than 95 there are plenty of options of GFTIs and State Government Colleges.

Ques.Can I get NIT at 95 percentile?

Ans. Yes, with 95 percentile in JEE Mains , you can get into Mid-tier and Newer NITs via JoSSA Counselling. For top branches you can target GFTIs and State Government Colleges with this percentile.

Ques. Is JEE Main 2026 Harder than 2025?

Ans. In 2025,JEE Main exam was moderate,leading to a general qualifying cutoff to 93.1.In the year 2026 session 1, JEE Main exam was of moderate difficulty but number of candidates are expected to be high so expected cutoff will be around 93.5 to 95 percentile.

Also Check:

JEE Main Cutoff 2026 category-wise for Top Colleges:

As per previous year analysis,the qualifying cutoff is expected to be high due to high competition as more than 14 lakh candidates are expected to appear in JEE Main 2026 session 1 & session 2 combined.

Using JoSSA counselling officially released data of previous years and @WeWonAcademy ,we have concluded that,

General Cutoff for JEE Main 2026 for Top Colleges

  • The CS and IT branches of Top NITs and IIITs are expected to have a closing rank around 1500 to 5000, which requires a percentile between 99 and 99.7.
  • For ECE and Electrical branches, the expected closing rank lies around 5000 to 28000,which requires a percentile between 96 and 98.8.
  • For Civil,Mechanical and other core branches,the expected closing rank lies around 15000 to 70000,which requires a percentile between 92 and 96.8.
  • Overall a percentile between 92 and 99.8 is a safe score for Top NITs and IIITs.
Branch Expected Closing Rank Expected Percentile
CSE 500-8000 98.8-99.9
IT/AI/CSE Specializations 2000-12000 98.0-99.5
ECE 5000-18000 97.0-98.8
Electrical 8000-28000 96.0-97.8
Mechanical 15000-45000 94.5-96.8
Civil/Other lower branches 30000-70000 92.0-95.4

OBC Cutoff for JEE Main 2026 for Top Colleges

  • For CSE , OBC candidates can expect a closing rank between 4,000 and 18,000, which requires around 97 to 99th percentile.
  • IT/AI and ECE Branches can extend up to 25 to 40k ranks, giving high admission chances for candidates scoring in the 94th to 98th percentile.
  • With the reservation benefits, the admission chances can increase, but still, for top branches 95+ percentile is required.
Branch Expected Closing Rank Expected Percentile
CSE 2000-15000 97.5-99.3
IT/AI/CSE Specializations 5000-20000 96.5-98.5
ECE 10000-35000 95-97.5
Electrical 18000-45000 93.5-96.0
Mechanical 30000-70000 91.0-94.0
Civil/Other lower branches 50000-110000 88.0-92.0

EWS Cutoff for JEE Main 2026 for Top Colleges

  • For CS and IT branches in top NITs and IIITs,the closing ranks will be around 1500 to 15000, which requires a percentile above 97.0.
  • Closing Ranks for lower branches can go up to 85000, which requires a percentile between 89 and 93.
Branch Expected Closing Rank Expected Percentile
CSE 1500-10000 98.5.5-99.6
IT/AI/CSE Specializations 3000-15000 97.5-99
ECE 7000-25000 96-98.5
Electrical 12000-35000 94.5-97.0
Mechanical 20000-55000 92.0-95.5
Civil/Other lower branches 35000-85000 89.0-93.0

SC Cutoff for JEE Main 2026 for Top Colleges

  • For top branches, SC candidates can expect closing ranks up to 90000,which requires a percentile between 89 and 97.
  • For lower branches,closing ranks can exceed up to 250000,which requires a percentile above 75.
Branch Expected Closing Rank Expected Percentile
CSE 10000-45000 94.0-97.0
IT/AI/CSE Specializations 20000-60000 92.0-95.0
ECE 35000-90000 89.0-93.0
Electrical 60000-120000 85.0-90.0
Mechanical 80000-160000 82.0-88.0
Civil/Other lower branches 120000-250000 75.0-85.0

