JEE MAINS 2026 — Information, Dates, and Guidance (Informational Website)
JEE MAINS 2026 Info. & Help
JEE MAINS 2026 Info. & Help
Table of Contents
About JEE MAINS 2026
The Joint Entrance Examination (Main) — universally known as JEE Mains — is India’s most important national-level engineering entrance examination. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, JEE Main 2026 serves two critical purposes: it is the primary gateway for admission to undergraduate engineering (B.E./B.Tech), architecture (B.Arch), and planning (B.Plan) programmes at the prestigious National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs), and numerous state-level and private engineering colleges — and it is the qualifying examination for JEE Advanced, which is the sole route to admission at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
JEE Mains 2026 is being conducted in two sessions — Session 1 in January 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026. The Session 1 exam was held on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28 (Paper 1) and January 29, 2026 (Paper 2), with results declared on February 16, 2026. The Session 2 exam is currently underway, scheduled from April 2 to 8, 2026. The admit card for April 2 and 4 exams was issued on March 29, 2026.
This comprehensive guide covers everything an aspirant needs to know about JEE Mains 2026: the complete event calendar, session-wise important dates, registration process, eligibility criteria, detailed exam pattern, full syllabus, admit card details, result and cutoff information, counselling process, and expert preparation strategies — all in one place.
Important Notice
Jee Main 2026 Notification
Jee Main Mock Test
Jee Main Previous Year Paper
Jee Main 2026 Latest Syllabus
Jee Main 2026 Admit Card
Jee Main 2026 Answer Key
Jee Main 2026 Cutoff's
Jee Main 2026 Result
Jee Main Participating Colleges
Key Highlights of JEE Main 2026
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Full Name | Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – JEE Main 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National Level – Conducted Twice a Year |
| Session 1 Exam Dates | January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 2026 (Concluded) |
| Session 2 Exam Dates | April 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2026 (Ongoing) |
| Session 1 Registration | October–November 2025 (Closed: Nov 27, 2025) |
| Session 2 Registration | February 1 to 25, 2026 (Closed; reopened March 12–13) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Drawing Test in Paper 2A is offline |
| Total Duration (Paper 1) | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Questions (Paper 1 – B.Tech) | 75 Questions (25 per subject: Physics, Chemistry, Maths) |
| Total Marks (Paper 1 – B.Tech) | 300 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQs and NVQs both) |
| Papers Offered | Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Paper 2B (B.Plan) |
| Question Types | MCQs (Multiple Choice) + NVQs (Numerical Value Questions) |
| Number of Attempts Allowed | No limit specified; appears in 2 sessions per year |
| Year of 12th for Eligibility | Passed in 2024 or 2025, or appearing in 2026 |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit (as per current NTA guidelines) |
| Minimum Marks (12th) for NITs/IIITs | 75% in 12th (65% for SC/ST) OR top 20 percentile of board |
| New Feature 2026 | Facial Biometric Authentication introduced for identity verification |
| Exam Language | 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu |
| Session 1 Result Declared | February 16, 2026 (Paper 1) | February 24, 2026 (Paper 2) |
| Session 2 Result Expected | April 20, 2026 (Paper 2) | Late April 2026 (Paper 1) |
| Final Merit List (AIR) | After Session 2 – Best of two session scores considered |
| JoSAA Counselling | Expected May–June 2026 |
| JEE Advanced Eligibility | Top 1,50,000 candidates in JEE Main qualify for JEE Advanced |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
JEE Mains 2026 – Key Updates and New Features
Several important updates and changes have been introduced in JEE Mains 2026 that every aspirant must be aware of:
- Facial Biometric Authentication: NTA has introduced Facial Biometric Authentication from JEE Main 2026 January Session for stronger identity verification at exam centres. All candidates undergo mandatory manual frisking by security personnel before entry. Separate frisking arrangements are made for female candidates.
- No Optional Questions in Section B: Since JEE Main 2025, the optional question feature in Section B (Numerical Value Questions) has been removed. All 5 NVQs per subject are now compulsory. NVQs also carry negative marking of -1 for wrong answers.
- Virtual Calculator Not Permitted: NTA has clarified that the use of an on-screen or virtual calculator is not permitted in the JEE Main 2026 CBT exam. This was a point of confusion addressed in the revised Information Bulletin.
