For Indian students aiming for higher education, two of the most prominent exams are the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination). Both exams play a crucial role in securing admission to prestigious institutions, albeit for different purposes and in different countries. The SAT is a standardized test required for college admissions in the United States, while the JEE is the gateway to top engineering institutes in India, such as the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and NITs (National Institutes of Technology).
This article offers a detailed comparison between these two exams to help students better understand their structure, difficulty levels, preparation requirements, scoring systems, and more. By the end of this comparison, students will have a clearer idea of which exam aligns with their aspirations, whether they are planning to study in the U.S. or India.
Overview of the SAT and JEE
SAT: Standardized Test for College Admissions in the USA
The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Administered by the College Board, the SAT aims to assess students’ readiness for college and is a critical part of the application process for undergraduate programs. The test evaluates essential academic skills, including critical reading, writing, and mathematics. It is primarily intended for students seeking to attend universities and colleges in the U.S., though it is also accepted by universities in other countries such as Canada, some European nations, and others.
JEE: Entrance Exam for Engineering Institutes in India
The JEE, on the other hand, is an entrance examination conducted in India to select students for admission to various engineering programs, especially in prestigious institutes like the IITs and NITs. The JEE consists of two phases: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Main is the first level exam, serving as a qualifier for the JEE Advanced. JEE Advanced is the final exam that determines eligibility for admission to the IITs, which are among the top engineering colleges in India. The JEE is highly competitive and tests in-depth knowledge of subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Importance of Comparing the Two Exams
For students considering higher education in different countries, understanding the differences between the SAT and JEE is essential. While both exams assess academic abilities, their structure, content, and focus are vastly different. The SAT is more generalized and tests a range of academic skills, while the JEE is highly specialized, focusing specifically on subjects relevant to engineering.
For Indian students considering studying abroad, particularly in the U.S., the SAT is the required exam. However, those wishing to study in India, especially in engineering fields, will need to prepare for the JEE. The following sections will dive deeper into each exam’s structure, format, difficulty level, and preparation requirements, allowing students to make an informed decision based on their goals.
SAT vs JEE: Structure and Format
The SAT has three major sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics. The exam evaluates both subject-specific knowledge and general reasoning skills that are necessary for success in college-level courses.
Particulars | Highlights |
Conducting Body | College Board |
Exam Requirement | For undergraduate courses |
Duration | 144 minutes |
Language | English |
Sections | Three (Reading, Writing, and Maths) |
Number of questions | 98 |
Score range | 400-1600 |
Negative marking | No |
SAT Digital Parameters | SAT Digital Reading & Writing (RW) Section | SAT Digital Math Section |
Format | Two-staged: one tests Reading and the other the Writing section. Both are administered across separately timed modules. | Two-staged: The math section is administered via two separately timed modules. |
Test length (total operational and pretest questions) | 1st module:25 operational questions2 pretest questions2nd module:25 operational questions2 pretest questions | 1st module:20 operational questions2 pretest questions2nd module:20 operational questions2 pretest questions |
Time Duration | 1st module: 32 minutes2nd module: 32 minutes | 1st module: 35 minutes2nd module: 35 minutes |
Total Questions | 54 | 44 |
Total Time Allocated | 64 minutes | 70 minutes |
Scores Reported | Total score calculation: RW + Math section scores | |
Question Type(s) | Discrete; MCQs with four options | MCQ (75%) and student-produced response (SPR)(25%) |
Topics Tested | Literature, History / Social Studies, Humanities and Science | Algebra, Problem Solving & Data Analysis, Advanced Math and; Geometry & Trigonometry |
Informational Graphics | Tested, includes – tables, bar graphs, line graphs | Also tested |
The Reading section consists of 54 questions. Students are given 64 minutes to answer reading comprehension questions based on passages from literature, historical documents, and social sciences.
The questions primarily test the ability to understand and analyze written material, interpret context, and recognize the author’s tone and arguments. It assesses grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and overall writing skills. Students are asked to identify errors in sentences and make corrections to improve clarity, conciseness, and overall coherence.
Mathematics Section: The Math section is divided into two parts: one where calculators are allowed and one where calculators are not allowed. There are a total of 44 questions in this section. Topics tested include algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis. This section evaluates the student’s ability to solve problems and apply mathematical concepts.
Scoring System: The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, combining the scores from the Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections. Each of the two sections (Math and Reading/Writing) is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with the total score being the sum of both. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, meaning students are encouraged to answer every question.
JEE: Structure and Format
The JEE, particularly JEE Main and JEE Advanced, is designed to test students’ in-depth knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It is divided into multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical value-based questions. The exam assesses the student’s ability to apply concepts, solve complex problems, and think critically about scientific topics.
