Quick Summary: JEE Main 2026 exam pattern consists of the marking scheme and the structure of the paper for each session. It has MCQs and numerical answer-type questions. The exam for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) will be of 300 marks. Students get 4 marks for a correct answer and 1 mark is deducted for a wrong answer. Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan), the maximum marks are 400. There is no negative marking for questions not filled in. In this blog, we are going to discuss in detail the JEE Main exam pattern, subject-wise exam structure, negative marking system, tie-breaking determiner, and the overall JEE Mains marking scheme so that you develop a clear understanding of the same.
JEE Main Marking Scheme 2026
The JEE Main marking scheme 2026 is the way to calculate scores and ranks, which is a major factor that can make you get admission to top Engineering colleges of India or not. This neatly devised system promises absolute transparency in the awarding of marks for right answers and the reduction for wrong ones in all subjects – Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
In order to prepare for the JEE Main exam, students are required to review the latest exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme. Here you can download the latest JEE Main marking scheme 2026 and exam pattern announced by NTA. It mentions important information like the number of questions, the type of questions, total marks, and the mode of exam. Understanding this marking pattern helps you plan better and improve your performance in the actual exam.
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JEE Main Exam Pattern Overview
Before heading directly towards the JEE Main Marking Scheme 2026, candidates should have an idea or an overview of the JEE Mains exam pattern for all three papers. The detailed JEE Main pattern for each paper is also available below on this page.
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
| Exam Features | Paper 2B (B.Planning) | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Paper 2A (B.Architecture) |
| Exam Format | Entirely computer-based (CBT) | Fully online (CBT) | Math & Aptitude – CBT Drawing – Pen & Paper (Offline) |
| Subjects Included | Math, Aptitude, and Planning-related questions | Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics | Mathematics, Aptitude, and a Drawing Test |
| Total Time Allotted | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Maximum Marks | 400 marks overall | 300 marks (100 marks per subject) | Total of 400 marks |
| Question Distribution | 25 Math (20 MCQs + 5 NVQs)50 Aptitude25 Planning | 75 total (25 each from PCM) | 30 Math (20 MCQs + 10 NVQs)50 Aptitude2 Drawing Tasks |
| Numerical Questions | 5 Numerical in Math – all compulsory | 5 Numerical in each subject – compulsory | 5 Numerical in Math – all must be attempted |
| Type of Questions | A mix of MCQs, numerical values, and planning-based items | MCQs + Numeric type in each subject | Objective questions + Drawing-based descriptive section |
| Marking Pattern | +4 for every correct answer
–1 for incorrect. 0 if left |
+4 for correct.
–1 for wrong. No marks for unattempted |
Same marking as B.Plan – applicable to all sections |
JEE Main Marking Scheme 2026 for BE/BTech & BArch/BPlan
The table shared below highlights the marking scheme for the JEE Main 2026 exam for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
| Scheme Component | B.Arch (Architecture) | B.Plan (Planning) | B.E./B.Tech (Engineering) |
| Marks for the Right Answer | Awarded +4 marks for each correct attempt | +4 marks per correct response | +4 marks for every accurate answer |
| Penalty for Wrong Answer | -1 mark deducted for incorrect attempts | 1 mark is reduced for every incorrect choice | Incorrect responses result in a deduction of 1 mark |
| Unanswered Question | No deduction; zero marks awarded | Zero marks—no penalty for leaving blank | No marks given or deducted for not attempting |
| Subject-wise Marks Allocation | Aptitude: 50 Qs × 4 = 200 marks
Maths: 25 Qs × 4 = 100 marks Drawing: 2 Qs × 50 = 100 marks |
Aptitude: 50 Qs × 4 = 200 marks
Maths: 25 Qs × 4 = 100 marks Planning: 25 Qs × 4 = 100 marks |
Physics: 25 Qs × 4 = 100 marks
Chemistry: 25 Qs × 4 = 100 marks Mathematics: 25 Qs × 4 = 100 marks |
Check Out: JEE Main Total Marks 2026: Check Subject Wise Marking Scheme
JEE Mains Marking Scheme 2026- Question Paper Structure
The B.E./B. Tech (paper 1) aspirants need to answer 75 questions, 25 each from Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The exam duration is 3 hours. There are two types of subject sections, namely, Section A consists of 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), while Section B includes 5 numerical value response questions. -1 for each wrong attempt in MCQs. There is no negative marking for numerical questions.
Number of Questions: There are a total of 75 questions (25 in each subject).
