What Is JEE Main 2026?

The Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026 is a national-level entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency for admission into undergraduate engineering and architecture programmes across India. With the exception of the drawing component of Paper 2, the exam is delivered entirely in computer-based format.

The examination is structured into two distinct papers:

• Paper 1 — for admission into B.E./B.Tech programmes, testing Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum.
• Paper 2 — for admission into B.Arch and B.Planning programmes, split into Paper 2A (Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing) and Paper 2B (Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning).

JEE Main 2026 at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Before beginning the application process, candidates should confirm they meet the following conditions:

Note on the 75% rule: this threshold does not apply to appearing for JEE Main itself, but admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs requires candidates to secure at least 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST candidates), or rank among the top 20 percentile of their respective board.

Syllabus Overview

The syllabus for all papers draws from the Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum. A subject-wise summary is given below.

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

Paper 2A (B.Arch)

Paper 2B (B.Planning)

Exam Pattern

Paper 2B is also offered in 13 language options, including English, Hindi, Gujarati, and ten regional languages.

Application Process

The application form is released in two phases corresponding to Session 1 and Session 2. For Session 2, candidates who already registered for Session 1 can proceed using their existing login credentials, while new applicants must complete fresh registration.

Application Fee

Documents Required

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Class 10 mark sheet or certificate
• Category or PwD certificate, where applicable

Application Timeline

Admit Card & Exam City Slip

Admit cards are released separately for each session, generally after the exam city intimation slip. For Session 2, the admit card was issued in phases — first for the April 2 and April 4 exam dates, followed by the remaining dates closer to their respective exams.

The admit card includes the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date and time, centre address, paper details, and exam-day instructions. Candidates should verify all details immediately after download.

What to Carry to the Exam Centre

• A printed, preferably coloured, copy of the admit card
• One valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID)
• A passport-size photograph matching the one used during registration

Downloading the Admit Card

• Visit the official NTA JEE Main portal
• Select the admit card link for the relevant session
• Log in using your application number and password or date of birth
• Download and print the admit card ahead of the exam date

The city intimation slip is issued before the admit card and confirms only the allotted exam city — it cannot be used for entry at the centre.

Preparation Strategy

Cut-off Trends

The qualifying percentile for JEE Advanced eligibility is announced alongside the Session 2 result and varies by category and year. Recent trends are shown below.

There is no pass/fail threshold for JEE Main itself. Admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs is based on All India Rank; the cut-off percentile determines JEE Advanced eligibility only.

Counselling & Seat Allotment

The Joint Seat Allocation Authority conducts centralised counselling for admission into 23 IITs, 31 NITs, IIEST Shibpur, 26 IIITs, and 38 GFTIs, open only to candidates who qualify in JEE Main or JEE Advanced.

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