JEE Main Exam Pattern and Important dates have been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). JEE Main i.e. Joint Entrance Examination – Main is a significant milestone for many aspiring engineers across the country. With the JEE Main 2026 exam dates for January 2026 and April 2026 sessions announced, it’s time to gear up and get a clear picture of what lies ahead, including the JEE Main exam syllabus and pattern.
The JEE Main exam pattern is a pivotal element that shapes how students prepare. Recognizing this pattern goes beyond mere structure—it’s about crafting a study plan with precision for 99 plus percentile. The release of the JEE Main 2026 examination dates starts the countdown and calls for a meticulously planned preparation strategy.
You can get complete information on the official website of JEE Main as well as here on the page which is consistently updated with all the essential information, including the JEE Main examination date, JEE Main official syllabus, and exam pattern.
Official Announcement of JEE Main 2026 Dates
The NTA has declared the JEE Main 2026 exam dates, a momentous occasion for JEE hopefuls. Noting these dates and weaving them into your study schedule is crucial.
Key Dates to Remember
JEE Main January 2026 Session
This session kicks off your quest for engineering excellence. The exams are scheduled to be held from 21st January to 30th January 2026. Results for JEE Main January 2026 session are scheduled to be declared by 12th February 2026.
JEE Main April 2026 Session
Offering a second chance, the April session is set between 02nd April and 09th April 2026 (tentatively), allowing time for reassessment and renewed preparation. Results for the JEE Main April 2026 session are scheduled to be declared by 20th April 2026.
Important dates for JEE Main 2026 January exam session
To partake in the January 2026 attempt of JEE Mains, adhere to the following schedule to ensure successful exam participation.
- Submission of Online Application: 31st October 2025 to 27th November 2025 (till 9.00 PM)
- Payment of Application Fee: Up to 27th November 2025 (till 11:50 PM)
- Announcement of City of Examination: 1st week of January 2026
- Downloading of Admit Card: 3–4 days before the exam
- Date of Examination: 21st January to 30th January 2026
- Display of Question Paper and Answer Keys: To be announced on NTA website
- Declaration of Result: By 12th February 2026
Important dates for JEE Main 2026 April exam session
For the April 2026 attempt of JEE Main, you must adhere to the following schedule:
- Submission of Online Application: Last week of January 2026 onwards
- Payment of Application Fee: To be notified later
- Announcement of City of Examination: 2nd week of March 2026
- Downloading of Admit Card: 3–4 days before the exam
- Date of Examination: 2nd April to 9th April 2026
- Display of Question Paper and Answer Keys: To be announced on NTA website
- Declaration of Result: By 20th April 2026
Understanding the JEE Main 2026 Examination Pattern
As you circle the JEE Main 2026 exam dates on your calendar, it’s crucial to delve into the JEE Main exam pattern. This pattern is the framework around which you’ll build your preparation strategy.
Changes in the JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
Regarding the pattern of JEE Main 2026 examination, there are no changes, and the structure remains exactly the same as the revised JEE Main 2025 pattern.
The major changes implemented in 2025 continue in 2026:
- The total number of questions for each subject is 25 instead of 30.
- The total number of questions in JEE Main 2026 remains 75 instead of 90.
- In Section B, you would not have any choice. You will be given 5 questions and are expected to attempt all 5 questions.
- The number of questions in Section A remains 20.
- There is no change in the pattern for Section A.
The Structure of the Exam
B.E/B.Tech Pattern
The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions and numerical questions, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
B.Arch/B.Planning Pattern
Apart from the subjects mentioned above, these exams will include a drawing test or planning-related questions to assess your aptitude in the respective fields.
JEE Main Paper 1 Exam pattern for B.E. / B.Tech.
The Paper 1 consists of three parts—Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. All three subjects have equal weightage in the paper and comprise objective type questions.
In Paper 1, you have the following marking pattern:
- 20 objective type questions with four answer options out of which you need to mark only one answer option as correct.
- 5 numerical value type questions.
JEE Main Paper 2 Exam pattern for for B. Arch.
Paper–2 is meant only for B. Architecture and B. Planning courses consisting of Mathematics, Aptitude and Drawing tests respectively. The Aptitude Test is designed to evaluate your perception, imagination, observation, creativity and architectural awareness.
In Paper–2A (B.Arch.), you have the following marking pattern:
- Part 1: Mathematics – 20 objective type questions in Section A and 5 numerical value type questions in Section B.
- Part 2: Aptitude Test – 50 objective type questions.
- Part 3: Drawing Test – Pen-Paper based exam with 2 questions of 50 marks each.
Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme is as important as knowing the syllabus. Each correct answer will fetch you marks, while an incorrect one may lead to a deduction due to negative marking. It’s a balancing act between accuracy and speed.
- Correct Answers: For every correct response in both objective type and numerical value questions, you will be awarded 4 marks.
- Incorrect Answers: Any incorrect answer will result in a deduction of 1 mark.
- Unattempted Questions: No marks will be awarded or deducted.
Sectional Division
The paper will be divided into sections, with each section requiring a different approach.
