JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Latest Marking Scheme Updates & Important Dates

It’s official: The game is on. The wait is over. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the registration portal for the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (January) exam!

Getting this first step right is just as important as solving a tough numerical problem.

This post is your urgent guide to the confirmed dates, the official JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026, and the new rules you absolutely need to know.

Official Dates for JEE Main 2026 (Confirmed)!

These are not tentative. Mark your calendars now.

• Session 1 Registration: October 31 to November 27, 2025
• Last Date for Fee Payment: November 27, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
• Session 1 Exam Dates: January 21 to January 30, 2026
• Session 2 Exam Dates: April 2 to April 9, 2026

Your Immediate Action Plan:

1. Go to the Official Site: jeemain.nta.ac.in. Do not use any other link.
2. Read the Info Bulletin: Download the official “Information Bulletin.” It is your rulebook. Read it thoroughly.
3. Gather Your Documents: Get your photo, signature, Aadhar card and Class 11 Registration Number ready before you start. (Yes, the Class 11 number is mandatory this year for data validation!)
4. Register NOW: Do not wait until November 27. Servers always crash. Do it this week, as soon as possible.

Confirmed NTA JEE Mains 2026 Exam Pattern

Good news: The NTA JEE Mains exam pattern 2026 is the same as last year. No surprises.

Here is the breakdown for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech):

Each subject (Physics, Chemistry, and Maths) is split into two parts:

• Section A: MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
  • Questions: 20 questions
  • To Attempt: All 20 are compulsory.
  • Marking: +4 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong answer.
• Section B: Numerical Value Questions
  • Questions: 10 questions
  • To Attempt: This is the most important part! You get to choose any 5 out of the 10.
  • Marking: +4 for a correct answer, and NO negative marking for a wrong answer.

This “no negative marking” in Section B is your biggest strategic advantage. You can skip the 5 numerical questions you find toughest.

Here is the complete NTA JEE Mains 2026 exam pattern in a simple table:

CRITICAL UPDATE: The Calculator & New Features

Pay attention. This is a big change from what was first reported.

• NO CALCULATOR: The NTA has issued a clarification. The initial mention of an on-screen calculator was a “typographical error”. You must be prepared to do all your calculations manually. There will be NO virtual calculator.
• New Accessibility Tools: The NTA has added some helpful new features for all students. You will now have:
  • A screen magnifier (up to 4x zoom)
  • Adjustable text size
  • A toggle for light and dark modes
  • Cursor trails and adjustable cursor size

Your Action Plan

• Bookmark the NTA Website: Always treat the official NTA website (jeemain.nta.ac.in) as the final source of truth.
• Prioritize Revision: In the final stretch, revise what you know instead of starting new chapters. Go over all your formulas, review your hand made short notes, and make NCERT your absolute priority for Chemistry.
• Practice and Analyse Mocks: You have to practice this format. The VMC final mock tests series is the best way to train your brain. Analyse your mistakes: Why did you get it wrong? Did you run out of time? This is how you will improve.

This is the JEE Main exam pattern you need to master. Know the rules, practice the game and you’ll be on your way to a top score.