The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 is a national-level engineering entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It serves as the gateway to top engineering colleges across India, including 31 NITs, 25 IIITs, and 28 GFTIs. It also acts as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced 2026, which is required for admission into the prestigious IITs.
This detailed guide, prepared by Career Point, Kota’s leading coaching and academic institution, provides in-depth information on every aspect of JEE Main 2026: eligibility, application, syllabus, preparation, cutoffs, and more.
What is JEE Main 2026?
JEE Main 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for students seeking admission to undergraduate programs in Engineering, Architecture, and Planning across top institutions in India. This exam is a crucial first step for aspiring engineers and architects who wish to pursue professional degrees from prestigious institutions such as National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs).
JEE Main comprises two main papers:
- Paper 1: For admission to B.E./B.Tech programs offered by NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and is also the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
- Paper 2: Divided into two sub-parts:
- Paper 2A: For students aspiring to pursue Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
- Paper 2B: For those seeking admission in Bachelor of Planning (B.Planning)
- Paper 2A: For students aspiring to pursue Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and is held in two sessions (usually in January and April) to offer flexibility and multiple opportunities for students to improve their scores.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for JEE Main 2026, candidates must fulfill several eligibility requirements as outlined by the National Testing Agency (NTA). These criteria include academic qualifications, subject combinations, marks requirements, number of attempts, and other conditions. Below is a detailed explanation:
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed, or be appearing in, the Class 12 examination or any equivalent qualifying examination from a recognized board or institution. Recognized boards include CBSE, ICSE, NIOS, state boards, and other boards recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The qualification must include a minimum of five subjects.
Year of Passing
Students are eligible for JEE Main 2026 if they have passed Class 12 in 2024, passed in 2025, or are appearing in Class 12 in 2026. Those who passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination before 2024 are not eligible to apply.
Subject Requirements
The subject combination required in the qualifying examination varies depending on the course applied for:
- For B.E./B.Tech: Candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one additional subject from Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject.
- For B.Arch (Paper 2A): Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12. Mathematics must be a compulsory subject.
- For B.Planning (Paper 2B): Candidates must have studied Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
It is important that students ensure the right subject combination for the specific course they intend to apply for.
Minimum Marks in Qualifying Examination
For admission into NITs, IIITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), candidates must have secured a minimum of 75% marks in their Class 12 board examinations. Alternatively, they should be in the top 20 percentile of successful candidates in their respective boards.
For candidates belonging to SC, ST, or PwD categories, the minimum required marks is 65% in the qualifying examination.
Please note that this minimum mark requirement is applicable only during the admission and counseling process. It is not mandatory for appearing in the JEE Main examination itself.
Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026. Candidates of any age can apply, provided they meet the academic eligibility and year of passing requirements mentioned above.
However, candidates should check age criteria separately for individual institutions, if any, as some may have specific age-related conditions for admission.
Number of Attempts
A candidate is allowed to appear for the JEE Main examination for up to three consecutive years following their Class 12 board examination. Since the exam is conducted twice a year (January and April sessions), this means a student can attempt JEE Main a maximum of six times (two attempts each year for three years).
For instance, a student who passed Class 12 in 2024 is eligible to appear in JEE Main 2024, 2025, and 2026.
JEE Main 2026 Application Form
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the JEE Main 2026 application form online. Eligible candidates must complete the application through the following steps:
Registration
Create an account using your name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, and ID proof. An application number will be generated for future use.
Fill Application Form
Enter personal and academic details, choose your course (B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Planning), select exam cities, and choose your exam session and language.
Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport-size photo
- Signature
- Address proof
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
Follow NTA guidelines for file size and format.
Pay Application Fee
Make the payment online via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. Fee amount depends on category and paper selection.
Download Confirmation Page
After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Tip: Fill the form early to avoid last-minute issues. All corrections (if needed) must be made during the official correction window.
JEE Main 2026 Correction Window
After the conclusion of the application process, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will open a correction window for a limited period. During this time, candidates can log in to the official website using their application number and password to edit specific details in their submitted form.
Editable fields may include personal information, academic records, and exam city preferences. This facility is provided only once, and no further corrections will be permitted after the deadline. Candidates are strongly advised to carefully review their application and make necessary changes within the given time frame.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates
The official JEE Main 2026 exam schedule will be published by NTA. The exam will be conducted in two sessions January 2026 and April 2026 to give candidates a chance to improve their scores.