- Exam Cities Linked to Aadhaar Address: JEE Main 2026 exam cities are now linked to the Aadhaar address of the candidate. This reduces random allotments and ensures a centre closer to the student’s home.
- CBSE Class 11 Registration Number Required: During JEE Main 2026 registration, aspirants must enter their CBSE Class 11 registration number. CBSE has directed schools to provide students with this number.
- Session 2 Registration Reopened: The Session 2 registration portal was reopened from March 12 to 13, 2026 (48 hours only) as a one-time window for candidates who missed the original February 25, 2026 deadline. No further correction facility was provided in this reopened window.
- Exam Pattern Unchanged: The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern remains the same as JEE Main 2025 — Paper 1 has 75 questions for 300 marks, with 20 MCQs and 5 NVQs per subject, all carrying +4/-1 marking.
JEE Mains 2026 – Complete Event Calendar (Session 1 and Session 2)
| Event | Date / Status |
| Session 1 Registration Opens | October 2025 |
| Session 1 Registration Closes | November 27, 2025 (9:00 PM) |
| Session 1 Form Correction Window | December 1 to 2, 2025 |
| Session 1 City Intimation Slip Released | January 8, 2026 |
| Session 1 Admit Card (Jan 21-24 exams) | Released mid-January 2026 |
| Session 1 Admit Card (Jan 28-29 exams) | Released late January 2026 |
| Session 1 Paper 1 Exam Dates | January 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 2026 |
| Session 1 Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) Exam | January 29, 2026 |
| Session 1 Provisional Answer Key (Paper 1) | Released early February 2026 |
| Session 1 Answer Key Challenge Window | February 4 to 6, 2026 |
| Session 1 Final Answer Key (Paper 1) | February 16, 2026 |
| Session 1 Result – Paper 1 (B.Tech) | February 16, 2026 |
| Session 1 Provisional Answer Key (Paper 2) | February 19, 2026 |
| Session 1 Paper 2 Answer Key Challenge | February 19–20, 2026 |
| Session 1 Final Answer Key (Paper 2) | February 24, 2026 |
| Session 1 Result – Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) | February 24, 2026 |
| Session 2 Registration Opens | February 1, 2026 |
| Session 2 Registration Closes | February 25, 2026 (9:00 PM) |
| Session 2 Form Correction Window | February 27 to 28, 2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Session 2 Registration Reopened (One-Time) | March 12 to 13, 2026 (48 hours only) |
| Session 2 City Intimation Slip Released | March 21–22, 2026 |
| Session 2 Admit Card (April 2 & 4 exams) | March 29, 2026 |
| Session 2 Admit Card (April 5–8 exams) | Released in due course |
| Session 2 Exam Dates | April 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2026 |
| Session 2 Result – Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) | April 20, 2026 (expected) |
| Session 2 Result – Paper 1 (B.Tech) | Late April 2026 (expected) |
| Final All India Rank (AIR) Declaration | After Session 2 results |
| JEE Advanced 2026 Application Opens | After Session 2 results |
| JoSAA Counselling (NITs, IIITs, CFTIs) | Expected May–June 2026 |
Important Notice
Jee Main 2026 Notification
Jee Main Mock Test
Jee Main Previous Year Paper
Jee Main 2026 Latest Syllabus
Jee Main 2026 Admit Card
Jee Main 2026 Answer Key
Jee Main 2026 Cutoff's
Jee Main 2026 Result
Jee Main Participating Colleges
JEE Main 2026 Registration Process
Online Registration Steps
- Step 1: Visit the official JEE Main NTA portal at jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Step 2: Click on ‘Registration for JEE (Main)-2026 [Session-II]’ under Candidate Activity. Click ‘New Registration‘ and then ‘Proceed‘. Enter basic details and submit to create your account
- Step 3: Log in to the Application Form using your Application Number and Password or Date of Birth
- Step 4: Fill the Application Form — enter personal details (name, date of birth, category, gender, State Code of Eligibility, father’s/mother’s name, annual income), academic details (Class 10 and 12 board, roll number, year of passing, subject combination), and examination city preferences
- Step 5: Upload Documents — scan and upload your recent photograph (clear, plain background), signature, and required certificates (category/PwD if applicable) in prescribed dimensions and file size
- Step 6: Choose Paper — select Paper 1 (B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Plan), or any combination
- Step 7: Pay the Application Fee online via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
- Step 8: Submit the application and download the Confirmation Page — keep it safely for future reference
JEE Main 2026 Application Fee Structure
| Category | Paper 1 (India) | Paper 1 (Outside India) |
| General / OBC-NCL (Boys) | Rs. 1,000 per paper | Rs. 5,000 per paper |
| General / OBC-NCL (Girls) | Rs. 800 per paper | Rs. 4,000 per paper |
| SC / ST / PwD / Transgender (Boys) | Rs. 500 per paper | Rs. 2,500 per paper |
| SC / ST / PwD / Transgender (Girls) | Rs. 500 per paper | Rs. 2,500 per paper |
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before registering for JEE Main 2026, every aspirant must carefully verify the eligibility conditions set by NTA. Failing to meet these conditions after provisional admission will result in cancellation of admission.
