JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips
Every year, lakhs of students appear for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main with the goal of securing admission to leading engineering and architecture institutions. JEE Main preparation requires consistency, perseverance, and a genuine interest in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. If you are preparing for JEE Main 2026, start with a clear goal, understand the exam requirements, and follow a structured preparation strategy. JEE Main Paper 1 is used for admission to B.E./B.Tech programmes at NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and other participating institutions, and it is also the eligibility test for JEE Advanced, which is used for admission to the IITs.
Today, we are going to share with you essential tips and insights that will help you understand how to prepare for JEE Main 2026 in a focused and effective way. In all, there are 7 tips and tricks that we will be discussing:
- Understand the JEE Main exam pattern, marking scheme, and other details
- Create a study schedule and practice questions on a daily basis
- Study as per topic-wise weightage for JEE Main
- Take notes properly so that you revise well before the exam
- Focus on previous year questions/mock tests
- Gather the best books and study materials
- Enrol in an online JEE Coaching and learn from the experts
Know Everything About JEE Main
First of all, understand what JEE Main is, what the exam is like and what will be asked in the exam. In short, you need to understand three things:
- JEE Main Exam Details
- JEE Main Exam Pattern
- JEE Main Marking Scheme
JEE Main 2026 was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in two sessions: Session 1 in January 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026. Candidates could appear in one or both sessions, subject to the applicable application requirements. The key 2026 dates are given below:
|
Events |
Important Dates 2026 (Conducted) |
|
|
1st Session |
2nd Session |
|
|
Release of Notification |
31st October 2025 |
1st February 2026 |
|
Starting of the Registration process |
31st October 2025 |
1st February 2026 |
|
End of registration |
27th November 2025 |
25th February 2026 |
|
Last date of fee payment |
27th November 2025 (up to 11:50 PM) |
25th February 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
|
Application Correction |
As notified by NTA |
27th to 28th February 2026 |
|
Registration reopen dates |
Not applicable |
12th to 13th March 2026 (reopened window) |
|
Release of Admit card |
17th January 2026 and 24th January 2026 |
29th March 2026 and 1st April 2026 |
|
JEE Main 2026 Exam |
Session 1: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) - 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 28th January 2026; Session 1: Paper 2A (B.Arch) & Paper 2B (B.Planning) - 29th January 2026 Session 2: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) - 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 8th April 2026; Session 2: Paper 2A (B.Arch) & Paper 2B (B.Planning) - 7th April 2026 |
|
|
Display of Answer key |
February 2026 |
April 2026 |
|
Declaration of Result |
16th February 2026 (Paper 1, Session 1) |
20th April 2026 (Paper 1, Session 2) |
|
Counselling process starts |
After result and as per JoSAA schedule |
After result and as per JoSAA schedule |
JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech) Pattern
|
JEE Main 2026 Paper Pattern for B.E/B.Tech |
|
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Exam Mode |
Computer-based Test (CBT) |
|
Test Duration |
Three Hours |
|
Language of Examination |
Available in 13 Languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.) |
|
Type of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Questions With Numerical Values as Answers |
|
No. of Sections |
3 Sections: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry |
|
Mathematics Section Pattern |
30 Questions (20 Multiple Choice Questions + 10 Questions with Numerical Value as Answers) Students have to answer 5 questions out of the 10 numerical value questions |
|
Physics Section Pattern |
30 Questions (20 Multiple Choice Questions + 10 Questions with Numerical Value as Answers) Students have to answer 5 questions out of the 10 numerical value questions |
|
Chemistry Section Pattern |
30 Questions (20 Multiple Choice Questions + 10 Questions with Numerical Value as Answers) Students have to answer 5 questions out of the 10 numerical value questions |
|
Total No. of Questions |
90 Questions (75 Questions to be answered, 25 questions in each section) |
|
Total Marks of JEE Main Exam |
300 Marks (100 marks for each section) |
|
JEE Main Marking Scheme |
MCQs:
Questions with Numerical Values as answers:
|
JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech) Marking Scheme
|
Subject |
Total No. of Questions |
Marks |
|
Mathematics |
20 MCQs and 5 numerical questions to be answered |
