The National Testing Agency (NTA) revised the JEE Main exam pattern for the 2025 academic year and for the upcoming (2026) session, the exam pattern is expected to remain the same. Last year the JEE Main paper included a total of 75 questions, with 25 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics whereas earlier, the paper contained a total of 90 questions.
The JEE Main 2026 notification will be released around November 2025 and candidates will be able to learn about exam pattern, syllabus, marking scheme, exam dates and more through the official website of the test. To learn more about the JEE Main exam pattern 2026 and what to expect from the upcoming paper, students may refer to the following.
Major Changes in JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
Refer to the following table to learn more about the updated exam pattern for JEE Main 2026.
Feature | JEE Main 2025 Change | JEE Main 2026 Status (Expected) |
Total Questions | Reduced from 90 to 75 | Same (75 questions) |
Subject-wise Distribution | 25 each in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Same |
Sections per Subject | Section A: 20 MCQsSection B: 10 numerical (attempt 5) | Same |
Section B Choice | Earlier: optional attempt in numerical sectionNow: No optional choices (all compulsory) | Continues for 2026 |
Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, –1 for incorrect (MCQs & numericals) | Same |
Exam Duration | 3 hours (Computer-Based Test) | Same |
Difficulty Level | Expected to remain similar | Expected to remain similar |
Future Updates | NTA did not announce structural changes yet | No major changes indicated for 2026 so far |
Key Points to Remember for JEE Main 2026
- Number of sessions: 2 (January and April)
- Mode: Online: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Total questions: 75 (25 per subject)
- Numerical questions: 5 per subject; all compulsory (no optional choice)
Marking scheme:
- +4 for correct answers
- -1 for incorrect answers
How to Fill the JEE Mains 2026 Application Form?
- Visit the JEE official website - jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Navigate to and click on the “JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (January) Registration” link.
- Enter your basic details for JEE Main 2026 Registration.
- Fill the JEE Main Application Form by entering personal and academic details.
- Upload required documents i.e. passport sized photograph and signature.
- Pay the JEE Main application fee using online payment mode.
- Review the JEE Main 2026 form.
- Review, submit the form, and download it.
- Take a printout of the same for future reference.
Note: Students are advised to keep checking for the official JEE Main 2026 website to stay updated on all the crucial events and notices.