Are you dreaming of studying engineering at one of India’s top institutions? The JEE Main exam is your gateway to making that dream come true. Whether you’re aiming for a prestigious IIT, NIT, or any other renowned college, cracking JEE Main is crucial. But for students in the OBC (Other Backward Class) category, the journey comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about JEE Main, from the exam structure to the reservation benefits available for OBC students. We will break down the eligibility criteria, exam format, and year-wise cut-offs, helping you understand what you need to do to succeed.
With the right preparation, mindset, and strategies, you can give yourself a competitive edge. This guide will also offer valuable tips to help OBC students improve their chances in the exam. Ready to dive in? Let’s start your journey toward JEE Main success!
JEE Main 2025 Exam Structure
The JEE Mains 2025 exam will follow a similar pattern as in previous years. It consists of two papers: Paper 1 (for B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2 (for B.Arch/B.Planning). Here’s an overview of the exam pattern for Paper 1, which is the one most students appear for:
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 is for admission to B.Tech/B.E. courses and is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. It consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical value-based questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Paper 2 is for admission to B.Arch and B.Planning courses and includes questions related to Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing.
OBC Category in JEE Mains Overview
The OBC category includes individuals who belong to socially and economically backward classes. These communities are recognized by the Indian government and are eligible for certain benefits, including reservations in educational institutions and government jobs.
Reservation Benefits for OBC Students
The Indian government provides a 27% reservation for OBC students in educational institutions. This means that a certain percentage of seats in JEE Main and other exams are reserved for OBC students. This reservation helps provide opportunities to students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue higher education.
Eligibility Criteria for OBC Category in JEE Main
To be eligible for OBC reservation in JEE Main, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Caste Certificate: The candidate must have an OBC-NCL (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate. This certificate proves that the candidate belongs to the OBC category and is not from the creamy layer (wealthier sections of the OBC).
- Income Limit: For Non-Creamy Layer, the family income should not exceed Rs. 8 lakhs per annum.
- Valid OBC Certificate: Candidates must submit the valid certificate during the application process and appear for JEE Main under the OBC category.
JEE Mains Cut-off for OBC Year Wise
The JEE Main cut-off varies each year and is influenced by several factors such as the number of candidates, exam difficulty, and overall performance. Below is the cut-off for OBC candidates for the last five years.
NTA JEE Mains 2024 Cutoff
| Category | JEE Main Cutoff 2024 (Percentile) |
| Unreserved (UR) | 100.0000000 to 93.2362181 |
| OBC-NCL | 93.2312696 to 79.6757881 |
| SC | 93.2312696 to 60.0923182 |
| ST | 93.2312696 to 46.6975840 |
| UR-PwD | 93.2041331 to 0.0018700 |
NTA JEE Mains 2023 Cutoff
| Category | JEE Main 2023 Cutoff |
| Common Rank List | 90.7788642 |
| Gen-EWS | 75.6229025 |
| OBC-NCL | 73.6114227 |
| SC | 51.9776027 |
| ST | 37.2348772 |
| PwD | 0.0013527 |
NTA JEE Mains 2022 Cutoff
| Category | JEE Main Cutoff 2022 (Percentile) by NTA |
| Common Rank List (CRL) | 88.4121383 |
| GEN-EWS | 63.1114141 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 67.0090297 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 43.0820954 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 26.7771328 |
| PwD | 0.0031029 |
NTA JEE Mains 2021 Cutoff
| Category/Year | JEE Main Cutoff 2021(Percentile) by NTA |
| General | 87.8992241 |
| OBC-NCL | 68.0234447 |
| SC | 46.8825338 |
| ST | 34.6728999 |
| Gen-EWS | 66.2214845 |
| PwD | 0.0096375 |
NTA JEE Mains 2020 Cutoff
| Category/Year | JEE Main Cutoff 2020 (Percentile) by NTA |
| General | 90.3765335 |
| OBC-NCL | 72.8887969 |
| SC | 50.1760245 |
| ST | 39.0696101 |
| Gen-EWS | 70.2435518 |
| PwD | 0.0618524 |
Factors Affecting JEE Main Cut-off for OBC
Several factors affect the cut-off every year. Understanding these factors can help OBC candidates plan their preparation better.
1) Number of Applicants in the OBC Category
The number of OBC candidates appearing for JEE Main directly impacts the cut-off. A higher number of applicants typically leads to greater competition, which results in a higher cut-off. More students vying for the same number of reserved seats forces the cut-off to rise. Conversely, if fewer OBC candidates appear for the exam, the cut-off tends to decrease, as fewer candidates are competing for the seats. Therefore, the number of OBC candidates each year plays a crucial role in shaping the cut-off.
2) Exam Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of JEE Main also affects the cut-off. If the exam is particularly difficult, fewer students will score high marks, which could lower the cut-off. On the other hand, if the exam is easier, the cut-off could increase because more students will score well. This variation in exam difficulty year-on-year makes it important for OBC students to be prepared for any level of challenge.
3) Reservation Policies and Government Regulations
Changes in reservation policies and government regulations can significantly affect the OBC cut-off. For example, if there are any adjustments in the percentage of reserved seats or changes in the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) income criteria, the number of eligible OBC candidates may increase or decrease. An increase in the number of eligible OBC candidates would likely raise the competition and thus the cut-off. Therefore, understanding the latest government policies is essential for OBC students as it helps them predict how the cut-off might change.
