JEE Main Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme: MCQ, Numerical, Negative Marks
The JEE Main B.E./B.Tech paper (Paper 1) tests Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with equal weight. Understanding the section structure — especially the difference between MCQ (with negative marking) and Numerical Answer Type (without negative marking) — is essential for an optimal attempt strategy.
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) section structure
| Subject | MCQ (−1 wrong) | Numerical (no negative) | Total marks per subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 20 MCQs × 4 marks | 10 numerical, attempt 5 × 4 marks | 100 |
| Chemistry | 20 MCQs × 4 marks | 10 numerical, attempt 5 × 4 marks | 100 |
| Mathematics | 20 MCQs × 4 marks | 10 numerical, attempt 5 × 4 marks | 100 |
| Total | 60 MCQs (all compulsory) | 15 numerical (choose 5 per subject) | 300 |
Confirm the exact structure in the current information bulletin — NTA can revise the pattern.
Numerical questions: attempt selectively: You choose any 5 out of 10 numerical questions per subject. There is no negative marking on numericals. This means you should attempt all 5 even with moderate confidence, while being more selective on MCQs to avoid the −1 penalty.
Paper 2 overview (B.Arch / B.Planning)
| Paper | Sections | Total marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Mathematics (Part I) + Aptitude (Part II) + Drawing (Part III) | 400 marks |
| Paper 2B (B.Planning) | Mathematics (Part I) + Aptitude (Part II) + Planning (Part III) | 400 marks |
Confirm the current pattern for Paper 2A and 2B in the official bulletin.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I leave an MCQ unanswered?
Unanswered MCQs get 0 marks — they do not incur the −1 penalty. Only wrong MCQ answers are penalised.
Can I attempt more than 5 numerical questions per subject?
No. The system accepts only your first 5 attempted responses per section for numerical questions. If you attempt more, the extra attempts are typically not counted. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.