Important events such as registration dates, admit card release, exam dates, and result announcements will be updated on the official website. Candidates are encouraged to check regularly for updates.
Tentative Schedule for JEE Main 2026
- Registration Start: November 2025
- Last Date to Apply: December 2025
- Admit Card Release: 3 days before the exam
- Exam Dates: January 2026 (Session 1), April 2026 (Session 2)
- Result Declaration: Within 1 week of the exam
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
The JEE Main 2026 exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) designed to evaluate candidates’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for strategic preparation.
Important details about JEE Main Exam Pattern:
- Exam Mode: Online (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Question Types:
- Section A: 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Section B: 10 Numerical Value Questions, of which only 5 need to be answered
- Section A: 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme:
- +4 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for incorrect answers (only in MCQs)
- No negative marking for numerical questions
- Medium: English, Hindi, and regional languages (as per NTA guidelines)
This format applies to Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech). Patterns for B.Arch and B.Planning differ slightly and will be outlined separately.
JEE Main 2026 Syllabus
The JEE Main 2026 syllabus includes fundamental topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics based on the NCERT curriculum of Classes 11 and 12. The official syllabus will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in November 2025. Meanwhile, students are advised to refer to the previous year’s syllabus for effective preparation.
Below is a list of high-weightage topics from the JEE Main 2025 syllabus to guide your early studies:
High-Weightage Topics – Subject-wise Breakdown
| Subject | Topics |
| JEE Main Physics Syllabus | – Laws of Motion: Force and Inertia, Newton’s Laws of Motion- Gravitation: Universal Law, Acceleration due to Gravity- Properties of Solids and Liquids: Elastic behavior, Hooke’s Law, Young’s Modulus |
| JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus | – States of Matter: Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous States- Atomic Structure: Atomic Models, Electromagnetic Radiation, Photoelectric Effect- Equilibrium: Chemical Processes, Ionic and Physical Equilibrium |
| JEE Main Mathematics Syllabus | – Sets, Relations, and Functions: Union, Intersection, Power Set, Functions- Matrices and Determinants: Types, Properties, Evaluation- Mathematical Induction: Principle and Applications |
JEE Main 2026 Mock Test
JEE Main 2026 mock tests will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, simulating the real exam environment provided by NTA. Candidates will take the mock test on a computer terminal, using login credentials based on their roll number and admit card.
After logging in, instructions will be displayed before the mock test begins. The test interface allows students to navigate between questions, mark them for review, and change their answers within the allotted time. These mock tests are designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam format and improve time management skills.
JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips
To perform well in JEE Main 2026, candidates are advised to follow the preparation strategies outlined below:
1. Understand the Syllabus: Start by reviewing the JEE Main syllabus thoroughly. Focus on the core topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as per the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum.
2. Create a Study Schedule: Develop a structured timetable with daily and weekly goals. Allocate time blocks for each subject and ensure consistent revision.
3. Use the Right Books: Study from recommended books such as NCERT, H.C. Verma (Physics), O.P. Tandon (Chemistry), and R.D. Sharma (Mathematics). Choose materials that offer conceptual clarity and ample practice questions.
4. Practice Regularly: Solve a variety of questions daily, including previous years’ papers and sample sets. Regular practice builds accuracy and speed.
5. Take Mock Tests: Incorporate mock tests into your routine. Simulate exam conditions, track performance, and refine your exam strategy based on results.
6. Focus on Concepts: Understand the logic behind each concept rather than relying on memorization. Use diagrams and examples to reinforce learning.
7. Revise Frequently: Schedule regular revisions using notes, flashcards, and mind maps to retain information and strengthen weak areas.
8. Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and exercise regularly. A healthy body contributes to better focus and mental clarity.
9. Join Study Groups: Engage in group discussions, online coaching forums, or peer study circles to exchange ideas and stay motivated.
10. Stay Positive and Motivated: Keep a positive mindset. Set realistic goals, reward progress, and seek support from family and mentors to stay encouraged.
JEE Main Question Paper
Solving previous year JEE Main question papers is highly recommended. It helps students understand the exam pattern, topic weightage, and difficulty level. It also enhances time management skills and boosts confidence.
NTA will upload the official JEE Main 2026 question papers after the exam on its official website.
