JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Session 1 is to be held in January 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026. The formal announcement of the exam will probably be in November 2025. The notification will be available on the official site jeemain.nta.nic.in.
JEE Main is a national-level admission exam to get admission to the NITs, IIITs and GFTIs. It is also a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which is a necessary exam to get entry to the IITs.
According to past trends, it is expected that around 15 to 16 lakh students will appear in JEE Main 2026. In 2025, the General category qualifying cut off was 93.10 percentile.
The attendance rate of JEE Main has also been high, with close to 95% of registered candidates appearing for the exam in all categories. Interestingly, there is a 35% increment in the rate of female participation over the last year, reflecting a profound surge in the number of interested female candidates.
- The cutoff for JEE Advanced eligibility has increased in all categories in 2025, with the General cutoff increasing by 2.3 percentile points to 93.10%.
- JEE Main syllabus is still organised around NCERT class 11 and 12 topics. The syllabus has not changed or been reduced after 2024.
- All papers will have 3 hours of examination time.
- The pattern of questions will be multiple-choice and numerical. Candidates will be awarded +4 marks on every correct response, but there will be a 1 mark deduction on every wrong answer. Numerical-type questions will not be negatively marked.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 - Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Application Form | October 2025 |
| Correction Window for Application Form | November 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | 3 days before the actual exam date |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam | January 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key, OMR Sheet & Response Display | February 2026 |
| Final Answer Key Release | February 2026 |
| Declaration of Result & Cut-off | February 2026 |
| Start of Counselling Process (JoSAA) | July/August 2026 |
Also Read
Key Summary
- JEE Main 2026 will be held in two sessions: the first in January and the second in April, with the NTA organising both.
- Candidates can expect the Session 1 application form around October 2025 and the actual exam to take place in January 2026; these dates are still tentative.
- To apply, candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or 2026, with Physics, Maths, and one more subject, either Chemistry, Biology, Biotech, or a Technical paper.
- There is no upper age gap, and even foreign nationals can sign up, making the exam truly global.
- While applying, candidates must upload a passport-size photograph, signature, and valid government-issued photo ID.
- When writing the B.Tech paper, Candidates face 90 questions, a mix of MCQs and numerical problems. Each correct answer adds +4 marks, with a negative -1 marking for each wrong answer.
- JEE Main scores are valid for admission to 31 NITs, 25 IIITs, 28 GFTIs, and numerous state/private engineering colleges across India.
JEE Main 2026 Phase-1 Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have cleared their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025 or be giving it in 2026.
- The examination should be done by a board that is recognised, either Central or State, like CBSE, ICSE, or any other recognised education board.
- Candidates who are NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) candidates with five subjects are also considered.
- Senior Secondary School Examination by recognised boards.
- Intermediate or two-year Pre-University Examination.
- The final examination for the two-year course is conducted by the Joint Services Wing of the National Defence Academy (NDA).
- This includes the High School Certificate Examination of Cambridge University or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
- Physics and Mathematics should have been studied as compulsory subjects by the candidates.
- In addition, they should have taken one of the following: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject.
- A minimum of five subjects should have been attempted in the qualifying examination by the candidates to be considered.
- Candidates who have already qualified in the qualifying examination before 2024 or those appearing after 2026 are ineligible to apply.
- Candidates holding a diploma are eligible to apply for JEE Main for B.E./B. Tech, but not for admissions to NITs, IIITs, or CFTIs via JEE Main.
- Eligibility as per the qualifying examination shall be strictly checked at the time of counselling and admission. Giving false or wrong information shall result in disqualification.
JEE Main Eligibility Marks in 12th Subject-wise
As per the JEE Main eligibility criteria, there is no subject-wise JEE Main eligibility marks in class 12th. However, general/OBC candidates must secure a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate in class 12th to be eligible for admission to IITs, NITs, and GFTIs. For SC/ST candidates, the JEE Main eligibility marks in class 12th are 65%.
| Category | Eligibility Marks in Class 12th |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | 75% |
| SC/ST | 65% |
JEE Main Eligibility Marks in Class 12th for OBC
OBC category candidates must fulfil the following eligibility marks in class 12th.
- Students belonging to the OBC category must secure a minimum of 75% marks in class 12th.
- Eligibility marks in class 12th for OBC are required for admission to IITs, NITs, and GFTIs.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | OBC |
| Qualifying Examination | 12th |
| Marks Required | 75% |
Is 75% removed from JEE?
