JEE Main 2026

Complete Guide & Information

Get all the essential information about JEE Main 2026 including exam dates, eligibility criteria, application process, and preparation strategies.

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JEE Main 2026

National Testing Agency

JEE Main 2026 Overview

Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 is a national-level entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into premier engineering institutions like NITs, IIITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). It also serves as the eligibility test for JEE Advanced, which is the gateway to the IITs.

Purpose

Gateway to prestigious NITs, IIITs, and other central government institutions

Mode

Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in multiple sessions

Language

Available in 13 languages including Hindi and English

Duration

3 hours for each paper (Paper 1 & Paper 2)

Important Dates 2026

Mark your calendar with these crucial JEE Main 2026 dates

Application Start

November 2025

Online registration begins

Application Deadline

December 2025

Last date to submit applications

Session 1 Exam

January 2026

First attempt examination

Session 2 Exam

April 2026

Second attempt examination

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus

Comprehensive overview of topics covered in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

Physics

  • Kinematics
  • Laws of Motion
  • Work, Energy, and Power
  • Rotational Motion
  • Gravitation
  • Thermodynamics
  • Oscillations and Waves
  • Electrostatics
  • Current Electricity
  • Magnetism & Magnetic Effects
  • Electromagnetic Induction & AC
  • Modern Physics
  • Optics

Chemistry

  • Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
  • Structure of Atom
  • States of Matter: Gases and Liquids
  • Chemical Bonding
  • Thermodynamics
  • Equilibrium
  • Redox Reactions
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen & Nitrogen
  • Biomolecules
  • Coordination Compounds
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Polymers

Mathematics

  • Sets, Relations & Functions
  • Complex Numbers
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Sequences and Series
  • Binomial Theorem
  • Differentiation & Integration
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Probability
  • Vectors & 3D Geometry
  • Determinants & Matrices
  • Trigonometry
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Limits, Continuity & Differentiability

Eligibility Criteria

Check if you meet the requirements for JEE Main 2026

Age Limit

  • General/EWS: No age limit
  • SC/ST/PwD: No age limit
  • Born on or after October 1, 1999 (for some NITs)

Educational Qualification

  • 12th pass or equivalent from recognized board
  • Must have Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects
  • Chemistry/Biology/ Biotechnology as optional subject

Minimum Marks

  • General/EWS: 75% in 12th or top 20 percentile
  • SC/ST: 65% in 12th or top 20 percentile
  • PwD: 65% in 12th or top 20 percentile

Attempts

  • Maximum 3 attempts
  • Can appear in consecutive years
  • Best score considered for admission

JEE Main Downloads

Access official sample papers, previous year question papers, and mock tests for better preparation

Sample Papers

Practice with papers designed as per the latest exam pattern.

Download Sample Papers

Previous Year Papers

Get question papers from the last 5 years with or without solutions.

Download Previous Papers

Mock Tests

Improve time management and accuracy with full-length mock tests.

Download Mock Tests

Exam Pattern

Understanding the JEE Main 2026 exam structure

Subject Questions Marks Duration
Physics 30 (25 + 5 numerical) 120 3 hours
Chemistry 30 (25 + 5 numerical) 120
Mathematics 30 (25 + 5 numerical) 120
Total 90 360 180 min
Section Questions Marks Duration
Mathematics 30 120 3 hours
Aptitude Test 50 200
Drawing Test 2 80
Total 82 400 180 min

Application Process

Step-by-step guide to apply for JEE Main 2026

1

Registration

Visit the official NTA website and create your account with basic details

2

Fill Application

Complete the application form with personal, academic, and contact information

3

Upload Documents

Upload photograph, signature, and required certificates in specified format

4

Pay Fee

Pay the application fee online using credit/debit card or net banking

5

Download Admit Card

Download your admit card from the official website before the exam

Application Fee

General/EWS

₹1000

For one paper

SC/ST/PwD

₹500

For one paper

Preparation Strategy

Essential tips and strategies for JEE Main 2026 preparation

Study Plan

  • Create a realistic timetable
  • Allocate time for each subject
  • Include regular revision slots
  • Balance theory and problem-solving

Important Books

  • NCERT textbooks (11th & 12th)
  • Physics: HC Verma, DC Pandey
  • Chemistry: OP Tandon, MS Chauhan
  • Mathematics: RD Sharma, Cengage

Practice Tests

  • Take regular mock tests
  • Analyze your performance
  • Focus on weak areas
  • Time management practice

Exam Strategy

  • Attempt easy questions first
  • Manage time effectively
  • Avoid negative marking
  • Stay calm and confident

Online Resources

  • Use video lectures & apps
  • Refer to online test series
  • Join online doubt-clearing sessions
  • Download previous year papers

Revision Techniques

  • Make concise notes
  • Revise weekly
  • Use flashcards & formula sheets
  • Practice short quizzes

JEE Main 2026 Admit Card

Download your JEE Main 2026 admit card and check important exam details

Steps to Download Admit Card:

  • Visit the official JEE Main website (jeemain.nta.nic.in)
  • Click on the "Download Admit Card" link
  • Login using your application number and date of birth/password
  • Check all details and download the PDF
  • Take a printout for exam day
Download Admit Card
Admit Card Preview

JEE Main 2026 Counselling

Understand the JoSAA counselling process, registration steps, and important tips for seat allocation

Counselling Body

The counselling process for JEE Main is conducted by JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) for admissions into IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

Eligibility

  • Qualified in JEE Main
  • Passed Class 12 or equivalent
  • Meet cutoff ranks for participating institutes

Steps in Counselling

  • Register on JoSAA portal
  • Fill and lock choices
  • Mock seat allocation
  • Seat allotment rounds
  • Document verification
  • Report to allotted institute

Important Tips

  • Check cutoff ranks of previous years
  • Fill maximum choices to increase chances
  • Verify documents carefully
  • Don't miss any deadline

JEE Main 2026 Results & Cut-Offs

Check result details, scorecard information, and category-wise qualifying cut-offs

Result Announcement

  • Session 1: February 2026
  • Session 2: May 2026
  • Declared on official NTA website
  • Login with application number & DOB

Scorecard Includes

  • Candidate's Name & Application No.
  • Subject-wise NTA Score
  • Total Percentile
  • All India Rank (AIR)
  • Cut-Off Status for JEE Advanced

Expected JEE Main 2026 Cut-Off (Qualifying)

Category Expected Cut-Off (Percentile)
General 88–90
OBC-NCL 73–76
SC 51–54
ST 40–44
EWS 65–68
PwD 0.001–1.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about JEE Main 2026

How many times can I appear for JEE Main?

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You can appear for JEE Main a maximum of 3 times. This includes all attempts across different years, not just within the same year.

Is there negative marking in JEE Main?

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Yes, there is negative marking of -1 for each incorrect answer in multiple choice questions. However, there is no negative marking for numerical answer type questions.

Can I edit my application form after submission?

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Yes, correction windows are usually provided by NTA where you can edit certain details in your application form for a small fee.

What is the validity of JEE Main scores?

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JEE Main scores are valid for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs for the same academic year. For JEE Advanced qualification, the score is valid only for that year.

Which attempt score is considered for admission?

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If you appear for both sessions, the better of the two scores will be considered for preparing the merit list and counselling process.