JEE Main Exam

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has outlined the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria on its official website. Candidates must carefully check these conditions before applying. In general, students who have passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or are appearing in 2026, are eligible to apply for the exam.

The eligibility criteria cover key factors such as educational qualification, required subjects, age limit, number of attempts, and nationality. There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main, but candidates can attempt the exam for three consecutive years after passing Class 12.

To be eligible, candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics, along with one additional subject like Chemistry/Biology/Technical Vocational subject in Class 12 or equivalent.

Overall, understanding these eligibility rules is important to avoid rejection during the application process and to ensure you meet all requirements set for JEE Main 2026.

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility - Overview

A quick overview of the key eligibility rules provides a clear snapshot of application eligibility and the number of attempts allowed for JEE Main 2026.

JEE Main Age Limit 2026

There is no upper or lower age limit for JEE Main 2026. Anyone who has passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or is appearing in 2026, can apply, no matter their age. However, some institutes such as NITs, IIITs, and other colleges may have their own age rules for admission.

Nationality Criteria

Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals can apply for JEE Main. Nationality is not a restriction, but admission to institutes like NITs and IIITs may follow different quotas or schemes for international candidates.

No. of Attempts in JEE Main

The National Testing Agency (NTA) allows candidates to appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years, starting from the year they pass Class 12 or appear for the exam. Since JEE Main is conducted twice every year (January and April sessions), this allows a maximum of six attempts in total.

For example, if a student passes Class 12 in 2026, they can attempt JEE Main in 2026, 2027, and 2028, with two chances each year. There is no age limit, but candidates must meet the Class 12 eligibility year criteria to use all available attempts.

JEE Advanced Number of Attempts Allowed

Candidates can appear for the JEE Advanced exam a maximum of two times in two consecutive years. This means a student gets only two chances within the eligibility window after completing Class 12 or its equivalent. For example, if a candidate appears for JEE Advanced in the first eligible year, they can attempt it once more in the following year. No candidate can appear for JEE Advanced more than two times. These two attempts must be in back-to-back years, as per the official eligibility rules that have remained the same over the years.

Marks Eligibility Criteria

For admission to top engineering institutes through JEE Main, candidates must also meet the Class 12 marks criteria set by the authorities at the time of admission (not for appearing in the exam). General category candidates are required to secure at least 75% marks in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board exams. For candidates belonging to SC/ST categories, the minimum requirement is 65% marks in Class 12 or top 20 percentile.

It is important to note that this marks criterion is mainly applicable for admission into institutes such as NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. A candidate can still appear for JEE Main even if they do not meet this percentage requirement, but admission will depend on fulfilling this condition at the time of counselling.

JEE Main Class 12 Subject Requirements

For JEE Main, the Class 12 subject combination varies depending on the course a candidate is applying for. The National Testing Agency (NTA) specifies different academic requirements for B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Plan programmes to ensure students have the right foundational knowledge.

• For B.Tech (Paper 1): Candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with at least one additional subject such as Chemistry, Biology, or a Technical Vocational subject.
• For B.Arch (Paper 2A): Candidates should have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as core subjects.
• For B.Plan (Paper 2B): The key requirement is Mathematics in Class 12, along with passing the qualifying examination.

State Code of Eligibility for JEE Main

The State Code of Eligibility in JEE Main refers to the state from which a candidate has passed their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination. This code is important for seat allocation under the Home State and Other State quota in institutions like NITs, IIITs, and other CFTIs.

It is crucial to understand that the state code is not based on your place of birth, residence, or domicile. Instead, it depends strictly on the location of the board or institution from where you completed your qualifying exam.

For example, if a student studies and passes Class 12 from Delhi but lives in Bihar, their state code of eligibility will be Delhi.

In specific cases:

• NIOS candidates should select the state based on the location of their study centre.
• If a candidate passes Class 12 in one state and later appears for improvement in another, the original passing state will be considered.
• Students who complete Class 12 from Nepal or Bhutan must choose their state code based on the permanent address in their passport.
• OCI/PIO candidates who pass Class 12 from India follow the same rules as Indian students, while those studying abroad are generally considered under the Other State/All India quota.