No, as of now, the 75% rule for JEE Main is still in effect, and only candidates with 75% marks in class 12th are eligible for admission to colleges like NITs and IITs. Candidates with less than 75% marks in the qualifying examination can appear for the JEE Main examination, but such candidates will ot be eligible for admission to BE/BTech courses offered by NITs, and IITs.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern follows a structured approach. The exam will be in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, and the exam offers a mix of MCQs and Numerical Value-Based Questions with subject-specific formats. The paper also includes optional numerical questions to provide flexibility.
- 90 questions for B.Tech, 82 for B.Arch, and 105 for B.Planning, with subject-specific format
- There will be optional numerical questions (attempt 5 out of 10 per subject), which help to reduce pressure.
- Available in English, Hindi, and regional languages, with +4 for correct answers and no negative marking for numerical questions.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) for all sections except the Drawing Test (Pen & Paper mode) |
| Subjects | - Paper 1 (B.Tech): Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics - Paper 2A (B.Arch): Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing - Paper 2B (B.Planning): Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning |
| Total Questions | - B.Tech: 90 questions (30 each in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) - B.Arch: 82 questions - B.Planning: 105 questions |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value-Based Questions |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, no negative marking for numerical questions |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Optional Questions | 10 numerical questions per subject (only 5 need to be attempted in each subject) |
| Language Options | English, Hindi, and regional languages |
JEE Main Total Marks
As per the JEE Main exam pattern, a total of 75 questions will be asked in the JEE Main 2026 BE/B. Tech question paper, with 25 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. For each correct answer, 4 marks will be awarded, and for each incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted from the overall score. The total marks that students can score in JEE Main 2026 are 300.
- For BArch and BPlanning, there will be a total of 77 questions with a total mark of 400 each.
| Particulars | BE/BTech | BArch | BPlanning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section-wise Number of Questions | 25 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics | Mathematics 25, Aptitude 50, Drawing 2 | Mathematics 25, Aptitude 50, Planning 2 |
| Total Number of Questions | 75 | 77 | 77 |
| Marking Scheme |
|
|
|
| Total Marks | 300 | 400 | 400 |
Source: JEE Main Official Brochure
JEE Main 2026: Syllabus
The JEE Main 2026 syllabus will be officially announced on the exam’s official website. The syllabus is always expected to cover the topics of NCERT Class 11 and 12 and will be released on the official website
The JEE Main syllabus generally includes topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. In Physics, there would be topics like Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, and Optics. Chemistry will include topics like Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, and Organic Chemistry. In Mathematics, the topics would include Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Probability.
| JEE Main 2025 Syllabus for Paper 1, Paper 2A, and Paper 2B | Download PDF |
Is the JEE syllabus reduced for 2025?
No, the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) Main syllabus for 2026 is not cut down. The syllabus is the same as last year, which was already cut down by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in 2024. The NTA has made no further announcement for the 2026 exam.
The syllabus of the JEE Main exam aligns with the NCERT topics for Class 11 and 12. The syllabus contains subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Some of the topics were taken out of the syllabus in 2024, but those are still applicable for 2026.
For 2026, candidates need to concentrate their preparation on the current syllabus that consists of the topics taught in last year's reduced syllabus.
| Subject | Excluded Topics | Percentage of Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Magnetism in Matter, Parts of Vector Theory | 5% |
| Mathematics | Selected subtopics in Three-Dimensional Geometry | 3% |
| Chemistry | Polymers' polymerisation methods and Everyday chemicals. | 4% |
JEE Main Year-Wise Registration & Appearance Trends (2018–2025)
Over the last few years, from 2018 to 2025, there has been an increase in the number of candidates who register themselves and appear in JEE Main. Between 2020 - 2022, when the pandemic was at its peak, there was a decrease in registration as well as attendance. The decline was mainly because of high uncertainty due to COVID-19. However, since the year 2023, there has been a sharp and uniform increase in the number of JEE Main.
- In 2018, the unique registrations stood at 1.26 million. However, in 2025, the number increased to 1.53 million, growing at a CAGR of 3.05 %.
- During the years 2024 and 2025 highest-ever participation was recorded, indicating increased competition among candidates to get admission in top institutes like IITs and NIFTs.
- The overall difference between the registered candidates and appeared candidates has reduced considerably in the last few years. This is evident from the fact that in the year 2025, the candidate turnout was 95 % showcasing high seriousness among candidates about JEE Main.
- The rising trend that has been observed is likely to continue in 2026 as well. The main driving factors are better awareness, improved access to coaching options and greater acceptance of digital learning and preparation platforms.
| Year | Unique Registered Applicants | Unique Appeared Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1,259,000 | 1,043,000 |
| 2019 | 1,237,892 | 1,147,125 |
| 2020 | 1,174,000 | 1,023,000 |
| 2021 | 1,048,012 | 939,008 |
| 2022 | 1,026,799 | 905,590 |
| 2023 | 1,162,398 | 1,113,325 |
| 2024 | 1,476,557 | 1,415,110 |
| 2025 | 1,539,848 | 1,475,103 |
What It Means for 2026 Aspirants:
As competition is increasing, candidates need to have solid conceptual clarity, and they must showcase time management skills so that they can score in the top percentiles.
