JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, the National Testing Agency (NTA has confirmed, despite recent discussions about a possible shift to offline exams.
- A parliamentary panel suggested moving major exams to pen-and-paper mode, but no official change has been announced for JEE Main 2026.
Source: JEE Main NTA Official
With over 10 lakh aspirants preparing for the January and April sessions, clarity on exam mode is critical for preparation strategy.
Also Read:
Key Summary
- JEE Main 2026 will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode
- Parliamentary panel suggested offline exams, but NTA has not approved changes
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) is fully online
- Paper 2A (B.Arch) has online Maths & Aptitude, offline Drawing Test
- Paper 2B (B.Planning) is fully online
- Session 1: January 21-30, 2026
- Session 2: April 2-9, 2026
- Students should continue CBT-based preparation
Rumour vs Reality: JEE Main 2026 Exam Mode
| Rumour Circulating Among Students | Official Reality (NTA Clarification) |
|---|---|
| JEE Main 2026 will be offline | JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in CBT mode |
| The parliamentary panel changed the exam mode | The panel only gave suggestions, no approval |
| Pen-and-paper exam starts from 2026 | No official notification issued |
| Offline exam reduces difficulty variations | Not confirmed - CBT normalisation already addresses this |
| All papers will shift to offline | Only the B.Arch drawing test is offline |
| Exam mode can change suddenly | NTA must announce changes months in advance |
| Students should prepare for OMR sheets | CBT preparation is required |
| The January session may be offline | CBT confirmed for both sessions |
Also Read: Check JEE Main Previous Year Difficulty-Level Analysis & Question Paper
Ques. Has the JEE Main 2026 exam mode changed?
Ans. No official change has been announced yet. Any circulating rumours about a major mode shift (e.g., online to offline/remote) should be verified from the official NTA/JEEMain portal.
Ques. Where can candidates find confirmed updates on the JEE Main 2026 exam mode?
Ans. Only on the official NTA website or official JEE Main notifications. Avoid unofficial social media posts and stray WhatsApp forwards.
Understanding JEE Main 2026 Exam Format
- The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially confirmed that JEE Main 2026 will follow the CBT format, continuing since 2019.
- The CBT format allows multiple sessions, faster result processing, and enhanced exam security.
Paper-Wise Exam Mode Breakdown
| Paper Type | Course | Exam Mode | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | B.E./B.Tech | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | 3 hours (4 hours for PwD) |
| Paper 2A | B.Arch | CBT (Math & Aptitude) + Offline (Drawing Test) | 3 hours (4 hours for PwD) |
| Paper 2B | B.Planning | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | 3 hours (4 hours for PwD) |
Note: Only the Drawing Test in Paper 2A is conducted offline; all other sections remain online.
| Year of Paper | Download Link |
|---|---|
| JEE Main 2025 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2024 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2023 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2022 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2021 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2020 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2019 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
| JEE Main 2018 Previous Year Question Paper | Download Here |
Important Features of CBT Mode
The computer-based format includes several helpful features for candidates:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dark/Light Mode | Switch between display modes during the exam |
| Font Size Adjustment | Increase or decrease text size as needed |
| Screen Magnifier | Enlarge specific portions of the screen |
| Cursor Customization | Change cursor size and enable cursor trail |
| Virtual Calculator | No physical calculator allowed, virtual calculator, not provided |
| Multi-language Support | Available in 13 languages, including Hindi, English, and regional languages |
Ques. Which paper of JEE Main 2026 is offline?
Ans. Only the Drawing Test component of Paper 2A (Bachelor of Architecture) is conducted in offline mode using pen and paper.
Why Did the Offline Exam Discussion Start?
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education reviewed NTA-conducted exams and raised concerns about:
- Around 12 questions were removed from the JEE Main 2025 final answer key
- Technical problems during online examinations
- Concerns about server stability and monitoring systems
- Variation in question difficulty across different shifts
The panel suggested pen-and-paper exams as a future possibility, not an immediate change.
