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JEE Main 2026 B.Planning (Paper 2B) is conducted by the National Testing Agency for candidates seeking admission to undergraduate planning programs. The exam tests candidates on Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Planning-based questions. Premier institutes like NITs, SPAs, and GFTIs accept JEE Main B.Planning scores for admission.
Session 1 is scheduled from January 21-30, 2026, while Session 2 will be held from April 2-9, 2026. Understanding the complete exam pattern is essential for effective preparation and achieving a competitive score in this examination.
Table of Contents
JEE Main 2026 B. Planning Exam Pattern
Paper 2B is conducted entirely online in Computer-Based Test mode. The exam consists of three sections with a total duration of 3 hours. PwD candidates receive an additional hour. The paper carries 400 marks with 100 questions to be attempted from 105 total questions.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 105 (100 to be attempted) |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Duration | 3 Hours (4 Hours for PwD) |
| Sections | Mathematics, General Aptitude, Planning |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Gujarati, and 10 regional languages |
JEE Main B Planning Pattern: Scheme
The section-wise distribution gives maximum weightage to General Aptitude at 50%. Understanding this helps candidates prioritize their preparation effectively.
| Section | Total Questions | To Attempt | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Part I) | 30 (20 MCQs + 10 NVQs) | 25 (20 MCQs + 5 NVQs) | 100 | 25% |
| General Aptitude (Part II) | 50 MCQs | 50 | 200 | 50% |
| Planning (Part III) | 25 MCQs | 25 | 100 | 25% |
| Total | 105 | 100 | 400 | 100% |
Marking Scheme of JEE Main 2026 B.Planning Paper
The marking scheme follows the standard NTA pattern. From 2025 onwards, negative marking applies to Numerical Value Questions as well.
| Response Type | MCQs | NVQs |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +4 Marks | +4 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark | -1 Mark |
| Unattempted | 0 Marks | 0 Marks |
Changes Introduced in JEE Main 2026 B.Planning Exam Pattern
NTA has maintained consistency with 2025 pattern. Key changes include negative marking in NVQs, compulsory Section B questions, and no calculator provision. General Aptitude continues to hold maximum weightage at 50%.
Different Papers for B. Arch and B. Planning
JEE Main offers separate papers for B.Arch and B.Planning candidates. Paper 2A includes a Drawing component conducted offline, while Paper 2B is fully online.
| Parameter | Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Paper 2B (B.Planning) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 77 | 100 |
| Mode | Online + Offline | Fully Online |
| Sections | Maths, Aptitude, Drawing | Maths, Aptitude, Planning |
| Duration | 3 Hours | 3 Hours |
Importance of Knowing the Exam Paper Pattern
Understanding the pattern enables strategic time allocation, effective exam strategy, and focused preparation. With 100 questions in 180 minutes, candidates get approximately 1.8 minutes per question. Knowledge of marking scheme helps develop appropriate paper-attempting strategies.
JEE Main B. Planning Syllabus 2026
JEE Main B. Planning Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics syllabus is identical to JEE Main Paper 1. Key topics include Sets and Relations, Complex Numbers, Matrices and Determinants, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequences and Series, Limits and Continuity, Differentiation, Integration, Differential Equations, Coordinate Geometry, Three-Dimensional Geometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics, Probability, and Trigonometry.
JEE Main B. Planning Aptitude Syllabus
This section tests visualization and analytical abilities. Topics include awareness of buildings, places, and materials, visualizing 3D objects from different sides, mental ability (visual, numerical, verbal), analytical reasoning, three-dimensional perception, scale and proportion understanding, color and texture harmony, and building forms and elements.
JEE Main B. Planning (Planning-based Section) Syllabus
The Planning section covers general awareness, social sciences, geography (resources, agriculture, manufacturing, national economy), thinking skills (comprehension, map reading, data analysis), urban planning concepts, development issues, and Indian planning policies.
JEE Main B. Planning Sample Questions
Mathematics: If the sum of first n terms of an A.P. is Sn = 3n² + 5n, find the common difference.
Aptitude: A building casts a shadow of 50 meters at 45° sun elevation. Calculate the building height.
Planning: Which component is NOT part of Smart City Mission? (a) Area-based development (b) Pan-city solutions (c) Private land acquisition (d) Technology governance
B. Planning Paper Analysis of JEE Main January 2020 Session
JEE Main 2020 Shift I Day 1 (January 6, 2020)
The morning shift presented moderate to difficult difficulty overall. Mathematics was considered most challenging with Class 11 topics dominating. Questions from 3D geometry and distance problems were frequent. Integration and differentiation had fewer questions but were conceptually demanding. Aptitude was relatively easier with mirror images and 3D visualization questions. Planning was the easiest section testing basic urban planning knowledge.
JEE Main 2020 Shift II Day 1 (January 6, 2020)
The afternoon shift maintained similar difficulty. Mathematics remained tough with 4 NAT questions. Calculus questions were particularly challenging. Aptitude was moderately difficult with design visualization problems. Planning tested urbanization, sustainable development, and current planning policies.