Individuals must keep track of the cutoff trends, and they must aim for better shift-wise performance as the normalisation process is applicable.
JEE Main 2025 Session 1: Registered vs Appeared Candidates
- The participation by male candidates dominates across all the categories of JEE Main.
- Notable strength has been observed in female participation in the General category and EWS category, as it contributes to around 30 - 35 % of these categories.
| Category | Female Registered | Male Registered | Female Appeared | Male Appeared |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 18184 | 16880 | 12609 | 10814 |
| EWS | 3956 | 5134 | 2994 | 3660 |
| SC | 5304 | 6689 | 3608 | 4362 |
| ST | 2324 | 3509 | 1583 | 2307 |
| OBC-NCL | 17039 | 17546 | 12271 | 12636 |
| NTA FINAL SCORE for JEE Main 2025 | Download PDF |
JEE Main Reappearance Trends (2020-2025)
- Between the years 2020 to 2025, an average of 79 - 83 % of candidates reappeared in Session 2, highlighting its significance for improving percentile.
- There was a slight decline in the reappearance trend to 80 % which may be indicative of improved performance or a better level of preparedness in Session 1.
- The rate of reappearance again decreases to 79 %, which could most likely be driven by tougher Math papers as well as shift-wise normalisation-related concerns in Session 1.
| Year | Students Appeared in Session 1 | Students Appeared in Session 2 | % of Students Reappearing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1258136 | 992350 | 79% |
| 2024 | 8,43,000 | 6,75,000 | 80% |
| 2023 | 8,60,000 | 7,00,000 | 81% |
| 2022 | 8,72,000 | 7,12,000 | 82% |
| 2021 | 6,20,000 | 5,40,000 | 87% (highest) |
| 2020 | 9,34,000 | 7,80,000 | 83% |
What 2026 Aspirants Should Learn from This
- Candidates must not skip Session 2, as the data reflects that a majority of candidates use the chance to boost their ranks.
- Solid preparation is necessary for Session 1, but candidates must be flexible so that they can go for another attempt.
- The performance of Session 1 must be considered so that candidates can improve their time management skills and concentrate on their weak areas by April.
JEE Main Difficulty and Shift Level Analysis
Variation in the level of difficulty across different shifts was observed in the January 2025 session of JEE Main. The ratings ranged between 5.8 to 8.4. Shift 1 held on 28 January was identified as the toughest. But from the table below, it can be seen that Shift 2 on 22 January was the most balanced exam. These differences highlight the significance of proper shift selection and its impact on the performance of candidates, especially considering the normalisation process.
Shift Difficulty Table (Jan 2025)
| Date | Shift | Overall Difficulty (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Jan | Shift 1 | 6.5 |
| 22 Jan | Shift 2 | 5.8 |
| 23 Jan | Shift 1 | 6.8 |
| 23 Jan | Shift 2 | 6.2 |
| 24 Jan | Shift 1 | 6.0 |
| 24 Jan | Shift 2 | 5.9 |
| 28 Jan | Shift 1 | 8.4 (Toughest) |
| 28 Jan | Shift 2 | 7.1 |
| 29 Jan | Shift 1 | 7.0 |
| 29 Jan | Shift 2 | 6.0 |
How Candidates Should Prepare for JEE Main 2026 Based on 2025 Data:
- Targeting Multiple Attempts: As the difficulty level varies across different shifts, candidates must try to appear in January as well as April sessions to improve their chances of getting an easier exam paper.
- Preparation for Extremes: Since the shifts range between the moderate level (5.8) to an extremely tough level (8.4), candidates must strengthen their depth as well as speed, especially for topics like Thermal Physics and Maths.
- Participating in Shift-based Mock Tests: Candidates must take part in full-length mock tests that have been prepared after exams with different difficulty levels. It can boost their mental flexibility while facing actual tough papers.
JEE Main 2026 Phase-1 Difficulty Level [Expected]
For the JEE Main 2026 session 1, it is expected that a balanced, slightly difficult paper will be maintained across Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. On the basis of the analysis of JEE Main 2024 and 2025, candidates can expect similar patterns of questions, moderate change in shift difficulty, and a proper focus on topics covered in Class 12.
What This Means for JEE Main 2026 Aspirants
While preparing for JEE Main 2026, candidates can expect the following based on the trend analysis:
- The difficulty level of the exam is expected to be moderate to tough, and Math is expected to be the toughest section.
