Are you preparing for engineering entrance exams? If you aim for top colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs, understanding the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced is important. Both exams decide admissions to prestigious institutions, but their difficulty levels, patterns, and eligibility criteria are different.
JEE Main is the first step for students who want to get into NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges. It also acts as a qualifier for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to IITs. While JEE Main tests basic concepts, JEE Advanced focuses on in-depth problem-solving skills.
Many students prepare for both exams, but the right strategy depends on their target colleges. This article explains everything about JEE Main and JEE Advanced, including eligibility, exam patterns, and key differences. If you are confused about which exam to focus on, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What is JEE Main?
JEE Main is a national-level entrance examination for students seeking admission to engineering programs at top institutions in India. Every year, millions of students register for this exam, making it one of the largest competitive exams in the country. The exam is taken by students who have completed or are in the final year of their Class 12 education. The exam is held twice a year, providing students with multiple opportunities to appear for it.
JEE Main is the gateway to some of the best engineering institutions in India, including NITs (National Institutes of Technology), IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology), and GFTIs (Government Funded Technical Institutes). Additionally, JEE Main is the exam that qualifies students for the second stage of the JEE exam, JEE Advanced, which is used for admission to IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology). The top 2.5 lakh rank holders of JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.
JEE Mains Exam Structure and Pattern
JEE Main is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT), except for Paper 2 (for B.Arch), which also includes a drawing section. The exam consists of three papers, each focusing on different engineering courses.
JEE Main 2025 Exam Pattern for Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech)
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based examination |
| JEE Main exam duration | 3 hours |
| Language of Examination | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odisha, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. |
| Type of Questions | Multiple choice questions (MCQs)Questions with numerical values as answers |
| No. of Sections | There are three sections:MathematicsPhysicsChemistry |
| JEE Main Total questions | Mathematics: 25 (20+5) 5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.Physics: 25 (20+5) 5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.Chemistry: 25 (20+5) 5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.Total: 75 Questions (25 questions each) |
| How many marks in JEE Main | 300 Marks (100 marks for each section) |
| JEE Mains negative marking | MCQs: Four marks will be awarded for each correct answer and there will be a negative marking of one mark on each wrong answer.Questions with numerical value answers: Candidates will be given four marks for each correct answer and there will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer. |
JEE Main 2025 Exam Pattern Paper 2
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based examination except for Drawing section in B.Arch (Pen & Paper based mode) |
| Language | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. |
| Exam Duration | Three hours |
| No. of Sections | B.Arch (Paper 2A):Part 1 – MathematicsPart 2 – Aptitude testPart 3 – Drawing testB.Plan (Paper 2B):MathematicsAptitude testPlanning tests (MCQs) |
| Type of Questions | B.Arch -Mathematics: MCQs and questions with numerical value as answersAptitude- Multiple- choice questionsDrawing- Drawing aptitudeB.Planning-Mathematics- MCQs, and questions with numerical value as answersAptitude- MCQs (Multiple choice questions)Planning- MCQs (Multiple choice questions) |
| JEE Mains total questions | B.Arch: 75+2 (Drawing test) QuestionsB.Plan: 100 Questions |
| Total Marks in JEE Mains 2025 paper 2A | 400 Marks |
| JEE Mains Marking Scheme | MCQs: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each wrong answer.Questions with numerical value answers: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 for each wrong answer.Drawing Test: Two questions are evaluated out of 100 marks. |
Paper 1: This paper is for students seeking admission to B.Tech programs. It includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Paper 1 is a multiple-choice test, with a total of 300 marks. Each subject carries 100 marks. The questions are divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 5 Numerical Value Questions (NVQs) per section.
Paper 2: This paper is for students applying for B.Arch programs. Paper 2 includes three sections: Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing. The total marks for Paper 2 are also 300, with 100 marks each for Mathematics and Aptitude, and 100 marks for the Drawing section.
Paper 3: Paper 3 is for students applying for B.Planning programs. It includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning-Based questions. Like Paper 1 and Paper 2, the total marks are 300.
JEE Mains Question Types: JEE Main consists of two types of questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These questions provide four options, out of which only one is correct. Each correct answer awards 4 marks, while a wrong answer deducts 1 mark.
- Numerical Value Questions (NVQs): In this type of question, students have to enter a numerical value as the answer. There is no negative marking for NVQs.
JEE Mains Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for JEE Main is based on both educational qualifications and age. Here are the key requirements for students to appear for the exam:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in their Class 12 exams (or equivalent) from any recognized board. They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in Class 12.