Paper Attempting Tricks for JEE Main B. Planning
Start with General Aptitude section as it carries 50% weightage and is relatively easier. Follow the 60-60-60 rule allocating 60 minutes each for Aptitude, Mathematics, and Planning. Use elimination method for MCQs to increase selection probability. Be cautious with NVQs due to negative marking. Mark difficult questions for review and avoid blind guessing.
JEE Main Books for B Planning and B. Arch
Mathematics: NCERT Class 11 and 12, R.D. Sharma Objective Mathematics, I.A. Maron (Calculus), S.L. Loney (Coordinate Geometry), Hall and Knight (Higher Algebra).
Aptitude: A Complete Self Study Guide for B.Arch by P.K. Mishra, NATA/JEE B.Arch Entrance Guide by Arihant, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal.
Planning: NCERT Class 10 textbooks including Contemporary India Part 2 (Geography), Democratic Politics II, Understanding Economic Development, India and Contemporary World II, and current affairs materials.
Career Scope for JEE Main B. Planning Paper
India's urban population is projected to reach 600 million by 2030. Government initiatives like Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and PM Awas Yojana have significantly increased demand for planning professionals. The field offers intellectual satisfaction along with competitive salaries.
What after B. Planning?
Graduates can pursue M.Planning with specializations in Urban, Regional, Environmental, or Transportation Planning. Other options include M.Tech in Urban Planning, MBA for management roles, or Ph.D. for research careers. Foreign university programs provide international exposure. Professional certifications in GIS, AutoCAD, PMP, and LEED enhance career prospects.
Job Opportunities for B. Planning
Public Sector
Employment opportunities exist in Town and Country Planning Organization, State Urban Development Departments, Municipal Corporations, Development Authorities (DDA, BDA, MMRDA), Smart Cities Mission, Housing Boards, Metro Rail Corporations, and NITI Aayog.
Private Sector
Opportunities include planning consultancies, real estate development companies, infrastructure firms (L&T, GMR), environmental consultancies, international consulting firms (McKinsey, Deloitte), GIS companies, and NGOs.
Some of the Popular Job Titles for B. Planning Graduates are:
| Job Title | Entry Salary | Mid-Career Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Planner | ₹4-6 LPA | ₹8-12 LPA |
| Town Planner | ₹4-5 LPA | ₹7-10 LPA |
| Regional Planner | ₹4.5-6 LPA | ₹9-14 LPA |
| Transportation Planner | ₹5-7 LPA | ₹10-15 LPA |
| Environmental Planner | ₹4-6 LPA | ₹8-12 LPA |
| Project Planner | ₹5-7 LPA | ₹10-16 LPA |
Top Recruiters: Titan Consultancy, Egis India, L&T, AECOM, Jacobs Engineering, WSP Global, JLL, CBRE Group.
Affiliated Colleges for JEE Main B.Planning 2026
JEE Main B.Planning scores are accepted by premier planning institutes across India through JoSAA counselling.
| Institute | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) | New Delhi | Central Government |
| School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) | Bhopal | Central Government |
| School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) | Vijayawada | Central Government |
| NIT Calicut | Kerala | NIT |
| NIT Patna | Bihar | NIT |
| MNIT Jaipur | Rajasthan | NIT |
| VNIT Nagpur | Maharashtra | NIT |
JEE Main B.Planning Exam Pattern Video
NTA provides official tutorials explaining CBT interface, marking scheme, and exam guidelines. These videos help candidates familiarize with the online test format before the examination. Candidates should watch these tutorials to understand navigation, marking system, and time management features.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The total marks is 400. Mathematics and Planning carry 100 marks each, while General Aptitude carries 200 marks.
- 105 questions are asked, out of which candidates must attempt 100.
- Yes, -1 mark is deducted for incorrect answers in both MCQs and NVQs.
- No, calculators (physical or virtual) are NOT allowed.
- General Aptitude carries 50% weightage at 200 marks.
- 270+ marks or 95+ percentile is typically required for top NITs in general category.
- No, only Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning sections are included.
- 6 attempts over 3 consecutive years from Class 12 passing year.
- Yes, candidates can register for both papers during application.
- PwD candidates receive 4 hours instead of the standard 3 hours.
- Overall difficulty is moderate to high. Mathematics is toughest, Aptitude is moderate, and Planning is typically the easiest section.
- Session 1 results are expected in February 2026, while Session 2 results will be announced in late April 2026.
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 with Mathematics as a compulsory subject. Minimum 50% aggregate marks required for admission.
- Focus on maximizing General Aptitude (200 marks) and Planning (100 marks) sections. Practice previous year papers and maintain accuracy to avoid negative marking.
- JEE Main scores are valid only for the current academic year admission cycle. Candidates must appear again for subsequent year admissions.