JEE Main Answer Key
The official JEE Main answer key will be released online after each session of the exam. Candidates can use it to match their responses and estimate their scores. Reviewing the answer key also helps in understanding question trends and identifying areas needing improvement.
JEE Main Percentile vs Marks
JEE Main uses the percentile system to normalize scores across multiple sessions. Percentile reflects the relative performance of a candidate. While higher marks usually result in a higher percentile, exact figures vary yearly.
Candidates should focus on maximizing their marks, as the percentile determines the All India Rank (AIR) and eligibility for counselling and JEE Advanced.
JEE Main 2025 Cutoff Marks
There are two types of cutoffs:
- Qualifying Cutoff: Minimum score needed to be eligible for JEE Advanced.
- Admission Cutoff: Minimum score required for admission into NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs via JoSAA counselling.
Cutoffs vary by category and institution. For example, general category candidates usually require a percentile above 90, while reserved categories have lower thresholds.
Expected Cutoff for NITs (JEE Main 2025)
- General Category: 93–100 percentile (approx. 160–200 marks)
- OBC-NCL: 85–92 percentile
- SC: 70–80 percentile
- ST: 51–60 percentile
Top NITs like NIT Trichy and NIT Warangal typically have higher cutoffs, especially for popular branches like CSE.
JEE Main Admit Card
The JEE Main 2026 admit card will be released on the official website (jeemain.nta.nic.in) a few days before the exam. Candidates must log in using their application number and password/date of birth to download it.
The admit card will contain essential details such as:
- Exam date and session
- Reporting time
- Exam center address
- Candidate’s personal information
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.
JEE Main Counselling Process
After JEE Main results are announced, candidates must participate in the JoSAA counselling process for seat allocation in NITs, IIITs, and other participating institutes.
The counselling process involves:
- Online registration
- Filling and locking of choices
- Seat allotment based on rank, category, and preferences
- Document verification
- Payment of seat acceptance fee
Counselling is conducted in multiple rounds. Candidates must follow the deadlines and complete all steps to secure their admission.
JEE Main 2026 NTA Notification
The official notification for JEE Main 2026 will be released by NTA on its website (jeemain.nta.nic.in). It will include:
- Exam dates for Session 1 and Session 2
- Application form details
- Eligibility criteria
- Syllabus and exam pattern
Candidates should read the notification carefully and stay updated with all announcements for a smooth application and exam process.
JEE Main 2026 – Top FAQs
Cutoffs for NITs vary depending on the institute, branch, category, and home/other state quota. For top NITs like Trichy, Warangal, and Surathkal:
- General Category: 93–100 percentile (160–220 marks)
- OBC-NCL: 85–92 percentile
- SC: 70–80 percentile
- ST: 50–65 percentile Branches like CSE and ECE have higher cutoffs, especially for open category students. Final cutoffs are announced during JoSAA rounds and vary every year based on difficulty level and competition.
JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) is responsible for conducting the centralized counselling process for admissions to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. After JEE Main results are announced, candidates must register on the JoSAA website, fill and lock their choices of colleges and courses. Seats are allotted based on rank, category, preferences, and availability. The process includes multiple rounds and ends with document verification and admission fee payment. Following JoSAA deadlines is crucial to securing a seat.
In JEE Main, the percentile score is a normalized score that indicates the percentage of candidates who scored below you in a particular session. It is not the same as percentage marks. For instance, a 98 percentile means you performed better than 98% of test-takers. Percentile scores are used to rank students and determine All India Rank (AIR). They are essential because JEE Main is conducted in multiple sessions, and normalization ensures fairness across varying difficulty levels.
Mock tests and previous year papers are essential for JEE Main preparation as they help students understand the exam format, time constraints, and question trends. Practicing them improves speed, accuracy, and time management. They also help identify strong and weak areas so candidates can adjust their study plans accordingly. The NTA also offers free mock tests on its website, and students are encouraged to take them in CBT format to become familiar with the actual interface.
Effective preparation for JEE Main 2026 requires a strategic and disciplined approach. Start by understanding the complete syllabus and identifying high-weightage topics. Use reliable books like NCERT, H.C. Verma (Physics), and R.D. Sharma (Maths). Create a personalized study timetable, revise regularly, and solve previous year question papers. Take weekly mock tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam. Focus on conceptual clarity over rote memorization. Stay healthy, get adequate sleep, and avoid burnout by taking short breaks and staying motivated.