JEE Main Exam Format
Particulars | BTech/BE |
Exam mode | Online (Computer based) |
Number of sections and subjects | 3 (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) |
Duration of exam | 3 hours (180 minutes)4 hours for PwD candidates |
Type of questions | MCQs: 4 options with only 1 correct optionNumerical Value Questions: Questions whose answers are to be filled in as a numerical value |
Section A (MCQ) | Mathematics: 20Physics: 20Chemistry: 20 |
Section B (Numerical Value) | Mathematics: 5Physics: 5Chemistry: 5In Section B, candidates have to attempt all five questions from each section. |
How many questions in JEE Mains | 75 |
JEE Mains Total Marks | 300 marks |
Language of paper | Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu in addition to Hindi, English, and Gujarati |
Negative marks | -1 for MCQsNo negative marking in section B |
JEE Advanced Exam Format
Exam Details | Description |
Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) only |
Number of Papers | 2 (Paper 1 and Paper 2) |
Paper Duration | 3 hours each |
Total Examination Duration | 6 hours |
Languages | English and Hindi |
Number of Sections per Paper | 3 (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) |
Marking Scheme | Varies annually; includes negative marking |
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced:
While JEE Main serves as a preliminary exam, JEE Advanced is for the top candidates in JEE Main who qualify to appear for admission into IITs. JEE Advanced questions are known to be much more challenging and test the depth of a student’s understanding of subjects.
SAT vs JEE: Difficulty Level
SAT: Difficulty Level
The SAT is considered a less complex exam compared to the JEE, especially in terms of subject-specific knowledge. It focuses on assessing a student’s ability to reason, think critically, and solve basic problems in reading, writing, and math. The Math section is based on high school-level concepts, such as algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
However, the test does require strategic thinking, as it involves interpreting reading passages, identifying grammatical errors, and solving math problems under time constraints. The test is designed to be challenging but not overwhelmingly difficult. Students need to be well-prepared in the areas of grammar, reading comprehension, and basic math.
JEE: Difficulty Level
The JEE is one of the most difficult entrance exams in India, particularly JEE Advanced, which is known for its challenging and intricate problems. The JEE Main, while slightly easier, still requires a deep understanding of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
The difficulty of the JEE is high because it tests not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to solve complex problems in a limited amount of time. Students must be able to apply concepts, manipulate equations, and solve problems in areas such as mechanics, thermodynamics, calculus, and organic chemistry. The JEE Advanced exam further elevates the level of difficulty, often requiring students to think critically and apply advanced problem-solving techniques.
SAT vs JEE: Time and Effort Commitment
SAT: Preparation Time
For most students, preparing for the SAT takes around 3 to 6 months. This is because the SAT does not cover a vast array of topics like the JEE. Instead, students need to focus on specific areas such as grammar, reading comprehension, algebra, and basic problem-solving skills.
Since the SAT only has three sections, students can focus their preparation on each area without the need to dive into extremely advanced topics. Additionally, the SAT offers flexible exam dates, so students can choose to take the exam when they feel most prepared.
JEE: Preparation Time
Preparing for the JEE, particularly JEE Main and JEE Advanced, is a much longer and more intense process. Most students start preparing for the JEE about 1 to 2 years in advance. The vast syllabus and high level of difficulty require consistent, focused study across multiple subjects.
Students need to master complex topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The preparation involves not only understanding theoretical concepts but also practicing solving problems. This extended preparation time, coupled with the pressure of multiple rounds of exams (JEE Main and JEE Advanced), makes the JEE a demanding exam to prepare for.
SAT vs JEE: Content and Syllabus
SAT: Content and Syllabus
The SAT assesses general academic skills that are typically taught in high school. The subjects covered in the SAT include:
SAT Digital Reading & Writing Syllabus 2024
SAT Reading & Writing Section Areas | Skill / Knowledge Testing Areas | Weightage & Question Distribution |
Craft and Structure | Words in ContextText Structure and PurposeCross-Text Connections | Weightage: 28%Questions: 13-15 |
Information and Ideas | Central Ideas and DetailsCommand of Evidence based on – Textual and Quantitative Inferences | Weightage: 26%Questions: 12-14 |
Standard English Conventions | BoundariesForm, Structure, and Sense | Weightage: 26%Questions: 11-15 |
Expression of Ideas | Rhetorical Synthesis Transitions | Weightage: 20%Questions: 8-12 |
Reading Comprehension: Focuses on understanding written material, interpreting context, and answering questions based on passages.
Grammar and Writing: Tests knowledge of grammar rules, sentence structure, punctuation, and overall writing clarity.
SAT Digital Math Syllabus 2024
Mathematics: Includes topics such as algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The level is usually aligned with high school curricula.
No Calculator and Calculator Sections: The Math section is divided into two parts—one in which calculators are not allowed and another where calculators can be used.
SAT Math Testing Areas | Skill / Knowledge Testing Areas | Weightage & Question Distribution |
Algebra | Linear equations in one variableLinear equations in two variablesLinear functionsSystems of two linear equations in two variablesLinear inequalities in one or two variables | Weightage: 35%Questions: 13-15 |
Advanced Math | Equivalent expressionsNonlinear equations in one variableSystems of equations in two variablesNonlinear functions | Weightage: 35%Questions: 13-15 |
Problem-solving and Data Analysis | Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and unitsPercentagesOne-variable data: distributions and measures of centre and spreadTwo-variable data: models and scatter plotsProbability and conditional probabilityInference from sample statistics and margin of errorEvaluating statistical claims: observational studies and Experiments | Weightage: 15%Questions: 5-7 |
Geometry and Trigonometry | Area and volume formulaLines, angles, and trianglesRight triangles and trigonometryCircles | Weightage: 15%Questions: 5-7 |
The SAT focuses on reasoning, problem-solving, and language skills rather than in-depth subject knowledge.
