JEE Main Previous Year Question Papers PDF with Solutions (2019–2026)

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eSaral Academic and Editorial Team

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Summary

JEE Main previous year question papers are the official NTA papers from past sessions — Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics — exactly as they appeared on exam day. eSaral hosts every JEE Mains paper from 2019 to 2026 as a free PDF with step-by-step solutions, sorted by year, session and shift. A steady JEE Mains PYQ routine for 2027 — solving 8–10 years of papers with proper error analysis — is among the highest-return habits in JEE Main prep, because NTA repeats concept patterns across sessions.

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Reviewed by Senior JEE Faculty

Every JEE Main previous year question paper from 2019 to 2026, across all sessions and shifts, is downloadable below as a solved PDF — updated for the latest JEE Main 2026 exam pattern. For students who prefer targeted revision, explore the JEE Main PYQ chapter-wise index to practice previous-year questions topic-wise instead of attempting complete papers.

JEE Main Previous Year Question Paper (2026-2019)

Download every JEE Main previous year question paper from 2019 to 2026, organised year-wise with PDF solutions. Each paper follows NTA's exact exam format, giving you real, exam-condition practice at home.

Prefer drilling one topic instead of a full paper? Use the chapter-wise previous year question paper archive to work through a single chapter. Not sure which chapters to prioritize first? Check the JEE Main 2027 syllabus →

Preparing with previous year papers alone? Pair them with eSaral's JEE Main Test Series for full-length mocks that mirror the real NTA interface and get an All-India percentile instantly.

What Is a JEE Main Previous Year Question Paper and Why It Matters for 2027

A JEE Main previous year question paper is the actual test set by the National Testing Agency in a past session — the real questions, the real difficulty curve, the real time pressure, shift by shift. Unlike a coaching-built mock test, a real JEE Main question paper tells you precisely how NTA phrases questions and how marks are spread across chapters.

Analysis across the last five sessions shows roughly 60–70% of questions each year are conceptually repeated from earlier papers — the numbers change, the logic usually doesn't. That's why a structured PYQ routine should start 4–6 months before the exam, not in the final fortnight. If you're just getting started, pair this archive with our JEE Main 2027 syllabus and JEE Main exam pattern pages so you know exactly what each paper is testing before you attempt it.

Want a fully structured 2027 plan built around these papers? Explore eSaral's JEE Main 2027 batch →

How a JEE Main PYQ Paper Differs from a Mock Test

A PYQ paper is a real, already-administered exam. A mock test is a coaching platform's prediction of that pattern. Both belong in your plan (comparison table below), but PYQs should come first — they calibrate exactly how a real JEE Main question paper feels.

JEE Main 2022 Question Papers July Session 2

The July 2022 session offers a second difficulty benchmark from the same year as June. Use both 2022 JEE Main PYQ sets together for realistic mixed-difficulty practice.

Month and Year

Maths

Physics

Chemistry

25th July- Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

25th July- Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

26th July- Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

26th July- Shift 2

Maths 

Physics

Chemistry

27th July- Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

27th July- Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

28th July- Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

28th July- Shift 2

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

29th July- Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

29th July- Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

JEE Main 2022 Question Papers June Session 1

2022 marked NTA's return to the two-session format, closer to today's JEE Main structure. This JEE main previous year question paper set is a strong benchmark for the current pattern.

Month and Year

Maths

Physics

Chemistry

24th June -Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

24th June -Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

25th June Shift 11

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

25th June -Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

26th June -Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

26th June -Shift 2

Maths 

Physics

Chemistry

27th June -Shift 1

Maths

Physics

Chemistry

27th June -Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

28th June -Shift 1

Maths   

Physics

Chemistry

28th June -Shift 2

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

29th June -Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

29th June -Shift 2

Maths 

Physics

Chemistry

JEE Main 2021 Question Papers August Session 4

The final 2021 session completes a full year of four-attempt data before NTA moved back to two sessions. Solve this JEE Main previous year paper set to see how consistent NTA's weightage stayed all year.

Month and Year

Maths

Physics

Chemistry

26th August - Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

26th August - Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

27th August - Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

27th August - Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

31st August - Shift 1

Maths 

Physics

Chemistry

31st August - Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

JEE Main 2021 Question Papers July Session 3

This session followed a pandemic-related scheduling gap and shows a slightly different difficulty level. It's a useful JEE main previous year question paper set for practising under tougher conditions.

Month and Year

Maths

Physics

Chemistry

20th July - Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

20th July - Shift 2

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

22nd July - Shift 2

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

25th July - Shift 1

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

25th July - Shift 2

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

27th July - Shift 1

Maths

Physics

Chemistry

27th July - Shift 2

Maths  

Physics

 Chemistry

JEE Main 2021 Question Papers March Session 2

Conducted weeks after the February session, this set overlaps heavily in topics and difficulty. Comparing both sessions' JEE main previous year question papers helps spot NTA's most repeated chapters.

Month and Year

Maths

Physics

Chemistry

16th March- Shift 1

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

16th March- Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

17th March- Shift 1

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

17th March- Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

18th March- Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

18th March- Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

JEE Main 2021 Question Paper February Session 1

This was the first of four sessions NTA held in 2021, giving students multiple attempts that year. Use this JEE main previous year question paper set as a starting point for timed full-paper practice.

