Overview of JEE Main 2026
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate engineering, architecture, and planning programs in India.
It is mainly for admission to:
B.E./B.Tech courses at NITs, IIITs, and other central/state-funded institutions, and
As a qualifier for JEE Advanced (for admission to IITs).
It also has separate papers for B.Arch (Paper 2A) and B.Planning (Paper 2B).
The exam will be conducted twice in 2026 — Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April.
Important Dates (Tentative for 2026)
| Event |
Session 1 |
Session 2 |
| Notification Release |
October 2025 |
February 2026 |
| Registration Window |
October–November 2025 |
February–March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release |
January 2026 |
March 2026 |
| Exam Dates |
January 21–30, 2026 |
April 1–10, 2026 |
| Result Declaration |
February 2026 |
April/May 2026 |
| Counselling (JoSAA) |
July–August 2026 |
— |
Note: Dates are tentative; confirm from the official NTA website when announced.
Exam Pattern
Paper 1 – B.E./B.Tech
| Section |
Type of Questions |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
| Physics |
MCQs + Numerical Value |
25 |
100 |
| Chemistry |
MCQs + Numerical Value |
25 |
100 |
| Mathematics |
MCQs + Numerical Value |
25 |
100 |
| Total |
— |
75 |
300 |
Duration: 3 hours
Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect MCQ, no negative for numerical type
Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Paper 2A (B.Arch)
Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing Test
Duration: 3 hours
Total Marks: 400
Paper 2B (B.Planning)
Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning-based Questions
Duration: 3 hours
Total Marks: 400
Syllabus (Based on Class 11 & 12 NCERT)
Physics
Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work-Energy-Power
Thermodynamics, Current Electricity
Waves & Sound, Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics
Chemistry
Physical Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Chemical Equilibrium, Thermodynamics
Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic Table, Coordination Compounds
Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Aldehydes, Biomolecules
Mathematics
Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry
Calculus, Vectors, Probability, 3D Geometry
Some topics have been reduced/removed by NTA. Always check the official syllabus PDF before preparation.
Documents Required for JEE Main 2026
Before applying, keep these documents ready (in scanned format):
Passport-size Photograph (JPEG)
Candidate’s Signature (JPEG)
Class 10 Certificate / Birth Certificate
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, if applicable)
PwD Certificate (if applicable)
Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.)
Class 12 Marksheet or Admit Card (if appearing)
Preparation Tips for Students
Know the Syllabus & Pattern – Understand the exam structure before starting.
Follow a Study Plan – Divide time for each subject; focus on weak areas.
Use NCERT Books First – Build strong fundamentals.
Practice Mock Tests & Previous Papers – Improve time management and accuracy.
Revise Regularly – Make short notes and revise formulas frequently.
Stay Consistent & Healthy – Take breaks, sleep well, and avoid burnout.
Avoid Last-Minute Panic – Trust your preparation and stay confident.
Summary
| Feature |
Details |
| Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode |
Online (CBT) |
| Attempts |
2 Sessions (Jan & April) |
| Papers |
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Planning) |
| Total Marks |
300 (Paper 1) |
| Duration |
3 hours |
| Eligibility |
Class 12 (Passed/Appearing) with PCM |
| Official Website |
https://jeemain.nta.ac.in |
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2026
To appear for the JEE Main 2026 exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include criteria related to age, educational qualification, and number of attempts. Let's go through them one by one:
Educational Qualifications
Qualifying Exam: Candidates must have passed the Class 12 examination (or its equivalent) from a recognized board or university.
Candidates who are appearing for the Class 12 exam in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
Important: The subject combination for B.E./B.Tech applicants must include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in Class 12 or equivalent.
For B.Arch (Paper 2A) or B.Planning (Paper 2B), the required subjects are Mathematics and Aptitude, and candidates should have completed 12th with these subjects.
Age Limit
There is no specific upper age limit to appear for JEE Main 2026. However, candidates must meet the following conditions:
Date of Birth: Candidates should have been born on or after October 1, 2001, to be eligible for JEE Main 2026.
This means candidates born on or after October 1, 2001 are eligible to apply for JEE Main 2026 (subject to the 12th qualification requirement).