JEE: Content and Syllabus
The JEE syllabus is significantly more extensive and specialized. It covers:
JEE Physics Syllabus
Chapters | Topics |
Units and Measurement | Units of measurements, System of Units, S I Units, fundamental and derived units, least count, significant figures, Errors in measurements, Dimensions of Physics quantities, dimensional analysis, and its applications |
Kinematics | The frame of reference, motion in a straight line, Position- time graph, speed and velocity; Uniform and non-uniform motion, average speed and instantaneous velocity, uniformly accelerated motion, velocity-time, position-time graph, relations for uniformly accelerated motion. Relative Velocity, Motion in A Plane, Projectile Motion, Uniform Circular Motion. |
Laws Of Motion | Force and inertia, Newton’s First law of motion; Momentum, Newton’s Second Law of Motion, Impulses; Newton’s Third Law of motion. Law of conservation of linear momentum and its applications. Equilibrium of concurrent forces. Static and Kinetic friction, laws of friction, rolling friction. Dynamics of uniform circular motion: centripetal force and its applications: vehicle on a level circular road, vehicle on a banked road. |
Work, Energy, And Power | Work done by a constant force and a variable force; kinetic and potential energies, work-energy theorem, power. The potential energy of spring conservation of mechanical energy, conservative and nonconservative forces; motion in a vertical circle: Elastic and inelastic collisions in one and two dimensions. |
Rotational Motion | Centre of the mass of a two-particle system, Centre of the mass of a rigid body; Basic concepts of rotational motion; moment of a force; torque, angular momentum, conservation of angular momentum and its applications; The moment of inertia, the radius of gyration, values of moments of inertia for simple geometrical objects, parallel and perpendicular axes theorems, and their applications. Equilibrium of rigid bodies, rigid body rotation and equations of rotational motion, comparison of linear and rotational motions. |
Gravitation | The universal law of gravitation. Acceleration due to gravity and its variation with altitude and depth. Kepler’s law of planetary motion. Gravitational potential energy; gravitational potential. Escape velocity, Motion of a satellite, orbital velocity, time period, and energy of satellite. |
Properties Of Liquids and Solid | Elastic behaviour, Stress-strain relationship, Hooke’s Law. Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, and modulus of rigidity. Pressure due to a fluid column; Pascal’s law and its applications. Effect of gravity on fluid pressure. Viscosity. Stokes’ law. terminal velocity, streamline, and turbulent flow.critical velocity. Bernoulli’s principle and its applications. Surface energy and surface tension, angle of contact, excess of pressure across a curved surface, application of surface tension – drops, bubbles, and capillary rise. Heat, temperature, thermal expansion; specific heat capacity, calorimetry; change of state, latent heat. Heat transfer conduction, convection, and radiation. |
Thermodynamics | Thermal equilibrium, zeroth law of thermodynamics, the concept of temperature. Heat, work, and internal energy. The first law of thermodynamics, isothermal and adiabatic processes. The second law of thermodynamics: reversible and irreversible processes. |
Kinetic Theory Of Gases | Equation of state of a perfect gas, work done on compressing a gas, Kinetic theory of gases – assumptions, the concept of pressure. Kinetic interpretation of temperature: RMS speed of gas molecules: Degrees of freedom. Law of equipartition of energy and applications to specific heat capacities of gases; Mean free path. Avogadro’s number. |
Oscillations & Waves | Oscillations and periodic motion – time period, frequency, displacement as a function of time. Periodic functions. Simple harmonic motion (S.H.M.) and its equation; phase: oscillations of a spring -restoring force and force constant: energy in S.H.M. – Kinetic and potential energies; Simple pendulum – derivation of expression for its time period: Wave motion. Longitudinal and transverse waves, speed of the travelling wave. Displacement relation for a progressive wave. Principle of superposition of waves, reflection of waves. Standing waves in strings and organ pipes, fundamental mode, and harmonics. Beats. |
Electrostatic | Electric Charges And Fields: Conservation of charge. Coulomb’s law forces between two point charges, forces between multiple charges: superposition principle and continuous charge distribution. Electric field: Electric field due to a point charge, Electric field lines. Electric dipole, Electric field due to a dipole. Torque on a dipole in a uniform electric field.Electric flux. Gauss’s law and its applications to find fields due to infinitely long uniformly charged straight wire, uniformly charged infinite plane sheet, and uniformly charged thin spherical shell. Electric potential and its calculation for a point charge, electric dipole and system of charges; potential difference, Equipotential surfaces, Electric Potential And Capacitance, energy of a system of two point charges and electric dipole in an electrostatic field. Conductors and insulators. Dielectrics and electric polarization, capacitors and capacitances, the combination of capacitors in series and parallel, and capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with and without dielectric medium between the plates. Energy stored in a capacitor. |
Current Electricity | Electric current. Drift velocity, mobility, and their relation with electric current. Ohm’s law. Electrical resistance. V-l characteristics of Ohmic and non-ohmic conductors. Electrical energy andpower. Electrical resistivity and conductivity. Series and parallel combinations of resistors; Temperature dependence of resistance. Internal resistance, potential difference, and emf of a cell, a combination of cells in series and parallel. Kirchhoff’s laws and their applications. Wheatstone bridge. Metre Bridge. |
Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism | Biot – Savart law and its application to the current carrying circular loop. Ampere’s law and its applications to infinitely long current carrying straight wire and solenoid.Moving Charges And Magnetism- Force on a moving charge in uniform magnetic and electric fields. Force on a current-carrying conductor in a uniform magnetic field. The force between two parallel currents carrying conductors-definition of ampere.Torque experienced by a current loop in a uniform magnetic field: Moving coil galvanometer, its sensitivity, and conversion to ammeter and voltmeter. Current loop as a magnetic dipole and its magnetic dipole moment. Bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid, magnetic field lines; Magnetic field due to a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) along its axis and perpendicular to its axis. Torque on a magnetic dipole in a uniform magnetic field. Para-, dia- and ferromagnetic substances with examples, the effect of temperature on magnetic properties |
Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current | Electromagnetic induction: Faraday’s law. Induced emf and current: Lenz’s Law, Eddy currents. Self and mutual inductance. Alternating currents, peak and RMS value of alternating current/ voltage: reactance and impedance: LCR series circuit, resonance: power in AC circuits, wattless current. AC generator and transformer. |
Electromagnetic Waves | Displacement current. Electromagnetic waves and their characteristics, Transverse nature of electromagnetic waves, Electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet. X-rays. Gamma rays), Applications of e.m. waves |
Optics | Reflection of light, spherical mirrors, mirror formula. Refraction of light at plane and spherical surfaces, thin lens formula, and lens maker formula. Total internal reflection and its applications. Magnification. Power of a Lens. Combination of thin lenses in contact. Refraction of light through a prism. Microscope and Astronomical Telescope (reflecting and refracting ) and their magnifying powers.Wave optics: wavefront and Huygens’ principle. Laws of reflection and refraction using Huygens principle. Interference, Young’s double-slit experiment, and expression for fringe width, coherent sources, and sustained interference of light. Diffraction due to a single slit, width of central maximum. Polarization, plane-polarized light: Brewster’s law, uses of plane polarized light and Polaroid. |
Dual Nature Of Matter and Radiation | Dual nature of radiation. Photoelectric effect. Hertz and Lenard’s observations; Einstein’s photoelectric equation: particle nature of light. Matter waves-wave nature of particles, de Broglie relation. |
Atoms and Nuclei | Alpha-particle scattering experiment; Rutherford’s model of atom; Bohr model, energy levels, hydrogen spectrum. Composition and size of nucleus, atomic masses, Mass-energy relation, mass defect; binding energy per nucleon and its variation with mass number, nuclear fission, and fusion |
Semiconductor Electronic Materials Device | Semiconductors; semiconductor diode: I-V characteristics in forward and reverse bias; diode as a rectifier; I-V characteristics of LED. the photodiode, solar cell, and Zener diode; Zener diode as a voltage regulator. Logic gates (OR. AND. NOT. NAND and NOR). |
Experimental Skills | Familiarity with the basic approach and observations of the experiments and activities:Vernier calipers -its used to measure the internal and external diameter and depth of a vessel.Screw gauge-its used to determine the thickness/ diameter of thin sheet/wire.Simple Pendulum-dissipation of energy by plotting a graph between the square of amplitude and time.Metre Scale – the mass of a given object by the principle of moments.Young’s modulus of elasticity of the material of a metallic wire.Surface tension of water by capillary rise and effect of detergentCoefficient of Viscosity of a given viscous liquid by measuring the terminal velocity of a given spherical bodySpeed of sound in air at room temperature using a resonance tubeSpecific heat capacity of a given (i) solid and (ii) liquid by method of mixtures.The resistivity of the material of a given wire using a metre bridgeThe resistance of a given wire using Ohm’s law.Resistance and figure of merit of a galvanometer by half deflection method.The focal length of; (i) Convex mirror (ii) Concave mirror, and (ii) Convex lens, using the parallax method.The plot of the angle of deviation vs angle of incidence for a triangular prism.The refractive index of a glass slab using a travelling microscope.Characteristic curves of a p-n junction diode in forward and reverse bias.Characteristic curves of a Zener diode and finding reverse breakdown voltage.Identification of Diode. LED, Resistor. A capacitor from a mixed collection of such items. |
Deleted Chapters From JEE Main Physics Syllabus
Unit | Deleted Topics |
Kinematics | Zero vector |
Thermodynamics | Carnot engine and its efficiency |
Atoms and Nuclei | Isotopes, isobars, isotones |
Communication Systems | Electronic devices, junction transistor, transistor action |
Current Electricity | Resistances of different materials; color code for resistors; potentiometer – principle and its applications |
Oscillations and Waves | Free, forced and damped oscillations, resonance, Doppler Effect in sound |
Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism | Cyclotron, Earth’s magnetic field and magnetic elements; magnetic susceptibility and permeability; hysteresis; electromagnets and permanent magnets |
Optics | Resolving power of microscopes and astronomical telescopes |
Properties of Solids and Liquids | Reynolds number; Newton’s law of cooling |
Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation | Davisson-Germer experiment |
Radioactivity | Alpha, beta, and gamma particles/rays and their properties; radioactive decay law |
Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents | Quality factor |
Electronic Devices | Characteristics of a transistor; transistor as an amplifier (common emitter configuration) and oscillator; transistor as a switch |
JEE Chemistry Syllabus
JEE Physical Chemistry Syllabus | |
Chapters | Topics |