Choosing the correct state code is essential, as it directly affects admission opportunities under different quotas.

 

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026

National Testing Agency conducts JEE Main 2026 as the entrance exam for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other GFTIs across India. This page explains the JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 1 (BTech), Paper 2A (BArch), and Paper 2B (BPlan), including question distribution, total marks, and the marking scheme.

JEE Main 2026 will be held in two sessions — January and April. The latest pattern remains the same as the 2025 format, with no new structural changes announced by NTA. All Section B questions continue to be compulsory, and negative marking applies to both MCQs and numerical value questions.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern for BTech (Paper 1)

Paper 1 is for students applying to B.E./B.Tech courses and includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The paper contains 75 compulsory questions carrying a total of 300 marks.

The exam is conducted completely in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Each subject has equal weightage and is divided into two sections. Section A contains multiple-choice questions, while Section B contains numerical value questions.

From 2025 onward, all questions in Section B became compulsory. Earlier, candidates could choose a limited number of numerical questions, but that option is no longer available in the current pattern.

The exam duration is 3 hours for all candidates. Every correct answer carries four marks, while one mark is deducted for every incorrect response, including numerical value questions.

Paper 1 Subject-wise Pattern

Marking Scheme for Paper 1

Students should pay attention to negative marking in Section B. Numerical value questions now follow the same marking rule as MCQs, which means wrong answers also attract a penalty of one mark.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern for BArch (Paper 2A)

Paper 2A is for B.Arch admissions and includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing sections. The Mathematics and Aptitude sections are online, while the Drawing Test is conducted offline using pen and paper.

This paper has a total of 77 questions carrying 400 marks. Candidates appearing only for Paper 2A get 3 hours to complete the exam. Those taking both Paper 2A and Paper 2B together receive 3 hours 30 minutes.

The Mathematics section follows the same structure used in Paper 1, with MCQs and numerical value questions. The Aptitude section tests spatial understanding, visualization, and architectural awareness. The Drawing section checks sketching ability, perspective, and design sense.

NTA provides drawing sheets at the exam centre for the offline portion. Candidates cannot attempt the Drawing Test on a computer.

Paper 2A Subject-wise Pattern

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern for BPlan (Paper 2B)

Paper 2B is designed for students who want admission to B.Planning courses. The exam is held completely in online mode and includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning-Based Questions.

The paper contains 100 questions carrying a total of 400 marks. Candidates get 3 hours to complete the exam.

There is no Drawing Test in Paper 2B. Instead, the third section focuses on planning-related MCQs. These questions are usually based on topics such as city planning, transport systems, public spaces, maps, and basic design awareness.

Mathematics is divided into two parts. Section A contains MCQs, while Section B includes numerical value questions. Both sections are compulsory under the latest pattern.

JEE Main Syllabus 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the JEE Main Syllabus 2026 on its official portal, jeemain.nta.nic.in , covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for Paper 1 along with subject-specific topics for Paper 2A and Paper 2B. The syllabus remains unchanged from 2025 and continues to follow the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum for all three papers.

JEE Main Syllabus 2026 for BTech (Paper 1)

Paper 1 includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, all based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabus framework released by NTA. Each subject carries 100 marks, making the paper worth 300 marks in total. The syllabus combines conceptual theory with application-based numericals. Section A mainly contains MCQs and contributes nearly 80% of the marks, while Section B focuses on numerical value questions and contributes the remaining 20%.

Mathematics Syllabus for JEE Main 2026

The JEE Main Mathematics syllabus tests conceptual clarity, logical application, and calculation speed across Algebra, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, and related units. Calculus alone contributes the highest weightage in the Mathematics section.

NTA lists 14 active Mathematics units for JEE Main 2026. Many students over-focus on Calculus, but Algebra and Coordinate Geometry together also contribute a large share of questions.