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed the Class 12 (or equivalent) examination from a recognised Central or State Board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, etc.)
- Accepted boards include: CBSE, CISCE, State Board examinations, Open School examinations, International Baccalaureate (IB), and other boards recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
- Candidates appearing in the Class 12 examination in 2026 (or equivalent) are also eligible provisionally — final admission depends on meeting eligibility after the board result
- For Paper 1 (B.Tech): Physics and Mathematics are mandatory subjects. The third subject must be one of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject
- For Paper 2A (B.Arch): Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry must have been studied in Class 12
- For Paper 2B (B.Planning): Mathematics must have been studied in Class 12
Year of Passing Qualification
- Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2024 are eligible
- Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2025 are eligible
- Candidates who are appearing for Class 12 exams in 2026 are eligible provisionally
- Candidates who passed Class 12 before 2024 (i.e., in 2023 or earlier) are NOT eligible
Age Limit
- There is no upper or lower age limit prescribed by NTA for appearing in JEE Main 2026
- However, candidates must fulfil the age criteria prescribed by the specific institution in which they seek admission. For example, some NITs may have age criteria in their individual admission policies
Number of Attempts
- A candidate can appear in JEE Main in two sessions per year (January and April)
- There is no overall attempt limit specified by NTA for JEE Main
- For JEE Advanced, the attempt limit is two times in two consecutive years
Minimum Percentage Requirement for NITs/IIITs/CFTIs Admission
- To qualify for admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs through JEE Main, candidates must secure at least 75% marks (General/OBC) or 65% marks (SC/ST) in Class 12 board examination
- OR be in the top 20 percentile of their respective Class 12 board examination
- This 75% criterion is for admission to NITs/IIITs/CFTIs — it is NOT a criterion for appearing in the JEE Main exam itself
- Note: The 75% criteria has NOT been removed for JEE Main 2026 — it remains applicable for college admissions through JoSAA
Nationality
- Indian citizens (including NRI, OCI, and PIO holders) are eligible
- Foreign nationals are also eligible to apply — they must meet the academic eligibility criteria as per the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
- State Code of Eligibility: Determined by the state where the candidate completed their Class 12 exam — not by birthplace or current residence
JEE Main 2026 Syllabus - Complete Chapter-wise Topics
- The JEE Main 2026 syllabus is based entirely on the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum. NTA has confirmed that the JEE Main 2026 syllabus is the same as the revised 2025 syllabus. Here is the detailed, chapter-wise breakdown for Paper 1 (B.Tech):
Physics – JEE Mains 2026 Syllabus
- Class 11 Topics: Physical World and Measurement, Kinematics (Motion in a Straight Line, Motion in a Plane), Laws of Motion (Newton’s Laws, Friction, Circular Motion), Work, Energy and Power, System of Particles and Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter (Mechanical Properties of Solids, Fluids, Thermal Properties), Thermodynamics, Behaviour of Perfect Gases and Kinetic Theory, Oscillations and Waves
- Class 12 Topics: Electrostatics (Electric Charges, Fields, Potential, Capacitance), Current Electricity (Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, Wheatstone Bridge, Potentiometer), Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics (Ray Optics, Wave Optics), Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices (Semiconductor Devices, p-n Junction, Transistor, Logic Gates), Communication Systems
- High Weightage Chapters: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Optics, Mechanics (Kinematics, NLM, Work-Energy), Modern Physics (Photoelectric Effect, Atoms, Nuclei), Electromagnetic Induction
Chemistry – JEE Mains 2026 Syllabus
- Physical Chemistry: Some Basic Concepts (Mole Concept, Stoichiometry), States of Matter (Gaseous, Liquid), Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, Chemical Thermodynamics, Equilibrium (Ionic Equilibrium, Chemical Equilibrium), Redox Reactions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, Solutions
- Inorganic Chemistry: Classification of Elements (Periodic Table Trends), Hydrogen, s-Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals), p-Block Elements (Groups 13–18), d-Block and f-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Environmental Chemistry, General Principles of Isolation of Metals (Metallurgy)