Some Basic Concepts In Chemistry | Matter and its nature, Dalton’s Atomic Theory: Concept of atom, molecule, element, and compound, Laws of Chemical Combination, Atomic and molecular masses, Mole Concept, molar mass, percentage composition, empirical and molecular formulae: Chemical equations and stoichiometry |
Atomic Structure | Nature of electromagnetic radiation, photoelectric effect; Spectrum of the hydrogen atom. Bohr model of a hydrogen atom – its postulates, derivation of the relations for the energy of the electron and radii of the different orbits, limitations of Bohr’s model; Dual nature of matter, de Broglie’s relationship. Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Elementary ideas of quantum mechanics, quantum mechanics, the quantum mechanical model of the atom, and its important features. Concept of atomic orbitals as one-electron wave functions: Variation of and 2 with r for 1s and 2s orbitals; various quantum numbers (principal, angular momentum, and magnetic quantum numbers) and their significance; shapes of s, p, and d – orbitals, electron spin, and spin quantum number: Rules for filling electrons in orbitals – Aufbau principle. Pauli’s exclusion principle and Hund’s rule, electronic configuration of elements, and extra stability of half-filled and completely filled orbitals. |
Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure | Kossel-Lewis approach to chemical bond formation, the concept of ionic and covalent bonds. Ionic Bonding: Formation of ionic bonds, factors affecting the formation of ionic bonds; calculation of lattice enthalpy. Covalent Bonding: Concept of electronegativity. Fajan’s rule, dipole moment: Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR ) theory and shapes of simple molecules. Quantum mechanical approach to covalent bonding: Valence Bond Theory (VBT) – its important features, the concept of hybridization involving s, p, and d orbitals; Resonance. Molecular Orbital Theory – Its important features. LCAOs, types of molecular orbitals (bonding, antibonding), sigma and pi-bonds, molecular orbital electronic configurations of homonuclear diatomic molecules, the concept of bond order, bond length, and bond energy. Elementary idea of metallic bonding. Hydrogen bonding and its applications. |
Chemical Thermodynamic | Fundamentals of thermodynamics: System and surroundings, extensive and intensive properties, state functions, Entropy, types of processes. The first law of thermodynamics – Concept of work, heat internal energy and enthalpy, heat capacity, molar heat capacity; Hess’s law of constant heat summation; Enthalpies of bond dissociation, combustion, formation, atomization, sublimation, phase transition, hydration, ionization, and solution. The second law of thermodynamics – Spontaneity of processes; S of the universe and G of the system as criteria for spontaneity. G (Standard Gibbs energy change) and equilibrium constant. |
Redox Reactions And Electrochemistry | Electronic concepts of oxidation and reduction, redox reactions, oxidation number, rules for assigning oxidation number, and balancing of redox reactions. Electrolytic and metallic conduction, conductance in electrolytic solutions, molar conductivities and their variation with concentration: Kohlrausch’s law and its applications. Electrochemical cells – Electrolytic and Galvanic cells, different types of electrodes, electrode potentials including standard electrode potential, half-cell and cell reactions, emf of a Galvanic cell and its measurement: Nernst equation and its applications; Relationship between cell potential and Gibbs’ energy change: Dry cell and lead accumulator; Fuel cells. |
Chemical Kinetics | Rate of a chemical reaction, factors affecting the rate of reactions: concentration, temperature, pressure, and catalyst; elementary and complex reactions, order and molecularity of reactions, rate law, rate constant and its units, differential and integral forms of zero and first-order reactions, their characteristics and half-lives, the effect of temperature on the rate of reactions, Arrhenius theory, activation energy and its calculation, collision theory of bimolecular gaseous reactions (no derivation). |
Solutions | Different methods for expressing the concentration of solution – molality, molarity, mole fraction, percentage (by volume and mass both), the vapour pressure of solutions and Raoult’s Law – Ideal and non-ideal solutions, vapour pressure – composition, plots for ideal and nonideal solutions; Colligative properties of dilute solutions – a relative lowering of vapour pressure, depression of freezing point, the elevation of boiling point and osmotic pressure; Determination of molecular mass using colligative properties; Abnormal value of molar mass, Van’t Hoff factor and its significance. |
Equilibrium | Equilibria involving physical processes: Solid-liquid, liquid-gas – gas and solid-gas equilibria, Henry’s law. General characteristics of equilibrium involving physical processes. Equilibrium involving chemical processes: Law of chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constants (Kp and Kc) and their significance, factors affecting equilibrium concentration, pressure, temperature, the effect of catalyst; Le Chatelier’s principle. Ionic equilibrium: Weak and strong electrolytes, ionization of electrolytes, various concepts of acids and bases (Arrhenius. Bronsted – Lowry and Lewis) and their ionization, acid-base equilibria (including multi stage ionization) and ionization constants, ionization of water. pH scale, common ion effect, hydrolysis of salts and pH of their solutions, the solubility of sparingly soluble salts and solubility products, and buffer solutions. |
JEE Inorganic Chemistry Syllabus | |
Chapters | Topics |
Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties | Modern periodic law and present form of the periodic table, s, p. d and f block elements, periodic trends in properties of elements of atomic and ionic radii, ionization enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy, valence, oxidation states, and chemical reactivity. |