Physics Syllabus for JEE Main 2026

The JEE Main Physics syllabus tests conceptual understanding and numerical problem-solving across Class 11 and 12 topics, ranging from Mechanics to Modern Physics. Physics is divided into Section A for theory-based questions and Section B for numerical and experimental skills. Mechanics contributes nearly 25–30% of Physics questions based on past paper analysis by multiple exam analysts. Current Electricity, Electrostatics, and Modern Physics also carry strong weightage in recent papers.

Chemistry Syllabus for JEE Main 2026

The JEE Main Chemistry syllabus covers physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry, combining numerical problems, conceptual application, and factual recall. All three sections receive balanced coverage in the examination pattern.

Chemistry is often considered the most scoring section because many questions are direct and NCERT-based. Organic chemistry contributes heavily to reaction-based questions, where mechanism understanding matters more than memorisation alone.

JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A (B.Arch.) Syllabus

The Drawing Test is conducted offline on drawing sheets at the exam centre.

JEE Main 2026 Paper 2B (B.Planning) Syllabus

JEE Main Group Test

Preparing for JEE Main does not always have to mean sitting alone with another mock test.

With Vidyx JEE Main Group Test, you can invite your friends, classmates, or study partners, schedule a test together, attempt the same questions, and see how everyone performs. It brings regular JEE Main practice, peer competition, performance analysis, and gamified features into one testing experience.

For students preparing for JEE Main 2027, Group Test offers another way to make mock-test practice more interactive and engaging.

What Is a JEE Main Group Test?

A JEE Main Group Test is an online group mock test that allows you to practise with other students instead of taking every test on your own.

You can host a test for your friends or join a test shared with you. Everyone takes the same scheduled test, and after the test you can compare your performance with the other participants.

You decide when to schedule the test, who to invite, and when your group will take the test. This turns a regular mock-test session into a shared practice experience.

With Vidyx Group Test, you can:

• Take a JEE Main mock test with friends or peers

• Schedule a test at a time that works for your group

• Compare your performance with other participants

• Track speed, accuracy, and test performance

• Get AI-powered Deep Analysis

• Earn Time Bonus for eligible fast and correct answers

• Compete for a Prize Pool

• Challenge a result when required under the test rules

How Does the JEE Main Group Test Work?

The idea is simple: choose a test, bring your group together, take the test at the scheduled time, and use the results to understand your performance.

You can either create your own Group Test or join one hosted by another participant.

Host or Join a Test

If you want to organise a test for your study group, you can host a Group Test and invite your friends or peers.

If someone has already created a Group Test, you can join through the invitation link and 8-digit Group Test code shared by the host.

Schedule the Test

The host chooses the date and time for the Group Test and shares the details with the participants.

A Group Test must be scheduled at least 5 minutes before its start time, giving participants enough time to join and prepare.

Join and Attempt the Test

Once the scheduled test begins, participants attempt the same test within the specified duration.

You can focus on solving the questions accurately while managing the clock and deciding how much time to spend on each question.

Compare Your Performance

After the test, you can see how your performance compares with the other participants.

The leaderboard gives you a quick view of your position in the group, while available performance insights provide more detail about your test attempt.

Compete for the Prize Pool

Every Group Test includes a Prize Pool.

Participant enrolment fees form the Prize Pool, which is distributed according to the applicable prize and ranking rules of the Group Test.

This gives you something extra to compete for while keeping the main purpose of the test focused on practice and performance.

Receive Your Prize

After the results are declared, the prize is processed according to the applicable Group Test rules.

If there is no result challenge, the eligible prize amount is credited to the participant's Vidyx wallet 24 hours after the results are declared.

If a result is challenged, the prize is processed after the review is completed according to the applicable rules.

Why Use Vidyx JEE Main Group Tests?

Vidyx provides a collaborative and social learning experience for JEE Main preparation, where you can take the same test with friends and peers, compete in real time, and compare your score, speed, accuracy, and overall performance. Group Tests turn regular mock-test practice into a more engaging experience by combining peer learning, healthy competition, performance insights, and gamified challenges, helping you learn from your results and improve with every test.