- Minimum Marks: To be eligible for JEE Main, candidates must have scored at least 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST candidates), or they must be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for JEE Main, applicable from 2024 onwards.
- Attempts: Candidates are allowed to appear for JEE Main a maximum of three times in consecutive years.
What is JEE Advanced?
JEE Advanced is an entrance exam conducted annually for admission to the undergraduate engineering programs offered by the IITs and IISc. The exam tests a candidate’s understanding of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at a much deeper level than JEE Main. The exam is designed to evaluate not only the knowledge of the candidates but also their problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
To appear for JEE Advanced, students must first qualify JEE Main. The top 2.5 lakh rank holders in JEE Main are eligible to register for JEE Advanced. The exam is organized by one of the IITs on a rotating basis. The exam is generally held a few weeks after the JEE Main results are announced, typically in May or June. The score obtained in JEE Advanced is used for admissions to various IITs, IISc, and other top engineering institutes.
| Features | Details |
| Mode of the examination | Computer-based examination |
| Medium of the examination | English and Hindi |
| Number of Papers | Two compulsory papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Total time duration | 3 hours for each paper (4 hours for PwD candidates) |
| Number of sections | Both papers include 3 sections-Paper 1-PhysicsChemistryMathematics Paper 2-PhysicsChemistryMathematics |
| Total questions in JEE Advanced | 54 (18 questions in each subject) |
| Marking Scheme | The exam has a concept of full, partial and zero marks. |
JEE Advanced Exam Structure and Pattern
The exam pattern of JEE Advanced is different from that of JEE Main. It consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, and both are compulsory for all candidates. These papers are designed to assess the knowledge and problem-solving skills of students across the three main subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Mode of Exam: JEE Advanced is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are conducted online, and candidates are required to answer the questions on a computer.
Papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both of equal weightage and are timed separately. Each paper lasts for three hours. Both papers include questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
The total marks for JEE Advanced typically range from 360 marks (though it may vary each year based on the paper’s design). The questions in both papers include a variety of formats, including Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, Matrix Match questions, and Paragraph-based questions.
Some questions may have partial marking, where candidates are awarded marks for partially correct answers. However, there are strict rules on negative marking.
JEE Advanced Question Types
JEE Advanced features a variety of question types to assess the depth of understanding and analytical skills of candidates. These include:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These questions have four options, and only one of them is correct. There may be negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions: Candidates have to enter a numerical answer. There is no negative marking for NAT questions.
- Matrix Match Questions: Candidates are given a set of questions and corresponding options in a matrix format, and they need to match the correct answers.
- Paragraph-Based Questions: These questions are based on a passage of text or data, followed by one or more questions that test the candidate’s ability to comprehend and analyze the information.
What Is the Difference Between JEE Main And JEE Advanced?
JEE Main is for admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and eligibility for JEE Advanced, while JEE Advanced is for admission to IITs and IISc. JEE Main is conducted by the NTA, and JEE Advanced is conducted by IITs. Only the top 2.5 lakh rankers in JEE Main are eligible for JEE Advanced. JEE Main is of moderate difficulty with 3 papers, while JEE Advanced is much harder with 2 papers. JEE Main allows 3 attempts, whereas JEE Advanced permits only 2 attempts.