Note: Candidates from reserved categories like SC/ST/PwD get a 5-year relaxation in the upper age limit. So, the age cutoff for such candidates is October 1, 1996.
Number of Attempts
Maximum Attempts: Candidates can appear for JEE Main a maximum of 3 times in consecutive years. For example, if a candidate appears for JEE Main in 2026, they can also appear in 2027 and 2028.
However, if a candidate appears for both January and April sessions in a given year, it will be considered one attempt. So, the total number of attempts remains 3.
Note: Candidates who have already used their 3 attempts in earlier years cannot apply for JEE Main 2026.
Minimum Percentage in Class 12 (or Equivalent)
For eligibility to apply for JEE Main 2026, there is no minimum percentage requirement in Class 12 exams.
However, for admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other central universities via JEE Advanced, candidates need to have a minimum 75% marks (or be in the top 20 percentile in their Class 12 board exams).
For candidates from the SC/ST category, this requirement is relaxed to 65% in the Class 12 exam.
Subject Requirements
For B.E./B.Tech candidates, the required subjects in Class 12 are:
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics (PCM).
For B.Arch (Paper 2A), candidates must have studied:
Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry (preferred).
For B.Planning (Paper 2B), candidates must have studied:
Mathematics (required subject).
Note: English as a subject is not mandatory in the exam eligibility but is important for the academic qualification.
Nationality
Indian Nationals: Indian citizens, including those from the General, OBC, SC/ST, and PwD categories, are eligible.
Foreign Nationals: Candidates from foreign countries are also eligible to appear for JEE Main 2026. However, the eligibility requirements (such as educational qualification and percentage) may differ depending on the country-specific regulations and JEE guidelines.
Reservation Policy
JEE Main follows the Government of India’s reservation policy for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates:
SC/ST: Reserved category candidates are eligible for SC/ST reservation benefits (relaxations in age, marks, and number of attempts).
OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes): Reserved category benefits for candidates belonging to the OBC-NCL category.
EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): Candidates claiming EWS benefits must have an EWS certificate issued by the appropriate authority.
PwD (Persons with Disability): 5% seats are reserved for PwD candidates across various categories (SC, ST, OBC, and General).
Candidates will be required to upload their category certificates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD) during the registration process.
JEE Main Eligibility for Different Papers
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech):
Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12 (or equivalent).
Must have passed Class 12 or appearing in 2026.
Paper 2A (B.Arch):
Must have studied Mathematics and Aptitude.
Must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with the required subjects.
Paper 2B (B.Planning):
Must have studied Mathematics and Aptitude.
Must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Mathematics.
Note: If a candidate has not studied Mathematics in Class 12, they cannot appear for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) or Paper 2A (B.Arch), but can still apply for Paper 2B (B.Planning) if other eligibility conditions are met.
Key Points to Remember
Age Limit: Born on or after October 1, 2001 (5 years of relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
Number of Attempts: Maximum of 3 attempts across consecutive years.
Class 12 Subjects: Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for B.E./B.Tech, and Mathematics for B.Arch/B.Planning.
No Minimum Percentage for JEE Main, but 75% in Class 12 required for admission to IITs, NITs (relaxed for SC/ST).
Make sure you double-check the eligibility requirements from the official NTA JEE Main 2026 notification once it’s released. Any slight changes or updates in the eligibility may occur, and staying informed is key.
JEE Main 2026 Cutoff Criteria
The cutoff for JEE Main 2026 is an essential component of the admission process. The cutoff represents the minimum marks or rank a candidate must secure to qualify for the exam, as well as to be eligible for further admission rounds, such as JEE Advanced and participation in the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counseling for NITs, IIITs, and other government-funded institutions.