Section A will be multiple-choice questions, while Section B will contain numerical questions where you have to enter the correct answer without any options provided.
Choice of Medium of Question Papers
When it comes to taking the JEE Main 2026, students have the flexibility to choose the medium of their question papers. This choice is pivotal as it allows students to select the language in which they can perform their best. Hence, NTA has decided to conduct the JEE Main exam in 13 languages including English, Hindi and 12 regional languages.
Language Options
The JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in multiple languages, reflecting India’s linguistic diversity. Students can opt for the medium that they are most comfortable with, ensuring that language is not a barrier to understanding and answering the questions accurately.
If you opt for an examination center in any of the cities in Gujarat, Daman & Diu or Dadra and Nagar Haveli, you can choose any of the English, Hindi or Gujarati as the medium of Question Paper. Similarly, the complete list of eligible languages and exam centers is listed in the table below:
| Medium of Paper (language) | Examination Centres |
| English | All exam centres |
| English and Hindi | All exam centres in India |
| English and Assamese | All exam centers in Assam |
| English and Bengali | Examination Centres in West Bengal, Tripura, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| English and Gujarati | Examination Centres in Gujarat, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
| English and Kannada | Examination Centres in Karnataka |
| English and Malayalam | Examination Centres in Kerala and Lakshadweep |
| English and Marathi | Examination Centres in Maharashtra |
| English and Odia | Examination Centres in Odisha |
| English and Punjabi | Based on present and permanent address in Punjab, Chandigarh, and Delhi/New Delhi (including Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Meerut, Noida/Greater Noida) |
| English and Tamil | Examination Centres in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| English and Telugu | Examination Centres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana |
| English and Urdu | All Examination Centers in India |
You need to be careful in choosing the option of the medium of question paper at the time of filling up the application form. Once you have exercised the option of a medium of question paper, you cannot change it later.
Preparing for JEE Main 2026: Tips and Resources
With the JEE main 2026 examination date set, your preparation must be both strategic and systematic. Here are some tips and resources to help you prepare effectively.
Study Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: The JEE Mains syllabus and JEE advanced syllabus are your starting points. Know what topics are covered and prioritize them based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Practice Regularly: Use mock tests and previous years’ papers to practice. The official website of JEE mains often provides these resources.
- Time Management: Learn to manage your time efficiently during the exam. Practice completing sections within the allotted time.
Resources
- Mock Tests: These simulate the actual exam environment and are crucial for your time management skills.
- Sample Papers: Solving these will give you a clear idea of the JEE mains paper pattern and the type of questions to expect.
- Study Material: Choose the right study material that covers the JEE exam syllabus comprehensively.
Updates and Notifications
To stay ahead in your preparation, keep an eye on the latest updates and notifications regarding the JEE Main 2026.
Where to Look
- Official Notifications: The official website of JEE mains will have all the official announcements and updates.
- Result Announcements: After the exams, the JEE Mains 2026 result date will be eagerly awaited. This date is usually announced shortly after the exams conclude.
Resources for JEE Main 2026 Aspirants
To conquer the JEE Main 2026, you’ll need more than just hard work and determination. You’ll need the right arsenal of resources and study materials that cater to the JEE Main exam pattern and cover the JEE mains syllabus in depth.
Study Materials and Mock Tests
- Previous Year Question Papers: These are invaluable for understanding the JEE Mains paper pattern and the types of questions that frequently appear.
- Official Mock Tests: Available on the official website of JEE mains, these tests help you get accustomed to the format and timing of the actual exam.
- Recommended Books: Select books that comprehensively cover the JEE exam syllabus and offer clear explanations, practice questions, and solutions.
Preparation Tips
- Focus on Concepts: A strong grasp of fundamental concepts is crucial. This will not only help you tackle the JEE main total marks but also prepare you for potential changes in the JEE exam format.
- Regular Revision: Make it a habit to regularly review topics you have studied. This helps in long term retention of information and reduces pre-exam stress.
- Peer Study Groups: Discussing problems and solutions with peers can provide new insights and make learning more interactive.
Staying Informed: JEE Main 2026 Notifications
In the world of competitive exams, information is power. Staying updated with the latest notifications about the JEE Main 2026 exam dates and other important updates can give you an edge in your preparation.
Official Announcements
- NTA Notices: The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases all official notices regarding the JEE main examination date, registration deadlines, and more.
- Admit Card Releases: Keep track of when the admit cards are released to ensure you have all necessary documents ready for the exam day.
Admission into NITs Through JEE Main Score
- Counselling Process: After the JEE Mains 2026 result date, the counselling process would begin. It’s essential to understand how your JEE Main score can affect your chances of admission into NITs and other prestigious institutes.
Conclusion
As you prepare for the JEE Main 2026, remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Equip yourself with the right resources, stay informed about the JEE main important dates, and maintain a steady pace in your studies. With a clear understanding of the JEE Main exam pattern and a strategic approach to the JEE mains syllabus, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Keep visiting the official website of JEE mains for the most accurate and up-to-date information, and use the resources available to you to their fullest potential. Your journey to cracking the JEE Main 2026 begins now—embrace it with confidence and commitment.