- The syllabus of Class 12 will have the maximum number of questions from sections like Chemistry and Physics.
- Shift-wise variation is probable; therefore, candidates must focus on multiple attempts during January and April sessions.
Subject-Wise Difficulty Level and Key Focus Areas - JEE Main 2026 (Expected)
| Subject | Expected Difficulty Level | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Moderate | Conceptual clarity, numerical problems from Mechanics, Modern Physics, and Thermodynamics. |
| Chemistry | Easy | Direct NCERT-based Inorganic Chemistry, straightforward Organic, and Physical Chemistry numericals. |
| Mathematics | Tough | Lengthy and time-consuming problems from Algebra, Calculus, and Coordinate Geometry. |
| Overall | Moderate to Difficult | Strong time management and multi-chapter integration questions are expected. |
JEE Main Session 1: 2024 vs 2025 - Difficulty Level Comparison
| Criteria | JEE Main 2024 (Session 1) | JEE Main 2025 (Session 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate; slightly easier overall |
| Most Difficult Shift | Jan 30 – Shift 2 | Jan 28 – Shift 1 (Rated 8.4/10) |
| Mathematics | Tough, lengthy problems | Toughest again; required time + concept clarity |
| Physics | Moderate; mix of numerical/theory | Moderate; formula + concept balanced |
| Chemistry | Easy; NCERT-based | Easiest; largely theory-based |
| Question Type Trends | Assertion-Reason, Match-the-Following | Assertion-Reason, Concept-based Direct Questions |
| Syllabus Focus | Class 11 & 12 balanced | More weight to Class 12 chapters |
| Time Management Need | Needed for lengthy Math | Crucial, especially for Mathematics |
| Student Feedback | Chemistry was scoring; Math was hard | Chemistry was predictable & easiest; Math most challenging |
How to Prepare for JEE Main 2026 Based on Past Trends
- Mastering Concepts from Class 12: Candidates must focus on chapters covered in Class 12, such as Calculus, Probability (in Maths) and Organic & Inorganic Chemistry (in Chemistry).
- Prioritising Time Management: Aspirants must practice full-length mock test papers under time pressure with varying levels of difficulty so that they can accurately solve lengthy Math questions.
- Developing a Robust Strategy for Any Shift: As the difficulty level may vary depending on the chosen shift, candidates must adopt a flexible approach and participate in both sessions to improve their percentile.
Topic‑Wise Subject Weightage for JEE Main (2024 vs 2025)
The trends relating to subjects from 2024 and 2025 have revealed a slight yet major shift. A dip in Calculus was observed by 6.6 pp. However, there was a surge in the Algebra component by +5.9 pp. The Geometry component has continued to be an important component in the Mathematics section. In the Physics section, more focus is given on topics such as Optics as well as Electrostatics. In the Chemistry section, the focus is more on topics such as organic chemistry and redox.
Prepare smartly for JEE Main 2026:
- Candidates must focus on areas such as Algebra as well as 2D Geometry in Math, as they have gained importance in 2025. It is essential to prioritise Calculus as its weightage is high.
- It is a must to master areas such as Optics (12.6 %) and Electrostatics (10.2 %) in Physics. By accurately solving problems from these sections, the chances of improving the score can increase significantly.
- In Chemistry candidates must focus on Organic chemistry (with oxygen compounds) as well as Electrochemistry, as they can help improve the scores of candidates.
Mathematics- Sub‑Discipline Comparison
| Sub-Discipline | 2024 Weightage | 2025 Weightage | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus | 37.3 % | 30.7 % | –6.6 pp |
| Algebra | 33.5 % | 39.4 % | +5.9 pp |
| 3D Geometry | 13.3 % | 12.0 % | –1.3 pp |
| 2D Geometry | 12.3 % | 15.4 % | +3.1 pp |
| Trigonometry | 3.5 % | 2.5 % | –1.0 pp |
Physics - High‑Weight Chapters (2025)
| Chapter | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Optics | 12.6 % |
| Electrostatics | 10.2 % |
| Solids & Liquids Properties | 8.6 % |
| Rotational Motion | 6.2 % |
| Magnetic Effects & Magnetism | 6.0 % |
| (Other mid-weight chapters, ≤6 %) | — |
Chemistry - High‑Weight Chapters (2025)
| Chapter Group | Weightage Estimate |
|---|---|
| Organic with Oxygen & Coordination | High |
| Redox & Electrochemistry | High |
JEE Main Qualifying Cutoff for JEE Advanced (2025 vs 2024)
In JEE Main, the qualifying cutoff refers to the lowest NTA percentile that a candidate needs to score so that they can be eligible for JEE Advanced. The qualifying cutoff varies each year, and it depends on the difficulty level of the exam as well as the process of normalisation. Furthermore, the top 2.5 lakh rank holders across all categories who are able to clear the cutoff become eligible to get registered for JEE Advanced.