Month and Year

Maths

Physics

Chemistry

24th Feb - Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

24th Feb - Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

25th Feb - Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

25th Feb - Shift 2

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

26th Feb - Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

26th Feb - Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

JEE Main 2020 Question Papers September Session 1

The September 2020 session was NTA's first JEE Main attempt after a delayed schedule. Solve this JEE main previous year question paper set shift-wise to compare it with the current pattern.

Month and Year

Maths

Physics

Chemistry

02nd Sep -Shift 1

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

02nd Sep -Shift 2

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

03rd Sep -Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

03rd Sep -Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

04th Sep -Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

04th Sep -Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

05th Sep -Shift 1

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

05th Sep -Shift 2

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

06th Sep -Shift 1

Maths

Physics 

Chemistry

06th Sep -Shift 2

Maths 

Physics 

Chemistry

JEE Advanced Previous Year Question Paper

JEE Advanced previous year question papers feature integer-type and matrix-match questions, testing deeper conceptual and problem-solving skills than JEE Main. Solve these only after qualifying JEE Main, since both the difficulty level and question format shift noticeably here.

Want to crack JEE Main? Join eSaral's JEE Courses — taught by IIT Bombay faculty. Get structured video lectures, daily practice, and a 5-layer doubt-solving system. 

JEE Main 2027 Exam Pattern: What Changed in the Latest Question Paper

Before attempting an older paper, know what's changed for 2027 so you can adjust your expectations on section weightage and optional questions.

Section

Questions Asked

Marking Scheme

Physics

25 (20 MCQ + 5 Numerical)

+4 / −1 (MCQ, Numerical)

Chemistry

25 (20 MCQ + 5 Numerical)

+4 / −1 (MCQ, Numerical)

Mathematics

25 (20 MCQ + 5 Numerical)

++4 / −1 (MCQ, Numerical)

The core structure — 90 questions, 300 marks, no negative marking on the optional numerical set — has held steady across recent cycles, which is exactly why older papers remain directly useful for 2027 prep. Full breakdown: JEE Main 2027 exam pattern.

JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 Pattern (B.E./B.Tech)

Detail

JEE Main 2026 Specification

Mode

Computer-based test (CBT)

Duration

3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates)

Subjects

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Total Questions

75 (25 per subject: 20 MCQs + 5 numerical)

Optional Attempts

None — all 75 questions compulsory

Marking (Correct)

+4

Marking (Incorrect)

−1 (applies to MCQs and numerical questions)

Maximum Marks

300

JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 Pattern (B.Arch / B.Plan)

Paper

Sections

Total Questions

Max Marks

B.Arch (Paper 2A)

Maths, Aptitude, Drawing

77

400

B.Plan (Paper 2B)

Maths, Aptitude, Planning

100

400

No-Calculator Rule and Other 2026 Clarifications

NTA issued an updated information bulletin for JEE Main 2026 explicitly reconfirming that calculators, log tables, and any electronic aids remain banned inside the exam hall — a clarification added after confusion during the January session. Two other 2026-specific updates worth knowing before you start solving papers:

  • 32 new exam centres were added for JEE Main 2026, with 4 centres discontinued — check your city option carefully during application.
  • Live photo capture and APAAR ID are now part of the registration process, which has no effect on the paper pattern but is worth knowing while filling the form.

None of this changes how you should solve a JEE Main previous year question paper — the safest approach is still to treat 2025 and 2026 papers as your primary practice set, since they match the current compulsory-75-question, all-negative-marking format exactly.

For registration timelines and the full 2026 calendar, see the JEE Main 2026 exam date page. For eligibility rules before you apply, check JEE Main eligibility criteria.

Expert Tip — Saransh Gupta, IIT Bombay, AIR-41: Students in our JEE batches who solve a minimum of 20 full JEE Main previous-year question paper sets before the exam consistently outperform those who only revise theory. The paper is your best teacher — it tells you exactly what NTA will ask.

How to Use JEE Main Previous Year Question Papers for Maximum Score Gain

Solving papers without a structured review is just time-pass. Here's the four-step approach our JEE Main 2027 test-series toppers actually follow.

Step 1: Attempt Every Paper Under Real Exam Conditions

Set a strict 3-hour timer, no notes, no calculator — exactly as you'd face on exam day. The time pressure is the whole point of solving a JEE Main previous year question paper instead of a casual chapter revision.

Step 2: Do a Chapter-Wise Error Analysis After Every Attempt

Don't just check your score — tag every wrong or skipped question by chapter and error type (concept gap, calculation slip, or time pressure). Over 5–6 JEE Main PYQ papers, this log shows exactly which 3–4 chapters cost you the most marks.

Step 3: Revisit the Concept, Not Just the Answer

For every miss, go back to the source chapter using our JEE Main revision notes before moving to the next paper. Re-solving the same question without fixing the underlying gap wastes the attempt.

Step 4: Re-Attempt Only the Missed Questions a Week Later

Keep a running error bank from every JEE Main question paper you solve. A week later, re-attempt only the flagged questions — if you're still missing them, that chapter needs a full re-study, not just repetition.

