The National Testing Agency (NTA) will use NTA scores to determine merit for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) - 2026. This examination is held in two sessions, January and April 2026. These scores ensure fair assessment for admissions to higher education institutions. JEE (Main) Paper 1 is for B.E./B. Tech admissions, including NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. Paper 2A is for B. Arch, and Paper 2B is for B. Planning courses.
NTA Score Calculation and Merit Determination
The method for determining merit involves converting raw scores into NTA scores. Raw scores in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are converted for Paper 1. A total NTA score is also calculated. The overall merit list will merge NTA scores from all shifts across both examination sessions. Candidates appearing in multiple sessions will have their best JEE (Main) - 2026 NTA Score used for ranking. This approach provides candidates with two opportunities to improve their performance.
Important Dates for JEE (Main) - 2026 Sessions
| EVENTS | Session 1 (January 2026) DATES | Session 2 (April 2026) DATES |
| Online Submission of Application Form | 31 October 2025 to 27 November 2025 (Up to 09:00 P.M.) | Last week of January 2026 Onwards |
| Last date for successful transaction of prescribed Application Fee | 27 November 2025 (Up to 11:50 P.M.) | Will be notified later |
| City Intimation Slip | First Week of January 2026 (Tentatively) | Second Week of March 2026 (Tentatively) |
| Downloading Admit Cards from the NTA website | 03-04 days before the date of the Examination | 03-04 days before the date of the Examination |
| Dates of Examination | Between 21 January 2026 to 30 January 2026 | Between 02 April 2026 to 09 April 2026 |
| Declaration of Result | By 12 February, 2026 | By 20 April, 2026 |
If candidates receive the same total NTA scores, specific tie-breaking rules apply. These rules ensure a clear ranking among candidates with identical overall scores. The process considers several factors in a defined order.
Tie-Breaking Rules for NTA Scores
- The NTA score in Mathematics is considered first.
- Next, the NTA score in Physics is used.
- Then, the NTA score in Chemistry is applied.
- After subject scores, candidates with a lower proportion of incorrect answers versus correct answers across all subjects in the test are ranked higher.
- This is followed by candidates with a lower proportion of incorrect answers versus correct answers in Mathematics.
- Then, candidates with a lower proportion of incorrect answers versus correct answers in Physics are preferred.
- Subsequently, candidates with a lower proportion of incorrect answers versus correct answers in Chemistry are considered.
- If a tie still exists after these steps, candidates will receive the same rank.
Examination Structure and Dates
The JEE (Main) - 2026 examination is conducted in two distinct sessions. This two-session format offers candidates significant advantages. It allows them to gain experience in the first attempt. Candidates can then identify and correct mistakes for the second attempt. This reduces the need to drop a year of study. It also provides a second chance if candidates miss an examination due to unforeseen reasons.
Paper 1 (B.E./B. Tech) is a Computer Based Test (CBT). Paper 2A (B. Arch) includes CBT for Mathematics and Aptitude Test parts. Its Drawing Test (Part-III) is a pen and paper mode, using an A4 size drawing sheet. Paper 2B (B. Planning) is entirely a Computer Based Test (CBT).
Question Paper Mediums
JEE (Main) - 2026 will be conducted in thirteen languages. This aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP). The available languages are English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Candidates must choose their preferred language carefully during application. This choice cannot be changed later. The question paper will appear in both English and the chosen language. The English version will be definitive if any discrepancies occur.
National Testing Agency Role
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an independent, autonomous organization. It was established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. NTA conducts efficient and transparent tests. Its mission is to improve equity and quality in education. NTA ensures valid, reliable, and fair assessments. It aims to assess candidate competency for admission to premier higher education institutions. NTA promotes teaching, learning, and assessment. It emphasizes quality, efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and security in its assessments. NTA engages with students, parents, teachers, experts, and partner institutions. Since 2019, NTA has held the responsibility for conducting JEE (Main).