P- Block Elements | Group -13 to Group 18 ElementsGeneral Introduction: Electronic configuration and general trends in physical and chemical properties of elements across the periods and down the groups; unique behaviour of the first element in each group. |
d – and f- Block Elements | Transition Elements General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence and characteristics, general trends in properties of the first-row transition elements – physical properties, ionization enthalpy, oxidation states, atomic radii, colour, catalytic behaviour, magnetic properties, complex formation, interstitial compounds, alloy formation; Preparation, properties, and uses of K2Cr2O7, and KMnO4. Inner Transition Elements Lanthanides – Electronic configuration, oxidation states, and lanthanide contraction. Actinides – Electronic configuration and oxidation states. |
Coordination Compounds | Introduction to coordination compounds. Werner’s theory; ligands, coordination number, denticity. chelation; IUPAC nomenclature of mononuclear coordination compounds, isomerism; Bonding-Valence bond approach and basic ideas of Crystal field theory, colour and magnetic properties; Importance of coordination compounds (in qualitative analysis, extraction of metals, and in biological systems). |
JEE Organic Chemistry Syllabus | |
Chapters | Topics |
Purification And Characterisation Of Organic Compounds | Purification – Crystallization, sublimation, distillation, differential extraction, and chromatography – principles and their applications. Qualitative analysis – Detection of nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus, and halogens.Quantitative analysis (basic principles only) – Estimation of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, halogens, sulphur, and phosphorus. Calculations of empirical formula and molecular formulae: Numerical problems in organic quantitative analysis. |
Some Basic Principles Of Organic Chemistry | Tetravalency of carbon: Shapes of simple molecules – hybridization (s and p): Classification of organic compounds based on functional groups: and those containing halogens, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur; Homologous series: Isomerism – structural and stereoisomers. Nomenclature (Trivial and IUPAC) Covalent bond fission – Homolytic and heterolytic: free radicals, carbocations, and carbanions; stability of carbocations and free radicals, electrophiles, and nucleophiles. Electronic displacement in a covalent bond – Inductive effect, electromeric effect, resonance, and hyperconjugation. Common types of organic reactions – Substitution, addition, elimination, and rearrangement. |
Hydrocarbons | Classification, isomerism, IUPAC nomenclature, general methods of preparation, properties, and reactions. Alkanes – Conformations: Sawhorse and Newman projections (of ethane): Mechanism of halogenation of alkanes. Alkenes – Geometrical isomerism: Mechanism of electrophilic addition: addition of hydrogen, halogens, water, hydrogen halides (Markownikoffs and peroxide effect): Ozonolysis and polymerization. Alkynes – Acidic character: Addition of hydrogen, halogens, water, and hydrogen halides: Polymerization. Aromatic hydrocarbons – Nomenclature, benzene – structure and aromaticity: Mechanism of electrophilic substitution: halogenation, nitration. Friedel-Craft’s alkylation and acylation, directive influence of the functional group in monosubstituted benzene. |
Organic Compounds Containing Halogens | General methods of preparation, properties, and reactions; Nature of C-X bond; Mechanisms of substitution reactions. Uses; Environmental effects of chloroform, iodoform freons, and DDT |
Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen | Alcohols: Identification of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols: mechanism of dehydration. Phenols: Acidic nature, electrophilic substitution reactions: halogenation. nitration and sulphonation. Reimer – Tiemann reaction. Ethers: Structure. Aldehyde and Ketones: Nature of carbonyl group; Nucleophilic addition to >C=O group, relative reactivities of aldehydes and ketones; Important reactions such as – Nucleophilic addition reactions (addition of HCN. NH3, and its derivatives), Grignard reagent; oxidation: reduction (Wolf Kishner and Clemmensen); the acidity of-hydrogen. aldol condensation, Cannizzaro reaction. Haloform reaction, Chemical tests to distinguish between aldehydes and Ketones. Carboxylic Acids Acidic strength and factors affecting it, |
Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen | General methods of preparation. Properties, reactions, and uses. Amines: Nomenclature, classification structure, basic character, and identification of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines and their basic character. Diazonium Salts: Importance in synthetic organic chemistry. |
Biomolecules | General introduction and importance of biomolecules. Carbohydrates – Classification; aldoses and ketoses: monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and constituent monosaccharides of oligosaccharides (sucrose, lactose, and maltose). Proteins – Elementary Idea of α-amino acids, peptide bond, polypeptides. Proteins: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure (qualitative idea only), denaturation of proteins, enzymes. Vitamins– Classification and functions. Nucleic Acids – Chemical constitution of DNA and RNA. Biological functions of nucleic acids. Hormones (General introduction) |
Principles Related To Practical Chemistry | Detection of extra elements (Nitrogen, Sulphur, halogens) in organic compounds; Detection of the following functional groups; hydroxyl (alcoholic and phenolic), carbonyl (aldehyde and ketones) carboxyl, and amino groups in organic compounds. • The chemistry involved in the preparation of the following: Inorganic compounds; Mohr’s salt, potash alum.Organic compounds: Acetanilide, p-nitro acetanilide, aniline yellow, iodoform. • The chemistry involved in the titrimetric exercises – Acids, bases, and the use of indicators, oxalic-acid vs KMnO4, Mohr’s salt vs KMnO4 • Chemical principles involved in the qualitative salt analysis: Cations – Pb2+, Cu2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Mg2, NH+4Anions- CO2−3, S 2- ,SO2−4, NO 3- , NO2- , Cl- , Br- , I- ( Insoluble salts excluded). Chemical principles involved in the following experiments: 1. Enthalpy of solution of CuSO4 2. Enthalpy of neutralization of strong acid and strong base. 3. Preparation of lyophilic and lyophobic sols. 4. Kinetic study of the reaction of iodide ions with hydrogen peroxide at room temperature. |