JEE Main Previous Year Question Paper vs Mock Tests — Which Should You Prioritize?

Both matter, but they test different things.

Factor

Previous Year Question Paper

Mock Test

Source

Actual NTA-administered exam

Simulated by coaching/edtech platforms

Best for

Calibrating real difficulty & style

Practicing volume & speed under pressure

Ideal frequency

1–2 per week, deeply analyzed

2–3 per week, for stamina

When to start

4–6 months before exam

Final 2–3 months before exam

Confidence signal

How you'll score on the real JEE Main question paper

How consistent you are across repeated attempts

For the mock-test half of this plan, see our guide on how many mock tests to attempt before JEE Main.

Chapter-Wise JEE Main PYQ or Full-Length Paper — What Should You Solve First?

If you're behind on a specific chapter, don't jump into a full-length attempt yet — you'll waste time on sections you've already mastered. Start with our Maths topic-wise previous year questions and Chemistry topic-wise PYQs to close specific gaps, then move to a full JEE Main question paper attempt once your chapter-wise accuracy crosses 75–80%.

JEE Advanced Previous Year Question Paper (For After You Clear JEE Main)

Once you've built confidence with the archive above, aspirants targeting IITs should also start on JEE Advanced previous year question papers — the format shifts from JEE Main's single-correct MCQs to JEE Advanced's multi-concept, multi-correct questions.

Ready to convert PYQ practice into a real rank jump? Join eSaral's JEE Main 2027 batch →

jee main pyq

Want a faculty-guided study plan instead of self-tracking your weak chapters? Explore eSaral's JEE Online & Offline Courses — IIT Bombay faculty, structured video lectures, and a 5-layer doubt-solving system built around exactly this PYQ-to-mock progression.

Checkout eSaral Courses

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years of JEE Main previous year question papers should I solve?

Solve at least the last 5 years — ideally 2022 to 2026 — across all shifts. Older sets are useful for extra volume, but the JEE Main previous year question papers from recent cycles reflect the pattern you will actually face, so finish those first.


Should I solve a JEE Main question paper shift-wise or combined?

Solve it shift-wise, one complete paper in a timed 3-hour sitting. Each shift is a separate NTA paper with different questions, so mixing shifts defeats the purpose. Analyse every JEE Main question paper before starting the next one.

How do I use JEE Mains PYQ effectively?

Attempt each paper under strict timed conditions — 3 hours, no breaks, no peeking at answers. Then tag every wrong or skipped question by chapter, revise that chapter, and only then start the next JEE Mains PYQ paper. This test–analyse–revise loop is what actually lifts your score.

Where can I download a JEE Mains exam paper with solutions?

Start from this page: each year from 2019 to 2026 links to its solved JEE Mains exam paper PDFs, split by session, shift and subject (Maths, Physics, Chemistry).

Are JEE question paper PDFs enough for preparation?

They are essential but not sufficient. Use each JEE question paper to learn what NTA expects, and pair it with NCERT for fundamentals, chapter-wise practice for depth and full mocks for exam simulation.

Is an older JEE Mains paper still relevant for 2027?

Yes, mostly. Core concepts and chapter weightage have stayed stable, so a JEE Mains paper from 2022 onward is still a good practice set. Papers before 2019 follow older structures and are best used only for topic practice.

Is there negative marking for numerical questions in the JEE Main Q paper?

Yes. Under the current pattern, numerical value questions are compulsory and carry −1 for a wrong answer, same as MCQs, while each correct answer earns +4. Attempt every numerical in a JEE Main Q paper carefully rather than guessing randomly.

How is a JEE entrance question paper different from JEE Advanced?

A JEE entrance question paper for JEE Main is a computer-based test of MCQs and numerical questions worth 300 marks. JEE Advanced has two papers with integer-type and matrix-match questions, is significantly harder, and is attempted only after qualifying JEE Main.

Which JEE entrance exam question paper should I solve first?

Start with the 2026 and 2025 papers because they match the current format, then move backwards year by year. Treat every JEE entrance exam question paper as a full timed sitting.


Can I use the JEE Main last year question paper as a mock test?

Yes. Attempt the JEE Main last year question paper in one 3-hour sitting without notes, then analyse errors chapter-wise. Do this once you have covered most of the syllabus.

When should I start solving JEE PYQ?

Begin chapter-wise JEE PYQ practice as soon as you finish a chapter, then switch to full 3-hour papers 3–4 months before the exam to build stamina and time management.

Is a JEE previous year question paper harder or easier than a mock test?

Neither — they’re different. A JEE previous year question paper reflects NTA’s real calibration, while a mock test is a platform’s approximation. Use PYQs to calibrate difficulty and mocks to build speed.

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eSaral Academic and Editorial Team

Team eSaral is the collective author profile for educational content created by eSaral’s teachers and academic contributors. The team draws on expertise from IIT graduates, doctors, experienced educators and subject specialists to develop resources for JEE, NEET and school students. Our articles aim to explain concepts clearly and help students study with confidence.

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