Here’s the subject-wise question breakup:
- Physics – 20 multiple choice questions (MCQs) and 5 numerical questions
- Chemistry – 20 MCQs along with 5 numerical questions
- Mathematics – 20 MCQs and 5 numerical questions
| Subject Name | Type of Questions Included | Total No. of Questions | No. of Questions to be Attempted |
| Physics | Objective (MCQs) & Integer-type | 30 | Any 25 |
| Chemistry | Multiple Choice + Numerical-based | 30 | 25 |
| Mathematics | MCQs and Numerical Value Type | 30 | Choose 25 |
| Total | – | 90 | 75 |
In each subject, out of the 10 numerical questions given, students need to solve only 5. So, each subject has 30 questions, out of which only 25 must be attempted (20 MCQs + 5 numerical).
Check Out: JEE Main 2026 Chapter wise Weightage For Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics
Mark Allocation per Question
Knowing the JEE Main marking scheme 2026 is helpful to create a smart strategy during the exam. Both MCQs and numerical value questions award full marks for correct answers. But negative marking for wrong answers is applicable for MCQs only, whereas numerical-type questions have no penalty:
| Response Category | Marks for Numerical Value Questions | Marks for MCQ Questions |
| Not Attempted | No marks awarded | No marks awarded |
| Incorrect Response | No deduction | Deducts 1 mark |
| Correct Response | Awards 4 marks | Awards 4 marks |
Total Marks Calculation in JEE Main Exam
- Number of Questions Attempted: 75 out of 90
- Each Correct Answer Carries: 4 Marks
- Highest Possible Score: 75 × 4 = 300 Marks
JEE Main 2026 Negative Marking Rules
Candidates should know the JEE Mains marking scheme 2026 to avoid negative marking. The marking scheme of MCQ and numerical value questions uses different rules for marking. So, to facilitate better planning of attempts and smart scoring, you must be well-versed in the negative marking in both types.
JEE Main 2026 Negative Marking Policy
| Feature | Numerical Value Questions | MCQ-Type Questions |
| Scoring for Correct Response | Earns +4 marks per correct attempt | Each right answer gives +4 marks |
| Penalty for Wrong Attempt | No deduction attempt without risk | –1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer |
| If Left Unanswered | 0 marks awarded (no gain or loss) | 0 marks awarded (no gain or loss) |
| Impact on Scoring Strategy | You can mark answers even with partial confidence | Random guesses may reduce marks due to a penalty |
| Smart Tip to Attempt | Try answering all, as there’s no penalty for errors | Attempt only when reasonably sure to avoid negatives |
Tips for Attempting the JEE Main 2026 Paper Wisely
- If possible, attempt more numerical value questions. These are great for scoring safely.
- Be absolutely sure you know your answer to the MCQs; getting even one of them wrong can give you negative marks and decrease your overall rank.
Check Out: Download JEE Main Previous Year Question Paper with Solution
Section-Wise JEE Main Marking 2026 (Sample Calculation)
In order to do well in one of the toughest engineering entrance exams in India, you need to know how the JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme works. This section demonstrates how marks are added or subtracted in the MCQ and numerical sections. Knowing this will enable you to develop a plan to get a better score.
| Subject | Total Qs | Correct | Wrong | Unattempted | Scoring Method | Marks Scored |
| Physics | 25 | 20 | 3 | 2 | 20 × 4 − 3 × 1 | 77 |
| Chemistry | 25 | 19 | 5 | 1 | (4 marks × 19) − (1 mark × 5) | 71 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 18 | 6 | 1 | (18 × 4) − (6 × 1) | 66 |
| Summary | 75 | 57 | 14 | 4 | 77 (Phy) + 71 (Chem) + 66 (Math) | 214 Marks |
Tie-Breaking Criteria for Rank Calculation – JEE Main 2026
When two or more students receive equal total scores in the JEE Main 2026 exam, the National Testing Agency (NTA) applies the tie-breaking mechanism to determine their final ranks. This approach consists of subject-wise scores and how correctly the candidate answered. If multiple JEE Main 2026 candidates score the same percentile, the rank is decided as per preference by following steps and in order of preference: higher marks in Mathematics, further in Physics, then Chemistry, and lastly, the total number of negative responses in all three subjects.
Here is how the JEE Main tie-breaking process works:
- Mathematics Marks: In case of Math marks, the candidate with higher marks in the subject has been given higher preference.
- Physics Marks: If the tie persists, then the higher marks in Physics secure a better rank.
- Chemistry Marks: If Maths and Physics marks are also the same, then Chemistry marks are compared.
- Incorrect Attempts: If the subject-wise scores are also equal, then the candidate with fewer negative responses in the JEE Main exam shall be given preference while preparing the rank list for the JEE Main.
