About JEE MAIN 2026
Planning to appear for JEE Main 2026? Before filling out the application form, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria set by NTA (National Testing Agency). These rules decide if you’re eligible to take the exam and include key details like age limit, educational qualification, number of attempts, required subjects, and nationality.
Although the official JEE Main 2026 eligibility, is yet to be released, candidates can check last year’s guidelines for a clear idea. This article explains the expected eligibility criteria for regular students, droppers, diploma holders, and those appearing through improvement exams. Knowing this will help you prepare and apply with confidence.
- JEE Main for Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech.)
- JEE Main for Architecture (B.Arch.) and Planning
JEE MAIN 2026 – Key Highlights
| Exam | JEE Main |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | NTA (National Testing Agency) |
| Duration of Exam | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 300 Marks |
| Category of Examination | Undergraduate Level Exam |
| Paper I | B.Tech / B.E. |
| Paper II | B.Arch / B.Planning |
| Exam Medium | 13 Languages |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-based |
| Official Website for JEE Main | https://nta.ac.in/ |
There are some important updates and new features in the JEE Main 2026 exam that students should be aware of. While the overall exam pattern is expected to remain the same, there may be changes in the application process, question formats, or even the marking scheme.
Staying informed about these changes is crucial, as they can directly impact your preparation strategy and performance on exam day. The National Testing Agency (NTA) may also introduce new rules or advanced technologies to make the exam process more efficient and transparent.
JEE MAIN 2026 eligibility criteria
To be eligible for JEE Main 2026, you need to meet certain criteria:Qualifying Exam:
- You must have completed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent exam from a recognized board.
- Your core subjects should include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, (for B.E./B.Tech courses).
Year of Passing:
- Passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025.
- Are appearing in 2026.
You are eligible to apply for JEE Main 2026 if you:
Minimum Marks
- There is no minimum percentage required in Class 12 to appear for JEE Main 2026.
- However, for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, a minimum of 75% (General/OBC/EWS) or 65% (SC/ST) is required or you must be in the top 20 percentile of your board.
Age Limit
- There is no upper age limit to take JEE Main 2026.
- But remember, certain IITs or institutions may have their own age-related admission rules.
Number of Attempts
- You can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years.
- Since the exam is conducted twice a year, you can have up to 6 total attempts.
JEE MAIN 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | January Session 2026 | April Session 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| JEE Main 2026 Exam Date | Between 20 January to 30 January 2026 | Between 01 April to 10 April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Start of JEE Main 2026 Registration | First week of November 2025 | First week of January 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application Form | December 2025 | Last week of January 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Will be announced on the NTA website | Will be announced on the NTA website |
| Admit Card Release Date | 3 days before the exam date | 3 days before the exam date |
| JEE Main 2026 Result Date | One week after the Exam | One week after the Exam |
JEE MAIN 2026 application process
To apply for JEE Main 2026, follow these steps:
- Registration: You would have signed up on the official website (jeemain.nta.ac.in) using your email and phone number.
- Application Form: Once registered, you would have filled out a detailed form with your personal and academic information.
- Documents: Scanned copies of documents like photograph and signature would have been uploaded.
- Fees: You would have paid the application fee online using debit/credit card or net banking.
- Confirmation: Finally, you would have downloaded and printed a confirmation page for your records.
JEE Main 2026 – Subject-wise Marks Distribution
Understanding the subject-wise marks distribution for JEE Main 2026, is essential for smart preparation. The exam is divided into three papers: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning)each with its own structure and marking scheme.
In Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), subjects include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, each carrying 100 marks, making the total 300 marks. For B.Arch and B.Planning, the papers include sections like Aptitude, Mathematics, and either Drawing or Planning-based questions, totaling 400 marks.
JEE Main 2026 – Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 10 NVQs (attempt any 5 NVQs) | 100 |
| Physics | 20 MCQs + 10 NVQs (attempt any 5 NVQs) | 100 |
| Chemistry | 20 MCQs + 10 NVQs (attempt any 5 NVQs) | 100 |
| Total | 90 questions (75 to be attempted) | 300 |
JEE Main 2026 – Paper 2A (B.Arch)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 questions (20 MCQs + 5 NVQs) | 100 |
| Aptitude (General) | 50 MCQs | 200 |
| Drawing | 2 questions (pen and paper-based) | 100 |
| Total | 77 questions | 400 |
JEE Main 2026 – Paper 2B (B.Planning)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 questions | 100 |
| Aptitude (General) | 50 MCQs | 200 |
| Planning-based Questions | 25 MCQs | 100 |
| Total | 100 questions | 400 |
JEE Main 2026 – Paper 2B (B.Planning)
| Response Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +4 marks |
| Wrong Answer (MCQ/NVQ) | −1 mark |
| Unanswered | 0 marks |
JEE MAIN 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the structure of the JEE Main 2026 exam is important for students preparing for it. The exam consists of three papers: Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech courses, Paper 2A for B.Arch courses, and Paper 2B for B.Planning courses. Knowing the exam pattern helps students prepare better by giving them insights into the question distribution, marking scheme, and duration of the exam.
- Paper 1 includes sections on Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- Paper 2A combines Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing Tests.
- Paper 2B includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning-based questions.
Candidates can choose to take the test in one or both available sessions. All papers are conducted as computer-based tests, except for the Drawing section of Paper 2A, which is a pen-and-paper test. Each paper lasts for 3 hours.
JEE MAIN 2026 Preparation Tips
Preparing for JEE Main 2026 requires a smart and strategic approach. Begin by clearly understanding the exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus. Create a realistic study timetable that gives balanced time to all three core subjects Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Focus on building strong concepts rather than rote learning. Regularly solve previous year question papers and take mock tests to improve your speed, accuracy, and time management.
Don’t just keep learning new topics make sure to set aside time for revision. A good balance between practice and review is key. Lastly, take regular breaks, eat well, and manage stress to stay focused and healthy throughout your preparation journey.
number of sessions they apply for.
Conclusion
Success in JEE Main 2026 doesn’t just depend on hard work—it comes from smart planning, consistent practice, and staying updated with the latest exam trends. By understanding the syllabus, following a structured study plan, and regularly solving mock tests and previous year papers, you can significantly boost your chances of scoring well.
Stay focused, revise regularly, and take care of your mental and physical well-being. With the right mindset and preparation strategy, cracking JEE Main 2026 is absolutely achievable. All the best!
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