ST Cutoff for JEE Main 2026 for Top Colleges

  • For top branches, candidates need a rank between 25000 and 150000, which suggests the percentile between 80 and 95.
  • For Civil and other core branches closing ranks can extend up to 500,000, making possibility for candidates with 70-80 percentile.
Branch Expected Closing Rank Expected Percentile
CSE 25000-80000 90.0-95.0
IT/AI/CSE Specializations 40000-100000 88.0-92.0
ECE 70000-150000 80.0-88.0
Electrical 100000-200000 75.0-85.0
Mechanical 150000-250000 70.0-80.0
Civil/Other lower branches 200000+ 60.0-75.0

FAQs:

Ques. Are GFTIs(Government-Funded Technical Institutions) easier to get than NITs and IIITs?

Ans. Yes, GFTIs are easier to get than NITs and IIITs because of their low cutoffs.Candidates with percentile above 90 can target top GFTIs for best choice.

Ques. Which is the best among NIT,IIIT and GFTI?

Ans. Among NIT,IIIT and GFTIs, NITs hold the top position due to its amazing placements and reputation.IIITs are best for candidates targeting IT/AI based careers,as they are more learning oriented.

Check:

JEE Main Cutoff for Top NITs,IIITs and GFTIs

The JEE Main Cutoff for NITs,IIITs and GFTIs varies institute to institute depending on the seats available and number of candidates appearing for the exam.

The JEE Main Closing Ranks will represent the rank at which the candidates will be admitted last for each category,course and round.

JEE Main 2026 Expected Cutoff for NITs

  • JEE Main Cutoff for NITs are high due to Limited Seats and High Demand.
  • Candidates can take advantage of up to 40% in closing ranks with Home State Quota.

The table shows the JEE Main 2025 Last Round Closing Cutoff for Computer Science and Engineering across Categories at the top NITs.

Institute General(Closing Rank) OBC(Closing Rank) SC(Closing Rank) ST(Closing Rank)
NIT Jalandhar 16325 8919 3454 3795
NIT Jaipur 6013 1922 1369 358
NIT Bhopal 11415 4437 2905 1330
NIT Allahabad 6562 2599 1132 1280
NIT Agartala 75417 - 8718 10738
NIT Arunachal Pradesh 78084 35124 26592 18929
NIT Calicut 8428 2881 4674 655
NIT Delhi 10165 7180 2093 1301
NIT Durgapur 11587 7980 1562 2230
NIT Goa 16198 12567 - 1475

Source: JoSSA Official Website

JEE Main 2025 Cutoff

JEE Main 2026 Expected Cutoff for IIITs

  • The IIITs are preferred by the candidate mostly for Software and AIML-based careers.
  • Seat intake in IIITs are comparatively low which increases its cutoff.
  • With the increasing demand for IT Jobs,cutoffs for IIITs are increasing.

The table below shows the JEE Main 2025 Last Round Closing Cutoff for Computer Science and Engineering across Categories at top IIITs.

Institute General(Closing Rank) OBC(Closing Rank) SC(Closing Rank) ST(Closing Rank)
IIITM Gwalior 9527 3413 2092 933
IIIT Nagpur 29123 11280 7431 3785
IIIT Pune 21029 8439 5646 3128
IIIT Ranchi 38063 14896 9351 4536
IIIT Chittoor 26387 10575 7536 3530
IIIT Kota 27400 11048 7467 3310
IIIT Bhagalpur 44476 16641 10415 5187
IIIT Bhopal 27095 11401 7875 3928
IIIT Guwahati 22739 8583 5708 2799
IIIT Manipur 58080 19787 11300 5495

Source: JoSSA Counselling

JEE Main 2025 Cutoff CSE

JEE Main 2026 Expected Cutoff for GFTIs

  • The GFTIs are more accessible than the NITs and IIITs. The Cutoff can vary as per the location, branch and its reputation.
  • GFTIs are a great option for candidates looking for government-recognised institutions with lower cutoffs than NITs/IIITs.
Top GFTIs Expected Percentile Required (CSE,General)
BIT Mesra 97.5 - 98.5
PEC Chandigarh 97.0 - 98.0
IIEST Shibpur 96.5 - 97.5
Assam University 94.0 - 96.0

FAQs:

Ques. How does competition affect the JEE Main cutoff?

