The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main 2026) is a nationwide computer-based engineering entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It serves as the gateway to India’s top engineering colleges, including NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and other participating state-recognized institutions and universities.
JEE Main also acts as the eligibility test for JEE Advanced, which is the qualifying exam for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Every year, over 10 lakh students appear for JEE Main. Out of these, only about 2.5 lakh candidates qualify for JEE Advanced—making it one of the most competitive and career-defining exams in India.
The exam is generally conducted twice a year – in January (Session 1) and April (Session 2). This dual attempt system provides students with two opportunities to improve their scores.
JEE Main 2026 – Key Highlights
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main 2026) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Level of Exam | National-Level Undergraduate Entrance Test |
| Frequency | Twice a year (January & April Sessions) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Courses Offered | B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Planning |
| Duration | 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates) |
| Exam Languages | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu |
| Colleges Accepting Scores | NITs, IIITs, CFTIs & State-funded/recognized Institutions |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.ac.in |
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the JEE Main 2026 Notification for admission into premier engineering and architecture institutes across India. The Joint Entrance Examination – Main (JEE Main 2026) is the gateway to undergraduate programs like BTech, BArch, and BPlan at NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and other top engineering colleges recognized by participating State Governments. Before applying, candidates must carefully check the eligibility conditions:
Age Limit
- There is no age restriction for JEE Main 2026.
- Candidates who have passed Class 12th/equivalent in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 are eligible.
- However, applicants must meet the age criteria of the institutes where admission is sought.
Educational Qualification
- Only candidates who passed Class 12th (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 are eligible.
- Candidates who passed in 2023 or earlier are not eligible.
State Code of Eligibility
- Determined by the state where the candidate passed Class 12th, not by residence or native place.
- Example: If a student studies Class 12th in Delhi but resides in Noida (UP), their eligibility code is Delhi, not UP.
How to Apply for JEE Main 2026?
Interested and eligible students can follow the steps below:
- Visit the official website jeemain.nta.ac.in.
- Register yourself by clicking on the JEE Main 2026 Online Application Form link.
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload required documents (photograph, signature, certificates).
- Pay the application fee as per your category.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
- Keep a printed copy of the application for future reference.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Here Assam Career has add all the related information to JEE Mains like Exam date, Exam pattern and syllabus for upcoming JEE 2026 examination. Aspirants can have a look into the exam dates and schedule their preparation to secure a good rank for Admission into their favorite Institution.
JEE Main 2026 – Syllabus Overview
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) – NCERT Class 11 & 12
- Physics: Laws of Motion, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Optics, Modern Physics, etc.
- Chemistry: Physical, Inorganic & Organic Chemistry (Metallurgy, Biomolecules, Polymers, Environmental Chemistry).
- Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, Vector Algebra, 3D Geometry.
Paper 2A (B.Arch.)
- Mathematics – Same as Paper 1
- Aptitude Test – 3D Perception, General Awareness, Analytical Skills
- Drawing Test – Sketching of buildings, landscapes, and daily-life scenes
Paper 2B (B.Planning)
- Mathematics – Same as Paper 1
- Aptitude Test – Spatial ability, reasoning
- Planning Test – General Awareness, Social Sciences, Thinking Skills
JEE Main 2026 – Exam Structure
JEE Main consists of two papers depending on the program chosen:
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) – Admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs + eligibility for JEE Advanced (IITs).
- Paper 2A (B.Arch.) – For B.Arch programs.
- Paper 2B (B.Planning) – For B.Planning courses.
Duration of Papers
| Paper | For Non-PwD | For PwD |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-1 (B.E./B.Tech.) | 3 hours | 4 hours |
| Paper-2A (B.Arch.) | 3 hours | 4 hours |
| Paper-2B (B.Planning) | 3 hours | 4 hours |
| Paper-2A & 2B Combined | 3 hours 30 min | 4 hours 10 min |
JEE Main 2026 – Marks Distribution
| Paper | Subjects | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | 300 |
| Paper 2A (B.Arch.) | Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing | 400 |
| Paper 2B (B.Planning) | Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning | 400 |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
| Paper | Subject | Sections | Questions | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Section A (MCQs) – 20 each Section B (Numerical) – 5 each | 75 total | +4 | -1 (MCQs only) |
| Paper 2A (B.Arch.) | Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 5 Numerical | – | +4 | -1 (MCQs only) |
| Aptitude Test | 50 | – | +4 | – | |
| Drawing Test | 2 | – | Subjective | – | |
| Paper 2B (B.Planning) | Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 10 Numerical | – | +4 | -1 (MCQs only) |
| Aptitude Test | 50 | – | +4 | – | |
| Planning Test | 25 | – | +4 | – |
JEE Main 2026 – Important Dates (Tentative)
| Events | Session 1 (January 2026) | Session 2 (April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Form | October 2025 | February 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | November 2025 | February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 3 days before exam | 3 days before exam |
| Exam Dates | January 2026 | April 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| Final Answer Key | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| Counselling | July/August 2026 | July/August 2026 |
Why JEE Main 2026 is Important?
- Gateway to IITs & NITs: First step for aspirants targeting IITs through JEE Advanced.
- Wide Acceptance: Accepted by NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and many reputed State/Private Universities.
- Twice-a-Year Attempt: Students get two chances in one academic year to improve scores.
- National-Level Exposure: Opportunity to compete with the best minds in India.
FAQs – JEE Main 2026
Q1. Who conducts JEE Main 2026?
👉 The National Testing Agency (NTA).
Q2. How many times can I attempt JEE Main?
👉 JEE Main is conducted twice a year, and candidates can attempt both sessions.
Q3. What is the age limit for JEE Main 2026?
👉 There is no age limit.
Q4. Is JEE Main mandatory for IIT admission?
👉 Yes, qualifying JEE Main is compulsory for appearing in JEE Advanced for IITs.
Q5. What is the mode of exam?
👉 Entirely Computer-Based Test (CBT), except Drawing section in BArch.