Practise With Your Friends

Instead of everyone taking a mock test separately, schedule one test and attempt it together.

Afterward, you can discuss questions, compare approaches, and talk about where you lost marks or time.

See How You Perform Against Your Group

The leaderboard lets you compare your result with the other participants who took the same test.

Your position is not just about competition. It can also give you another reference point for understanding your current preparation.

Get AI Deep Analysis

Your score is only one part of a test result.

Vidyx AI Deep Analysis provides additional performance insights, including areas such as speed, accuracy, attempts, and solving behaviour.

These insights can help you identify where you are performing well and where you may want to spend more time in your next practice session.

Earn Time Bonus

JEE Main preparation is not only about getting questions correct. Managing the clock matters too.

Vidyx includes a Time Bonus feature for eligible fast and correct answers according to the applicable test rules. It adds a gamified element to timed practice while encouraging students to balance speed with accuracy.

Challenge a Result When Needed

If you believe there is an issue with a Group Test result, you can submit a challenge within 24 hours after the result is declared, subject to the applicable test rules.

A challenged result goes through the relevant review process before the prize is released.

How Can Group Tests Help With JEE Main Preparation?

JEE Main group study can add a different dimension to individual preparation. Studying and practising with friends or peers can help you compare different approaches, stay accountable, discuss mistakes, and build a more consistent testing routine.

Improve Speed and Accuracy

Timed tests help you understand how quickly you solve questions and how often speed affects your accuracy.

Over multiple tests, you can start noticing patterns in your approach — for example, questions where you spend too much time or situations where rushing leads to mistakes.

Compare Your Progress With Peers

Taking the same test as your friends gives you a common reference point.

You can compare your performance with other participants and use the result as one more benchmark while tracking your preparation.

Learn From Different Approaches

Two students can arrive at the correct answer using completely different methods.

Discussing questions after a Group Test can expose you to different ways of approaching a problem and help you understand mistakes that you may have missed while studying alone.

Build a Regular Testing Routine

It can be easier to maintain a testing routine when you have a fixed time with your study group.

You can schedule regular Group Tests, practise together, review your results, and use what you learn to prepare for the next test.

JEE Main Group Test vs Regular JEE Main Mock Test

A regular JEE Main mock test is useful when you want to practise individually and check your own performance.

A JEE Main Group Test adds a shared testing experience, allowing you to take the same test with friends or peers and compare your performance after the test.

Group Test does not replace individual study or regular mock tests. It gives you another way to practise, particularly when you want to bring friends and peers into your preparation.

How to Join a Vidyx JEE Main Group Test

Joining a Group Test is straightforward if you have received an invitation from the host.

Step 1: Open the Invitation and Enter the Code

Open the Group Test invitation shared by the host and enter the 8-digit Group Test code if required.

Complete the applicable payment and join the test.

Step 2: Check the Test Details

Before joining, review the available information, including:

• Test name
• Exam and paper
• Test date and time
• Test duration
• Number of participants
• Enrolment fee
• Prize details
• Applicable test rules

Make sure the schedule works for you before joining.

Step 3: Be Ready for the Test

Join before the scheduled start time and make sure you are ready to attempt the test.

Once the test begins, manage your time carefully and work through the questions within the specified duration.

Step 4: Check Your Result and Analysis

After submitting the test, review your score, leaderboard position, and available performance analysis.

You can also check your prize status and the applicable result-challenge information.

How to Host a JEE Main Group Test With Friends

Want to take a mock test with your study group? You can create your own Group Test and invite the people you want to practise with.

Step 1: Select the JEE Main Test

Choose the available JEE Main test or paper you want your group to attempt.

Step 2: Set the Test Schedule

• Select the number of participants
• Choose a date and time for your Group Test.

Remember that the test must be scheduled at least 5 minutes before the start time.