Deleted Chapters From JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus
Unit | Deleted Topics |
Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry | Physical quantities and their measurements in chemistry; precision and accuracy; significant figures; S.I. units; dimensional analysis |
P-Block Elements | Group-wise study of the p-block elements; preparation, properties, and uses of boron and aluminum; structures and properties of borax, boric acid, diborane, boron trifluoride, aluminum chloride, and alums |
Environmental Chemistry | Environmental chemistry concepts and their applications |
Atomic Structure | Thomson and Rutherford atomic models and their limitations |
Hydrogen | Properties and reactions of hydrogen |
S-Block Elements | Overview of alkali and alkaline earth metals; properties and reactions |
Group -14 (Carbon Group) | Tendency for catenation; structure, properties, and uses of allotropes and oxides of carbon, silicon tetrachloride, silicates, zeolites, and silicones |
Group -15 (Nitrogen Group) | Properties and uses of nitrogen and phosphorus; allotropic forms of phosphorus; preparation, properties, structure, and uses of ammonia, nitric acid, phosphine, phosphorus halides; structures of oxides and oxoacids of nitrogen and phosphorus |
Group -16 (Chalcogens) | Preparation, properties, structures, and uses of ozone; allotropic forms of sulfur; preparation, properties, structures, and uses of sulfuric acid (including its industrial preparation); structures of oxoacids of sulfur |
Group -17 (Halogens) | Preparation, properties, and uses of hydrochloric acid; trends in the acidic nature of hydrogen halides; structures of interhalogen compounds and oxides and oxoacids of halogens |
Group -18 (Noble Gases) | Occurrence and uses of noble gases; structures of fluorides and oxides of xenon |
General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals | Principles and processes involved in the extraction and isolation of metals |
Polymers | Basic concepts of polymers, their types, and applications |
Chemistry in Everyday Life | Role of chemistry in daily life and its applications |
Surface Chemistry | Concepts of surface chemistry and its applications |
JEE Mathematics Syllabus
Chapters | Topics |
Complex Numbers And Quadratic Equations | Complex numbers as ordered pairs of reals, Representation of complex numbers in the form a + ib and their representation in a plane, Argand diagram, algebra of complex number, modulus, and argument (or amplitude) of a complex number, Quadratic equations in real and complex number system and their solutions Relations between roots and coefficient, nature of roots, the formation of quadratic equations with given roots. |
Matrices and Determinants | Matrices, algebra of matrices, type of matrices, determinants, and matrices of order two and three, evaluation of determinants, area of triangles using determinants, Adjoint, and evaluation of inverse of a square matrix using determinants and, Test of consistency and solution of simultaneous linear equations in two or three variables using matrices. |
Sets and Relations And Functions | Sets and their representation: Union, intersection, and complement of sets and their algebraic properties; Power set; Relation, Type of relations, equivalence relations, functions; one-one, into and onto functions, the composition of functions |
Permutations And Combinations | The fundamental principle of counting, permutation as an arrangement and combination as section, Meaning of P (n,r) and C (n,r), simple applications. |
Binomial Theorem | Binomial theorem for a positive integral index, general term and middle term, and simple applications. |
Sequence And Series | Arithmetic and Geometric progressions, insertion of arithmetic, geometric means between two given numbers, Relation between A.M and G.M. |
Limits And Derivatives and Continuity And Differentiability | Real–valued functions, algebra of functions, polynomials, rational, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions, inverse function. Graphs of simple functions. Limits, continuity, and differentiability. Differentiation of the sum, difference, product, and quotient of two functions. Differentiation of trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, composite, and implicit functions; derivatives of order up to two, Applications of derivatives: Rate of change of quantities, monotonic-Increasing and decreasing functions, Maxima and minima of functions of one variable, |
Integrals | Integral as an antiderivative, Fundamental integral involving algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Integrations by substitution, by parts, and by partial functions. Integration using trigonometric identities.The fundamental theorem of calculus, properties of definite integrals. Evaluation of definite integrals, determining areas of the regions bounded by simple curves in standard form |
Differential Equations | Ordinary differential equations, their order, and degree, the solution of differential equation by the method of separation of variables, solution of a homogeneous and linear differential equation of the type |
Three- Dimensional Geometry | Coordinates of a point in space, the distance between two points, section formula, directions ratios, and direction cosines, and the angle between two intersecting lines. Skew lines, the shortest distance between them, and its equation. Equations of a line |
Trigonometric Functions | Inverse Trigonometric Functions |
Statistics And Probability | Measures of discretion; calculation of mean, median, mode of grouped and ungrouped data calculation of standard deviation, variance, and mean deviation for grouped and ungrouped data.Probability: Probability of an event, addition and multiplication theorems of probability, Bayes theorem, probability distribution of a random variate |