Ans. Higher competition leads to higher cutoff in JEE Mains.For JEE Mains 2026,expected number of candidates are between 14 lakh to 15 lakh, which is higher as compared to previous years.

Ques. How many candidates appeared in JEE Main 2026?

Ans. A total of 13,04,653 candidates appeared for JEE Main Session 1 out of 13,55,293 registered candidates ,as per NTA Official Release. This makes JEE Main 2026 session 1 appearance one of the Highest ever.

You can check the JEE Main Cutoffs for NITs, IIITs and GFTIs, in the tables given below:

Previous Year JEE Main Cutoff Trends

The Previous years JEE Main Qualifying cutoff will show the change in the competition level since the last few years.

  • The General category cutoff has increased from 88.41 in 2022 to 93 in 2024, which shows high participation and better performance.
  • Since 2024, the cutoff has been stable for all categories.
Year General OBC EWS SC ST PwD
2025 93.10 80.06 79.43 60.09 46.70 0.001
2024 93.24 81.33 79.67 60.09 46.70 0.001
2023 90.78 75.62 73.61 51.98 37.23 0.001
2022 88.41 63.11 67.01 43.08 26.77 0.001

Source: jeemain.nta.nic.in

JEE Main 2026 Marks vs Percentile

The relation between JEE Main Marks and Percentile will help candidates understand their rank. As JEE Main exam is held in different shifts, NTA uses normalisation to determine candidate’s percentile.

  • JEE Main Ranks are based on percentile not raw marks in the exam.
  • Candidates are expected to have different percentiles on the same marks due to varied difficulty in different shifts.
Marks Range (Out of 300) Expected Percentile Range Performance Band
285-300 99.9-100 Top Ranker (AIR <100)
260-284 99.7-99.9 Top 1000 candidates
240-259 99.3-99.69 Excellent
220-239 98.8-99.29 Very Strong
200-219 98.0-98.79 Strong
180-199 96.5-97.99 Above average
160-179 94.0-96.49 Competitive
140-159 91.0-93.99 Average
120-139 87.0-90.99 Below average
100-119 80.0-86.99 Low
Below 100 Below 80 Needs improvement

FAQs:

Ques. JEE Main 2026 Marks vs Rank?

Ans. As per previous years data by NTA,Marks above 200 is expected to give rank under 5000, marks between 190-200, can rank between 5000-12000,marks in range of 170-180 can get rank around 15000 to 25000 and candidates with marks near 150 out of 300 can expect rank of around 40000.

Ques. Marks required for 99 percentile in JEE Main 2026?

Ans. For 99 percentile, candidates need to score 190+ marks out of 300 in JEE Main 2026, though it slightly varies with shifts and normalisation,as per previous years data by NTA,200+ marks is a safe score for 99 percentile irrespective of shifts.

JEE Main 2026 Shift-wise Marks vs Percentile vs Rank

After analysing the difficulty level of each shift in JEE Main 2026 session 1, and @DivineJEE youtube video , we have concluded that the marks required for 99+ percentile is highest in 21 Jan Shift 1 , marks this shift as easiest ,whereas least in 21 Jan Shift 2, makes this shift most difficult among all shifts in session 1.

Percentile 21 Jan Shift 1 21 Jan Shift 2 22 Jan Shift 1 22 Jan Shift 2 23 Jan Shift 1
99.50+ 200 190 193 200 198
99.00-99.49 190 175 177 185 183
98.00-98.99 172 154 158 165 162
97.00-97.99 155 138 142 148 145
96.00-96.99 142 125 128 133 131
95.00-95.99 132 114 117 120 119
94.00-94.99 124 105 107 110 109
93.00-93.99 115 98 99 102 102
92.00-92.99 108 93 93 96 96
91.00-91.99 103 88 89 92 93
90.00-90.99 99 85 86 90 89

Also, Check:

Related Articles:

FAQs

Ques. What is the Expected JEE Main 2026 cutoff for NIT admission forGeneral category?