Will JEE Main 2026 Be Offline?
The clear answer is NO. JEE Main 2026 will not be conducted offline.
NTA has not issued any notification announcing a switch from CBT to pen-and-paper mode for 2026.
Official Timeline Status
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| JEE Main 2026 January Session | CBT mode confirmed |
| JEE Main 2026 April Session | CBT mode confirmed |
| Future Changes | Possible for 2027 or later, pending official notification |
| Last NTA Update | Form correction facility announcement - no mode change mentioned |
Note: Any exam-mode change would require months of advance notice, which has not happened.
Ques. Will JEE Main switch to pen-paper mode for 2026?
Ans. No official announcement has been made about switching to offline mode for 2026. The parliamentary panel's suggestion is being discussed for potential future implementation.
What Students Should Do Now?
Students should focus entirely on preparing according to the CBT pattern since that's the confirmed format for JEE Main 2026. Here's what you need to know:
- Practice online mock tests only
- Practice solving questions on the computer for 3+ hours
- Learn to use mark for review and jump between questions
- Practice modifying answers within the time limit
- Practice mental calculations
- Manage time using on-screen timers
Also Read:
- December Mock Tests for JEE Main 2026: Boost Scores by 50 Marks Before Session 1
- Last Month Revision Tips, PYQ Mock Test Strategies & 99 Percentile Topper Hacks for High Scores
| JEE Main Mock Test | Mock Test Link |
|---|---|
| JEE Main Physics Sectional Test | Take the Test |
| JEE Main Chemistry Sectional Test | Take the Test |
| JEE Main Mathematics Sectional Test | Take the Test |
| JEE Main Full Mock Test - 1 | Take the Test |
| JEE Main Full Mock Test - 2 | Take the Test |
| JEE Main Full Mock Test - 3 | Take the Test |
| JEE Main Full Mock Test - 4 | Take the Test |
Why JEE Main 2026 Continues in CBT Mode?
Since 2019, JEE Main has been conducted entirely in CBT mode due to several advantages:
Benefits of Computer-Based Testing:
- Faster result processing and declaration
- Reduced paperwork and administrative burden
- Multiple session flexibility (January and April)
- Better security against paper leaks
- Easier storage and retrieval of answer data
- Immediate score calculation possibility
Challenges Being Addressed
While CBT has benefits, NTA has acknowledged these issues and stated improvements are ongoing.
- Ensuring consistent question quality across shifts
- Minimising technical glitches during examination
- Improving answer key accuracy
- Better monitoring of examination centres
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures
Official Resources to Monitor
- NTA Official Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in
- JEE Main 2026 Information Bulletin
- Parliamentary Standing Committee Report (Education)
- NTA Circulars (December 2025)
Ques. Will there be any OMR sheets in JEE Main 2026?
Ans. OMR sheets are used only for the offline Drawing Test in Paper 2A. All online sections use on-screen answer marking.
Final Takeaways
Don't get distracted by rumours or discussions about format changes. Focus on building strong conceptual clarity in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Practice extensively with CBT mock tests since that's the confirmed mode for JEE Main 2026.
The parliamentary panel's suggestions are part of ongoing discussions to improve the examination system. If any changes are implemented, NTA will provide sufficient advance notice and guidance to help students prepare accordingly.
Your success in JEE Main depends on consistent preparation, regular practice, and staying calm under exam conditions - regardless of whether the test is online or offline.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Mode FAQs
Ques. Is JEE Main 2026 online or offline?
Ans. JEE Main 2026 is primarily online (CBT mode) for Paper 1 and Paper 2B. Only the Drawing Test portion of Paper 2A (B.Arch) is conducted offline with pen and paper.
Ques. Can I use a calculator in JEE Main 2026?
Ans. No, physical calculators are not allowed. NTA will not provide an on-screen calculator either. You must solve all numerical calculations manually.
Ques. How many times can I attempt JEE Main 2026?
Ans. You get two attempts in 2026 - Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April. Over three consecutive years, you can attempt the exam six times total.
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