The JEE Main syllabus 2026 is set by the National Testing Agency and covers three different papers based on your chosen course. Paper 1 is for B.E. and B.Tech., Paper 2A is for B.Arch, and Paper 2B is for B.Planning. While Mathematics is common across all three, the remaining sections vary significantly.
This page brings everything together in one place so you can understand exactly what to prepare. You can also check JEE Main 2026 exam dates and registration and understand the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced before planning your preparation.
JEE Main 2026 has three papers, each designed for a different programme. Here is a side-by-side breakdown of all three.
| Programme | Engineering | Architecture | Urban Planning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | Physics: 30 Qs · 100 marks | Mathematics: 30 Qs · 80 marks | Mathematics: 30 Qs · 80 marks |
| Part II | Chemistry: 30 Qs · 100 marks | Aptitude Test: 50 Qs · 200 marks | Aptitude Test: 50 Qs · 200 marks |
| Part III | Mathematics: 30 Qs · 100 marks | Drawing Test: 2 Qs · 100 marks | Planning Test: 25 Qs · 100 marks |
| Total Questions | 90 | 82 | 105 |
| Total Marks | 300 | 400 | 400 |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Mode | Computer Based | CBT + Offline Drawing | Computer Based |
| Negative Marking | –1 per wrong MCQ | –1 per wrong MCQ | –1 per wrong MCQ |
| Unique Section | Physics & Chemistry | Drawing Test | Planning Test |
Mathematics is the only section common across all three papers. Students appearing for Paper 2A or 2B should refer to the same Mathematics syllabus as Paper 1.
| Paper | Subject | Core Topics | Exam Focus | Weightage Pattern | High-Priority Areas / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | Physics | Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves, Electricity, Optics, Modern Physics | Numericals (60%) | Mechanics + Electricity dominate | Practice-based subject |
| Chemistry | Physical, Inorganic, Organic Chemistry | Concept + reaction-based | Balanced | Bonding, Equilibrium key | |
| Mathematics | Algebra, Calculus, Geometry | Problem-solving | Calculus heavy | High accuracy needed | |
| Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Mathematics | Same as Paper 1 | Concept + problems | Same weightage | Strong base required |
| Aptitude Test | 3D visualisation, reasoning | Visual + logic | Application-based | Spatial skills important | |
| Drawing Test | Sketching, perspective | Practical | Subjective | Practice regularly | |
| Paper 2B (B.Planning) | Mathematics | Same as Paper 1 | Concept + problems | Same | Core subject |
| Aptitude Test | Reasoning, spatial ability | Logical | Application | Concept-based | |
| Planning | Urban planning, environment | Theory + GK | Concept mix | Awareness-based |
Physics focuses on numericals and concepts. Explore JEE Main Physics Syllabus 2026.
Chemistry includes Physical, Organic, and Inorganic. Explore JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus 2026.
Maths focuses on problem-solving. Explore JEE Main Mathematics Syllabus 2026.
It includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Paper 2A includes Drawing, while Paper 2B includes Planning.
Yes, the Maths syllabus is the same across all papers.
Yes, students can attempt multiple papers.