4) Previous Year Trends
The trends from previous years often provide insight into how the cut-off may behave in the current year. If the cut-off has been rising steadily in recent years, it may continue to increase, particularly if competition and overall performance also rise. However, if previous years showed a drop in the cut-off due to tougher exams or a decrease in overall performance, the cut-off for the current year might follow a similar trend. Students should closely monitor past trends to adjust their preparation strategies accordingly.
5) Overall Performance of Candidates
The overall performance of candidates across all categories influences the cut-off as well. If most candidates perform well, the cut-off for all categories, including OBC, may increase. In contrast, if the overall performance is lower due to the exam’s difficulty or other reasons, the cut-off could decrease. The distribution of marks in each subject—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—also plays a role in determining the final cut-off score.
Tips for OBC Students to Improve Their Chances in JEE Mains
Preparing for JEE Main can be intense, but with the right approach, you can significantly improve your chances of success. While OBC students benefit from certain reservations, it’s important to remember that consistent effort, smart strategies, and a well-structured study plan are key to securing a good score. Here are some actionable tips to help OBC students excel in JEE Main.
1) Effective Study Strategies and Resources
An effective study strategy is the backbone of your preparation. Here are some ways you can enhance your study approach:
- Create a Study Plan: Make a detailed timetable that outlines daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Prioritize topics based on their weightage in the exam. Begin with the fundamental concepts and gradually move to advanced problems.
- Focus on NCERT: The JEE Main syllabus is closely aligned with NCERT textbooks. Make sure to thoroughly read and understand the concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from these books, as they lay the foundation for more advanced problems.
- Use the Right Reference Books: After mastering NCERT, refer to books like H.C. Verma (Physics), O.P. Tandon (Chemistry), and M.L. Khanna (Mathematics). These books are highly recommended for building a deeper understanding of the subjects.
- Coaching Materials and Online Resources: If you’re attending coaching classes, use the study material provided. For online resources, platforms like Khan Academy, Vedantu, or Unacademy offer comprehensive lessons and explanations that can aid in your preparation.
- Make Notes: As you study, create concise notes that summarize key formulas, concepts, and important points. Revising these notes regularly can save you time during revision and ensure that you don’t miss anything important.
2) Time Management Tips for JEE Preparation
Time management is a crucial aspect of your JEE Main preparation. The key is to balance studying with breaks and recreational activities to avoid burnout. Here’s how you can manage your time effectively:
- Set Realistic Goals: Break your long-term goal (cracking JEE Main) into smaller, short-term goals. For instance, you can target completing a chapter in a week or mastering a particular type of question.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique: Divide your study time into 25-minute focused sessions, followed by a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This method helps in maintaining focus while ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Prioritize Tasks: Start your day with the most challenging or important tasks. Once you tackle the difficult subjects or topics, the remaining tasks will feel relatively easier. This approach also helps maintain a positive mindset throughout the day.
- Balance Studies and Relaxation: Ensure that your timetable includes time for relaxation and hobbies. Too much study without a break leads to stress and fatigue, which ultimately hampers productivity.
3) Importance of Mock Tests and Practice Papers
Mock tests and practice papers play a significant role in understanding the exam pattern, improving speed, and identifying weak areas. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Regular Mock Tests: Take mock tests at least once a week to assess your progress. Simulate the actual exam conditions by following the time limit strictly. This will help you get comfortable with the pressure of completing the exam on time.
- Analyze Your Performance: After taking a mock test, thoroughly analyze your performance. Identify the areas where you struggled, whether it’s a particular topic, question type, or time management. Focus on these weak points during your next study sessions.
- Previous Year Question Papers: Practicing past years’ papers is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked and the difficulty level of the exam. Solve papers from the last 5-10 years to understand trends and patterns.
- Speed and Accuracy: The JEE Main exam is time-bound, so it’s important to improve both speed and accuracy. Regular practice helps develop a natural pace, and over time, you’ll be able to answer questions quickly without compromising accuracy.
For a structured approach to mock tests, the Phodu Club’s JEE Main Test Series is highly recommended. Their expert-designed tests offer a realistic exam experience and detailed performance analysis, helping you focus on your weak areas. With regular practice from Phodu Club, you can confidently improve your performance for the big day!
4) Mental and Physical Health During Preparation
While academic preparation is important, taking care of your mental and physical health is just as essential. A healthy body and mind can improve your focus and concentration, leading to better results.
- Stay Positive: Self-doubt can easily creep in during tough preparation phases. However, staying positive and believing in your abilities is key. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who encourage you during this journey.
- Avoid Stress: Try not to put excessive pressure on yourself. If you feel stressed, take a short break, do some light exercise, or talk to someone. Stress can cloud your thinking and affect your performance.
- Sleep Well: Your brain needs rest to function properly. Avoid staying up late to study; aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night. Sleep helps in memory consolidation and better problem-solving abilities.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical exercise, even if it’s just a short walk or some stretching exercises, can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Regular physical activity keeps you energized and focused.
Conclusion
Preparing for JEE Main is a challenging yet rewarding journey, and for OBC students, understanding the exam structure, cut-offs, and available reservation benefits is crucial to maximizing your chances. With careful planning, effective study strategies, and consistent practice, you can navigate this journey successfully. Remember, the key to success lies in staying focused, managing your time wisely, and taking care of your mental and physical well-being throughout the preparation phase.
By utilizing the tips and insights shared in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to handle the pressure and perform to the best of your ability. Don’t forget, while the reservation system offers certain advantages, your hard work and dedication will ultimately be the deciding factors in achieving your goals. Stay positive, keep practicing, and believe in your potential. With determination and the right approach, JEE Main success is well within your reach.
