JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern Explained, and How to Attempt It
Paper 1 has 75 questions, 300 marks and no choice in the numerical section. Here is the pattern, what it means for your attempt order, and a simple way to budget your three hours.
Edurack
October 21, 2026
Before you can plan an attempt, you need the structure in your head. This is the JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) pattern for 2026.
The pattern at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 75 |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (25 each) |
| Section A | 20 multiple-choice questions per subject |
| Section B | 5 numerical-value questions per subject |
| Total marks | 300 |
| Marking | +4 for correct, −1 for incorrect |
| Duration | 3 hours |
All questions are compulsory, including the five numerical questions in each subject. There is no internal choice in Section B.
What "compulsory numerical" means for you
With no choice, you cannot skip the hard numericals and still hope to reach your target. It changes preparation in two ways:
- Practise numericals daily. Solve questions where you have to produce the number yourself, with no options to eliminate.
- Accuracy beats guessing. An incorrect numerical costs marks too, so double-check units and arithmetic.
A three-hour budget
This is a starting point, not a rule. Adjust after your mock tests.
| Block | Time | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Pass 1: easy questions in all three subjects | 75 min | Bank the sure marks |
| Pass 2: medium questions | 60 min | Attempt the ones you can finish |
| Pass 3: hard questions and checking | 45 min | Return only if time is left |
Choosing your order
Start with your strongest subject so you build confidence, then move to the next. Within a subject, do Section A first and Section B when you are warmed up, but leave enough time for it, because every numerical is compulsory.
Mock-test habits that work
- Take every mock under real timing.
- After each mock, tag every lost mark: concept gap, calculation slip, or time pressure.
- Fix the biggest category first.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are in JEE Main Paper 1?
75 questions: 25 each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Is there negative marking for numerical questions?
Yes. The scheme is +4 for a correct answer and −1 for an incorrect one, including numerical-value questions.
Can I choose which numerical questions to attempt?
No. All five numerical questions in each subject are compulsory.