Understanding the JEE Exam & Pattern. October 16, 2025 The JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is one of the most important exams in India for students who want to pursue a career in engineering. It is divided into two parts: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Main: This is the first stage of the exam. Students who clear this can appear for JEE Advanced. JEE Advanced: This is the second stage, which is required for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). JEE is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for JEE Main and by the IITs for JEE Advanced. To appear for JEE Main, students must have: Completed their 12th standard (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in their 12th standard. For JEE Advanced, students must first clear JEE Main with a qualifying score and be among the top candidates. JEE Main scores are used for admission to National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other government-funded technical institutes. It is also the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which is necessary for admission to IITs. Clearing JEE Advanced is essential if you aim to get into an IIT, which is considered one of the most prestigious institutions for engineering in India and the world. Graduates from IITs often get high-paying jobs and have access to global opportunities. The JEE Main exam consists of two papers: Paper 1: For admission to B.E./B.Tech courses. Paper 2: For admission to B.Arch/B.Planning courses. The Paper 1 structure is as follows: Physics: 30 questions Chemistry: 30 questions Mathematics: 30 questions Each correct answer earns 4 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. JEE Advanced has a more complex structure with two papers, each consisting of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The question types in JEE Advanced are varied: Multiple choice questions (MCQs) Numerical answer type questions Matching-type questions The marking scheme for JEE Advanced also includes partial marking, where you can get marks for partially correct answers in some question types. There may also be negative marking for incorrect answers in some sections. The syllabus for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced is based on the 11th and 12th standard Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). However, the level of difficulty in JEE Advanced is higher. It is important to thoroughly study the NCERT textbooks, which cover most of the JEE Main syllabus. For JEE Advanced, refer to additional materials like IIT preparation guides and coaching notes. Once the results of JEE Main and JEE Advanced are out, students go through the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counseling process. This counseling helps students secure seats in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other government-funded institutes based on their rank. JEE Main results determine admission to NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges, while JEE Advanced ranks determine admission to IITs. Top rankers in JEE Advanced are often given their choice of branch in the most prestigious IITs. To qualify for JEE Advanced, students must score above the cut-off marks in JEE Main. The cut-off varies each year, depending on factors like the number of candidates, exam difficulty, and seat availability. For JEE Advanced, qualifying marks also vary by year and category (General, OBC, SC, ST). Students who score above the cut-off in JEE Advanced are eligible for admission to IITs. The JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams are stepping stones for students aspiring to become engineers. Admission to top institutes like IITs, NITs, and IIITs requires dedication, hard work, and a strategic approach to preparation. Cracking JEE is challenging, but with the right preparation plan, consistent practice, and time management, students can perform well and secure admission to the top engineering colleges in India. Remember to stay focused, revise regularly, and practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