- The overall cutoff percentiles have increased in the year 2025 because of increase in competition and a higher average performance of candidates across diverse shifts.
- The cutoff for the General category increased by more than 2.3 percentile points, indicating that eligibility for JEE Advanced has become selective.
- The highest increase was seen in the SC and ST categories, indicating better performance among candidates belonging to these reserved categories or an easier normalisation process.
| Category | Cutoff Percentile (2025) | Cutoff Percentile (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 93.10 | 90.77 |
| EWS | 80.38 | 75.62 |
| OBC-NCL | 79.43 | 73.61 |
| SC | 61.15 | 51.97 |
| ST | 47.90 | 37.23 |
| PwD | 0.008 | 0.001 |
Also Read
JEE Main Cut off 2025| NTA Score for JEE Main 2025 of Paper 1 (BE/BTech) | Download PDF |
| NTA Score for JEE Main 2025 of Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) | Download PDF |
Top Performing States in JEE Main 2025
| State | Avg. Score (2025) | Top Rank (All India) | No. of Students in Top 10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 225 | AIR 4 | 1,200 |
| Rajasthan | 215 | AIR 6 | 1,050 |
| Telangana | 220 | AIR 2 | 1,100 |
| Maharashtra | 205 | AIR 12 | 950 |
| Delhi NCR | 210 | AIR 9 | 870 |
JEE Main 2026 Counselling Process
The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) manages the online counselling process at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other Government Funded Technical Institutions (GFTIs). This means that if a candidate meets the qualifying mark of JEE Main 2025, they may participate in online counselling for admission at NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs.
| Counseling Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Starts post-JEE Main results. Register at josaa.nic.in to participate. |
| Choice Filling | Fill and prioritize preferred courses and institutes. |
| Mock Seat Allotment | Two mock rounds help refine choices based on initial trends. |
| Seat Allotment Rounds | Multiple rounds allocate seats based on rank and category. |
| Freeze Option | Accept the allotted seat without further participation in the next rounds. |
| Float Option | Retain the current seat while being considered for higher preferences in the next rounds. |
| Slide Option | Retain the current institute but seek an upgrade to a preferred course within the same institute. |
| Seat Acceptance Fee | Fee: General/OBC ₹35,000; SC/ST/PwD ₹15,000, payable online. |
| Document Verification | Submit and verify required documents for admission confirmation. |
| Dual Reporting | Report twice if switching between seat categories like NITs and IITs. |
| Withdrawal Option | Withdraw admission within deadlines to exit the process |
Also Read
Preparation Tips for JEE Main 2026
To score well in JEE Main 2025, candidates need a structured approach, focusing on key concepts, solving practice papers, and effective time management. Some expert tips to prepare are given below:
| Tip | Key Focus | Recommended Hours/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Understand Syllabus & Pattern | Prioritize high-weightage topics for efficiency. | 1-2 hours |
| Time Management | Create and follow a subject-wise schedule. | 5-6 hours |
| Solve Previous Papers | Practice past questions to identify patterns. | 1-2 hours |
| Practice Mock Tests | Simulate exam conditions to boost accuracy. | 2-3 hours (weekly tests) |
| Daily Revision | Reinforce key concepts and improve weak areas. | 1 hour |
JEE Main Mock Test Free Online
While preparing for JEE Main 2026, students must appear for JEE Main mock tests to simulate JEE Main exam conditions. Appearing for JEE Main mock tests is crucial for time management, understanding the JEE Main exam pattern, and the type of questions asked in the examination. Aspirants can appear for full-length JEE Main mock tests as well as section-wise or subject-wise JEE Main mock tests as listed below.
| Mock Test | Link |
|---|---|
| JEE Main Full Length Mock Test | Check Here |
| JEE Main Physics Mock test | Check Here |
| JEE Main Chemistry Mock test | Check Here |
| JEE Main Mathematics Mock test | Check Here |
How Many Attempts are There for JEE Main?
JEE Main is conducted twice every year in January and April sessions. As per the JEE Main rules for the number of attempts, a candidate can appear for JEE Main 6 times. Students can appear for JEE Main 2 times each year in 3 consecutive years.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Attempts Allowed | 6 |
| Number of Consecutive Years | 3 |
| Number of Attempts Each Year | 2 |
JEE Main Previous Year Question Papers
One of the best strategies to get ready for the test is to practice JEE Main past year questions. Candidates can better grasp the exam format, level of difficulty, and commonly asked questions by using these papers.