Let’s go through the detailed cutoff criteria for JEE Main 2026:
JEE Main Qualifying Cutoff
The qualifying cutoff is the minimum score a candidate must achieve to be eligible to appear for JEE Advanced and/or to participate in JoSAA counseling. This cutoff is released separately for each category by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Qualifying Cutoff Factors:
The qualifying cutoff for JEE Main is influenced by several factors, including:
Number of candidates appearing for the exam
Difficulty level of the exam
Number of available seats in institutes
Previous year’s cutoff trends
The qualifying cutoff for JEE Advanced is usually announced alongside the JEE Main Result. It varies for each session, but to give you a general idea, here are the expected minimum qualifying marks for JEE Main 2026:
| Category |
Expected Minimum Marks (Out of 300) |
| General |
90–95 marks |
| OBC-NCL |
75–80 marks |
| SC |
50–55 marks |
| ST |
45–50 marks |
| PwD |
40–45 marks |
JEE Main Admission Cutoff (Rank)
After the JEE Main exam, JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) will release the admission cutoff. This is the rank that candidates must obtain to get admission to various institutes like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs (Government Funded Technical Institutes) based on the following:
Factors Influencing Admission Cutoff:
Category (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.)
Institute and specific program (e.g., B.Tech in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, etc.)
Home state vs. other state – NITs and IIITs have separate cutoffs for candidates from the home state and from other states.
Gender-wise cutoff – Some institutes have separate cutoffs for male and female candidates.
Previous Year Trends – The cutoff is also based on the number of students appearing and the difficulty level of the exam.
JEE Main Cutoff for Different Institutes and Programs
The cutoff varies across institutes and programs. Generally, high-demand courses like Computer Science Engineering (CSE) or Electronics Engineering have a higher cutoff, while courses with less demand might have a relatively lower cutoff.
Here is an overview of expected cutoff ranks for some of the most popular institutions and programs:
| Institute/Program |
Category-wise Expected Rank |
| IITs (through JEE Advanced) |
1–10,000 (General) |
| NITs (CSE) |
1,000–15,000 (General) |
| NITs (Other Engineering Courses) |
15,000–30,000 (General) |
| IIITs (CSE) |
3,000–20,000 (General) |
| IIITs (Other Courses) |
15,000–40,000 (General) |
| GFTIs (Popular Branches) |
40,000–60,000 (General) |
| GFTIs (Less Popular Branches) |
60,000–80,000 (General) |
Category-wise and Gender-wise Cutoff
Category-wise Cutoff:
The cutoff for different categories is released separately. Below is the approximate rank range for admission to various institutes based on the previous years' trends:
| Category |
Expected Rank Range for Admission |
| General (UR) |
1–50,000 |
| OBC-NCL |
1–55,000 |
| SC |
50,000–80,000 |
| ST |
70,000–90,000 |
| EWS |
1,000–30,000 |
| PwD |
50,000–90,000 (relaxed) |
Gender-wise Cutoff:
Some institutes may have gender-specific cutoffs, where the cutoff for male candidates may differ from that of female candidates. For instance:
Male Candidates: Higher cutoffs are typically seen in courses like CSE.
Female Candidates: While there is usually some relaxation, the cutoff is still competitive, and for highly popular branches, the ranks tend to be slightly higher than for males.
How to Check JEE Main 2026 Cutoff
After the JEE Main 2026 results are announced, the NTA will release the cutoff for qualifying for JEE Advanced, and JoSAA will announce the admission cutoff for participating institutes. You can check these cutoffs at:
NTA Website: https://jeemain.nta.ac.in
JoSAA Website: https://josaa.nic.in
How to Calculate Your Expected Rank
While the exact cutoff can only be determined after the exam, candidates often use the NTA score or percentile to estimate their rank and determine if they qualify for admission. The NTA score is calculated based on your performance in the exam, and it is normalized across multiple shifts.
Important Points to Remember:
JEE Main Cutoff changes annually based on factors like the exam difficulty and student performance.
Cutoffs are category-specific and course-specific (more competitive branches like CSE will have higher cutoffs).
Expected trends can be checked from previous year data, but the official cutoff must be referred to for final decisions.
The JEE Main 2026 cutoff criteria will determine whether you qualify for JEE Advanced or for admissions to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs. Ensure you stay updated with the official announcements and check the category-wise cutoff for better preparation.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates
The JEE Main 2026 exam is expected to be conducted in two sessions — one in January 2026 (Session 1) and another in April 2026 (Session 2). Below are the tentative dates for the exam, as well as important events surrounding the application and result declarations.