The JEE Main 2026 admit card will be available for download on the official NTA website about 3–4 days before the exam date. To download it:
- Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Click on the "Download Admit Card" link
- Log in using your application number and password or date of birth
- View and download your admit card
- Print multiple copies for safety The admit card contains details like exam date, shift timing, center address, and candidate information. It must be presented with a valid photo ID at the exam center.
JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The paper will have 90 questions, with 30 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject has two sections:
- Section A: 20 MCQs
- Section B: 10 Numerical Value Questions (attempt any 5) Each correct answer awards +4 marks, and MCQs have -1 for wrong answers. Section B has no negative marking. The exam duration is 3 hours and the total marks are 300.
Yes, the NTA will offer a correction window after the application process ends. This facility is available only for a limited time, during which candidates can edit specific fields such as name, category, gender, academic details, and exam city preference. The correction window can be accessed by logging into the candidate dashboard using the application number and password. It is a one-time opportunity, and no changes are allowed after the window closes.
Registration for JEE Main 2026 is expected to start in November 2025 for Session 1 (January) and in February 2026 for Session 2 (April). The application process includes registration, form filling, document upload, fee payment, and confirmation. All these steps must be completed on the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates are advised to register early and avoid last-minute rushes to avoid technical errors.
JEE Main 2026 is a national-level engineering entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the first stage of the IIT admission process and also provides admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. The exam is conducted twice a year—in January and April, and includes Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch and B.Plan). The exam is held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and follows a standardized pattern across all sessions.
PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) students can apply for JEE Main only if they have Mathematics as an additional subject in Class 12. For B.E./B.Tech admissions, Mathematics and Physics are compulsory subjects. PCB students without Mathematics are not eligible for JEE Main engineering courses but may apply for other entrance exams like NEET. However, if a student took PCM and Biology (PCMB), they are fully eligible to sit for the exam.
To secure admission in National Institutes of Technology (NITs), general category students typically require a minimum of 90–95 percentile, depending on the branch and institute. For top NITs like NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, and NIT Warangal, especially for branches like Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), the cut-off can go beyond 98 percentile. OBC-NCL, SC, and ST candidates have lower cutoff percentiles, generally ranging from 70–90 percentile. State-wise quotas and home state advantages also play a role in cut-off determination.
The top 20 percentile refers to the cut-off score among the top 20% of candidates in a particular education board’s Class 12 examination. For example, if 10,000 students appeared in a board, the marks scored by the top 2,000 students set the top 20 percentile benchmark. This criterion is essential for IIT admissions through JEE Advanced. Even if a candidate does not have 75% marks in Class 12 (General category), they can still qualify for IITs if they fall within the top 20 percentile of their board.
Yes, second droppers are fully eligible to appear for JEE Main 2026. As per NTA rules, a candidate who passed Class 12 in 2024 or later can appear for the exam for three consecutive years. This means if a student passed Class 12 in 2024, they can appear in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Being a second dropper does not affect eligibility, provided all other criteria are fulfilled, such as the required subjects in Class 12 and adherence to the application deadlines.
The official syllabus for JEE Main 2026 has not been released as of now. However, NTA is expected to release it by November 2025. Until then, aspirants should prepare using the JEE Main 2025 syllabus, which is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum. The syllabus covers major topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and it's advisable to prioritize high-weightage areas. Any updates, including additions or removals, will be notified on the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in.
No. According to IIT rules, a student is eligible for JEE Advanced only in the same year or the following year after passing Class 12. Therefore, candidates who passed in 2024 are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced in 2024 and 2025 only. They are not eligible for JEE Advanced 2026, even if they clear JEE Main again. This rule ensures that students get only two attempts at JEE Advanced.
To be eligible for JEE Main 2026, candidates must have passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026. There is no age limit for the exam. For B.E./B.Tech, candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics as core subjects, along with one additional subject such as Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational. For B.Arch and B.Planning, Mathematics is mandatory. Students can attempt the exam in up to three consecutive years, with two sessions each year, making it a total of six attempts.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the JEE Main 2026 examination. NTA is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, responsible for conducting entrance exams in a transparent and standardized manner. The exam papers are designed by expert academic panels comprising experienced faculty from IITs, NITs, and central universities. These papers are then moderated and tested to ensure fairness and uniformity across sessions. NTA also oversees the technical infrastructure needed for the computer-based testing (CBT) mode of the exam.