Below are the Last 5 Year Question paper of JEE Main along with their answer keys:
| Year | Question Paper Link |
|---|---|
| 2025 | JEE Main Question Paper 2025 |
| 2024 | JEE Main Question Paper 2024 |
| 2023 | JEE Main Question Paper 2023 |
| 2022 | JEE Main Question Paper 2022 |
| 2021 | JEE Main Question Paper 2021 |
| 2020 | JEE Main Question Paper 2020 |
Also Read
JEE Main 2025 Cut off Out- Marks Vs Percentile, Top NITs and IIITs CutoffJEE Main PYQ Chapter Wise PDF Download
JEE Main PYQ is an important part of preparation. Solving JEE Main PYQs can help candidates to understand the type and level of questions asked in JEE Main examination. Candidates can go through the table below to check the JEE Main PYQs chapter-wise PDF.
| JEE Main 2025 Exam Date | JEE Main 2025 Question Paper | JEE Main 2025 Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 22 Shift 1 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 22 Shift 2 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 23 Shift 1 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 23 Shift 2 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 24 Shift 1 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 24 Shift 2 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 28 Shift 1 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 28 Shift 2 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 29 Shift 1 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 29 Shift 2 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 Jan 30 Shift 1 B.Arch Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 2 Shift 1 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 2 Shift 2 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 3 Shift 1 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 3 Shift 2 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 4 Shift 1 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 4 Shift 2 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 7 Shift 1 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 7 Shift 2 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 8 Shift 2 Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 9 B.Arch Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 9 B.Planning Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| JEE Main 2025 April 9 B.Arch & B.Planning Question Paper | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
JEE Main PYQ PDF Download- 2018-2024
| Year of Paper | Download Link |
|---|---|
| JEE Main 2024 Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2023 Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2022 Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2021 Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2020 Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2019 Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2018 Question Paper | Download Here |
JEE Main 2025 Marks vs Rank
The JEE Main exam score plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, as well as various state and private engineering colleges. Achieving higher marks translates directly into better ranks alongside an increasing odds of getting into preferred engineering disciplines. The following showcases each score, predicted rank, and college admission score classification.
280-300 Marks (Rank 1 - 1,000):
This performing range is the highest, with admission into Computer Science, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering branches at the top IITs and NITs. Candidates in this band are some of the best players in the country.
250-279 Marks (Rank 1,000 - 4,000):
This is still a very competitive range, students here secure high-demanding branches in NITs, IIITs and top private colleges like BITS Pilani, VIT and others.
200-249 Marks (Rank 4,000 - 10,000):
Candidates here stand a chance to get their desired streams like ECE, Mechanical, Civil in good NITs, IIITs and some reputable state engineering colleges.
150-199 Marks (Rank 10,000 - 30,000):
Candidates who fall in this category are offered admission into mid-level branches of various NITs, GFTIs and state-government institutions; however best branches will be out of reach. Proper preference filling in JoSAA counselling is important.
100 - 149 Marks (Rank 30,000 - 50,000):
Candidates in this category may opt for Lower-order Streams at NITs, state engineering colleges, and private institutes. Admission is still there in good institutes, but the core options will be limited.
50 - 99 Marks (Rank 50,000 - 80,000):
Very few options available, mostly in state government/private engineering colleges. The candidates may have to compromise with respect to the branch or location.
0 - 49 Marks (Rank 80,000+):
Domain and institution choices will be moderately limited. Admissions largely allow access only to district government colleges or private colleges that are comparatively less competitive.
| Marks Range | Estimated Rank Range | Admission Possibilities |
|---|---|---|
| 280 - 300 | 1 to 1,000 | Top branches in IITs and NITs (Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, etc.) |
| 250 - 279 | 1,000 to 4,000 | High-demand branches in NITs, IIITs, and top private institutions |
| 200 - 249 | 4,000 to 10,000 | Popular branches in NITs, IIITs, and several state-level engineering colleges |
| 150 - 199 | 10,000 to 30,000 | Branches in NITs, GFTIs, and state colleges |
| 100 - 149 | 30,000 to 50,000 | Lesser competitive branches in NITs, state-run colleges, and private institutions |
| 50 - 99 | 50,000 to 80,000 | Limited opportunities in state-level colleges, some private colleges |
| 0 - 49 | Above 80,000 | Mostly available in private universities or state-run institutions |
Also Read
JEE Main 2025 Marks vs Percentile vs Rank: Expected Score, Normalization & Safe Score for April AttemptSummary
The NTA will conduct the JEE Main 2026 in two phases: Session 1, scheduled for January 2026, and Session 2, scheduled for April 2026. The official notification is expected to be released around November 2025, with the application process in October 2025. It is expected that 15-16 lakh candidates will register for the JEE Main 2026, and there has also been a 35% increase in female participants in 2025.