Step 3: Configure the Test

Set the available Group Test options, including the participant limit and enrolment fee, according to the options provided on Vidyx.

Step 4: Invite Your Friends

Share the Group Test invitation and 8-digit code with your friends, classmates, or study partners.

Participants can use the shared information to join the test.

Step 5: Take the Test and Review the Results

Once the test begins, everyone attempts the same test according to the applicable rules.

After the test, review the leaderboard and available performance insights to see how the group performed.

Why Does Collaborative and Social Learning Matter for JEE Main Preparation?

Preparing for JEE Main can become repetitive when every practice session happens alone. Collaborative and social learning gives students an opportunity to prepare with friends and peers, compare different approaches, discuss mistakes, and stay engaged with their preparation.

Prepare Together

Set a common testing time with your study group and give everyone a shared practice goal.

Compare Different Approaches

A question that takes you several minutes may be solved differently by someone else in your group. Comparing approaches can help you discover methods you had not considered before.

Discuss Mistakes

After the test, talk about incorrect and unattempted questions with your friends. Explaining your approach — and hearing someone else's — can make mistakes easier to understand.

Keep Each Other Accountable

When a test is scheduled with other people, there is a shared commitment to show up and attempt it.

Make Practice More Engaging

A Group Test gives you a reason to practise together, compare results, discuss questions, and come back for the next test.

JEE Main Group Test for JEE Main 2027

For students preparing for JEE Main 2027, Group Test can become part of a broader preparation routine.

Use it alongside:

• Concept learning
• Chapter-wise question practice
• Revision
• Individual mock tests
• Previous-year question practice
• Time-management practice
• Performance analysis

The aim is not to replace the rest of your preparation. It is to give you another way to test what you have learned and see how you perform alongside other students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a JEE Main Group Test?
A JEE Main Group Test is a collaborative and social way to practice for JEE Main with friends and other aspirants. You can take the same test together, learn through peer comparison, challenge your friends, compete with your group, and compete for the prize pool.

Q. Can I take a JEE Main mock test with my friends?
Yes. With Vidyx Group Test, you can host a JEE Main test, invite your friends or study partners, and attempt the same test together.

Q. Can I create my own JEE Main Group Test?
Yes. You can host a Group Test, choose the available test and schedule, configure the available options, and invite other participants.

Q. What is the difference between a JEE Main Group Test and a regular mock test?
A regular mock test is generally designed for individual practice. A Group Test adds scheduled group participation, peer comparison, a leaderboard, performance insights, and a Prize Pool to the testing experience.

Q. Does Vidyx JEE Main Group Test follow the NTA exam pattern?
Vidyx JEE Main Group Mock Test follows the applicable NTA JEE Main exam pattern, helping students practise in a format aligned with the current exam structure.

Q. What is Time Bonus in Vidyx Group Test?
Time Bonus is a gamified feature that can reward eligible fast and correct answers according to the applicable Group Test rules.

Q. Can I challenge my Group Test result?
If you believe there is an issue with your result, you can submit a challenge within 24 hours after the result is declared, subject to the applicable Group Test rules.

Q. How is the Group Test Prize Pool created?
The participant enrolment fees form the Prize Pool for the Group Test. The eligible prize amount is distributed according to the applicable prize and ranking rules.

Q. When is the prize credited?
If there is no result challenge, the eligible prize amount is credited to the participant's Vidyx wallet 24 hours after the results are declared. If a result is challenged, the prize is processed after the applicable review is completed.

Q. What are the benefits of JEE Main group study?

JEE Main group study can make preparation more collaborative by allowing students to practise with friends and peers, compare different approaches, discuss mistakes, stay accountable, and build a regular testing routine. It can complement individual study by adding peer learning and comparison to the preparation process.

Q. What are the benefits of a JEE Main group mock test?

A JEE Main group mock test combines regular exam practice with peer comparison and competition. Students can take the same test with friends or peers, compare their performance, review speed and accuracy, discuss different approaches, and use the results to identify areas for improvement.