100 |
|
Physics |
20 MCQs and 5 numerical questions to be answered |
100 |
|
Chemistry |
20 MCQs and 5 numerical questions to be answered |
100 |
|
Total |
75 Questions |
300 |
JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech) Exam Timings
|
Exam Events |
First Shift |
Second Shift |
|
Entry to the Test Centre (this might involve different activities like attendance, checking of admit cards, biometric registration, frisking, etc.) |
7:30 AM to 8:30 AM |
2:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
|
Invigilators Instructions |
8:30 AM to 8:50 AM |
2:30 PM to 2:50 PM |
|
Candidates Log Into Reading Instructions |
8:50 AM |
2:50 PM |
|
Exam Timings for B.Tech (Paper 1) |
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
|
Exam Duration |
3 Hours |
3 Hours |
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) Pattern
|
JEE Main 2026 B.Arch/ B.Plan Pattern |
|
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer-based examination except for Drawing Test in B.Arch (pen and paper-based mode) |
|
Exam Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
|
Language |
Available in 13 Languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.) |
|
Exam Duration |
3 Hours for Paper 2A or Paper 2B; 3 Hours 30 Minutes when appearing for both Paper 2A and Paper 2B |
|
Total No. of Sections |
B.Arch (Paper 2A): 3 Sections: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test B.Plan (Paper 2B): Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning Test (MCQs) |
|
Type of questions in B.Arch Paper |
Mathematics: MCQs and questions with numerical values as answers Aptitude- Multiple-choice questions Drawing- Drawing Aptitude |
|
Type of questions in B.Planning |
Mathematics- MCQs and questions with numerical values as answers Aptitude- MCQs (Multiple choice questions) Planning- MCQs (Multiple choice questions) |
|
Total No. of Questions |
B.Arch: 82 Questions (77 to be answered) B.Plan: 105 Questions (100 to be answered) |
|
Total Marks of JEE Main Paper 2 |
400 Marks |
|
Marking Scheme |
MCQs:
Questions with Numerical Values as answers:
Drawing Test: Two questions are evaluated out of 100 marks. |
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A (B.Arch) Marking Scheme
|
Subject |
Total Questions in JEE Main |
Total Marks of JEE Main Exam |
|
Mathematics |
20 MCQs and 5 Numerical Answer Type Questions |
100 |
|
Aptitude Test |
50 |
200 |
|
Drawing Test |
2 |
100 |
|
Total |
77 To Be Answered |
400 |
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2B (B.Plan) Marking Scheme
|
Subject |
Total Questions in JEE Main |
Total Marks of JEE Main Exam |
|
Mathematics |
20 MCQs and 5 Numerical Answer Type Questions |
100 |
|
Aptitude Test |
50 |
200 |
|
Planning |
25 |
100 |
|
Total |
100 To Be Answered |
400 |
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) Exam Timings
|
Exam Events |
First Shift Timings |
Second Shift Timings |
|
Entry to the Test Centre (this might involve different activities like attendance, checking of admit cards, biometric registration, frisking, etc.) |
7:30 AM to 8:30 AM |
2:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
|
Invigilators’ Instructions |
8:30 AM to 8:50 AM |
2:30 PM to 2:50 PM |
|
Candidates Log Into Reading Instructions |
8:50 AM |
2:50 PM |
|
Timing of Examination for B. Arch and B. Planning (Paper 2) |
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
|
Exam Duration |
3 Hours |
3 Hours |
Create a Study Schedule
Now that you understand the JEE Main 2026 exam structure, it is time to focus on the syllabus and create a realistic study schedule. First, take note of the complete syllabus for each section - Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. Then, mark the topics as:
- Don’t know/ Have not studied yet
- Easy/ Have studied before
- Moderate/ Have some knowledge about it
You need to start studying the topics that you have not studied before and keep revising the topics that you have studied before side by side.
Divide your study time in different blocks and assign different tasks/subjects/topics to each block.
For example, if you have to attend school from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. You will have time in the evening or at night to study for JEE Main. In that time you can:
- Study Maths/ practice Maths questions for one hour every day (say from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
- Study one new topic of Chemistry/Physics every alternate day (say from 7.30 pm to 8:30 pm)
- Revise one topic of Chemistry/Physics at night every alternate day (say from 10:00 pm to 11:00pm)
You can alter your schedule based on your school or coaching timings and the time of day when you feel most productive. Pay attention in class and use the current JEE Main syllabus to make sure that your preparation covers the required topics. For Chemistry in particular, NCERT remains an important foundation for concepts and factual revision.
