JEE Main 2026 Exam: Dates, Application Form, Syllabus, Eligibility, Question Paper, Preparation Strategy

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main 2026) is one of the most important national-level entrance exams for engineering, architecture, and planning aspirants. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam serves as the gateway to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and also acts as the qualifying stage for JEE Advanced. With over 10–12 lakh candidates appearing every year, staying updated on JEE Main 2026 dates, eligibility, syllabus, and preparation strategy is crucial for aspirants and their parents.

In this detailed guide, we cover everything about the JEE Main 2026 Exam—from application form to syllabus, eligibility, exam pattern, question papers, and preparation tips.

JEE Main 2026 Notification and Exam Dates

The JEE Main 2026 notification will be released by October 2025. The exam will be conducted in two sessions – January and April 2026. The application form for Session 1 will be available in November 2025.

Below is the tentative schedule:

JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule (Tentative)

JEE Main 2026 Highlights

Here are the key highlights of the JEE Main 2026 exam:

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria define who can apply for JEE Main 2026.

• Nationality: Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals can apply.

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026.

• Age Limit: No age limit for appearing in JEE Main.

• Number of Attempts: Maximum three consecutive years from the year of passing Class 12.

• 75% Marks Criteria: Not required for appearing in JEE Main. However, 75% marks in Class 12 are needed for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

• Subjects Required:
  • For BTech: Physics, Mathematics + (Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational Subject).

  • For BArch: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.

  • For BPlan: Mathematics.

Accepted Qualifying Exams

• CBSE, CISCE, or State Boards (10+2 system).

• NIOS Senior Secondary (with 5 subjects).

• 3-year diploma recognised by AICTE.

• International boards (IB Diploma, GCE A-levels, Cambridge, Sri Lanka, etc.).

• For foreign boards, equivalence certificate from AIU is mandatory.

JEE Main 2026 Application Form

The JEE Main 2026 Application Form will be available online at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

Steps to Apply

1. Registration – Enter personal details (name, mobile, email).

2. Fill Application Form – Enter academic and personal details, exam city, and paper preference.

3. Upload Documents – Scanned photograph, signature, certificates.

4. Pay Fees Online – Debit/Credit card, UPI, or Internet banking.

5. Download Confirmation Page – Save acknowledgement slip for future use.

Application Fees

Correction Facility

NTA provides a correction window for candidates to edit details such as category, address, photo, and signature. Students must log in to their dashboard and make corrections within the given time frame.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

The exam will be held in three papers:

1. Paper 1 – B.E./B.Tech

2. Paper 2A – B.Arch

3. Paper 2B – B.Planning

Exam Pattern for B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1)

Exam Pattern for B.Arch (Paper 2A)

Exam Pattern for B.Planning (Paper 2B)

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus

The syllabus for JEE Main 2026 is based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT topics. The difficulty level is at par with Class 12 (10+2).

• Physics – Mechanics, Waves, Thermodynamics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics.

• Chemistry – Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry.

• Mathematics – Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Statistics, Probability.

Students can also check the JEE Mains 2025 question paper PDF and paper analysis to understand topic weightage and question distribution.

JEE Main 2026 Question Paper & Previous Papers

Previous year JEE Main question papers are an essential resource. They help students:

• Understand exam pattern and difficulty level.

• Identify chapter-wise weightage.

• Practice time management.

Students preparing for JEE Main 2026 should solve JEE Main 2025 papers along with other past year papers for effective practice.

JEE Main 2026 Preparation Strategy

A focused strategy is essential for success. Here are expert suggestions:

• Know the Syllabus – Cover NCERT first, then move to advanced material.

• Use Question Papers – Solve past JEE Main and Advanced papers.

• Follow a Timetable – Divide time between Physics, Chemistry, and Maths.

• Mock Tests – Attempt online mock tests regularly.

• Analyse Weak Areas – Focus more on chapters where mistakes repeat.

• Balance Boards and JEE Prep – Align NCERT with JEE topics.

• Expected Cutoffs for JEE Advanced 2025 – Analyse previous year cut-offs to set score targets.

Conclusion

The JEE Main 2026 exam is the first step towards securing admission in India’s top engineering institutes. With proper awareness of dates, eligibility, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategy, aspirants can streamline their preparation. Regular practice, mock tests, and analysis of expected cutoffs for JEE Advanced 2025 will play a key role in setting realistic goals.

FAQs on JEE Main 2026

Q1. When will the JEE Main 2026 notification be released?

The notification is expected in October 2025.

Q2. How many attempts are allowed in JEE Main 2026?

Candidates can appear in two sessions (January and April 2026) and for three consecutive years after Class 12.

Q3. Is there an age limit for JEE Main 2026?

No, there is no age limit. However, institute-specific age rules may apply at admission.

Q4. What is the role of JEE Main in JEE Advanced eligibility?

Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates in JEE Main are eligible for JEE Advanced.

Q5. What is the marking scheme in JEE Main 2026?

+4 for every correct answer, -1 for incorrect, and no marks for unanswered questions.