JEE Main
Official-source-based JEE Main 2026 guide for overview, eligibility, application process, counselling, exam pattern, syllabus, dates, and cutoff guidance.
Overview
JEE Main 2026 is conducted by the National Testing Agency for undergraduate engineering and architecture/planning admission pathways. The official Information Bulletin states that Paper 1 is used for B.E./B.Tech admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs and participating institutions, and that JEE Main is also the eligibility test for JEE Advanced. Paper 2 is used for B.Arch and B.Planning admission.
Source references: JEE Main 2026 Information Bulletin and JEE Main 2026 Syllabus.
Eligibility
- For JEE Main 2026, candidates who passed Class XII or equivalent in 2024 or 2025, or are appearing in 2026, are eligible to appear as per the official bulletin.
- Candidates who passed Class XII or equivalent in 2023 or earlier are not eligible for JEE Main 2026.
- Institution-level admission eligibility, including subject combination and minimum marks, must be checked against the applicable JoSAA/CSAB/institution rules.
- Candidates should verify category, PwD/PwBD and state-of-eligibility rules from the official bulletin before applying.
Process
- Register online on the official JEE Main/NTA application portal when the application window is open.
- Complete the application form with personal details, paper selection, examination city choices, education details and required uploads.
- Pay the prescribed fee online and download/retain the confirmation page.
- Use the official website for correction windows, city intimation, admit card, answer key challenges and result updates.
Counselling
JEE Main admission and seat allocation are not conducted by NTA. The official bulletin states that seat allocation for participating NIT+ system institutions is conducted through processes announced by CSAB/JoSAA. Candidates must follow JoSAA/CSAB and admitting institution rules for document verification, category certificates, seat allotment and admission formalities.
Exam Pattern
| Paper | Purpose | Mode and duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | B.E./B.Tech admission pathway | Computer Based Test; 3 hours |
| Paper 2A | B.Arch admission pathway | As per official bulletin; 3 hours |
| Paper 2B | B.Planning admission pathway | As per official bulletin; 3 hours |
| Paper 2A and 2B together | B.Arch and B.Planning | 3 hours 30 minutes |
The detailed section-wise question format and marking scheme should be checked from the official bulletin before final exam preparation.
Syllabus
The official JEE Main 2026 syllabus is published separately by NTA. Paper 1 covers Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Paper 2 includes Mathematics, Aptitude and the relevant Drawing/Planning components as applicable to B.Arch/B.Planning.
Students should use the official syllabus PDF as the controlling reference and avoid relying on unverified topic lists.
Cutoff
Official update pendingOfficial update pending: The JEE Main cutoff depends on paper/session, category, percentile normalization, counselling authority, seat matrix, institute, branch and admission year. Latest official category-wise admission cutoffs should be updated after release by the concerned counselling/admission authority.
Previous Year Cutoff
Official update pendingOfficial update pending: Add verified previous-year JoSAA/CSAB opening and closing ranks here after checking the official counselling data source. Avoid using unsourced category-wise cutoff values.
| Year | Authority | Category/course | Opening rank | Closing rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To be updated | JoSAA/CSAB official data | To be updated | To be updated | To be updated |
Important Dates
Official update pendingFAQs
Who conducts JEE Main?
JEE Main is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
What is JEE Main Paper 1 used for?
Paper 1 is used for the B.E./B.Tech admission pathway at NITs, IIITs, CFTIs and participating institutions, and it is also the eligibility test for JEE Advanced.
Does NTA conduct JEE Main counselling?
No. NTA conducts the examination. Seat allocation/admission processes are handled by JoSAA/CSAB or the relevant admitting authority/institution.
Where should students check the latest syllabus?
Students should use the official JEE Main 2026 syllabus link on jeemain.nta.nic.in as the controlling reference.
Are latest cutoffs available here?
Official update pending. Category-wise and institute-wise cutoffs should be added after verified JoSAA/CSAB or competent authority data is available.