JEE Main is being conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) since 2019. This examination was previously conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) until 2018.
About NTA:
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been established as a premier, specialist, autonomous and self-sustained testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for admission/fellowship in higher educational institutions.
NTA conducts the Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) twice in a year for undergraduate engineering admissions into NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. JEE Main 2026 is a computer-based test held in two sessions: Session 1: January 21-29, 2026 Session 2: April 2-9, 2026
NTA conducts JEE Main 2026 in two sessions, providing candidates with two opportunities to improve their scores. The best score from both sessions will be considered for final ranking and admission.
| Session | Exam Dates | Registration Period | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | January 21-29, 2026 | October 31 - November 27, 2025 | Paper 1: Jan 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 Paper 2: Jan 29 |
| Session 2 | April 2-9, 2026 | February 1 - 25, 2026 | Multiple shifts over exam dates |
Mode of Examination: JEE Main 2026 is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode for Paper 1 and Paper 2B. Paper 2A (B.Arch) has a Drawing Test conducted in offline (pen and paper) mode.
| Paper | For Admission To | Subjects | Mode | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | B.E./B.Tech | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Computer Based Test (CBT) | 3 hours |
| Paper 2A | B.Arch | Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test | CBT + Offline Drawing | 3 hours |
| Paper 2B | B.Planning | Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning Test | Computer Based Test (CBT) | 3 hours |
• Total Questions: 75 questions (25 each in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
• Each subject has 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and 5 Numerical Value Questions
• Maximum Marks: 300 marks (100 per subject)
• Each question carries: 4 marks
• Negative Marking: -1 mark for each incorrect answer
While there is NO minimum percentage requirement to appear in JEE Main 2026, candidates seeking admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs must meet the following criteria:
General/OBC-NCL/EWS Candidates: Minimum 75% aggregate marks in Class XII Board examination OR be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board.
SC/ST/PwD Candidates: Minimum 65% aggregate marks in Class XII Board examination OR be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board.
Note: This 75%/65% criteria is only for admission to institutes, not for appearing in the JEE Main exam.
• Two Sessions: Candidates can appear in one or both sessions. The best NTA score from both sessions will be considered for final ranking.
• Result: Session 1 result was declared on February 16, 2026. Session 2 result expected by April 20, 2026.
• Answer Key: Provisional answer key is released within 4-6 days after exam. Candidates can challenge the answer key with fee.
• JEE Advanced Qualification: Top 2,50,000 candidates from JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2026.
• Language: Exam is conducted in English and Hindi (bilingual).
• Calculator: Physical calculators are NOT allowed. No virtual calculator is provided either.
For detailed information on JEE Main 2026, please visit the official website:
Visit JEE Main Official Website