More than 15.38 lakh unique candidates appeared across JEE Main 2026’s two sessions, with 26 scoring a perfect 100 percentile. The two-session design gives you a second chance; your best NTA score counts for JoSAA counselling and JEE Advanced eligibility.
Lakhs
Applicants
per year
-
Colleges
accepting
₹1,000
Reg. Fee
approx.
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Score Valid
from result
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Level
academic
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Mode
format
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Frequency
conducted
Exam Structure
mode
Computer-based test (CBT); Drawing section of B.Arch is pen-and-paper
duration
3 hours (3.5 hours for candidates taking B.Arch and B.Planning together)
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical value questions (Section B); compulsory 5 numerical questions per subject in Paper 1
marking scheme
+4 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer (MCQs and numerical value questions), 0 for unattempted
total questions
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): 75; Paper 2A (B.Arch): 77; Paper 2B (B.Planning): 100
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifying exam: Passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026.
Subjects for B.E./B.Tech: Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Technical Vocational subject.
Subjects for B.Arch: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (50% marks in Mathematics and 50% aggregate).
Subjects for B.Planning: Mathematics compulsory.
Age limit: No age limit for JEE Main; individual institutes may have their own age restrictions.
Attempts: 3 consecutive years (2 sessions each year, total 6 attempts).
75% rule (for NITs/IIITs/GFTIs admission): General/EWS/OBC-NCL candidates require 75% in Class 12 or top 20 percentile of their board; SC/ST/PwD require 65%. Not required for appearing in JEE Main.
What Does Your Score Mean?
Your NTA score (percentile) reflects how you performed relative to all other test-takers in your shift. It is not a direct percentage of marks. After each session, NTA releases subject-wise and aggregate percentiles. If you appear in both sessions, your best percentile in each subject determines your final All India Rank (AIR). The category-wise cut-off for JEE Advanced eligibility is declared with Session 2 results. For 2026, the qualifying cut-off percentile for General was 93.4123549, EWS 82.4164528, OBC-NCL 80.9232583, SC 63.9172792, ST 52.0174712, and PwD 0.0023186. Your scorecard shows final NTA scores and qualifying status for JEE Advanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JEE Main and why are there two sessions?
JEE Main is the national-level entrance exam conducted by NTA for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, and it qualifies you for JEE Advanced. It is held twice a year (January and April) so you can improve your score. Your best NTA percentile across both sessions becomes your final All India Rank, giving you a second opportunity if the first attempt didn’t go as planned.
What are the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026?
You must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026. For B.E./B.Tech, you need Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational subject. For B.Arch, you need Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. For B.Planning, Mathematics is compulsory. There is no age limit for JEE Main, but individual institutes may have age requirements.
Is the 75% rule in Class 12 mandatory for JEE Main?
No, the 75% rule (or top 20 percentile of your board) applies only for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JoSAA counselling. It is not required to appear for JEE Main. SC/ST/PwD candidates need 65% aggregate.
How is the JEE Main cut-off determined, and what was it for 2026?
NTA releases a category-wise qualifying percentile with the Session 2 result to determine eligibility for JEE Advanced. For 2026, the cut-off was: General - 93.4123549, EWS - 82.4164528, OBC-NCL - 80.9232583, SC - 63.9172792, ST - 52.0174712, PwD - 0.0023186. Only candidates above these percentiles can appear for JEE Advanced.
Can I appear in both JEE Main sessions? How is the final rank calculated?
Yes, you can appear in one or both sessions. NTA takes your best NTA score (percentile) from the two sessions for each subject and computes the final aggregate percentile. This best-of-two performance determines your All India Rank (AIR) used for counselling.
What is the exam pattern for JEE Main Paper 1?
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) is a 3-hour computer-based test with 75 questions (25 each from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics). Each subject has 20 MCQs (Section A) and 5 compulsory numerical value questions (Section B). Total marks are 300. +4 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted.
Which languages are available for JEE Main?
The exam is offered in 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. You can select your preferred language during the application process.
What happens after the JEE Main result?
If you meet the JEE Advanced cut-off, you can register for JEE Advanced (exam on 17/05/2026) which is the gateway to IITs. All qualified candidates can participate in JoSAA counselling (starting June 2026) for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs using your JEE Main rank.
Questions & Answers
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