Vector Algebra | Vectors and scalars, the addition of vectors, components of a vector in two dimensions and three-dimensional space, scalar and vector products. |
COORDINATE GEOMETRY | Cartesian system of rectangular coordinates in a plane, distance formula, sections formula, locus, and its equation, the slope of a line, parallel and perpendicular lines, intercepts of a line on the coordinate axis.Straight line- Various forms of equations of a line, intersection of lines, angles between two lines, conditions for concurrence of three lines, the distance of a point form a line, coordinate of the centroid, orthocentre, and circumcentre of a triangle,Circle, conic section- A standard form of equations of a circle, the general form of the equation of a circle, its radius and central, equation of a circle when the endpoints of a diameter are given, points of intersection of a line and a circle with the centre at the origin and sections of conics, equations of conic sections (parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola) in standard forms, |
Deleted Chapters From JEE Main Mathematics Syllabus
Unit | Deleted Topics |
Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations | Square root of a complex number; triangle inequality |
Sequences and Series | Sum up to n terms of special series; Sn,Sn2,Sn3S_n, S_{n^2}, S_{n^3}Sn​,Sn2​,Sn3​; arithmetic-geometric progression |
Statistics and Probability | Bernoulli trials; binomial distribution |
Trigonometry | Heights and distances |
Integral Calculus | Integral as the limit of a sum |
Matrices and Determinants | Properties of determinants; elementary transformations |
Mathematical Induction | Principles and applications of mathematical induction |
Mathematical Reasoning | Concepts and techniques in mathematical reasoning |
Vector Algebra | Scalar and vector triple product |
Co-ordinate Geometry | Translation of axes; equations of internal and external bisectors of angles between two lines; equation of the family of lines passing through the point of intersection of two lines; condition for a line to be tangent to a circle; equation of the tangent; condition for y=mx+cy = mx + cy=mx+c to be a tangent and point(s) of tangency |
Three Dimensional Geometry | Equations of a line and a plane in different forms; intersection of a line and a plane; coplanar lines |
Limit, Continuity, and Differentiability | Rolle’s and Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorems |
Binomial Theorem and Its Simple Applications | Properties of binomial coefficients |
SAT vs JEE: Scoring and Selection
SAT: Scoring and Selection
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, which is the combined score from the Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections. Each of the two sections (Math and Reading/Writing) is scored on a scale from 200 to 800.
Colleges set their own score thresholds for admission, and students must meet or exceed these thresholds to be considered for admission. While there is no negative marking, the SAT tests students on a broad range of skills and academic knowledge, and a higher score can improve a student’s chances of acceptance to competitive universities.
JEE: Scoring and Selection
The JEE Main is scored out of 300, while the JEE Advanced is typically scored out of 360 which varies annually. The scores from both exams are used to determine ranks, and the selection process for the IITs and other prestigious engineering institutes depends heavily on these ranks.
Unlike the SAT, which has a relatively straightforward scoring system, the JEE employs a more complex ranking system that considers various factors, including the student’s performance across both JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams. The cutoffs for top engineering colleges, particularly the IITs, are extremely competitive, and only the top students are admitted.
SAT vs JEE: International Relevance and Career Path
SAT: International Relevance and Career Path
The SAT is internationally recognized and is accepted by universities in the United States, Canada, and some other countries. It is part of the college admissions process, where a student’s score is an essential factor in determining eligibility for acceptance.
After completing their undergraduate studies, students who take the SAT often go on to careers in various fields, including business, law, medicine, and the arts. The SAT, while not focused on specific fields of study, is more aligned with students pursuing liberal arts or non-technical programs.
JEE: International Relevance and Career Path
While the JEE is primarily focused on admission to engineering colleges in India, the knowledge and skills tested through the JEE are highly relevant for students aiming to pursue careers in engineering, technology, and research. Students who perform well in the JEE often pursue careers in fields like computer science, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electronics, and more.
For Indian students wishing to study abroad, the JEE score may not be directly used for admissions, but it showcases their strong technical and academic abilities. Many students who graduate from IITs and NITs go on to work in global tech firms, startups, and research organizations.
Conclusion
Both the SAT and JEE are essential exams, but they serve different purposes and target different academic goals. The SAT is ideal for students wishing to pursue undergraduate studies in the U.S. or other countries where a broader, liberal arts-based education is offered. The JEE, on the other hand, is the key to gaining admission to prestigious engineering colleges in India and preparing for a career in science, technology, or engineering.
Each exam has its own structure, difficulty level, preparation requirements, and relevance to future career paths. Therefore, students need to consider their academic interests, career aspirations, and geographic preferences when deciding which exam to take. Whether pursuing an engineering career in India or a broader education abroad, both the SAT and JEE offer distinct opportunities for academic advancement.