The Joint Entrance Examination (Main) is a pivotal national-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate engineering and architecture programs across India’s top institutions, including National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the JEE Main is held twice a year, typically in January and April, giving aspirants two opportunities to achieve their best possible score.
Eligibility and Attempts
To be eligible for JEE Main 2026, candidates must have passed their Class 12 or an equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing for it in 2026. There is no age limit for candidates appearing for the exam. A maximum of three consecutive attempts is permitted, with two sessions per year, which means a total of six attempts are possible over three years. For admission into NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, candidates from the General/OBC/EWS categories must secure a minimum of 75% aggregate marks in their Class 12 board exams, while SC/ST candidates need a minimum of 65%.
Exam Pattern and Structure
JEE Main is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), except for the Drawing Test (Paper 2A for B.Arch), which is conducted offline. The exam is available in 13 languages to accommodate a diverse range of students.
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): Consists of three sections—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject contains 20 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and 10 numerical value questions, out of which candidates must attempt 5. The total number of questions is 75.
- Paper 2A (B.Arch): Includes Mathematics (25 questions), a General Aptitude Test (50 questions), and a Drawing Test (2 questions).
- Paper 2B (B.Planning): Comprises Mathematics (25 questions), a General Aptitude Test (50 questions), and Planning-Based Questions (25 questions).
The marking scheme for the objective sections is +4 for each correct answer and -1 for each incorrect answer, with no negative marking for unattempted questions.
Application and Fees
The application process for JEE Main 2026 is conducted online through the official NTA website (jeemain.nta.nic.in). Application fees vary based on the candidate’s category, gender, and examination centre location. Candidates must stay updated on the official website for exact dates and fee structures, as these are subject to change annually.
Admit Card and Results
The admit card is released a few days before each session and must be downloaded from the official website. Candidates need their application number and password to access it. Results for each session are typically declared within two weeks of the exam date. The better of the two NTA scores is considered for the final merit list.
Selection Process
The selection process begins with the JEE Main exam. The top 2,50,000 rank holders from JEE Main qualify to appear for JEE Advanced, the entrance exam for the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). For admissions to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, qualified candidates participate in the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) and Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) counselling processes.
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