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. 

JEE Main 2021 is a national-level recruitment exam, which is now held four (4) times a year – 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. 

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. 

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.) 
• 100 out of 105 questions in Paper 2B (BPlan) 

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

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2021 – 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:

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 Date 2021	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 – BE/BTech Paper 2A – BArch Paper 2B – BPlan
Duration of JEE Main Exam	3 hours or 180 minutes (4 hours for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities)
Maximum Questions	BE/BTech – 90 MCQs BArch – Online and Offline (Drawing Test) – 82 questions BPlan – 105 MCQs
Maximum Marks	JEE Main – 4 marks per correct answer B. Arch paper – 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 – Renewed Format (2021)

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 1 – B.E/BTech

Parameters	B.E./B. Tech
Mode of Examination	CBT Mode
Total subjects	Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Number of questions (Asked)	90  (30 questions from each subject) 20 MCQs and 10 Numerical value answer based questions from each subject
Number of questions (To be Answered)	75  (25 questions from each subject)
Type of Questions	60 MCQs (20 each from Maths, Physics and Chemistry) having 4 options each with 1 correct option) + 30 questions (10  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*  in total
Marking Scheme	For MCQs:  +4 for each correct response -1 for each incorrect response Unattempted questions will not be marked. For Non- MCQs:  +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 – B. Arch

Parameters	B. Arch
Mode of Examination	Mathematics 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)	82   (Mathematics- 30 Aptitude- 50 Drawing- 2)
Number of questions (To be Answered)	77   (Mathematics- 25 Aptitude- 50 Drawing- 2)
Type of Questions	Maths- 20 (MCQs) + 10 (Questions for which answer is a Numerical Value, 5 needs to be done) + Aptitude- 50 MCQ + Drawing- 2 Questions
Marking Scheme	For MCQs:  +4 for each correct response -1 for each incorrect response; Unattempted questions will not be marked. For Non- MCQs: +4 for each correct response No negative marking for incorrect answers or unattempted questions For Drawing Test: 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 – 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)	105  (Mathematics- 30 Aptitude- 50 Planning Based-25)
Number of questions (To be Answered)	100  (Mathematics- 25 Aptitude- 50 Planning Based-25)
Type of Questions	Maths- 20 (MCQs) + 10 (Questions for which answer is a Numerical Value, 5 needs to be done) + Aptitude- 50 MCQs + Planning Based Objective Type- 25 MCQs
Marking Scheme	For MCQs:  +4 for each correct response -1 for each incorrect response Unattempted questions will not be marked. For Non- MCQs:  +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 – 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 – 

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 – 90 B.Arch./B.Planning – 82	B.E/BTech – 75 B.Arch. – 77 B.Planning – 100
Maximum Marks	B.E/BTech – 360 B.Arch./B.Planning – 90	B.E/BTech – 300 B.Arch. – 400 B.Planning – 400
Numeric Value Based Questions	No	Yes
Planning Based Questions	No	Yes

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2021 – Section-wise Distribution of Questions

As per NTA’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. Chemistry 
3. Mathematics

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

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

1. Part I – Mathematics
2. Part II – Aptitude
3. Part III – Drawing

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

1. Part I – Mathematics
2. Part II – Aptitude
3. Part III – 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 Marks 

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 –  30 (20 MCQs + 10 numerical value) = 25 need to be answered	300 marks	Physics – 100 Marks
	Chemistry		Chemistry –  30 (20 MCQs + 10 numerical value) = 25 need to be answered		Chemistry – 100 Marks
	Mathematics		Mathematics –  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 – 100 marks
	Aptitude Test		Aptitude Test – 50		Aptitude Test – 200 marks
	Drawing Test		Drawing Test -2		Drawing Test – 100 marks
Paper 2B – BPlan	Mathematics	105 Questions 100 questions to be Attempted	Mathematics – 25 (20+5) 5 Questions with answers as a numerical value	400 marks	Mathematics – 100 marks
	Aptitude Test		Aptitude Test – 50 questions		Aptitude Test – 200 marks
	Planning Based Objective Type		Planning Based Objective Type – 25 questions		Planning Based Objective Type – 100 marks

JEE Main Syllabus 

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 – Chemistry 

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:  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 – Physics

Section A – 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 – Practical

Unit 21: Experimental Skills

JEE Mains Syllabus 2021 – 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 – 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	+4	-1	NIL	+4	No negative marking
B. Arch	+4	-1	NIL	+4	No negative marking
BPlan	+4	-1	NIL	+4	No negative marking

JEE Main Exam Pattern – Previous Years’ Question Papers

Buddy4Study has compiled previous years’ 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 – Shift 1	Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 8th April – Shift 2	Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 9th April – Shift 1	Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 9th April – Shift 2	Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 10th April – Shift 1	Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 10th April – Shift 2	Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 12th April – Shift 1	Click Here
JEE Main 2019 Paper 12th April – Shift 2	Click Here

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2021 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 –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 Chemistry (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 – 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 – 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 – February, March, April and May. This change in JEE Main exam pattern has taken place from 2021 onwards.