1. Total Overhaul of Exam Pattern: Return to Pre-Pandemic Structure
In 2025, the National Testing Agency (NTA) brought JEE Main back to its pre-pandemic format, abandoning the optional questions approach in Section B. Now:
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) consists of 75 questions:
20 MCQs + 5 compulsory numerical-value questions per subject (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics).
Total: 25 questions per subject, 75 in total.
Optional questions are no longer provided all questions should be attempted
2026 Outlook:
The trend set in 2025 is bound to repeat exactly the same in 2026, including format, marking, and question division.
Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) also continues the same:
No optional questions in Section B; numerical questions are compulsory.
B.Arch (Paper 2A): approximately 77 questions (including drawing); B.Plan (Paper 2B): ~100 questions.
2. Syllabus Updates: Reductions & Rebalancing
Reduction of Topics:
The 2025 syllabus experienced major cutouts across subjects.
Physics: Scalars & Vectors and aspects of communication systems were cut out.
Chemistry: excluded topics are physical quantities & measurements, states of matter, Thomson & Rutherford atomic models, surface chemistry, s-block elements.
Weightage Shifts: Paper 1 syllabus cut by ~25% in total.
Mathematics: weightage enhanced to ~35%.
Physics & Chemistry each cut to ~22.5%.
Such an adjustment means aspirants have to give more emphasis to Mathematics compared to earlier.
3. Administrative & Counselling Updates
JAB Board Restructuring:
The Joint Admission Board (JAB) —which is responsible for framing JEE Main and JEE Advanced policies—has been restructured for enhanced transparency and efficiency.
A former BHU Vice-Chancellor has been appointed as its chairman.
The board will now determine eligibility, exam pattern, and other important policies for 2026 and 2027.
What This Means:
Hereafter, any changes in the exam pattern, eligibility, or counseling process will be managed by this reconstituted board.
Candidates in 2025–26 will have to keep an eye on official notifications since the changes might be in store.
4. Colleges & Counseling: What to Expect
Although certain updates to the participating colleges or JoSAA counseling are not yet announced, the NTA's ongoing policy amendments might affect:
Eligibility and tie-breaking criteria: Already in 2025, ties are broken by subject-wise scores (Math → Physics → Chemistry), superseding traditional criteria such as age or application number.
Exam centers: The number decreased from 300 to 284, which may impact seat allotment or logistics.
The coming years may also witness increased impact on seat matrix, counseling process, or college eligibility parameters, particularly with JAB in charge.
| Category | Updates for 2025 | Implications for 2026 & Beyond |
| Exam Pattern | No optional questions; full Section B mandatory | Same pattern likely continues |
| Syllabus | Lighter content; greater weightage on Math | Prepare a strategy to focus more on Mathematics |
| Tie-breaking | Based on subject-wise scores (Math → Physics → Chemistry) | Likely retained post-2025 |
| Exam Centres | Reduced from 300 to 284 | May remain; check admit card notifications |
| JAB Board | Reformed leadership and control | Expect more stable and transparent policies |
The 2025–26 JEE Main brings important changes in structure—most prominently in exam pattern and syllabus allotment—that can directly influence your preparation.
More emphasis on Mathematics, since its weightage will be higher.
Get used to the elimination of optional questions, particularly in Section B.
Maintain a strict watch on policy updates driven by JAB; they may reshape exam patterns or eligibility standards.
Stay informed through official NTA/JAB sources to monitor any developing changes.
By aligning your strategy with these updates, you’ll be better positioned to navigate the JEE Main landscape confidently in 2025 and 2026.
