JEE Main & JEE Advanced 2026: Complete Preparation Guide

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is India's most competitive engineering entrance exam, conducted in two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced, for admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and the prestigious IITs.

JEE Main 2026 is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in two sessions as a computer-based test, while JEE Advanced 2026 is conducted by IIT Roorkee as a separate online exam for candidates who qualify through JEE Main.

The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern remains the same as the structure introduced in 2025, with 75 questions in the B.E./B.Tech paper and compulsory numerical questions in Section B for every subject.

JEE Advanced 2026 continues with two compulsory papers of three hours each, featuring a mix of single-correct, multiple-correct, numerical value, and matrix/matching-type questions designed to test deep conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Structure

JEE Main 2026 consists of three separate papers—Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch, and Paper 2B for B.Plan—each with its own pattern, marking scheme, and purpose.

Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech (Engineering)

Paper 1 is the gateway to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs and also serves as the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced.

• Mode: Computer-based test (online) only
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (three sections)
• Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for eligible PwD candidates)
• Total questions: 75 (25 per subject)
• Total marks: 300 (100 marks per subject)
• Question types per subject:
  • Section A: 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
  • Section B: 5 numerical value questions (NVQs), all compulsory (no internal choice)
• Marking scheme:
  • +4 for every correct answer (MCQ and numerical)
  • -1 for every incorrect answer (negative marking applies to both MCQ and numerical)
  • 0 for unattempted questions
• Languages: 13 languages including English, Hindi, and various regional languages such as Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and others

The key change retained for 2026 is that all 5 numerical questions per subject in Section B are mandatory, and numerical questions now carry negative marking, which makes careful selection and accuracy extremely important.

Paper 2A: B.Arch (Architecture)

JEE Main Paper 2A is for students aspiring to B.Arch programs at NITs, SPAs, and other architecture colleges accepting JEE Main scores.

• Mode: Mathematics and Aptitude in CBT mode; Drawing test in offline (pen-and-paper) mode
• Sections: Mathematics (Part I), Aptitude Test (Part II), Drawing Test (Part III)
• Total duration: 3 hours
• Total questions: 77 (25 in Mathematics, 50 in Aptitude, 2 in Drawing)
• Total marks: 400
• Mathematics: 20 MCQs + 5 numerical questions, all compulsory
• Aptitude: 50 MCQs testing spatial ability, visualization, and logical reasoning
• Drawing: 2 questions assessing sketching, perspective, and design sense
• Marking scheme: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect for objective sections; no negative marking in the drawing component

Paper 2B: B.Plan (Planning)

Paper 2B is for admission into B.Planning courses and is fully computer-based.

• Mode: Computer-based test (online)
• Sections: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning-based Questions
• Total duration: 3 hours
• Total questions: 100 (25 in Mathematics, 50 in Aptitude, 25 Planning-based)
• Total marks: 400
• Mathematics: 20 MCQs + 5 numerical questions, all compulsory
• Marking scheme: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted

JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Structure

JEE Advanced 2026 is conducted by IIT Roorkee as a fully computer-based test and is open only to candidates who rank within the top qualifiers in JEE Main 2026 (category-wise cut-offs apply).

The exam consists of two mandatory papers—Paper 1 and Paper 2—each of three hours, and performance in both papers together determines your final score and rank.

Core Features of JEE Advanced 2026

• Mode: Computer-based test (online) only
• Conducting body: IIT Roorkee for the 2026 cycle
• Papers: 2 (Paper 1 and Paper 2), both compulsory for all candidates
• Duration: 3 hours per paper (total 6 hours of testing in a single day)
• Subjects in each paper: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Approximate number of questions: around 51 questions per paper, with 17 per subject (exact pattern and marks distribution may vary slightly year to year)
• Official information is available on the JEE Advanced official portal

Question Types and Marking in JEE Advanced

JEE Advanced is known for its variable and multi-layered pattern; while the total marks and internal section structure can change, the broad typology of questions remains consistent.

• Single correct option MCQs (only one right answer among options)
• Multiple correct option MCQs (one or more correct answers)
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions where you enter a value instead of choosing options
• Integer-answer questions and matrix/matching-type sets
• Marking schemes that include full, partial, zero, and negative marks depending on question type and whether all correct options are chosen

Preparation Strategy for JEE Main & Advanced 2026

A strong JEE preparation plan must handle both broad NCERT coverage for JEE Main and deeper, more intensive problem-solving for JEE Advanced within the same study schedule.

1. Build a rock-solid theory base

• Complete NCERT for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics thoroughly, including examples and back exercises, because JEE Main directly reflects NCERT-level concepts and language
• For JEE Advanced, go beyond definitions to understand "why" formulas work, derivations, limiting cases, and common traps in each topic

2. Practice with the latest pattern

• For JEE Main, solve recent-year question papers (especially 2024–2026) and official mock tests to internalize the 20 MCQ + 5 numerical format per subject
• For JEE Advanced, regularly attempt mixed sets that include single-correct, multiple-correct, and numerical questions to get comfortable with changing marking schemes and difficulty levels

3. Time management and exam temperament

• Simulate 3-hour full JEE Main mocks and 6-hour double-paper JEE Advanced mocks to build stamina, speed, and decision-making under pressure
• Learn to quickly skip overly time-consuming questions and come back later; this is crucial now that all numerical questions carry negative marking in JEE Main

4. Differentiate your approach for Main and Advanced

• For JEE Main, focus on accuracy in standard patterns, formula recall, NCERT-aligned theory, and fast numerical calculations without calculators
• For JEE Advanced, practice non-routine, multi-step problems, focus on multiple-correct and integer questions, and build the habit of rigorous, stepwise reasoning

5. Chapter-wise mastery before full syllabus tests

• Break each subject into manageable chapters and achieve 90%+ accuracy in chapter tests before moving to mixed-topic practice
• Identify your weak chapters early and dedicate extra time to them rather than repeatedly practicing what you already know

Subject-Wise Tips

Physics

• Focus on concept clarity, especially mechanics, electromagnetism, and modern physics
• Practice numerical problems extensively and work on improving calculation speed
• For JEE Advanced, develop the ability to visualize complex scenarios and apply multiple concepts simultaneously

Chemistry

• Physical Chemistry requires strong mathematical skills—treat it like Physics with formulas and problem-solving
• Organic Chemistry needs systematic study of reactions, mechanisms, and named reactions
• Inorganic Chemistry demands consistent revision and memorization of trends, properties, and exceptions

Mathematics

• Master NCERT first, then move to higher-level problem-solving
• Focus on calculus, algebra, and coordinate geometry as they carry maximum weightage
• Practice diverse problem types to develop flexibility in approach and solution methods

Important Milestones and Timeline

Understanding the JEE calendar helps you pace your preparation and avoid last-minute stress.

• JEE Main Session 1: Typically held in January (registration opens in November-December)
• JEE Main Session 2: Usually conducted in April (registration opens in February-March)
• JEE Advanced: Generally held in May, approximately 4-6 weeks after JEE Main Session 2 results
• Check the official NTA website and JEE Advanced portal regularly for exact dates and updates

Need personalized guidance? Get a free demo class and a detailed assessment of your current preparation level for JEE Main and JEE Advanced 2026. Our experienced faculty will help you design a focused study plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Contact us to start your journey towards your dream IIT or NIT.