JEE Main Exam Pattern – New Format, Distribution of Marks & Questions

JEE Main Exam Pattern – JEE Main exam pattern comprises information on the mode of exam, the medium of the exam (language), type of questions, marks allotted to each question or section, negative marking, etc. NTA has released the new JEE Main 2021 exam pattern for BTech, B. Arch, and B. Planning papers on the official NTA JEE website.ย 

JEE Main 2021 is a national-level recruitment exam, which is now held four (4) times a year โ€“ in February, March, April and May. Through this examination, candidates will get a chance to get admission into UG engineering programs in various IITs, NITs, CFTIs and other renowned institutions. Besides, NTA is conducting this entrance examination in 13 languages. While exams in English, Hindi, and Urdu will be held across the country, other regional language papers will be held in the respective states.

The JEE Main 2021 exam will be held in CBT or Computer Based Test mode in nearly 326 Indian cities and 10 abroad. While JEE Main Paper 1 is held for BTech aspirants, JEE Main Paper 2 is conducted for B. Arch (2A) and B. Planning (2B) candidates.ย 

All papers i.e Paper 1, Paper 2 (A) and 2(B) will be divided into 3 sections pertaining to 3 different subjects. According to the revised JEE Main exam pattern 2021, all the 3 subjects/sections in the JEE Main Paper 1 question paper will have 10 Numerical Value Questions and 20 MCQs each. Out of the 10 Numerical Value Questions, candidates will have to attempt only 5 questions. The exam will be conducted in both MCQ and non-MCQ formats.ย 

Candidates will have to attempt –

  • 75 questions out of 90 questions in Paper 1 (BE/BTech)
  • 77 out of 82 questions in Paper 2A (B.Arch.)ย 
  • 100 out of 105 questions in Paper 2B (BPlan)ย 

The time duration for all the JEE Main 2021 papers is 3 hours.ย 

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JEE Main Exam Pattern 2021 โ€“ Key Highlights

Candidates who have registered and applied for the JEE Main exam 2021 should go through the JEE Main exam pattern thoroughly before attempting the exam. Here are a few key points that they should keep in mind:

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JEE Main Exam Pattern 2021

Name of Examination Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main 2021)
Exam Conducting body National Testing Agency (NTA)
JEE Main 2021 Recruitment Official Website www.jeemain.nta.nic.in
Exam frequency 4 times a year
JEE Main Exam Dateย 2021ย  Session 1 – 23rd to 26th February 2021

Session 2 – 15th to 18th March 2021

Session 3 – 27th to 30th April 2021

Session 4 – 24th to 28th May 2021

Mode of Exam Online (computer-based test)
Language of Paper English, Hindi, Urdu

8 Regional Languages – Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu

Credentials required to download JEE Main Admit Card JEE Main 2021 application number

Date of Birth (Password)

Compulsory documents to carry on exam day JEE Main Admit Card

Valid original photo ID (like Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card/ Driving License/ Ration Card/ School Identity Card)

COVID-19 Self Declaration (Undertaking) form

JEE Main Papers Paper 1 โ€“ย BE/BTech

Paper 2A โ€“ย BArch

Paper 2B โ€“ย BPlan

Duration of JEE Main Exam 3 hours or 180 minutes (4 hours for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities)
Maximum Questions BE/BTech โ€“ 90 MCQs

BArch โ€“ Online and Offline (Drawing Test) โ€“ 82 questions

BPlan โ€“ 105 MCQs

Maximum Marks JEE Main โ€“ 4 marks per correct answer

B. Arch paper โ€“ 2 questions of 50 marks each

JEE Main exam pattern – Marking System Correct answer: 3 marks

Incorrect Answer: (-1) mark

Unattempted Answer: NIL

JEE Main exam pattern – Negative Marking For MCQs: (-1) mark per incorrect answer

For Non-MCQs: No negative marking

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Latest Additions in JEE Main Exam Pattern 2021

  1. According to the latest update in JEE Main exam pattern 2021, Paper 1 will have 90 MCQs including 30 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Candidates have to attempt just 75 questions.
  2. All three subjects will have 2 sections/parts in the JEE Main paper. Part A will contain 20 MCQs and Part B will contain 10 Numerical value answer-based questions. Candidates have to attempt any 5 questions out of 10 in Part B.
  3. Numerical questions do not have any negative marking. However, 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong MCQ-type answer.
  4. JEE Main 2021 will be held in 13 regional languages
  5. The first session will be conducted from 23rd to 26th February 2021 in online mode in two shifts.
  6. Almost 22 lakh aspirants have registered for all cycles of the JEE Main exam. This is the highest ever registration for a UG competitive examination.