Open to both Indian and foreign nationals, the exam has no maximum age limit. The candidates should have passed or be appearing for their 12th grade in 2024, 2025, or 2026 in Physics, Mathematics, and any one of the science subjects. The exam will be held in a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions and numerical questions. There will be +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each incorrect answer. Numerical-type questions will not have any negative marking.
The Syllabus for JEE Main 2026 will correspond with the NCERT textbooks for Classes 11 and 12, which have remained unchanged since 2024.
The qualifying cutoff for JEE Advanced has increased across all categories in 2025, with the General category cutoff standing at 93.10th percentile. Subject-wise trends suggest the importance of Algebra and Geometry in Mathematics, Optics and Electrostatics in Physics, and Organic Chemistry in Chemistry.
JoSAA will conduct counselling for JEE Main 2026 from July/August 2026, and will provide seat allotment in NITs, IIITs, and GFITs. Competition is rising, and attendance has reached an all-time high (95% in 2025); therefore, candidates should focus on Class 12 topics. They should also practice mock tests on a shift basis, and ensure they appear for both sessions to maximise their scores and thus have a better chance of admission into top engineering colleges.
JEE Main 2026 FAQs
FAQS
Ques. What is the date of JEE Mains 2026?
Ans. The JEE Mains 2026 dates are yet to be released, but based on the last 3 years' pattern, it is expected that session 1 will be on the 2nd or 3rd week of January 2026, while session 2 will be on the 1st or 2nd week of April 2026. The JEE Main 2026 notification is expected in November 2026.
Ques. Who will set the JEE Mains in 2026?
Ans. As in all previous years, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will set up and conduct JEE Mains 2026 in all sessions and centres. NTA is responsible for releasing the official notification, conducting both the sessions, publishing answer keys and declaring results.
Ques. What is the plan for JEE 2026?
Ans. JEE 2026 exam will have MCQs and numerical value questions for all three subjects i.e., Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. It will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech) will have 90 questions. Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning) will have their own specific formats with drawing and planning questions. The duration of the exam will be 3 hours.
Ques. How many sessions are there in JEE Mains 2026?
Ans. JEE Main 2026 will be in two sessions:
- Session 1 in January 2026
- Session 2 in April 2026
Ques. Will JEE 2026 be tough?
Ans. The difficulty level of JEE Main varies each year and across shifts. Based on previous years’ analysis:
- Mathematics is usually the toughest and most time-consuming section.
- Physics is moderate with a mix of theory and numerical questions.
- Chemistry is often the easiest, especially for those who focus on the NCERT books.
Ques. Which IIT makes the toughest paper?
Ans. While JEE Main is conducted by NTA, JEE Advanced, which is used for admission into IITs, is prepared by one of the IITs on a rotational basis. As per the records, IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi are known for making tougher JEE Advanced papers, but there is no official pattern indicating that one IIT consistently makes the toughest paper.
Ques. What is the age limit for JEE in 2026?
Ans. There is no upper age limit for JEE Main 2026. However, candidates must have:
- Passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or
- Appearing for Class 12 in 2026.
Ques. Can I crack JEE Mains in 6 months?
Ans. Yes, cracking JEE Main in 6 months is possible with focused preparation. Here are some tips:
- Stick to NCERT textbooks for core concepts.
- Solve previous year question papers and attempt mock tests regularly.
- Dedicate at least 6–8 hours per day to focused study.
- Create a revision schedule for Class 12 chapters and high-weightage topics.
- Use online platforms for doubt-solving and practice tests to simulate real-time conditions.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
 (98).png?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
 (97).png?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
.png?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
Comments
Found 479 Comments
You need to first go through the exam pattern and syllabus and accordingly prepare the study plan as per your schedule. You have to get the standard books and NCERT to cover the syllabus thoroughly. You can get the help of the coaching institution or online platforms for the vast topic coverage. You should practice mocks and previous years' papers for the understanding of your preparation level and analyze the mistakes and strengths. Stay consistent and healthy with focused study and revision. You can check here for the How to Prepare for JEE Main.
The difficulty level of JEE Main 2025 Session 2 compared to Session 1 depends on various factors, however, NTA tries to keep the same difficulty level for both sessions. As JEE mains are conducted in multiple shifts, the NTA uses the normalization process for fairness in the examinations conducted. Therefore, if one shift has harder questions, the cutoff will be lower accordingly. The syllabus, question types, and marking scheme remain unchanged across both sessions.
The BArch paper of 2025 will be accessible on the NTA website after the examinations. The NTA will release the answer key and question paper in the Download section. You can choose there the examination name as JEE Mains, and paper type as BArch, and the year as 2025 to get the link to download the paper. You can download the BArch previous year's paper from the official website of the NTA.