Key Differences Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced
| Parameter | JEE Main | JEE Advanced |
| Conducting Body | NTA | IITs (rotating basis) |
| Purpose | Entry to NITs/IIITs + JEE Advanced eligibility | Admission to IITs & IISc |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Extremely High |
| Exam Pattern | 3 Papers (B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Plan) | 2 Papers (B.Tech only) |
| Question Types | MCQs + Numerical Value Questions | MCQs, NAT, Matrix Match, Paragraph |
| Negative Marking | Yes (for MCQs) | Partial (depends on question type) |
| Eligibility | Class 12 with 75% (65% SC/ST) | Top 2.5L JEE Main rankers |
| Attempts Allowed | 3 times in consecutive years | 2 times in consecutive years |
| Colleges Accepting | NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, State Colleges | IITs, IISc |
JEE Mains and JEE Advanced Syllabus Comparison
JEE Main and JEE Advanced Maths Syllabus Difference
| Topics in Advanced that are not covered in Mains | Topics in Mains that are not covered in Advanced |
| Sets, Relations and Functions: Symmetric difference of sets, De-Morgan’s laws on union, difference (for finite number of sets) and practical problems based on them, invertible functions | Statistics and Probability: Basic statistics, measures of central tendency, and elementary probability. |
| Complex Numbers: Polar representation, properties of modulus and principal argument, triangle inequality, geometric interpretations | Sets, Relations, and Functions: Basic concepts related to sets, relations, and functions, including types of relations. |
| Quadratic Equations: Symmetric functions of roots | Linear Programming: Introduction to linear programming and its applications. |
| Sequence and Series: Sums of squares and cubes of the first n natural numbers, properties of binomial coefficients | – |
| Matrices: Elementary row and column transformations, properties of matrix operations | – |
| Probability and Statistics: Analysis of the frequency distribution with the same mean but different variance, random variable, mean and variance of the random variable. | – |
| Trigonometry: General solution of trigonometric equations | – |
| Two dimensions geometry: Parametric equations of a circle, intersection of a circle with a straight line or a circle, equation of a circle through the points of intersection of two circles and those of a circle and a straight line, equations of tangent and normal | – |
| Differential calculus (Limit, Continuity, and Differentiability): Tangents and normals, Rolle’s theorem and Lagrange’s mean value theorem, geometric interpretation of the two theorems, derivatives up to order two of implicit functions, geometric interpretation of derivatives. | – |
| Integration: Definite integrals as the limit of sums, formation of ordinary differential equations | – |
| Vectors: Scalar and vector triple products, and their geometrical interpretations | – |
JEE Main and JEE Advanced Physics Syllabus Difference
| Topics in Advanced that are not covered in Mains | Topics in Mains that are not covered in Advanced |
| Thermal Physics: Newton’s law of cooling; Blackbody radiation; Absorptive and Emissive powers; Kirchoff’s law; Wien’s Displacement Law; Stefan’s Law. | Communication Systems: Basic concepts of communication systems including modulation and demodulation. |
| – | Semiconductors: Basic concepts and applications of semiconductors, including diodes and transistors in circuits. |
| – | Electronic Devices: Concepts related to electronic devices like operational amplifiers and their applications. |
JEE Main and JEE Advanced Chemistry Syllabus Difference
| Topics in Advanced that are not covered in Mains | Topics in Mains that are not covered in Advanced |
| Perkins reaction, Qualitative Analysis of Carbonate ions. | Basic Concepts of Chemistry: Stoichiometry and mole concepts, including calculations and basic numerical problems. |
| Electrochemistry: Equivalent Conductivity | Environmental Chemistry: Topics related to environmental pollution, green chemistry, and sustainable practices. |
| Nuclear Chemistry: Radioactivity, Properties of alpha, beta and gamma rays, Kinetics of radioactive decay (decay series excluded), carbon dating, Stability of nuclei with respect to proton-neutron ratio, Brief discussion on fission and fusion reactions | Chemistry in Everyday Life: Applications of chemistry in daily life, including drugs and their classifications. |
JEE Main Syllabus
| Physics | Chemistry | Mathematics |
| Physics and Measurement | States of Matter | Sequence and Series |
| Work, Energy, and Power | Periodic Table | Three Dimensional Geometry |
| Gases: Kinetic Theory | Chemical Thermodynamics | Statistics and Probability |
| Properties of Solids and Liquids | Redox Reaction | Vector Algebra |
| Communication Systems | Electrochemistry | Trigonometry |
| Rotational Motion | Atomic Structure | Permutations and Combinations |
| Alternating Currents and Electromagnetic Induction | Isolation of Metals | Matrices and Determinants |
| Experiments | Chemistry in Everyday Life | Simple Equations and Quadratic Equations |
| Classification of Elements | Sets, Relations, and Functions | |
| S – Block Elements | Binomial theorem | |
| d – Block Elements | Continuity and Differentiability | |
| Classification of Organic Compounds | Introduction to Calculus | |
| Organic Chemistry | Mathematical reasoning | |
| Organic Compounds | ||
| Principles of Practical Chemistry | ||
| Molecular Structure and Chemical Bonding |
JEE Advanced Syllabus
| Physics | Chemistry | Mathematics |
| Thermal Physics | States of Matter: Gases and Liquids | Matrices |
| General Physics | Chemical Thermodynamics | Trigonometry |
| Electromagnetic Waves | Chemical and Ionic Equilibrium | Integral Calculus |
| Optics | Chemical Kinetics | Differential Calculus |
| Mechanics | Isolation of Metals | Advanced Trigonometry |
| Electricity and Magnetism | Coordination Compounds | Sets, Relations, and Functions |
| Modern Physics | Alkenes and Alkynes | Advanced Algebra |
| d-Block Elements | Analytical Geometry | |
| Principles of Qualitative Alkanes | Probability and Statistics | |
| Chemistry in Daily Life | Vectors | |
| p-Block Elements | ||
| f-Block Elements | ||
| s-Block Elements | ||
| Electrochemistry | ||
| Atomic Structure | ||
| Molecular Structure and Chemical Bonding | ||
| Classification of Elements | ||
| Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry | ||
| Alcohols | ||
| Biomolecules | ||
| Polymers | ||
| Carboxylic Acids | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Periodicity in Properties | ||
| Organic Chemistry |
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced: Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for JEE Main
JEE Main is open to a broader group of students, with eligibility criteria designed to be inclusive.