Tentative JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates
| Event |
Session 1 (January 2026) |
Session 2 (April 2026) |
| Release of Official Notification |
October 2025 |
February 2026 |
| Start of Online Registration |
October 2025 |
February 2026 |
| End of Online Registration |
November 2025 |
March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release |
January 2026 |
March 2026 |
| JEE Main Exam Dates |
January 21–30, 2026 |
April 1–10, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release |
February 2026 |
April 2026 |
| Result Declaration |
February 2026 |
April/May 2026 |
| JEE Advanced Registration |
February 2026 |
May 2026 |
| JoSAA Counseling Begins |
July 2026 |
— |
Important Details about the Dates
Notification Release: The official JEE Main 2026 notification will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It will provide all details about the exam dates, eligibility, application process, and other important information.
Registration Period: Online registration for JEE Main 2026 will open as per the official announcement in October 2025 for Session 1, and February 2026 for Session 2. It is crucial to apply early and ensure you have all the required documents ready for upload.
Admit Card: The admit cards for JEE Main will be made available to candidates after the registration window closes. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official NTA website. Make sure to verify all details mentioned in the admit card, such as personal information and exam center location.
JEE Main Exam Dates:
Session 1: The exam for January 2026 will likely be held from January 21 to 30, 2026 (dates are tentative, and the exact schedule will be released later).
Session 2: The exam for April 2026 will be held from April 1 to 10, 2026. The exact dates will be confirmed by NTA.
Answer Key Release: After both sessions of JEE Main, the answer key will be released. Candidates can use the answer key to calculate their estimated score. If you feel there is a mistake in the answer key, there will usually be a provision to challenge it.
Result Declaration:
The results for Session 1 (January) will likely be announced in February 2026.
The results for Session 2 (April) will likely be declared in April or May 2026.
JEE Advanced Registration: Candidates who clear the JEE Main qualifying cutoff and wish to appear for JEE Advanced 2026 will need to register separately. Registration for JEE Advanced 2026 will likely open in May 2026.
JoSAA Counseling: After the results are declared, candidates can participate in the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counseling process for admissions into NITs, IIITs, and other government institutions. This will begin around July 2026.
Key Points to Remember
Two Sessions: JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions (January and April). You can appear for both sessions, but you need to register separately for each session.
Flexibility to Choose Dates: While Session 1 will be in January and Session 2 in April, students can choose to appear in either session, depending on their preparation schedule.
Result and Counselling: Results will be declared within a few weeks of the exam, followed by the JoSAA counseling for admissions to various institutes.
Since the JEE Main exam is a highly competitive and crucial exam for engineering aspirants in India, staying updated on all important dates is key. It’s advisable to plan your preparation timeline, register early, and keep an eye on any updates from the NTA.
Tips & Tricks for JEE Main 2026 Preparation
Preparing for JEE Main 2026 is no easy task, but with a structured approach, the right mindset, and efficient strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare effectively and perform your best on the exam day.
Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
Know the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the complete JEE Main syllabus, which is based on NCERT (Class 11 and 12). Prioritize topics that carry more weight in the exam.
Topic-wise Weightage: Focus on high-weightage chapters such as Electrostatics, Kinematics, Organic Chemistry, and Calculus. Make sure you understand the importance of each topic and distribute your time accordingly.
Create a Realistic Study Plan
Time Management: Divide your time effectively between subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). Create a daily timetable and allocate time to each topic based on its complexity and importance.
Regular Revision: Set aside time for regular revision. It is crucial to revise everything you’ve learned at regular intervals to reinforce your memory.
Target Small Goals: Break your long-term preparation into small, achievable goals (e.g., mastering one chapter a week). This keeps you motivated and ensures steady progress.
Focus on NCERT Books First
Foundation First: JEE Main syllabus is largely based on NCERT textbooks, so make sure to study them thoroughly, especially for Chemistry and Mathematics.
Conceptual Clarity: Do not memorize; focus on understanding the core concepts in every subject. It will help you apply these concepts to solve problems effectively.
Practice with Previous Year Papers
Solve Past Papers: Practice previous year’s JEE Main papers to understand the exam pattern, types of questions, and frequently tested topics. This will help you manage your time and identify your weak areas.
Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to assess your preparation. Simulate exam conditions by solving them within the specified time limit.
Analyze Mistakes: After every mock test, analyze your mistakes and focus on areas where you are weak. Keep improving those areas in your next round of preparation.
