JEE Main 2027 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme (Expected)
NTA typically releases the official JEE Main information bulletin – the document that locks in the exact pattern for that year – in October or November, shortly before registration opens. As of now, the JEE Main 2027 bulletin hasn't been released, so everything below is the expected pattern, based directly on the JEE Main 2026 format, which has stayed stable for the last couple of years. Treat this as a strong working guide for your preparation, and confirm the final details against the official bulletin once NTA publishes it.
The Three Papers
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): The paper almost every engineering aspirant takes, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Paper 2A (B.Arch): Mathematics, an Aptitude section, and a Drawing section.
- Paper 2B (B.Planning): Mathematics, an Aptitude section, and a Planning-based section.
Candidates can appear for Paper 1 alone, either Paper 2 alone, or combine Paper 1 with a Paper 2 – or even sit both 2A and 2B together if targeting both B.Arch and B.Planning options.
Paper 1 Structure (B.E./B.Tech)
| Subject | MCQs | Numerical Value Questions | Total Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 20 | 5 | 25 | 100 |
| Chemistry | 20 | 5 | 25 | 100 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 5 | 25 | 100 |
| Total | 60 | 15 | 75 | 300 |
Since 2025, every question across all three subjects has been compulsory – the earlier format that let candidates choose 5 out of 10 numerical value questions has been discontinued. Expect this fixed 20 MCQ + 5 NVQ structure per subject to carry into 2027 unless NTA announces otherwise.
Marking Scheme
| Question Type | Correct | Incorrect | Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ | +4 | −1 | 0 |
| Numerical Value Question | +4 | 0 (no negative marking) | 0 |
This is one of the most important distinctions to internalise early: an NVQ you're unsure about is always worth an educated attempt, since a wrong answer costs nothing – but a guessed MCQ carries real downside. Build your exam-hall strategy around this asymmetry.
Mode, Duration & Shifts
- Mode: Computer-based test (CBT) for all sections except the Drawing section of Paper 2A, which remains pen-and-paper.
- Duration: 3 hours for Paper 1, or for either Paper 2 alone. Candidates attempting both Paper 2A and 2B together typically get 3 hours 30 minutes.
- Shifts: Where multiple shifts run on an exam day, Shift 1 is usually 9 AM to 12 PM and Shift 2 is 3 PM to 6 PM.
- Sessions: Two sessions a year – Session 1 in January, Session 2 in April – with your best score across both counted for ranking if you appear in both.
- Languages: The exam is typically offered in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and several regional languages, with your choice usually tied to your exam centre's state.
Syllabus Basis
The syllabus draws from NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Check our subject-wise Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics syllabus pages, based on the JEE Main 2026 syllabus, for a unit-wise breakdown.
What Could Change for 2027
NTA has kept this exact structure stable since 2025, which makes a repeat of the same pattern the most likely outcome – but exam patterns, syllabus coverage, and even the number of NVQs have all changed in past cycles without much advance notice. Don't build your entire strategy around an assumption; once the official bulletin drops, cross-check every detail here against it.