Ans. For admissions into NITs , General category candidates should target at least 96.5+ percentile as the admission cutoffs are expected to increase due to high demands of NITs and low seat intake.

Ques. What is the JEE Main cutoff 2026 for PwD category UR-PwD?

Ans. For PwD candidates, in 2025 JEE Main cutoff was as low as 0.007 percentile . A total of 3950 PwD candidates qualified for JEE Advanced in 2025.

Ques. Has the JEE Main cutoff increased in 2026 compared to 2025 for General?

Ans. JEE Main 2026 Cutoffs are not released officially yet, but the cutoff is expected to be high as compared to previous years due to higher number of applicants. For general category , candidates can expect the qualifying cutoff to be around 93-95 percentile.

Results

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Result for paper 1 has been released on 16th February 2026, on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.inThe JEE Main Result has been released in the form of a Scorecard PDF Form as per the revised marks and normalisation.

To check the result, you should log in by using the Application Number and password to download the scorecard PDF.

Along with the JEE Main Result, the NTA has also released the topper list, which includes the state-wise toppers, gender-wise toppers & list of candidates registered and appeared in the exam. 

  • According to the topper list, 12 candidates scored a perfect 100th percentile in the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 B.E./B.Tech Exam.
  • The SHREYAS MISHRA from Delhi, NARENDRABABU GARI MAHITH from Andhra Pradesh & SHUBHAM KUMAR from Bihar are the top scorers for JEE Main 2026. 
  • The JEE Main Scorecard will include the overall and subject-wise NTA Percentiles, total marks, and qualifying status for JoSAA Counselling & Admissions.
  • The Result will include the percentile scores, whereas the AIR and category ranks will be released after session 2.
jee main result

Source: JEE Main Official Website

The Top 2.5 lakh candidates of different categories will qualify for JEE Advanced 2026.

Around 13,00,368 candidates appeared for JEE Main 2026 Session 1, with an attendance rate of 96.24%, competing for 45,000+ seats in NITs, IIITs and GFTIs by JoSAA counselling.

Check:

Key Summary

In this Article, we have discussed the JEE Main Result 2026, including the Scorecard & AIR.

  • You will not get the JEE Main score card dispatched; you can download it only from the official website.
  • No revaluation/rechecking of JEE Main 2026 results is allowed.
  • All India Rank will be declared after conducting JEE Main 2026 Session 2.
  • For NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and SFIs, only the All India Rank will be considered for admissions.

What is JEE Main Result 2026?

The JEE Main Result is the official performance record, which is issued by NTA, for calculating candidates' scores across different shifts, by using a percentile-based normalisation formula.

The JEE Main Result has been released on 16th February 2026, in the form of a scorecard, which is used not only for NIT, IIIT and GFTI admissions but also by several state and private universities that accept JEE Main scores for BTech admissions.

Particular Details
Exam name JEE Main 2026
Conducting body National Testing Agency (NTA)
Result mode Online scorecard
Session 1 result date By Feb 16, 2026 (Out)
Final combined result April 2026
Details in the result Subject-wise percentile, overall percentile, and qualifying status
AIR availability After Session 2 only
Login credentials Application number + DOB/Password
Official website jeemain.nta.nic.in
Used for JEE Advanced eligibility & JoSAA admissions

JEE Main Result 2026 Date

The JEE Main Result 2026 will be released by 12th February, including the subject-wise and overall percentile scores.

Event Date (Expected) Details
Final Answer Key Release 16th Feb 2026 (Out) Available on jeemain.nta.nic.in
Session 1 Result Declaration Feb 16, 2026 (OUT) Scorecard with subject-wise & overall percentiles
Session 2 Registration Till Feb 25, 2026 Candidates can register for an improvement attempt
Session 2 Exam Apr 2–9, 2026 Exam for candidates seeking better scores
Final Combined Result Apr 20, 2026 Includes AIR, category-wise cut-offs & JEE Advanced eligibility

Source: JEE Main Information Bulletin

JEE Main Result Dates 2026

Ques. How long after the exam is the JEE Main answer key released?