JEE Main Exam Pattern โ€“ Renewed Format (2021)

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 1 โ€“ B.E/BTech

Parameters B.E./B. Tech
Mode of Examination CBT Mode
Total subjects Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Number of questions

(Asked)

90ย 

(30 questions from each subject)

20 MCQs and 10 Numerical value answer based questions from each subject

Number of questions

(To be Answered)

75ย 

(25 questions from each subject)

Type of Questions 60ย MCQs (20 each from Maths, Physics and Chemistry) having 4 options each with 1 correct option)ย +ย 30ย questions (10 ย each from Maths, Physics and Chemistry) for which answer is a Numerical Value.

Candidates have to attempt 5 numerical based questions from each subject – 15 questions from Part B* ย in totalย 

Marking Scheme For MCQs:ย 

+4 for each correct response

-1 for each incorrect response

Unattempted questions will not be marked.

For Non- MCQs:ย 

+4 for each correct response

No negative marking for incorrect answers or unattempted questions.

Maximum Marks 300 Marks
Medium of paper English, Hindi, Urdu (All Centre Cities),

Regional Languages

*Part A – MCQ, Part B – Numerical value answer based question (Non-MCQ)

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2A โ€“ B. Arch

Parameters B. Arch
Mode of Examination Mathematicsย and Aptitude- CBT Mode

Drawing- Pen and paper mode

Type of Questions Mathematics– Multiple- choice questions and questions with numerical value as answers

Aptitude– Multiple-choice questions

Drawing– Drawing aptitude

Total subjects Mathematics, Aptitude Test, and Drawing Test
Number of questions

(Asked)

82ย ย 

(Mathematics- 30

Aptitude- 50

Drawing- 2)

Number of questions

(To be Answered)

77ย ย 

(Mathematics- 25

Aptitude- 50

Drawing- 2)

Type of Questions Maths- 20 (MCQs)ย +ย 10 (Questions for which answer is a Numerical Value, 5 needs to be done)ย +

Aptitude- 50 MCQย +

Drawing-ย 2 Questions

Marking Scheme For MCQs:ย 

+4 for each correct response

-1 for each incorrect response; Unattempted questions will not be marked.

For Non- MCQs:ย +4 for each correct response

No negative marking for incorrect answers or unattempted questions

For Drawing Test:ย 2 questions of 100 marks

Maximum Marks 400 Marks
Medium of paper English, Hindi, Urdu (All Centre Cities),

Regional Languages

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2B โ€“ B. Planning

Parameters B. Planning
Mode of Examination CBT Mode
Total subjects Mathematics, Aptitude Test, and Planning Based Objective Type
Type of Questions Mathematics– Multiple- choice questions and questions with numerical value as answers

Aptitude– Multiple- choice questions

Planning– Multiple- choice questions

Number of questions

(Asked)

105ย 

(Mathematics- 30

Aptitude- 50

Planning Based-25)

Number of questions

(To be Answered)

100ย 

(Mathematics- 25

Aptitude- 50

Planning Based-25)

Type of Questions Maths- 20 (MCQs)ย +ย 10ย (Questions for which answer is a Numerical Value, 5 needs to be done)ย +

Aptitude- 50 MCQsย +

Planning Based Objective Type- 25 MCQs

Marking Scheme For MCQs:ย 

+4 for each correct response

-1 for each incorrect response

Unattempted questions will not be marked.

For Non- MCQs:ย 

+4 for each correct response

No negative marking for incorrect answers or unattempted questions.

Maximum Marks 400 Marks
Medium of paper English, Hindi, Urdu (All Centre Cities),

Regional Languages

JEE Main Exam Pattern โ€“ Comparison (Old Exam Pattern vs New Exam Pattern)

Candidates can check the distinction between the old exam pattern and the new exam pattern of JEE Main in the table below –ย 

Parameter Old JEE Main Exam Pattern New JEE Main Exam Pattern
No. of Papers 2 3
B.Planning Exam (Separate) No Yes
Total Number of Questions (To Be Answered) B.E/BTech โ€“ 90

B.Arch./B.Planning โ€“ 82

B.E/BTech โ€“ 75

B.Arch. โ€“ 77

B.Planning โ€“ 100

Maximum Marks B.E/BTech โ€“ 360

B.Arch./B.Planning โ€“ 90

B.E/BTech โ€“ 300

B.Arch. โ€“ 400

B.Planning โ€“ 400

Numeric Value Based Questions No Yes
Planning Based Questions No Yes

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JEE Main Exam Pattern 2021 โ€“ Section-wise Distribution of Questions