Master Time Management
Speed and Accuracy: In JEE Main, time is a critical factor. Speed and accuracy are essential, so practice solving questions quickly while ensuring accuracy.
Time Allocation in Exam: During the exam, allocate a fixed amount of time to each section (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). Don't spend too much time on a single question. Move on if you're stuck.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Conceptual Application: JEE Main tests your ability to apply concepts to solve problems. Practice a variety of questions from each topic to become proficient.
Use Shortcuts: Learn and practice short tricks for solving problems faster, especially in topics like Mathematics (e.g., algebra, geometry) and Chemistry (e.g., stoichiometry, organic reactions).
Focus on Important Topics
Here’s a list of high-priority topics that are frequently asked in JEE Main:
Physics:
Mechanics (Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work-Energy)
Electrostatics
Magnetism
Optics
Modern Physics (Photoelectric Effect, Dual Nature of Matter)
Chemistry:
Physical Chemistry (Mole Concept, Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics)
Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Aldehydes/Ketones)
Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding)
Mathematics:
Calculus (Differentiation, Integration)
Algebra (Permutations and Combinations, Probability)
Coordinate Geometry (Straight Lines, Circles, Parabolas)
Trigonometry
Regular Breaks and Avoid Burnout
Take Short Breaks: Studying for long hours without breaks can lead to burnout. Follow the Pomodoro Technique—study for 25-30 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After 3-4 study sessions, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).
Exercise and Sleep: Stay physically active and get enough sleep (7-8 hours). It will keep your mind fresh and alert during study sessions and exams.
Focus on Mental and Physical Well-being
Stay Calm: The pressure of JEE preparation can be overwhelming. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to keep anxiety in check.
Eat Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet. Eat brain-boosting foods like nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude towards your preparation. Self-belief and a good mindset are key to doing well in the exam.
Focus on Application of Formulas
Formula Sheet: Maintain a formula sheet for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Keep it concise and include essential formulas that you might forget during exams. Review this sheet every day.
Derive Formulas: Instead of memorizing formulas, understand their derivation and applications. This helps in recalling them during the exam.
Work on Weak Areas
Identify Weak Areas: Regularly assess your strengths and weaknesses. Focus more on your weak areas, but don’t ignore your strengths.
Concept Building: For topics that are difficult, spend extra time to strengthen your understanding by referring to different books or online resources, and try solving basic-level questions before progressing to advanced ones.
Use Quality Study Material
Books: Some recommended books for JEE Main preparation are:
Physics: Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma, Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday & Resnick
Chemistry: Organic Chemistry by Morrison & Boyd, Physical Chemistry by P. Bahadur
Mathematics: Problems in Calculus of One Variable by I.A. Maron, Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight
Online Resources: Use reliable online platforms and apps for practice and concept revision, but avoid distractions. Some good options include Khan Academy, Vedantu, Unacademy, and BYJU’S.
Stay Updated with JEE Notifications
Keep checking the official JEE Main website for updates on application deadlines, admit cards, and results. Make sure you don’t miss any critical announcements from NTA.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you’re stuck on a topic or have doubts, ask for help from teachers, peers, or online forums. Sometimes a fresh perspective can make things clearer.
Stay Consistent and Persistent
Consistency is key. It is better to study for a few hours every day rather than cramming everything at the last minute. Set daily targets and stick to your study plan.
Stay persistent and dedicated, even when you face setbacks. Keep your long-term goal in mind — cracking JEE Main!
On Exam Day:
Arrive Early: Reach the exam center well in advance. Avoid any last-minute rush or stress.
Read Instructions: Carefully read all instructions on the question paper and follow them.
Don’t Panic: Stay calm, even if you come across a difficult question. Tackle easier ones first to build confidence, then come back to the tougher ones.
Mark Your Answer Carefully: Be mindful of negative marking. Don’t guess answers randomly; eliminate clearly wrong options first to increase your chances of selecting the correct one.
Success in JEE Main 2026 is about consistent preparation, effective time management, and maintaining a positive mindset. Stay focused, work smart, and believe in your preparation. The right approach combined with regular practice will certainly lead you to success.
Good luck with your JEE Main preparation! If you need any help with specific topics or further advice, feel free to ask!