Educational Requirements: Students must have passed Class 12 with at least 75% marks (for general category) or 65% (for SC/ST students). Alternatively, students ranking in the top 20 percentile in their board exams are also eligible.
Attempts Allowed: There is no age limit for JEE Main, and candidates can attempt it as many times as they wish within three years of completing Class 12.
These criteria make JEE Main accessible to a large number of students across different backgrounds, serving as an entry point for those aspiring to join NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs.
Eligibility for JEE Advanced
The eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced are more selective, aiming to narrow down candidates for IIT admissions.
Top 2,50,000 Rankers: Only the top 2.5 lakh rankers from JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced, ensuring that only the best-performing students qualify.
Additional Requirements: Candidates must have passed Class 12 within the last two years, maintain up-to-date academic knowledge. Unlike JEE Main, JEE Advanced can only be attempted twice in two consecutive years.
The restrictive eligibility ensures that only the top students move on to JEE Advanced, reflecting the rigorous selection standards of the IITs.
| Criteria | JEE Main | JEE Advanced |
| Educational Requirements | • 75% marks (general category)• 65% marks (SC/ST students)• Top 20 percentile in board exams eligible | • Top 2,50,000 rankers from JEE Main |
| Age Limit | No age limit | Must have passed Class 12 within last two years |
| Attempts Allowed | Can attempt multiple times within 3 years of Class 12 completion | Can attempt only twice in two consecutive years |
| Purpose | Entry point for NITs, IIITs, CFTIs | Selection for IIT admissions |
Which Exam Should You Focus On?
Choosing between JEE Main and JEE Advanced largely depends on your goals, as both exams serve different purposes in the engineering admission process. Understanding the differences between these exams will help you determine which one you should focus on based on your aspirations and the colleges you wish to apply to.
For NITs, IIITs, and Other Engineering Colleges:
If your goal is to secure admission to prestigious engineering institutions like the NITs (National Institutes of Technology), IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology), or GFTIs (Government Funded Technical Institutes), JEE Main is sufficient. JEE Main serves as the qualifying exam for these institutes, and a good rank in JEE Main can help you get into one of these colleges. The exam is moderately challenging, and by focusing on mastering the core concepts and applying them effectively, you can secure a seat in these well-established institutions.
For IITs:
If you aim to gain admission to the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) or IISc (Indian Institute of Science), then you must focus on both JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Advanced is the second stage of the entrance exam process, and only the top 2.5 lakh candidates from JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. This exam is more difficult and tests in-depth conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities. Gaining admission to IITs requires not only a strong performance in JEE Main but also excelling in JEE Advanced.
Conclusion
JEE Main and JEE Advanced are two important exams for students aiming for top engineering colleges. JEE Main is required for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, while JEE Advanced is necessary for IITs. Both exams test problem-solving skills, but JEE Advanced is more difficult and requires a deeper understanding of concepts.
If your goal is to get into NITs or IIITs, JEE Main is enough. However, if you want to study at an IIT, you must clear both JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Preparing with the right strategy, practicing past questions, and managing time effectively can improve your chances of success.
Understanding the differences between these exams helps in planning your preparation. Stay focused, practice regularly, and aim for your target college with confidence. With the right approach, you can achieve your engineering dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Can I take JEE Advanced without JEE Main?
No, qualifying JEE Main is mandatory to appear for JEE Advanced.
2) Is JEE Advanced tougher than JEE Main?
Yes, JEE Advanced has a higher difficulty level and requires deeper conceptual clarity.
3) Do IITs accept JEE Main scores?
No, IITs consider only JEE Advanced ranks for admissions.
4) Can I appear for both exams in the same year?
Yes, if you qualify for JEE Advanced through JEE Main, you can appear for both exams in the same year.
