Quick Summary: The B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1) exam JEE Main 2026 will be of 300 marks (100 marks each for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). There will be 90 questions in the paper, and students have to solve 75 questions (25 from each subject) in the exam. According to the marking scheme, 4 marks are awarded for each correct answer and 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer; thus, the paper carries a total of 300 marks. For candidates aspiring to give architecture and planning papers, the total marks for both Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Plan) will be somewhere close to 400. This blog discusses the JEE Main total marks, marking scheme, and other useful preparation tips that would assist students in preparing smarter and scoring better in the examination.
JEE Main is a key stepping‑stone for anyone who dreams of joining an undergraduate engineering course at a leading college. Your JEE Main total marks matter a lot they decide your percentile, rank, and ultimately whether you can enter famous institutes such as IITs, NITs, or IIITs. When you understand the total marks in JEE Mains as well as the JEE Mains marking scheme, you can plan your studies and test‑day approach, cut down on negative marking, and push your score upward.
The greater your score, the higher your rank, and the better your prospect of winning a seat in the branch and campus you like most. In this guide we break down JEE Main total marks, explain the marking scheme, show how both affect ranking, and offer preparation tips. Ready to start?
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JEE Main Total Marks 2026
JEE Main total marks are distributed among two papers, Paper 1 for B.Tech/B.E., and Paper 2 for B.Arch/B.Planning. Understanding how these scores are calculated can heavily influence your ultimate JEE Main result.
JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E.) Marks Breakdown
Paper 1 contains Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject contributes 20 multiple‑choice questions (MCQs) and 5 numerical‑value solutions, total of 90 questions. The maximum possible score is 300.
The marking scheme of JEE Main for Paper 1 is given below:
- +4 marks for every correct answer
- –1 mark for each incorrect response
- 0 marks for any unattempted questions.
If you know the total marks and marking scheme, then you can manage your timing and avoid negative marking and try for a better score. Planning practice tests on these figures helps you to improve your accuracy, develop speed, and improve your chances of converting every mark into a higher, better rank and a seat in the college that you’ve been dreaming about.
JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) Marks Breakdown
Paper 2 is aimed at students interested in architecture or planning. It has three parts Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing and the total marks in JEE Mains Paper 2 equal 400. Here is the JEE Main marking scheme used:
The JEE Main marking scheme for Paper 2 is:
- Mathematics: 20 MCQs worth 4 marks each, plus 5 numerical‑value questions, also worth 4 marks.
- Aptitude: 50 MCQs, again carrying 4 marks apiece.
- Drawing: 2 exercises, each of 100 marks.
Like in Paper 1, negative marking for wrong objective-type answers will be applicable in Paper 2.
Check Out: How To Prepare Simultaneously For Board And JEE Exams?
Total Marks of JEE Mains: Paper 1 vs. Paper 2
The JEE Main total marks depend on the chosen paper. Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E.) offers 300 marks, whereas Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) reaches 400. Understanding this difference, together with the marking scheme, lets you fine‑tune your preparation and aim for the section that can lift your overall rank:
| Exam Type | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Limit |
| B.Tech / B.E. (Paper 1) | A total of 90 questions | Up to 300 marks | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| B.Arch / B.Plan (Paper 2) | A total of 82 questions | Up to 400 marks | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
JEE Main Marking Scheme 2026
Understanding the marking scheme for JEE Main is vital because it shapes your final score. The exam follows a grading pattern:
Paper 1
For 2026, JEE Main Paper 1 gives +4 for every right response, subtracts –1 for a wrong choice, and keeps the score unchanged (0) if you skip a question. The JEE Main total marks in this paper add up to 300.
| Particulars | Marks Awarded/Deducted |
| Correct Answer | +4 marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 mark |
| Un-attempted Question | 0 marks |
Paper 2 (B.Arch and B.Plan)
In JEE Main 2026 Paper 2, the marking scheme is the same: 4 marks for each correct response, –1 mark for each wrong response, and 0 (zero) marks for not attempting the question. For Paper2A (B.Arch) with 400 marks for Math, aptitude, and drawing tests. Paper2B (B.Plan) also carries 400 marks, attained primarily with multiple‑choice and numerical‑value questions. Knowing these numbers helps you set smart goals, measure your progress, and avoid penalties.
Check Out: JEE Main 2026 Chapter wise Weightage For Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 Marking Scheme Summary:
| Particulars | Details |
| Correct Answer | +4 marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 mark |
| Un-attempted Question | 0 marks |
| Total Marks (Paper 2A/2B) | 400 marks |
How to Calculate the JEE Main Total Marks?
The basic rule is simple:
- Add the points you earn for every right answer.
- Subtract the penalty for each wrong answer (–1 for MCQs and numerical questions).
- Leave out questions you did not try (0 marks).
Below are two fresh, easy‑to‑follow examples that use the same JEE Main marking scheme, so you can see how the maths plays out.
Example 1 – Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E.)
| Section | Your attempts | Correct | Wrong | Blank |
| Physics (20 MCQ) | 19 | 18 | 1 | 1 |
| Chemistry (20 MCQ) | 19 | 17 | 2 | 1 |
| Mathematics (20 MCQ) | 20 | 19 | 1 | 0 |
| Numerical (5 per section) | 15 | 12 | 3 | 0 |
Step‑by‑step score
- Correct answers: 18 + 17 + 19 + 12 = 66
- Marks gained: 66 × 4 = 264
- Wrong answers: 1 + 2 + 1 + 3 = 9
- Penalty: 9 × 1 = 9
- Total marks in JEE Main Paper 1: 264 – 9 = 255
So, out of a maximum 300, you would finish with 255 marks.
