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
- 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.
- 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.
- Numerical questions do not have any negative marking. However, 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong MCQ-type answer.
- JEE Main 2021 will be held in 13 regional languages
- The first session will be conducted from 23rd to 26th February 2021 in online mode in two shifts.
- 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:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- 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:
- Part I – Mathematics
- Part II – Aptitude
- Part III – Drawing
In Paper 2 B (BPlan), the sections include:
- Part I – Mathematics
- Part II – Aptitude
- 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:
- The candidate/s must report at the examination centre at least an hour before the allotted exam time.
- Candidates reporting after the reporting time mentioned in the hall ticket, will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.
- 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.
- Bring along a valid photo identity (ID of College, Passport, Driving License, Aadhaar Card, Pan Card, Voters ID Card).
- Do not bring xeroxed admit cards as the examination authority will scan the admit card through the barcode present in the original admit card.
- Admit cards must be in good condition. Dismantled, disfigured or mutilated admit cards compromising the details of the candidate will not be accepted.
- 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.
- PwD certificates issued by the Competent Authority must be presented at the exam centre by the candidates claiming relaxation.
- A seat with Roll Number will be allotted to each candidate. They should find and sit on their allocated seats only.
- 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:
- Gap between 2 seats will be maintained as per GOI guidelines
- 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.
- All candidates will be checked for temperature with thermo guns at the entry point.
- Queue manager/ropes and Floor Marks will be arranged outside the centre. Follow the instructions provided by centre staff.
- 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.
- A significant gap has to be present between two seats inside the exam hall.
- 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.
- Invigilators will distribute rough sheets to candidates wearing gloves.
- To avoid crowding, exam room numbers would not be displayed outside the centre.
- Candidates violating COVID-19 directives/advisories would not be allowed to sit for the exam
- 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 |
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.