- Organic Chemistry: Organic Chemistry – Basic Principles (IUPAC Nomenclature, Reaction Mechanisms, Isomerism), Hydrocarbons (Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Aromatic), Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids, Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen (Amines), Biomolecules (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Nucleic Acids, Vitamins), Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life
- High Weightage Chapters: Mole Concept, Chemical Bonding, Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry (Reaction Mechanisms, GOC), p-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Carbonyl Compounds
Mathematics – JEE Mains 2026 Syllabus
- Class 11 Topics: Sets, Relations and Functions, Trigonometric Functions, Principle of Mathematical Induction, Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations, Linear Inequalities, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequences and Series, Straight Lines, Conic Sections, Introduction to 3D Geometry, Limits and Derivatives, Mathematical Reasoning, Statistics, Probability
- Class 12 Topics: Relations and Functions (Types, Inverse Functions), Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Matrices (Operations, Adjoint, Inverse), Determinants (Properties, Cramer’s Rule, Area of Triangle), Continuity and Differentiability (Derivatives, Chain Rule, Implicit, Logarithmic), Applications of Derivatives (Increasing/Decreasing Functions, Maxima/Minima, Tangent/Normal), Integrals (Methods of Integration, Definite Integrals, Area), Applications of Integrals, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, 3D Geometry (Lines, Planes, Angle, Distance), Linear Programming, Probability (Conditional Probability, Bayes’ Theorem, Probability Distributions, Binomial Distribution)
- High Weightage Chapters: Coordinate Geometry (Circles, Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola), Calculus (Limits, Derivatives, Integration), Algebra (Complex Numbers, Matrices & Determinants, Binomial Theorem), Probability, 3D Geometry & Vectors, Sequences & Series.
Syllabus note: There are NO deletions or additions to the JEE Main 2026 syllabus from 2025. The syllabus remains aligned with the NCERT textbooks. Students should download the official JEE Main 2026 Information Bulletin from jeemain.nta.nic.in for the authoritative, complete subject-wise syllabus.
Important Notice
Jee Main 2026 Notification
Jee Main Mock Test
Jee Main Previous Year Paper
Jee Main 2026 Latest Syllabus
Jee Main 2026 Admit Card
Jee Main 2026 Answer Key
Jee Main 2026 Cutoff's
Jee Main 2026 Result
Jee Main Participating Colleges
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
The JEE Main 2026 exam pattern is the same as JEE Main 2025. The optional question feature in Section B has been permanently removed — all NVQs are now compulsory. Here is the complete pattern for all three papers:
Paper 1 – B.E. / B.Tech (Computer-Based Test)
| Parameter | Details |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) only |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Questions per Subject | 25 questions (20 MCQs + 5 NVQs) |
| Total Questions | 75 questions |
| Total Marks | 300 marks (100 marks per subject) |
| MCQ Marking | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted |
| NVQ Marking | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted |
| Optional Questions | None – all 75 questions are compulsory |
| Virtual Calculator | NOT permitted |
| Available Languages | English, Hindi, and 11 regional languages |
| Shift Timings | Morning: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Afternoon: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
Paper 2A – B.Arch (Combined Online + Offline)
| Section | Questions / Marks |
| Mathematics (CBT) | 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs = 25 questions | 100 marks |
| Aptitude Test (CBT) | 50 MCQs = 50 questions | 200 marks |
| Drawing Test (Offline – Pen & Paper) | 2 questions | 100 marks (no negative marking) |
| Total | 77 questions | 400 marks | 3 Hours duration |
| Drawing Section Note | Candidates must bring pencils, colours, ruler, and geometry box |
Paper 2B – B.Planning (Computer-Based Test)
| Section | Questions / Marks |
| Mathematics (CBT) | 20 MCQs + 5 NVQs = 25 questions | 100 marks |
| Aptitude Test (CBT) | 50 MCQs = 50 questions | 200 marks |
| Planning Based Questions (CBT) | 25 MCQs = 25 questions | 100 marks |
| Total | 100 questions | 400 marks | 3 Hours duration |
| Marking | +4/-1 for all questions; no drawing section |
Note on normalisation: Since JEE Main 2026 is conducted across multiple shifts and dates, the difficulty level may vary between shifts. NTA uses a statistical normalisation process (Percentile Score Method) to ensure fairness. The raw marks are converted to NTA Scores (percentile scores) for each session. The All India Rank is then compiled based on the best NTA Score between Sessions 1 and 2.
JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips
JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips: Effective preparation is crucial for success in JEE Main 2026. Here are some tips to help you excel:
Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern to strategize your preparation effectively.
Create a Study Plan: Develop a study plan that covers all topics systematically, allowing ample time for revision and practice.
Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to enhance your problem-solving skills and time management.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and work on improving them. Seek help from teachers or online resources if needed.
Revise Thoroughly: Regular revision is essential to retain concepts and perform well in the exam.
Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and engage in physical activities to keep your mind and body fit.
JEE Main Admit Card 2026
How to Download the JEE Main 2026 Admit Card
- Step 1: Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in and click on the ‘Admit Card’ link for the relevant session
- Step 2: Log in using your JEE Main Application Number and Password or Date of Birth
- Step 3: Your admit card will be displayed on screen — check all details carefully
- Step 4: Download the PDF and take a clear printout on A4 paper
- Step 5: Carry the printed admit card (mandatory) along with a valid photo ID to the examination centre
Important Timelines for Admit Card 2026
- Session 2 admit card for April 2 and 4 exams: Released on March 29, 2026
- Session 2 admit card for April 5, 6, 7 exams: Released in due course (check jeemain.nta.nic.in)
- City Intimation Slip (separate from admit card): Session 2 released on March 21–22, 2026
Details on the JEE Main 2026 Admit Card
- Candidate’s name, application number, and roll number
- Father’s name, mother’s name, and date of birth
- Category and sub-category (PwD status)
- Exam date, shift (morning or afternoon), and reporting time
- Examination centre name, centre code, and complete address
- Photograph and signature
- Paper code and exam language
- Important exam day instructions, prohibited items, and dress code
Critical note: A discrepancy between your admit card photograph and your identity proof may cause issues. NTA has released an advisory for candidates with ‘Mismatch of Photographs with Submitted Identity Proof Documents’. Such candidates must upload a signed and attested certificate with a recent photograph certified by the school/college principal through the link provided by NTA via their registered email ID before the deadline.
JEE Mains 2026 Result, Cutoff & All India Rank (AIR)
How JEE Main NTA Score Works
- NTA Score is the percentile score calculated on the basis of a candidate’s performance across all shifts and dates of a session
- The NTA Score ranges from 0 to 100 — a score of 99 means the candidate performed better than 99% of all candidates who appeared
- Since multiple shifts are conducted, NTA uses normalisation to ensure that students from different shifts are not advantaged or disadvantaged by variations in difficulty
- The final All India Rank (AIR) for JEE Main 2026 is compiled AFTER both Session 1 and Session 2, based on the BEST NTA Score of a candidate across both sessions
- Session 1 and Session 2 NTA Scores are NOT added — only the best score is considered for the final ranking
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Key Statistics
- Paper 1 (B.Tech) Session 1 Result: Declared on February 16, 2026
- Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) Session 1 Result: Declared on February 24, 2026
- Session 1 Paper 1 difficulty analysis: January 23 Shift 2 was considered the toughest; January 28 Shift 2 was the easiest
- Normalisation ensures that shift difficulty does not unfairly impact rankings
JEE Main 2026 Cutoff for JEE Advanced Eligibility
| Category | JEE Main 2025 Qualifying Cutoff (for JEE Advanced) |
| General (Open) | Approximately 87–93 percentile (varies annually) |
| OBC-NCL | Approximately 74–80 percentile |
| SC | Approximately 54–60 percentile |
| ST | Approximately 44–50 percentile |
| General-EWS | Approximately 68–75 percentile |
| PwD | Approximately 0.11 percentile |
| JEE Advanced Qualifiers | Top 1,50,000 candidates across all categories |
Safe Percentile Ranges for NITs and IIITs (JEE Main 2026)
| Target Institution Level | Approximate Percentile Required |
| Top NITs (NIT Trichy, BITS comparison, etc.) | 98.5+ percentile (Open category) |
| Mid-tier NITs (NIT Jalandhar, NIT Raipur, etc.) | 95–98 percentile |
| Lower-ranked NITs / IIITs | 90–95 percentile |
| Good State Government Colleges | 85–92 percentile |
| Average NITs and State Colleges | 75–85 percentile |
| JEE Advanced Eligibility (General) | ~87–93 percentile |
