JEE Main Paper 1 and Paper 2: Key Differences for 2026 Exams

The JEE Main paper 1 and paper 2 are really important for students who want to get into the engineering and architecture schools in India. Paper 1 is for students who want to do B.E. And B.Tech. On the other hand Paper 2 is split into 2A and 2B for students who want to do B.Arch and B.Planning. This way the JEE Main paper 1 and paper 2 make sure that students are good at the creative skills that are necessary for these fields. The JEE Main paper 1 and paper 2 are like the doors to these great schools.

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What is Paper 1 and Paper 2 in JEE Main? Understanding the Basics

Paper 1: This is the normal test for getting into Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) and Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) programs. It is required for students who want to get into NITs, IIITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs).

Paper 2: This is the specialist path for planning and architecture. There are two parts to it: Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning). Students can choose to take one or both tests, depending on how interested they are in building design or urban planning.

Many people are confused about the difference between jee mains session 1 and 2. These sessions are about when the tests are given (typically in January and April), which gives students two chances to do better. But Paper 1 and Paper 2 are about the test's content and purpose, no matter which session you take.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Paper 1 vs. Paper 2

When you look at the jee main exam pattern for 2026, you can see that each papers have their own structures. The National Testing Agency (NTA) uses a certain framework to measure how well candidates can think critically and creatively.

The format for JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)

The pattern for jee main paper 1 is quite intellectual and just covers basic science topics.

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Math are the subjects.

• The test is completely computer-based (CBT).

• There are both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value Questions. In the number portion, candidates usually have to answer 5 out of 10 questions.

• Marking Scheme: Usually, +4 for a right answer and -1 for a wrong answer.

Check Out: JEE Previous Year Questions book

Pattern for JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch and B.Planning)

The pattern for Paper 2 changes from science to design and logic.

• Paper 2A (B.Arch): has a drawing test that is done offline on a drawing sheet, as well as a math test (CBT) and an aptitude test (CBT).

• Paper 2B (B.Planning): Has math (CBT), an aptitude test (CBT), and planning-based objective questions (CBT).

The main distinction is that Paper 1 measures how well you can answer hard scientific problems, whereas Paper 2 tests how well you can see things, how well you can think about space, and how sensitive you are to beauty.

Key Differences in Preparation and Attempting Strategy

Understanding the differences between the two papers is crucial for resource allocation during your 2026 preparation.

Recommended Resources for JEE Main 2026

You need the correct study materials to comprehend the pattern and pass the cutoff. Structured practice is the only way to go, whether you're working on the numbers in Paper 1 or the reasoning in Paper 2.

The PW Store has a huge selection of books that are perfect for students who want to do well on the 2026 examinations. These books are based on the most recent NTA trends. These tools provide you the weightage for each chapter, solved papers from past years, and simulated exams that make you feel like you're taking the real exam.

Look through the Collection: Check out the specialist IIT JEE Books that cover all of the Paper 1 and Paper 2 requirements to do well in your preparation. These books are great for getting a good grasp of the JEE Main Paper 1 pattern because they have a lot of questions and make things clear.

Book Name	Link
Arjuna For JEE Main & Advanced Class 11 Books	Link
Lakshya For JEE Main & Advanced Class 12 Books	Link
Prayas For JEE Main & Advanced Droppers Books	Link
JEE Main 7 Years (2019-2025) PYQs Books	Link
JEE Main Rankers Test Series 2025 Book	Link

Summary of Key Takeaways

• Pick Early: Choose between Engineering and Architecture, because getting ready for Drawing (Paper 2A) or Planning (Paper 2B) takes more time than getting ready for the typical Science-Maths combo of Paper 1.

• Mathematics is Common: Since both papers have a lot of math in them, getting better at math is a good idea for both career paths.

• Understand the Sessions: Don't mix up Paper 1 and 2 with jee mains session 1 and 2. You can take Paper 1 in Session 1 and then again in Session 2 to raise your percentile.

• Practice Drawing: If you want to get a B.Arch, realize that you can't prepare for the drawing section in one night. You need to have a steady hand and know how to use proportions.

FAQs: JEE Main Paper 1 and Paper 2

Q1: Is it possible to take both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the same session? 

Ans.Yes, individuals can apply for and take both Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) if they match the requirements. Usually, there are different fees for each paper.

Q2: Is the Mathematics syllabus the same for both Paper 1 and Paper 2? 

Ans.The general themes are the same, however Paper 1 Mathematics is more about engineering applications, whereas Paper 2 Mathematics is more about basic ideas. But studying from regular IIT JEE books is usually enough for the math part of both examinations.

Q 3: How many points do Paper 1 and Paper 2 add up to? 

Ans. Most of the time, Paper 1 is worth 300 points. Paper 2 (including 2A and 2B) usually has a total of 400 points.

Q4: What paper do you need to get into NITs? 

Ans.You need to pass Paper 1 to get into B.Tech/B.E. programs at NITs. You need to pass Paper 2A or 2B to get into an NIT for a B.Arch or B.Planning program.

Q5: How can PW Store books help me get ready for 2026?

Ans. Experts have chosen the books at the PW Store to fit the changing pattern of the jee main test 2026. They give you short explanations of the theory, a lot of different practice problems, and quick ways to do things that are important for keeping track of time throughout the test.