Then, you can practise JEE Main previous year papers or sample papers on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
Study as Per Topic-wise Weightage
NTA does not prescribe a fixed chapter-wise weightage for JEE Main. The tables below are indicative trend references from earlier JEE Main papers and should be used to prioritise revision, not as a guaranteed 2026 question distribution. For JEE Main 2026 preparation, cover the complete syllabus and use recent 2026 and previous-year papers to identify recurring concepts.
|
Indicative JEE Main Important Topics for Physics (Historical Trend Reference) |
|||
|
Topics |
Number of Questions |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
Modern Physics |
5 |
20 |
15.90% |
|
Heat and Thermodynamics |
3 |
12 |
9.90% |
|
Optics |
3 |
12 |
9.90% |
|
Current Electricity |
3 |
12 |
9.90% |
|
Electrostatics |
3 |
12 |
9.90% |
|
Magnetics |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Unit, Dimension and Vector |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Kinematics |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Laws of Motion |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Work, Energy and Power |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Centre of Mass, Impulse and Momentum |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Rotation |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Gravitation |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Simple Harmonic Motion |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Solids and Fluids |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Waves |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Electromagnetic Induction |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Indicative JEE Main Important Topics for Chemistry (Historical Trend Reference) |
|||
|
Chapters in JEE Main Exam |
Numbers of Questions |
Numbers of Marks |
Weightage |
|
Transition Elements and Coordinate Geometry |
3 |
12 |
9.90% |
|
Periodic Table and Representative Elements |
3 |
12 |
9.90% |
|
Thermodynamics and Gaseous State |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Atomic Structure |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Chemical Bonding |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Chemical and Ionic Equilibrium |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Solid-State and Surface Chemistry |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Nuclear Chemistry and Environment |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Mole Concept |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Redox Reaction |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Electrochemistry |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Chemical Kinetics |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Solution and Colligative Properties |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
General Organic Chemistry |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Stereochemistry |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Hydrocarbon |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Alkyl Halides |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Carboxylic Acid and its derivatives |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Carbohydrates, Amino Acids, and Polymers |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Aromatic Compounds |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Indicative JEE Main Important Topics for Maths (Historical Trend Reference) |
|||
|
Chapters |
No. of questions |
No. of marks |
Weightage |
|
Coordinate Geometry |
5 |
20 |
15.90% |
|
Limits, Continuity and Differentiability |
3 |
12 |
9.90% |
|
Integral Calculus |
3 |
12 |
9.90% |
|
Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Matrices and Determinants |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Statistics and Probability |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Three Dimensional Geometry |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Vector Algebra |
2 |
8 |
6.60% |
|
Sets, Relation and Function |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Permutation and Combination |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Binomial Theorem and its Applications |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Sequences and Series |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Trigonometry |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Mathematical Reasoning |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Differential Equation |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Statics and Dynamics |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
|
Differential Calculus |
1 |
4 |
3.30% |
Take Good Notes for JEE Main
Your notes can be your best study resource at the time of examination. When there will be a month or two left for JEE Main, you can start revising all the chapters/topics from your notes and make sure you memorise every concept thoroughly. Your notes must include three important things:
- Important terms/definitions in a topic
- Previous year questions asked from that topic
- Summary/ gist of that topic
You can also make formula sheets, mind maps, illustrations, flashcards, and study guides to understand a topic better. Then, you can use all these resources at the time of revision.
Focus on Previous Year Questions/ Mock Tests
Questions that appeared in previous years of JEE Main are helpful for students as they help in understanding the exam pattern even better. Moreover, it will make you familiar with what types of questions are generally asked in the examination. You can even solve mock tests or sample papers in a timed environment to test:
- Whether you will be able to solve all questions in the actual exam
- How many topics are clear to you and how many need more revision
- What kind of questions seem difficult to you
- What kind of questions seem easy to you
This way, you can find your shortcomings and understand how to improve your performance. You can consult an expert to find out how you can improve your performance.
Find The Best Books and Study Material
Another important thing to consider while preparing for JEE Main is where you are studying for the exam. Make sure to pick the right books that have clear explanations, practice questions, previous year questions, and solved examples. Do not rush and buy any book that someone suggests to you. Instead, check the book thoroughly and choose the book that seems the most useful to you.
You can also explore the askIITians study resources for JEE Main 2026, including ebooks, revision notes, daily practice papers, flashcards, and other preparation resources. Study material should be selected according to the current JEE Main 2026 syllabus and your individual preparation needs.
Enroll in Online Coaching for JEE Main
Last but not least, you can enrol in an online coaching for JEE Main where you can study from experts and prepare well for the exam as per a personalised learning strategy. These experts will guide you on how to study regularly and strengthen your concepts. You can also get your doubts solved on a regular basis and make sure that you do not skip any important topic. The tutor will also track your learning progress and will make it easier for you to prepare for JEE Main with confidence.