Ans. The provisional answer key for the JEE Main exam is released approximately 3–4 days after the exam, followed by a 2–3 day objection window. The final answer key is then published shortly before the JEE Main result declaration.

Ques. How to check the JEE Main result if I forgot my password?

Ans. In case you forgot your password for JEE Main 2026, you can retrieve the password and check your result. You can follow the steps listed below to retrieve your password.

  • On the login page, click on the “Forgot Password” link.
  • Select one of the options available to reset your password.
  • Reset your password and go to the login page again.
  • Enter and submit your credentials, and the result will be displayed on the screen.

How to Check JEE Main Result 2026

As the JEE Main result is released, you can check your JEE Main result at jeemain.nta.nic.in. You can follow the steps listed below to check the JEE Main result 2026.

  • Visit the official JEE Main 2026 website.
  • On the official website, click on the JEE Main result link.
  • A login page will open, and you must enter Application Number, Password, and Security Pin.
  • Once you click on the Login tab, the JEE Main result will be displayed on the screen.
  • You can take a printout of the JEE Main result for future reference.

JEE Main Result 2026: Score Card

NTA releases JEE Main result in the form of JEE Main scorecard. You can use the JEE Main scorecard document for admission to various NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Details mentioned on JEE Main scorecard are listed below.

  • JEE Main scorecard includes your personal details, such as candidate name, application/roll number, state of eligibility, category, and nationality.
  • It includes your JEE Main subject-wise scores and the total scores for Session 1 and Session 2.
  • It also mentions your JEE Main rank based on your scores.
JEE Main Scorecard

Ques. How many candidates appeared in JEE Main 2026 Session 1?

Ans. In JEE Main 2026 Session 1, the highest number of candidates appeared and registered for Session 1. With the help of the number of candidates who appeared, you can have an estimation of the competition level and percentile-to-rank trends for admissions.

Particular Data (Approx.)
Candidates registered (Session 1) 13.5 lakh
Candidates appeared 13,00,368
Attendance rate 96.26%
Seats via JoSAA (NIT+IIIT+GFTI) 45,000+

Ques. How to check category-wise cutoff in JEE Main 2026 results?

Ans. The JEE Main Category-wise cutoff will determine the eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026 and this will vary each year as per the difficulty level and candidate’s performance. It is released along with the final combined result after Session 2 on the EE Main 2026 result PDF/notice.

JEE Main Expected Cutoff (Advanced Eligibility)

Category Expected Percentile
General 90–93
OBC-NCL 73–82
EWS 70–78
SC 45–55
ST 40–50

Ques. Can I use my JEE Main score card 2026 for admission in next academic year?

Ans. No, JEE Main score cards are valid only for admission in same academic session. You can not use JEE Main scorecard for admission to the next academic session.

JEE Main Result 2026: Score Calculation

JEE Main 2026 raw scores are calculated based on the JEE Main exam pattern. JEE Main raw score is converted into percentile scores after applying normalization.

  • After calculating raw scores, normalization is applied to ensure fairness across various JEE Main shifts.
  • After the normalization process, JEE Main percentile scores are calculated based on which the JEE Main rank is decided.

JEE Main Raw Score Calculation

JEE Main raw score is calculated based on JEE Main marking scheme as discussed below.

  • For each correct answer, you will get 4 marks.
  • For each incorrect answer, you will get -1 mark deducted from your overall score.
  • No negative marking is applicable for unattempted questions.
JEE Main Raw Score Calculation

Source:@jeemain.nta.nic.in

Subject-wise JEE Main score calculation is mentioned in the table below.