- Age Factor: If everything else is still equal, the older candidate will be given a better rank.
Previously, the tie-breaking was also checking into the application number or age as well, but currently, these are not included in the JEE Main ranking 2026 process, except in rare cases.
Normalization Procedure in JEE Main 2026 (Across Sessions)
The JEE Main 2026 examination is conducted via a normalization process to ensure all the candidates are assessed in a balanced manner in different exam sessions, even if the exam was conducted in multiple shifts. This system converts raw scores into percentiles, which indicate how well a student performed relative to others who took the same test at the same time. These percentile scores, not the marks, are then used to compile the All-India Rank (AIR) and determine who qualifies for JEE Advanced and counseling as well.
Here are the key points with respect to normalization in the JEE Main exam:
- Several Shifts: Due to the multiple sittings of JEE Main, in which the pattern of some examinations might be different from others, normalization is mandatory.
- Raw Marks to Percentile: Raw marks obtained by the candidates in different sessions will be converted to percentile scores in order to normalise the score of the candidate with test takers of other sessions.
- Normalization Calculation: A specific formula is applied that will use the no. of students and the raw marks of the students of each shift to calculate percentile scores.
- Unbiased Process: This process ensures that no student gets affected by the difficulty of an easier or tougher session they have.
- Role in AIR: The AIR is determined by these percentile scores; thereby, this plays an important role in the determination of the merit list and grounds of JEE Main counselling.
- Tie Resolution: In case of a tie between two students who got the same score, same percentile rank, the percentile scores are to be computed up to 7 decimal places to resolve ties.
So all in all, this normalization process in JEE Main ensures that you would be treated equally, regardless of whichever session/paper pattern you received in the exam.
JEE Main 2026 Preparation & Scoring Tips
- Be Accuracy Oriented – While attempting MCQs during the JEE Main exam, ensure that you try to get the answers correct instead of just (just in case definition) making wild guesses. Incorrect attempts may result in negative marking, which in turn affects your final score and rank in case of Tie-breaking.
- Attempt Numerical Questions – Try to solve all numerical value-type questions confidently. As there’s no negative marking for these, they’re a safe way to score marks. Not doing these is wasting easy points.
- Prepare with Full Mock Tests – Take mock tests in a real JEE Main exam-like environment. These tests are excellent for boosting your speed, as well as your ability to manage time (race against time phrase meaning) and accuracy in the exam.
- Do not repeat your previous mistakes – Do not lose out on easy questions because of bad time planning, and read assertion-reason type questions very carefully. Avoiding such blunders can save marks and reduce the effect of negative marking.
- Learn from Mistakes – Review your wrong answers for each mock test. Learning from these mistakes, identify your weak areas and prevent repeating those in the future, thus increasing your overall JEE Main score.
- Go for NCERT – Ensure that your fundamentals are from the NCERT books before approaching the advanced-level books. For the Chemistry part, it is very essential to follow NCERT, as it is observed that many questions directly come from NCERT in JEE Main.
- Time Management – You should allocate time evenly for the different sections in the JEE Main paper. Do not linger on a question too long. This will aid you in practicing more questions accurately in the actual examination.
FAQs on JEE Main Marking Scheme 2026
Q: Will there be negative marking in JEE Main 2026?
Ans: Yes, there is negative marking in the JEE Main 2026 exam, but it is only applied to MCQ questions. According to this, if a student selects an incorrect answer, then 1 mark gets deducted. Whereas in numerical value questions, there is no negative marking, so if a student marks wrong answers, their scores do not reduce.
Q: Has the JEE Main 2026 syllabus been changed?
Ans: No, the syllabus for JEE Main 2026 is still the same; it still follows the same updated and reduced syllabus that was given by NTA in 2024 and was also used in 2025 also.
Q: Are there any changes in the number of questions or the marking system for JEE Main 2026?
Ans: Currently, no changes are expected in the number of total questions or the JEE Main 2026 marking scheme. The exam pattern will remain the same as it was in 2025.
Q: How many total questions are there in the JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Tech)?
Ans: In B.Tech/B.E. Paper 1 of JEE Main, there are 75 questions in total. And these questions are equally divided among three subjects, like Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry, each subject carries 25 questions.
Q: What are numerical questions in the JEE Main exam?
Ans: In the JEE Main exam, numerical value questions are also called integer-type questions. These don’t have multiple-choice options; students must type the exact number as the answer. In Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E), there are 5 such questions, each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, making a total of 15, and all are mandatory to attempt.
