JEE Main 2026 Session-1 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 is a major test for students wanting to study Engineering, Architecture, or Planning at major Universities across the country. The National Testing Agency (NTA) runs the JEE Main; it is the path to enrol in some of India's best Institutes – NITs, IIITs, CFTI, State and Private Universities – and also serves as the qualifying Exam for admission to JEE Advanced, where students may gain entrance to IITs. More than 10 Lakh students take the JEE Main each year, making the competition cutthroat, with even "one" mark making a massive difference to many students' Rankings.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026

Paper 1 is designed for candidates looking for admission into the Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology courses. The paper is divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Effective with the 2025/2026 NTA Testing Cycle, the NTA removes pandemic-related "optionality" surrounding Section B by eliminating the ability of candidates to select 5 out of 10 Section B questions in addition to Section A. In other words, Section B now has 5 Section B questions and all 5 questions are required to be answered, thus making all questions from Section B mandatory in their respective papers.

JEE Main 2026 Marking Scheme (Revised)

An important point of concern for students is the marking scheme. In 2026, negative marking applies to both Section A and Section B. This is a departure from older formats where numerical questions did not carry a penalty for incorrect answers.

Note Critical Rule for Section B: In responding to Numerical Value Questions, the answers must be entered through an on-screen virtual keypad. The candidates are also required to round off their answers to the nearest integer. Failure to round off the answer appropriately may result in loss of marks even if the answer is a correct calculation.

JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) Patterns

For candidates pursuing Architecture or Planning, the JEE Main exam pattern differs significantly to test visualisation, aptitude, and planning skills.

JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) Exam Pattern

The JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) 

JEE Main Paper 2B (B.Planning) Exam Pattern

Why JEE Main 2026 Session-1 Is Important

JEE Main 2026 is going to be conducted in two sessions, with the first one from Jan 21-24, 28- 29, 2026, and the second from April 01-10, 2026. The first session of January 2026 is significant because it provides the students with their first and most important opportunity to get a high percentile early on in the admissions cycle. By strategy and psychology, students who perform well in the January Session can relax or perfect their preparation for the April session.

The January session is a full-scoring event as well as an experiment because students' best scores from both sessions are used for ranking. Candidates should create their own exam strategy if they understand the format and marking scheme of the JEE Main 2026 Session-1 Exam.

JEE Main 2026 Session-1 

JEE Main Session 1 2026 Exam is going to be held by the NTA between January 21 and January 29, 2026. This test is a computer-based test (CBT), except for the drawing portion, only for the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) examination.

Quick Facts: Session 1 Schedule

Subject-Wise Syllabus and Weightage Insights

Topics from the NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabus collaborates fo form the JEE Main Syllabus 2026. However, some chapters carry higher weightage based on the trends from 2021–2025.

Mathematics (The Tie-Breaker Subject)

Mathematics is the first parameter used in the tie-breaking policy.

• High Weightage Topics: 
  • 3D Geometry (7-8%)
  • Matrices & Determinants (5-6%) 
  • Integration (5%)
  • Sequences & Series (5%)
• Strategy: Candidates should focus on coordinate geometry and calculus, as they form the backbone of the paper.

Physics (Application-Oriented)

• High Weightage Topics: 
  • Current Electricity (7%)
  • Modern Physics (6-7%) 
  • Electrostatics (4-5%)
  • Rotational Motion (4%)
• Strategy: Ensure you are comfortable with the Experimental Skills section (Section B of Physics syllabus), as it is a frequent source of numerical questions.

Chemistry (The Scoring Section)

• High Weightage Topics: 
  • Coordination Compounds (5-6%)
  • Equilibrium (4-5%)
  • Organic Chemistry (GOC, Aldehydes & Ketones) (10%+ combined).
• Strategy: Chemistry is usually considered the most time-efficient section. Mastery over NCERT inorganic trends can save you 15-20 minutes for tougher Physics or Math calculations.

Pro-Preparation Tips for Session 1 Success

With the mandatory nature of Section B and universal negative marking, your strategy must pivot from "speed" to "precision".

1. Master the Integer Rounding Rule

The NTA is strict about rounding to the nearest integer. If your answer is 4.5, check the specific rounding instruction; usually, it becomes 5. Practice these calculation-heavy numericals until you can produce error-free final values.

2. The 85-Question Rule

In the old pattern, students had 90 questions to choose from. Now, you have exactly 75. Every question counts. Do not leave entire chapters unstudied, as you no longer have the luxury of "skipping" a topic in Section B.

3. Use the First Hour for "Low-Hanging Fruit"

Start with chemistry (MCQs) and Aptitude-based questions. Securing 40-50 marks in the first 45 minutes builds the psychological momentum needed for the rigorous calculations in mathematics.

4. Simulate the CBT Environment

NTA’s interface includes specific features like "Mark for  Practise with the official NTA mock tests to ensure you don't fumble with the mouse or the virtual keypad during the high-pressure environment of the actual centre.

Tie-Breaking Hierarchy for 2026

If two candidates secure the same total NTA score, the rank is decided by:

1. Higher NTA Score in Mathematics
2. Higher NTA Score in Physics
3. Higher NTA Score in Chemistry
4. Lower ratio of incorrect to correct answers (Highest Accuracy)

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is about accuracy as well as knowledge. You need to prepare thoroughly because there will be 300 marks available for this exam. There are no optional questions; thus, your preparation must be complete. If you build your study schedule to closely follow the above outline of the question format and marking scheme, you will be able to have confidence to prepare yourself for the January exam. Additionally, you should ensure that you continue to read and study all official notifications issued by the NTA and maintain your NCERT base.