Example 2 – Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan)
| Part | Your attempts | Correct | Wrong | Blank |
| Mathematics (25 Q) | 21 | 18 | 3 | 4 |
| Aptitude (50 Q) | 40 | 35 | 5 | 10 |
| Drawing (2 tasks) | 2 | 2 (graded) | – | – |
Step‑by‑step score
- Mathematics:
- Earned: 18 × 4 = 72
- Penalty: 3 × 1 = 3
- Net Math marks = 72 – 3 = 69
- Aptitude:
- Earned: 35 × 4 = 140
- Penalty: 5 × 1 = 5
- Net Aptitude marks = 140 – 5 = 135
- Drawing: two tasks graded by examiners
- Task 1 = 95 marks, Task 2 = 90 marks
- Drawing total = 185
- Total marks in JEE Main Paper 2:
- 69 + 135 + 185 = 389
With a maximum of 400, this attempt lands you at 389 marks.
Check Out: JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
Effect of JEE Main Total Marks on Your Rank
Your JEE Main total marks play a direct role in deciding your rank and, in turn, whether you qualify for seats in different institutes. A higher overall score pushes your rank upward, boosting the odds of entering colleges such as IITs, NITs, or IIITs.
Under the marking scheme, ranking is worked out through a normalized score that blends exam difficulty and each student’s performance. Therefore, the total marks you collect in JEE Main become vital for your place on the merit list.
Normalization in JEE Main
Because exam shifts vary in toughness, JEE Main uses a normalization step. This system balances marks across all sessions so that no candidate loses out simply because their slot happened to be tougher than another.
Tips for Maximizing Your JEE Main Total Marks 2026
Want to boost your JEE Main total marks and turn the marking scheme to your advantage? Experiment with these simple strategies from experienced mentors:
- Master the syllabus: Read through all the topics outlined for JEE Main and highlight the units that appear the most in the past papers. Spend some extra study time (race against time phrase meaning) on those high‑weight chapters.
- Work on it every day: More of their time is spent on practice tests and past papers, which hone both speed and accuracy and reduce the number of marks lost in the real exam.
- Watch the clock carefully: Do the time management well and divide the three hours judiciously, each subject should be given an allotted slot, and leave a few minutes to go through your answers.
- Develop real understanding: Learn why each formula works instead of rote memorizing. Good concepts allow you to attempt challenging MCQs and numerical problems with confidence.
- Revise often: In the final months, circle back to key formulas, concepts, and methods again and again. Short, frequent reviews lock facts in and prevent careless mistakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in JEE Main 2026
Below are common mistakes that candidates generally commit during the JEE Main:
- Ignoring negative marking. The trick is that a lot of tick answers are given without full certainty, and the marking scheme takes away a point for incorrect answers. Unless you feel certain, don’t make blind guesses.
- Getting stuck on tough items. If a question seems tough, skip it, do easier questions, and go back. The trick also costs other guaranteed marks, spending too much time here.
- Weak time control. Weak time control. Nothing can work without a plan, or be unfinished, or hurried. Timed practice gets you used to pacing on every section.
JEE Main exam is fiercely competitive, knowing how total marks in JEE Mains are counted helps you craft a smart plan: cut negative scores, practice regularly, and keep calm. A strong score lifts your rank and opens doors to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and more. Keep in mind the JEE Main marking scheme, knowing which answer pushes or pulls your marks, and tune your study routine for accuracy before speed. And with consistent endeavor, you can achieve the JEE Main total marks you aspire for and a high rank. That final result can truly shape your engineering future.
FAQs on JEE Main Total Marks 2026
Q: What is the total marks in JEE Mains 2026 for Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E.)?
In JEE Main 2026, the total marks for Paper 1 (meant for B.Tech/B.E. aspirants) will be 300. This paper has three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each section includes 20 MCQs and 5 numerical questions. As per the marking scheme, you get 4 marks for every correct answer and lose 1 mark for every wrong one.
Q: Do JEE Main total marks affect rank in 2026?
All India Rank (AIR) is directly affected by your overall scores in JEE Main 2026. So the more the marks, the better the rank. A rank is crucial to desire good engineering colleges such as IITs, NITs, and IIITs. The rank is based on a normalized score, which takes into account how tough each exam session was, along with your total marks.
Q: What is the JEE Mains total marks 2026 Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning)?
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 is for students aiming for B.Arch or B.Planning courses and carries 400 total marks. The papers have three parts – Mathematics, Aptitude Test, and Drawing. MCQs and numerical-type questions are there in the Maths and Aptitude sections; however, the Drawing section consists of 2 questions, one for 100 marks each.
Q: Will there be negative marking in JEE Main 2026?
Yes, there will be negative marking in JEE Main 2026. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 have negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer. There is no credit given or loss of marks if you leave a question unanswered. To avoid losing marks, never guess randomly and only answer when you are fairly certain.
Q: How is the total score in JEE Main 2026 calculated?
Your total score in JEE Main 2026 will be the sum of the marks in the correct responses and the reduction of responses with incorrect answers. For marking, 4 marks are awarded for each correct answer, 1 mark is deducted for a wrong answer, and 0 marks are given for an unattempted question. Thus, your final marks will be based on the number of correct answers you give and how well you steer away from negative marking.