Section Total Questions Marks per Question Negative Marking Maximum Marks
Physics 25 +4 –1 100
Chemistry 25 +4 –1 100
Mathematics 25 +4 –1 100
Total 75 +4 –1 300

Source:@jeemain.nta.nic.in

JEE Main Normalization and Percentile Calculation

NTA conducts JEE Main 2026 in different shifts of varying difficulty levels. Due to this, some candidates may end up attempting a relatively tougher set of questions as compared to other shifts. Such candidates are likely to get lower marks than other candidates.

  • To ensure fairness across shifts of varying difficulty levels, a normalization procedure based on the percentile score will be applied.
  • Raw score is converted into a percentile score ranging from 100 to 0, indicating Shift-wise relative performance of candidates.
  • It indicates the percentage of candidates scoring scored EQUAL TO OR BELOW a particular candidate in that shift.

JEE Main 2026 percentile score is calculated using the following formula.

Percentile = 100 x M/N

Where

  • “M” is Number of candidates appeared in the ‘Shift’ with a raw score EQUAL TO OR LESS than the candidate.
  • “N" is the total number of candidates who appeared in the ‘Shift’.
JEE Main Normalization and Percentile Calculation

Source:@jeemain.nta.nic.in

Also Check: Calculate Your Scores using Free Collegedunia JEE Main Score Calculator

Ques. Will JEE Main 2026 results show subject-wise percentiles?

Ans. Yes, JEE Main Scorecard will include the candidate’s performance across all subjects.

  • This will help the candidate to identify their strengths and if they want to attempt Session 2 for improvement.
  • Overall percentile is calculated from subject percentiles. The Colleges consider overall percentile/rank, not individual subjects.

Ques. Will JEE Main 2026 results include All India Rank (AIR) or only percentile?

Ans. The JEE Main Session 1 Result includes the percentile scores, the final rank will be released after both the sessions will be conducted. This will ensure fairness by considering the best attempt.

JEE Main Rank availability

Result stage Rank details
Session 1 result Percentile only
Final result (April) AIR + category rank
JEE Advanced eligibility After final result

JEE Main Result Statistics

JEE Main percentile scores depend on the number of candidates appearing for each shift of the examination. Result statistics for JEE Main 2026 are yet to be released. However, you can check JEE Main statistics from the table below.

Particulars Number of Candidates (2026) Number of Candidates (2025)
Total Number of Candidates Qualified To be Updated 2,50,236
Number of Candidates Registered in Session 1 To be Updated 13,11,544
Number of Candidates Appeared in Session 1 To be Updated 12,58,136
Number of Candidates Registered in Session 2 To be Updated 10,61,840
Number of Candidates Appeared in Session 2 To be Updated 9,92,350
Number of Unique Registered Candidates To be Updated 15,39,848
Number of Unique Appeared Candidates To be Updated 14,75,103
JEE Main Result Statistics

Check Here:Number of Students to Appear for JEE Main 2026

JEE Main Result 2026: Marks vs Percentile

“MathonGo” on youtube shared JEE Main marks vs percentile based on an analysis of past years marks vs percentile.

  • 99 percentile score is likely to translate to around 148 to 200 marks.
  • If you score between 127 and 177, your JEE Main percentile score is likely to be 98.
  • 120 marks in JEE Main 2026 are likely to translate to around 97.5 percentile.
  • 93 and 95 percentile scores in JEE Main 2026 are likely to be around 85-127 and 96-142 marks.
JEE Main Result 2026: Marks vs Percentile

What is the expected safe score for 99 percentile in JEE Main?

“Vedantu JEE Made Ejee” tutor Harsh Sir shared an analysis for expected JEE Main safe score for 99 percentile. He performed his analysis considering the total number of candidates as 1444572.

As per Harsh Sir, this year, number of candidates is likely to be 1.5 lakh more than last year. He said, “higher number of candidates means the JEE Main cutoff will rise as the number of seats is fixed (around 2,50,000).”

Year Marks for 99 Percentile (2026) Marks for 99 Percentile (2025) Marks for 99 Percentile (2024) Marks for 99 Percentile (2023)
Overall 160-210 148-200 156-235 155-189
Physics 60-85 64-89 71-87 70-89
Chemistry 70-80 62-76 58-85 46-70
Mathematics 45-60 39-54 35-75 33-55

You can go through the table below to check the expected JEE Main safe score for various categories.

