Overview of NTA JEE Main 2027 Exam Pattern
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the JEE Main 2027 exam in two sessions (Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April). JEE Main serves as the entrance test for admission to B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Planning programs across NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and participating State Engineering Colleges, as well as the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced.
The examination is categorized into three distinct papers based on the program chosen by candidates:
- Paper 1 (B.E. / B.Tech): Conducted entirely online in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Paper 2A (B.Arch): Conducted in a hybrid mode. Mathematics and Aptitude sections are online (CBT), while the Drawing section is conducted offline on an A4 sheet.
- Paper 2B (B.Planning): Conducted entirely online (CBT) covering Mathematics, Aptitude Test, and Planning-based questions.
NTA Key Directive: Candidates have the flexibility to apply for Session 1, Session 2, or both sessions. If a candidate appears for both sessions, NTA considers their best score among the two sessions for final rank compilation.
JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E. / B.Tech) Exam Pattern
Paper 1 is designed for students seeking undergraduate engineering admissions (B.E./B.Tech). Each of the three core subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) is split into two distinct sections: Section A and Section B.
| Subject | Section A (Compulsory MCQs) | Section B (Numerical Value Questions) | Total Questions to Attempt | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 20 Questions | 10 Questions (Attempt any 5) | 25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Chemistry | 20 Questions | 10 Questions (Attempt any 5) | 25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Mathematics | 20 Questions | 10 Questions (Attempt any 5) | 25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Total Summary | 60 Questions | 30 Qs (Attempt 15 Qs) | 75 Questions | 300 Marks |
Key Rules for Section A & Section B
- Section A (MCQs): Contains multiple-choice questions with 4 options and 1 correct answer. All 20 questions in each subject are compulsory.
- Section B (Numerical Value Questions): Candidates enter a numerical value as their answer using an on-screen virtual keyboard. Out of 10 options per subject, candidates must select and answer exactly 5 questions.
- If a candidate attempts more than 5 questions in Section B, only the first 5 attempted questions will be evaluated by the NTA automated system.
JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) & Paper 2B (B.Planning) Exam Pattern
Candidates aiming for B.Arch and B.Planning programs appear for Paper 2A and Paper 2B respectively. These papers test spatial aptitude, drawing aptitude, and urban planning concepts.
Paper 2A Structure (B.Arch)
| Subject / Part | Section Details | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Mathematics | Sec A: 20 MCQs | Sec B: 10 Numerical Qs (Attempt 5) | 25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Part 2: Aptitude Test | Multiple Choice Questions (Objective) | 50 Questions | 200 Marks |
| Part 3: Drawing Test | Offline Drawing on A4 Sheet (Perspective, Design, Aesthetics) | 2 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Total B.Arch | Hybrid Mode (Online CBT + Offline Drawing) | 77 Questions | 400 Marks |
Paper 2B Structure (B.Planning)
| Subject / Part | Section Details | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Mathematics | Sec A: 20 MCQs | Sec B: 10 Numerical Qs (Attempt 5) | 25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Part 2: Aptitude Test | Multiple Choice Questions (Objective) | 50 Questions | 200 Marks |
| Part 3: Planning Test | Planning-Based Multiple Choice Questions | 25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Total B.Planning | 100% Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) | 105 Questions | 400 Marks |
Official NTA Marking Scheme & Negative Marking Rules
NTA follows a uniform evaluation protocol for objective and numerical value questions across Paper 1, Paper 2A, and Paper 2B:
Important Note on Dropped Questions: If a question is found to be incorrect or dropped by NTA after the provisional answer key challenge window, +4 marks are awarded to all candidates who attempted the question, regardless of their selected option (or to all candidates who appeared if it is a Section A question).
Medium of Examination (13 Regional Languages)
To ensure accessibility for students across India, NTA offers the question paper in 13 regional languages. Candidates must select their preferred medium of question paper while filling out the online application form.
| Medium / Language | Examination Centers / States Where Offered |
|---|---|
| English | All Examination Centers across India & Abroad |
| Hindi | All Examination Centers across India |
| Assamese | Examination Centers in Assam |
| Bengali | Examination Centers in West Bengal, Tripura, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Gujarati | Examination Centers in Gujarat, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
| Kannada | Examination Centers in Karnataka |
| Marathi | Examination Centers in Maharashtra |
| Malayalam | Examination Centers in Kerala and Lakshadweep |
| Odia | Examination Centers in Odisha |
| Punjabi | Examination Centers in Punjab, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh |
| Tamil | Examination Centers in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Telugu | Examination Centers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana |
| Urdu | All Examination Centers across India |
Smart Exam Pattern Strategies & Preparation Tips
Understanding the exam pattern enables candidates to optimize their time management and maximize their raw score on test day:
Section B Selection Strategy
Spend the initial 2-3 minutes scanning all 10 Numerical Value Questions per subject. Pick the 5 simplest and most direct calculations to avoid unnecessary negative marks.
Time Allocation Per Subject
Aim for 45-50 minutes on Chemistry, 60 minutes on Physics, and 70 minutes on Mathematics to handle lengthy algebraic and calculus problems efficiently.
Master Virtual Keyboard
Practice entering exact rounded-off integer or decimal values into virtual keyboards during mock tests to prevent formatting errors during official CBT sessions.
Ready to Ace JEE Main 2027?
Check the updated chapter-wise syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, or download official previous year question papers.