Based on the official JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin
JEE Main: Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Subjects
A clear guide to JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.): the three subjects, how the computer-based test is structured, the marking scheme with negative marking, and the full syllabus for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Key Curriculum Facts
- 3
- Subjects
- Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics
- 75
- Questions
- 25 per subject (20 MCQ + 5 numerical)
- 300
- Total Marks
- 100 marks per subject
- 3 hours
- Duration
- Computer-based test (CBT)
How JEE Main Paper 1 Is Structured
JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) is a three-hour computer-based test with three equally weighted subjects: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Each subject contributes 100 marks, for a total of 300.
Every subject has two sections. Section A holds 20 multiple-choice questions and Section B holds 5 numerical-value questions, giving 25 questions per subject and 75 in all. A correct answer scores +4, an incorrect answer −1, and an unanswered question 0 — negative marking applies in both sections.
This page summarises the official exam pattern and links to the full syllabus for each subject. It is a reference guide; the preparation product lives separately on the JEE hub.
The Three JEE Main Subjects
Equal weightage — 100 marks and 25 questions each. Open a subject for its full syllabus.
Physics
20 official units from Mechanics and Thermodynamics through Electromagnetism and Optics to Modern Physics, plus a dedicated Experimental Skills unit.
View Physics SyllabusChemistry
20 official units organised into Physical Chemistry (Units 1–8), Inorganic Chemistry (Units 9–12) and Organic Chemistry (Units 13–20).
View Chemistry SyllabusMathematics
14 official units across Algebra, Calculus, Coordinate and 3D Geometry, Vectors, Trigonometry, and Statistics and Probability.
View Maths SyllabusHow is JEE Main Paper 1 marked?
Each subject has Section A (20 multiple-choice questions) and Section B (5 numerical-value questions). A correct answer scores +4, an incorrect answer −1, and an unanswered question 0, with negative marking in both sections. Section B answers are entered as a number rounded to the nearest integer. Final results use NTA scores. Always confirm the current pattern on the official NTA website.
Preparing for JEE Main
General preparation milestones across the three subjects (always confirm the current NTA pattern)
Know the Syllabus & Pattern
- ✓Map all units across Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
- ✓Understand the two-section format (MCQ + numerical value)
- ✓Internalise the +4 / −1 marking and both-section negative marking
Build Subject Depth
- ✓Secure Mechanics, Calculus and Physical Chemistry fundamentals first
- ✓Balance Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
- ✓Practise numerical-value questions with correct rounding
Exam Readiness
- ✓Train accuracy to avoid negative marks on uncertain questions
- ✓Build three-hour pacing across all three subjects
- ✓Review mistakes and revise high-yield units consistently
For the quadratic equation x² − 5x + 6 = 0, what is the sum of its roots?
Reasoning Clue & Solution
For a quadratic ax² + bx + c = 0, the sum of the roots is −b/a. Identify a and b first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many subjects and questions are in JEE Main Paper 1?
JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) has three subjects — Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics — with 25 questions each (20 multiple-choice in Section A and 5 numerical-value in Section B), for 75 questions in total.
What is the total marks and duration of JEE Main?
Paper 1 carries 300 marks (100 per subject) and lasts 3 hours (180 minutes). It is conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode only.
Is there negative marking in JEE Main?
Yes. A correct answer scores +4 and an incorrect answer scores −1 in both Section A and Section B. Unanswered or review-marked questions score 0.
What is the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
JEE Main is the national entrance test for B.E./B.Tech. admissions and the qualifier for JEE Advanced. JEE Advanced is the separate, more advanced examination for admission to the IITs, taken by candidates who qualify through JEE Main.
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