As per NTAโ€™s official announcement and official JEE Main exam pattern, there will be 3 papers for the JEE Main exam. In the case of JEE Main Paper 1 for B.E/ BTech, the questions will be asked from:

  1. Physics
  2. Chemistryย 
  3. Mathematics

The base questions asked in the JEE Main exam 2021 will be from Classes 10 and 12.ย 

The second paper of JEE Main is divided into Paper 2A and Paper 2B.ย  The examination paper for BPlan students is called Paper 2B. In Paper 2A (B.Arch.), the sections include:

  1. Part I โ€“ Mathematics
  2. Part II โ€“ Aptitude
  3. Part III โ€“ Drawing

In Paper 2 B (BPlan), the sections include:

  1. Part I โ€“ Mathematics
  2. Part II – Aptitude
  3. Part III โ€“ Planning

As per the JEE Main exam pattern, the questions asked in the JEE Main 2021 exam will be objective type (MCQ) and non-MCQ type. Each question will have 4 options. Among the 4, candidates will have to select one option which they consider as the most appropriate answer.

Candidates can know more about the JEE Main exam pattern in the table below, and check the sectional distribution of questions and marks.

JEE Main Exam Pattern – Sectional Distribution of Marksย 

Sections Sections covered Questions Asked Number of Questions Maximum Marks Division of Marks
Paper 1 – B.E./B. Tech Physics 90 questions

75 questions to be attempted

Physics โ€“ย 

30 (20 MCQs + 10 numerical value) = 25 need to be answered

300 marks Physics โ€“ 100 Marks
Chemistry Chemistry โ€“ย 

30 (20 MCQs + 10 numerical value) = 25 need to be answered

Chemistry – 100 Marksย 
Mathematics Mathematics โ€“ย 

30 (20 MCQs + 10 numerical value) = 25 need to answer

Mathematics – 100 Marks
Paper 2A – B. Arch Mathematics 82 Questions

77 questions to be Attempted

Mathematics – 25 (20+10)

5 Questions with answers as a numerical value.

400 marks Mathematics โ€“ 100 marks
Aptitude Test Aptitude Test โ€“ 50 Aptitude Test โ€“ 200 marks
Drawing Test Drawing Test -2 Drawing Test โ€“ 100 marksย 
Paper 2B – BPlan Mathematics 105 Questions

100 questions to be Attempted

Mathematics – 25 (20+5)

5 Questions with answers as a numerical valueย 

400 marks Mathematics โ€“ 100 marks
Aptitude Test Aptitude Test โ€“ 50 questionsย  Aptitude Test โ€“ 200 marks
Planning Based Objective Type Planning Based Objective Type โ€“ 25 questionsย  Planning Based Objective Type โ€“ 100 marks

JEE Main Syllabusย 

NTA has released the JEE Main syllabus 2021 along with the JEE Main notification. The JEE Main 2021 syllabus will be based mainly on the topics covered in Class 11 and 12. Candidates can find the syllabus by visiting the official website.

JEE Mains Syllabus 2021 โ€“ Chemistryย 

Section A: Physical Chemistry
Unit 1: Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry Unit 2: States of Matter Unit 3: Atomic Structure
Unit 4: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure Unit 5: Chemical Thermodynamics Unit 6: Solutions
Unit 7: Equilibrium Unit 8: Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry Unit 9: Chemical Kinetics
Unit 10: Surface Chemistry
Section B: Inorganic Chemistry
Unit 11: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties Unit 12: General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals Unit 13: Hydrogen
Unit 14: Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals) Unit 15: P-Block Elements Unit 16: d-and-f Block Elements
Unit 17: Coordination Compounds Unit 18: Environmental Chemistry
Section C: Organic Chemistry
Unit 19: Purification and Characterization of Organic Compounds Unit 20: Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry Unit 21: Hydrocarbons
Unit 22: Organic Compounds Containing Halogens Unit 23:ย  Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen Unit 24: Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen
Unit 25: Polymers Unit 26: Biomolecules Unit 27: Chemistry In Everyday Life
Unit 28: Principles Related to Practical Chemistry

JEE Mains Syllabus 2021 โ€“ Physics

Section A โ€“ Theoretical Section
Unit 1: Physics and Measurement Unit 2: Kinematics Unit 3: Laws of Motion Unit 4: Work, Energy, and Power
Unit 5: Rotational Motion Unit 6: Gravitation Unit 7: Properties of Solids and Liquids Unit 8: Thermodynamics
Unit 9: Kinetic Theory of Gases Unit 10: Oscillations and Waves Unit 11: Electrostatics Unit 12: Current Electricity
Unit 13: Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism Unit 14: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents Unit 15: Electromagnetic Waves Unit 16: Optics
Unit 17: Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation Unit 18: Atoms and Nuclei Unit 19: Electronic Devices Unit 20: Communication Systems
Section B โ€“ย Practical
Unit 21: Experimental Skills