Category JEE Main Safe Score 2026
General Check Here
OBC Check Here
ST Check Here
PwD Check Here

Also Read:

Ques. What is the exact time for JEE Main Session 1 Result 2026 on Feb 12?

Ans. For JEE Main Result, NTA has confirmed the result date of 12th feb 2026, but the exact time is not released. Candidates should track the official website throughout the day.

Event Time (Tentative)
Final answer key Before result
Result release date Feb 12, 2026
Expected time window Anytime on result day
Scorecard download After link activation

Ques. What are the expected toppers’ marks and percentiles in JEE Main 2026?

Ans. The Score of JEE Main Toppers will show the exam difficulty and help estimate percentile-to-marks trends. In last few years, multiple candidates score a perfect percentile.

Percentile Expected Marks
100 percentile 285–300
99.9 percentile 260–280
99.5 percentile 230–250
99 percentile 200–220

JEE Main Result 2026: Cutoff

JEE Main cutoff 2026 is released by NTA on the official website. Once released, you can check the JEE Main qualifying cutoff 2026 for each category and the total number of candidates who qualified the examination.

JEE Main Cutoff for NITs, and other participating institutes will be released by JoSAA after each round of counselling. “RankBoost - Shubham Kumar” has prepared an analysis of JEE Main 2026 category-wise cutoff on YouTube as discussed below.

  • This year, JEE Main qualifying cutoff 2026 is likely to range from 94-100 for the general category.
  • For EWS and OBC categories, JEE Main qualifying cutoff is likely to range from 81.5-90 and 80-85 percentile respectively.
  • SC candidates can expect 61.5-70 percentile to be the JEE Main qualifying cutoff 2026
  • For ST Candidates, the expected JEE Main cutoff 2026 is 48-65.
Category JEE Main Cutoff 2026
General 94-100
EWS 81.5-90
OBC 80-85
SC 61.5-70
ST 48-65

JEE Main Cutoff 2026 for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs

You can go through the table below to check the JEE Main 2026 cutoff for NITs, IIITs and GFTIs.

Institute Type JEE Main Cutoff 2026
NITs Check Cutoff Here
IIITs Check Cutoff Here
GFTIs Check Cutoff Here

Check: 

JEE Main Result 2026 FAQs

Ques. What is the tie-breaking rule for JEE 2025?

Ans. In JEE Main 2025, if two or more candidates achieve the same overall JEE Main 2025 score, the tie-breaking policy will prioritize the candidates based on their performance in subjects like maths, physics, chemistry, followed by the accuracy rate.

  • In JEE Main 2025, the NTA removed the Age and number of applications criteria as a tie breaker.

Ques. How many candidates appear for JEE Main 2026?

Ans. Number of JEE Main appeared candidates is yet to be released by NTA. However, it is around 1400000 as per Harsh Sir- Vedantu Tutor.

Ques. What was the last year JEE Main qualifying percentile?

Ans. As per the JEE Main statistics released by NTA, last year JEE Main qualifying marks for general category were 93.1023 percentile. For EWS and OBC, the qualifying percentile were 80.38 and 79.43 percentile respectively.

Ques. What is a safe score for JEE Main 2026?

Ans. A safe score in JEE Main 2026 is considered to be in the range of 170 - 180 marks, placing candidates in the 20,000 - 30,000 rank range with an 85 - 90 percentile. Candidates can apply to the following institutes with this score:

Institute Popular Branches Previous Closing Rank (Approx.)
NIT Agartala Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics 22,000 - 25,000
NIT Arunachal Pradesh Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering 24,000 - 28,000
NIT Mizoram Electrical Engineering, Computer Science 26,000 - 30,000
NIT Nagaland Electronics and Communication, Civil Engineering 23,000 - 27,000
NIT Patna Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering 21,000 - 25,000
IIIT Allahabad Information Technology, Electronics 18,000 - 22,000
GFTI BIT Mesra Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering 23,000 - 27,000

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