The top 2.5 lakh students will be eligible for the JEE Advance paper after JEE mains examinations every year. The cutoff to qualify for the JEE Advance is set accordingly based on the student's performance. The percentile varies as per the category and home state or general quota. You need to have 75% in 12th if you belong to the general category or in the top 20 percentile of your respective board. However, you need to score 65% if you belong to the SC/ST category.
You need to have 75% in 12th if you belong to the general category or in the top 20 percentile of your respective board. However, you need to score 65% if you belong to the SC/ST category. If your 56% mark is in the top 20% of your respective board, then the 75% in the 12th rule be waived for you. If you do not meet any criteria, you will not be eligible for the NITs, IITs, or GIFTs, even if you clear the JEE exams.
To qualify for JEE Advanced 2025, you need to meet the following conditions:
As per the previous year's cutoff and data available, it can be estimated that with 90 percentile, you can get admisison to the various NITs, IIITs, or GIFTs such as NIT Agartala(Civil, Mechanical, Biotechnology, Production), NIT Arunachal Pradesh(Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), IIIT Pune (ECE, Mechanical), etc. You can check here for the JEE Mains College Predictor 2025.
As per the previous year's cutoff and data available, your chance to get admission into the NIT Srinagar is high. The last year's cutoff ranges between 6,50,000 - 7,50,000 depending on the branch of engineering for the home state candidate for the ST category. The seats are reserved for the home-state students.
NTA released JEE Main Mock Test link to its official website i.e nta.ac.in. JEE aspirants can practice mock test paper and download it without any credentials. National Aptitude Test in Architecture commonly known as NATA releases the question paper along with the answer key on its official website i.e nata.in. JEE Main 2025 question paper is available online.
For details, check JEE Main 2025 Question Paper
Fee structure are designed based on the duration of any particular course offered by an institute. JEE Main application fees are different for candidates from each category. JEE Mains Application fee for General candidates is INR 1000 whereas fees for candidates from others category is INR 800.
For details, check JEE Main 2025 Registration Fee
Candidates can check and download the question paper along with the answer key from the official website of JEE Main i.e jeemain.nta.ac.in. Without any credentials, candidates can download the sample paper in PDF format.
For details, check JEE Main B.Arch and B.Planning Question Papers 2025
Candidates can check and download the modal paper of BArch from the official website of JEE Main i.e jeemain.nta.ac.in. This will help to provide an opportunity to analyse the exam pattern.
For details, check JEE Main B.Arch and B.Planning Question Papers 2025
Candidates are required to secure the minimum cut off marks in JEE Mains 2025 in order to get admission in their preferred courses. As per the guidelines, candidates should secure more than 50% of marks in each section like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
For details, check JEE Main 2025 Marks
Can I score 99 percentile in JEE Mains 2025 in 3 months by starting from zero?
Yes, you can score 99 percentile in JEE Mains 2025 in 3 months even if you are starting from zero. To ace the JEE Mains 2025 exam in 90 days, you must work very hard with constant dedication and focus. First, start learning the most important and repeated topics and concepts in the exam. Focus more on your strong subjects than wasting time on the weak subjects. Make a strategic timetable and stick to it and study for about 6-7 hours daily. Revise the learned concepts regularly, practice about 20-30 sample questions and solve mock papers daily.
I made my SC certificate in 2019 and now I am applying for JEE 2025, so do I have to renew the SC certificate or is the previous certificate valid?
Before applying for JEE Mains 2025, check the validity of your previous certificate. If the validity of the SC certificate issued in 2019 has not expired, then you can use it for the JEE Mains application. If it is expired, renew the caste certificate and apply using a valid certificate for JEE 2025. Candidates must check the official website of JEE 2025 to learn more about uploading the caste certificate during application.
Will admission to Jodhpur MBM College be done based on the JEE Main 2025 score?
Yes, the admission to Jodhpur MBM College will be done based on the JEE Main 2025 score. The MBM College offers BTech and BArch courses. To get admission to the MBM College, candidates must have a valid JEE Mains score or REAP score.
Collegedunia provides the best materials for JEE MAINS and gives the best academic career results.
You can also check our Mock Test and Previous Year question papers pages to do more practice.
Some good college options with 78000 rank are: NIT Srinagar, SMVDU Jammu, Central University Jammu, NIT Mizoram, GKV Haridwar.
Create a suitable timetable and schedule for your study which allots equal time for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Focus and go through the NCERT thoroughly and then move to ither refernce books for advanced understanding. Understand the syllabus and breakdown subjects into smaller topics and most importantly, revise all the topics that you study regularly. Assign a fix time slot only for revision before going to bed.