JEE Mains Syllabus 2021 โ€“ Mathematics

Unit 1: Sets, Relations, and Functions Unit 2: Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations Unit 3: Matrices and Determinants Unit 4: Permutations and Combinations
Unit 5: Mathematical Induction Unit 6: Binomial Theorem and Its Simple Applications Unit 7: Sequences and Series Unit 8: Limit Continuity, and Differentiability
Unit 9: Integral Calculus Unit 10: Differential Equations Unit 11: Coordinate Geometry Unit 12: Three Dimensional Geometry
Unit 13: Vector Algebra Unit 14: Statistics and Probability Unit 15: Trigonometry Unit 16: Mathematical Reasoning

Candidates will find the syllabus of Paper 2A and 2B in the detailed JEE Main syllabus 2021.

JEE Main Exam Pattern โ€“ Marking Scheme

Candidates will get 4 options for every question. For every correct answer, they will be awarded 3 marks. However, 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

JEE Main Exam Pattern – Marking Scheme

Correct Answer (MCQs) Incorrect Answer (MCQ) Unattempted Correct Answer (Non- MCQs) Incorrect Answer (Section B)
B.E./ BTech +4ย  -1ย  NIL +4ย  No negative marking
B. Arch +4ย  -1ย  NIL +4ย  No negative marking
BPlan +4ย  -1ย  NIL +4ย  No negative marking

JEE Main Exam Pattern โ€“ Previous Yearsโ€™ Question Papers

Buddy4Study has compiled previous yearsโ€™ question papers alongside the model question papers in the below table. Candidates can download these to understand the JEE Main exam pattern thoroughly and prepare for the upcoming examination accordingly.

JEE Main Previous Year Question Papers (2019)

Paper Question Paper
JEE Main 2019 Paper 8th April โ€“ Shift 1 Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 8th April โ€“ Shift 2 Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 9th April โ€“ Shift 1 Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 9th April โ€“ Shift 2 Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 10th April โ€“ Shift 1 Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 10th April โ€“ Shift 2 Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 12th April โ€“ Shift 1 Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 12th April โ€“ Shift 2 Click Here

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2021 โ€“ General Instructions for Online Test

Candidates must follow the online test instructions and guidelines set by the NTA authority. The test instructions will help the candidates to attempt the computer-based exam without any hassles. Given below is a list of online test instructions set by the National Testing Agency panel that candidates need to abide by:

  1. The candidate/s must report at the examination centre at least an hour before the allotted exam time.
  2. Candidates reporting after the reporting time mentioned in the hall ticket, will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.
  3. The candidate/s must compulsorily bring the admit card (hard copy). The test centre officials will verify it and then allow the candidate to sit for the examination.
  4. Bring along a valid photo identity (ID of College, Passport, Driving License, Aadhaar Card, Pan Card, Voters ID Card).
  5. Do not bring xeroxed admit cards as the examination authority will scan the admit card through the barcode present in the original admit card.
  6. Admit cards must be in good condition. Dismantled, disfigured or mutilated admit cards compromising the details of the candidate will not be accepted.
  7. Duplicate JEE Main admit cards would not be issued at the examination centres if the original admit card is torn or lost by a candidate.
  8. PwD certificates issued by the Competent Authority must be presented at the exam centre by the candidates claiming relaxation.
  9. A seat with Roll Number will be allotted to each candidate. They should find and sit on their allocated seats only.
  10. No baggage is allowed inside the examination hall.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2021 โ€“ Mandatory COVID-19 Guidelines

Candidates must check out these general COVID-19 related guidelines and follow them at all the JEE Main exam centres:

  1. Gap between 2 seats will be maintained as per GOI guidelines
  2. Social distancing would be maintained strictly at the exam centres. Candidates have to maintain at least 6 feet or 2-metre distance from other candidates.
  3. All candidates will be checked for temperature with thermo guns at the entry point.
  4. Queue manager/ropes and Floor Marks will be arranged outside the centre. Follow the instructions provided by centre staff.
  5. To stop chances of any UFM being used in the examination, the candidate is expected to wear the freshly provided mask at the centre. The candidate will be offered a fresh 3 Ply mask before entry. Exam authority will ensure that monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam, desk, chair, etc., are thoroughly sanitised.
  6. A significant gap has to be present between two seats inside the exam hall.
  7. Besides the admit card and photo ID card, gloves, a personal transparent water bottle, personal hand sanitizer (50 ml), and a pen will also be allowed in the exam hall.
  8. Invigilators will distribute rough sheets to candidates wearing gloves.
  9. To avoid crowding, exam room numbers would not be displayed outside the centre.
  10. Candidates violating COVID-19 directives/advisories would not be allowed to sit for the exam
  11. Candidates would be allowed to leave the test centre one at a time to avoid the rush and maintain social distancing.