JEE Mains 2026 Counselling – JoSAA Process
After the JEE Main 2026 final AIR is declared (post-Session 2), the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) conducts the centralised online counselling process for admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and IITs (for JEE Advanced qualifiers). Here is an overview:
Institutions Admitting Through JEE Main via JoSAA
- 31 National Institutes of Technology (NITs) across India
- 25 Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
- 23+ Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs)
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) – for JEE Advanced qualifiers only
- Various state government and private engineering colleges that accept JEE Main scores
JoSAA 2026 Counselling Process (Overview)
- Step 1: JoSAA counselling registration (expected May 2026) at josaa.nic.in
- Step 2: Online document verification and seat acceptance fee payment
- Step 3: Choice filling – rank colleges and branches in order of preference
- Step 4: Seat allotment in multiple rounds based on AIR, category, and preferences
- Step 5: Report to the allotted institute (online/physical) with original documents for admission confirmation
- Step 6: Multiple rounds of counselling allow rejected seats to be reallocated
Key counselling tip: Candidates should fill as many college-branch combinations as possible during choice filling. Ranking choices from most to least preferred — and including all potentially acceptable options — maximises the chance of getting the best possible seat in the available rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) JEE Main 2026
Q1. What are the JEE Mains 2026 exam dates for Session 1 and Session 2?
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 was conducted on January 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, 2026 (Paper 1) and January 29, 2026 (Paper 2). Session 1 results were declared on February 16, 2026 (Paper 1) and February 24, 2026 (Paper 2). Session 2 is underway with exams on April 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, 2026. Session 2 results are expected by April 20, 2026 (Paper 2) and late April 2026 (Paper 1).
Q2. How many questions and total marks are there in JEE Main 2026?
For Paper 1 (B.Tech), JEE Main 2026 has 75 questions for 300 total marks — 25 questions per subject (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), each with 20 MCQs and 5 NVQs. All questions are compulsory. The marking scheme is +4 for correct and -1 for wrong, applicable to both MCQs and NVQs. Paper 2A (B.Arch) has 77 questions for 400 marks, and Paper 2B (B.Plan) has 100 questions for 400 marks.
Q3. Is the 75% criteria removed for JEE Mains 2026?
No. The 75% Class 12 marks criteria has NOT been removed for JEE Main 2026. To be eligible for admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs through JoSAA counselling, candidates must score at least 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) OR be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board. This requirement applies to admission — it does NOT affect eligibility to appear in the JEE Main exam itself.
Q4. Can I use a calculator in JEE Mains 2026?
No. NTA has explicitly clarified that no virtual calculator, on-screen calculator, or physical calculator is permitted in JEE Main 2026. This was addressed in the revised Information Bulletin after initial confusion. All calculations must be done mentally or on the rough sheet provided at the exam centre.
Q5. When will the JEE Mains 2026 final result and All India Rank (AIR) be declared?
The final All India Rank (AIR) for JEE Main 2026 will be declared after the completion of Session 2 (April 2026). NTA merges the best NTA Score from Session 1 and Session 2 for each candidate to compile the final merit list. Session 2 Paper 2 result is expected around April 20, 2026. The Session 2 Paper 1 result and the final AIR are expected in late April 2026, after which JoSAA counselling will commence.
Q6. How many attempts are allowed in JEE Mains 2026?
There is no upper limit on the total number of JEE Main attempts specified by NTA. In a given year, a candidate can appear in both Session 1 (January) and Session 2 (April). The best NTA Score across both sessions is used for ranking. However, for JEE Advanced, a candidate can only attempt a maximum of two times in two consecutive years.
Q7. What is the JEE Mains 2026 cutoff for JEE Advanced?
The JEE Main 2026 cutoff for JEE Advanced qualification will be declared after Session 2 results. Based on 2025 trends, the General category cutoff was approximately 87–93 percentile. Only the top 1,50,000 candidates (across all categories, as per the reservation policy) based on JEE Main performance qualify to appear in JEE Advanced 2026. All categories have separate cutoffs.