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JEE Main Exam Pattern โ€“ Recommended Books

Candidates need to prepare well from the topics highlighted as per the JEE Main syllabus 2021 to score well in the upcoming test.

Buddy4Study advises candidates to prepare well for the exam with the help of the below-mentioned books that are recommended by candidates who cracked the exam successfully in the previous years.

Paper 1

Best Books for JEE Main 2021 โ€“ Physics

Books Name Author
Advance physics Nelkon and Parker
Aptitude test problem in physics Krotov
Fundamentals of Physics Halliday, Resnick & Walker
Dynamics of a Particle & of Rigid Bodies S.L. Loney
Physics Volume 1 & 2 Tipler
University Physics Freedman and Young
Problems in Physics A. A. Pinsky
Mechanics Part-1 & 2 DC Pandey
Problems in General Physics I. E. Irodov
Problems in Physics V. Zubov & V. Shalnov
Concepts of Physics Volume I and II H. C. Verma
Feynman Lectures on physics R. P. Feynman
A collection of questions and problems in physics L. A. Sena
Element of Dynamics part I & II S. L. Loney

Best Books for JEE Main 2021 โ€“Chemistry

Books for Organic Chemistry

Books Name Author
Organic Chemistry O. P. Tandon
Concept of Organic Chemistry M. S. Chauhan
Organic Chemistry volume 1 I. L. Finar
Organic Chemistry Arihant Prakashan
A Guidebook to Mechanism in Organic Chemistry Peter Sykes

Books for Physical Chemistry

Books Name Author
IIT JEE Chemistry O. P. Agarwal
Numerical Chemistry P. Bahadur
General Chemistry Ebbing
Physical Chemistry O. P. Tandon
University Chemistry Bruce Mahan
Modern Approach to Chemical Calculations RC Mukherjee
Physical Chemistryย (For Reading Theory) P. Bahadur
Physical Chemistry P.W.Atkins

Books for Inorganic Chemistry

Books Name Author
Concise Inorganic Chemistry J. D. Lee
Inorganic Chemistry Arihant Prakashan
Textbook of Inorganic Chemistry for Competitions (JEE Main & Advanced) OP Tondon

Best Books for JEE Main 2021 โ€“ Mathematics

Books Name Author
Mathematics for Class 11 & Class 12 R. D. Sharma
Algebra Arihant
Maths for Class 11 & Class 12 R. S. Agarwal
Vector Shanti Nayaran
IIT Mathematics M. L. Khanna
Trigonometry S. L. Loney
Problems in Calculus of One Variable I. A. Maron
Geometry Dr. Gorakh Prasad
Differential Calculus Arihant
Integral Calculus Arihant
Introduction Probability & Its Application W. Feller
Higher Algebra Barnard and Child
A problem book in mathematical Analysis G. N. Berman
Higher Algebra 4th Edition Hall and Knight
Course in Mathematics for IIT-JEE TMH Publication
Calculus and Analytic Geometry Thomas and Finney

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JEE Main Exam Pattern โ€“ FAQs

In which format are the questions asked in the JEE Main 2021 exam?

As per the JEE Main exam pattern 2021, candidates will have to attempt the paper in both Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) and Non-MCQ format. B. Arch candidates will have to attempt the drawing test too.

What is the duration of the JEE Main exam 2021?

According to the JEE Main exam pattern, the duration of the JEE Main exam is 3 hours.

Is there any negative marking in the JEE Main exam?

Yes. As per the JEE Main exam pattern, for every incorrect answer in the MCQ section, 1 mark will be deducted. However, in Section B, there is no negative marking.

What is the distribution of sections and questions in JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch.)?

As per the JEE Main exam pattern for B.Arch., there are 3 sections- Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing. There will be 25 questions in the Math section; 50 in the Aptitude section and 2 Drawing questions in the exam. The total number of questions in the paper is 77.

How many times is JEE Main conducted in a year?

The JEE Main exam will be conducted 4 times every year โ€“ February, March, April and May. This change in JEE Main exam pattern has taken place from 2021 onwards.

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