For students aspiring to pursue engineering at the prestigious Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), the VITEEE (Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination) is a significant milestone. Every year, thousands of students from across the country sit for the VITEEE, competing for admission to various engineering programs offered by VIT campuses. This makes it one of the most competitive engineering entrance exams in India. The key to success in VITEEE lies not only in mastering the syllabus but also in understanding the exam pattern thoroughly.
The VITEEE exam pattern is designed to evaluate students’ understanding of various subjects, such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Biology for life sciences courses), English, and Aptitude. Each section tests a student’s core knowledge, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Knowing the structure of the exam helps students focus their preparation, manage their time effectively during the exam, and optimise their performance.
This guide will provide an in-depth analysis of the VITEEE exam pattern, covering everything from the number of questions, types of questions, and subject-wise weightage to previous years’ cutoffs and strategic tips for excelling in the exam. We will also explore changes in the exam pattern over the years and how those changes impact a student’s approach to the exam.
What is VITEEE?
VITEEE stands for Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT). The exam serves as the gateway for students seeking admission to the undergraduate engineering programs offered at VIT’s campuses in Vellore, Chennai, Bhopal, and Amaravati.
Why Understanding the Exam Pattern is Crucial for Preparation
Understanding the VITEEE exam pattern is critical for effective preparation for several reasons:
Time Management: Knowing the number of questions and sections helps students plan their time wisely. They can practise answering questions within the given time limit during mock exams, ensuring they complete the actual exam on time.
Focused Preparation: By understanding the weightage of each subject, students can allocate more time to topics that carry more marks or are more challenging.
Confidence Building: Familiarity with the exam pattern reduces anxiety on the day of the test. Students who know what to expect can focus on accuracy rather than worry about surprises.
Strategic Guessing: In an exam where there is no negative marking, students can make informed guesses if they are familiar with the types of questions asked.
Practice Efficiency: Mock tests and sample papers are usually based on the exam pattern. Practising with these papers helps students get accustomed to the type and difficulty level of questions they will face.
Now that we understand why the exam pattern is so important, let’s dive into the details of the VITEEE exam pattern for 2025.
Latest VITEEE Exam Pattern (2025)
The VITEEE exam pattern has remained consistent over the years, with some changes introduced to reflect new trends in education and testing methodologies. The exam is held online in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The total number of questions, the division of subjects, and the nature of the questions are tailored to assess the students’ understanding of the subjects they have studied during their higher secondary education (Class 11 and 12).
Total Number of Questions
For VITEEE 2025, students will be required to answer 125 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These questions are spread across five key sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Biology for life sciences courses), English, and Aptitude. Each question carries one mark, making the total marks 125 , depending on the exact number of questions in the exam that year.
There is no negative marking in VITEEE, which is a relief for students, as they can attempt all the questions without the fear of losing marks for incorrect answers.
Section-Wise Distribution of Questions
The exam is divided into five sections, each focusing on a different subject. The approximate distribution of questions across these sections is as follows:
- Physics: 35 questions
- Chemistry: 35 questions
- Mathematics/Biology: 40 questions
- English: 5 questions
- Aptitude: 10 questions
The core subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology) form the bulk of the exam, as they are directly related to the engineering stream. English and Aptitude sections, though smaller in terms of the number of questions, are equally important for securing a high overall score.
Types of Questions (MCQs, etc.)
All the questions in VITEEE are multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each question has four options, out of which only one is correct. Students need to select the correct option to earn one mark for each question. Since there is no negative marking, it is advantageous for students to attempt every question, even if they are unsure of the answer.
The MCQ format is designed to test not just a student’s knowledge, but also their ability to apply that knowledge to solve problems. Many questions, especially in subjects like Physics and Chemistry, require problem-solving skills, while others may test a student’s conceptual understanding.
Mode of Examination (CBT)
VITEEE is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). This means that students take the exam on computers at designated test centres. The CBT format is designed to be user-friendly, with students navigating through questions on a computer screen. The interface allows them to:
Mark questions for review
- Skip and return to questions later
- Submit answers once completed
Students who are unfamiliar with the CBT format are encouraged to practise using mock tests to get used to the interface and timing. The shift to CBT from traditional pen-and-paper exams allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in conducting the exam.
Subject-Wise Weightage in VITEEE
The weightage of each subject in VITEEE is an essential factor to consider while preparing for the exam. Understanding which sections carry more marks and how difficult they are can help students plan their preparation schedule more effectively. Let’s break down the weightage for each subject.
Detailed Breakdown for Each Subject
Physics: Number of Questions, Difficulty Level
The Physics section typically comprises 35 questions, contributing significantly to the overall score. The questions in Physics are designed to test both conceptual knowledge and problem-solving abilities. The difficulty level of the questions ranges from moderate to difficult, with some questions being straightforward and others requiring in-depth understanding and calculations.
Important Topics in Physics:
- Mechanics: Questions on Newton’s Laws of Motion, Work-Energy Theorem, and Circular Motion are common.
- Thermodynamics: Concepts of heat, temperature, and laws of thermodynamics are tested.
- Electricity and Magnetism: Questions related to Electrostatics, Current Electricity, and Magnetic Effects are frequently asked.
- Optics: Ray Optics and Wave Optics are important topics for VITEEE.
- Modern Physics: Topics like the Photoelectric Effect, Atomic Models, and Nuclear Physics are often included.
Chemistry: Important Topics and Question Types
The Chemistry section also includes 35 questions. It is divided into three parts: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. Each section covers important concepts that are essential for scoring well.
Important Topics in Chemistry:
- Organic Chemistry: Students should focus on understanding reactions, mechanisms, and the behaviour of functional groups such as alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.
- Physical Chemistry: Topics like Chemical Kinetics, Equilibrium, Thermodynamics, and Atomic Structure are crucial for scoring well in Physical Chemistry.
- Inorganic Chemistry: Key areas include the Periodic Table, Coordination Compounds, and the Chemistry of Transition Elements.
Chemistry is often considered one of the easier sections by students who have a solid grasp of reactions and formulas. However, questions in Physical Chemistry may require numerical calculations, so students must practise solving such problems quickly.
Mathematics/Biology: What to Focus on for Maximum Marks
The Mathematics/Biology section has the most questions, typically around 40 questions. This section is designed to assess a student’s understanding of either Mathematics or Biology, depending on their chosen stream (engineering or life sciences).
For Mathematics students, the section is usually calculation-intensive and covers a wide range of topics:
Important Topics in Mathematics:
- Calculus: Differentiation and Integration form a significant portion of the questions.
- Algebra: Topics such as Complex Numbers, Matrices, and Determinants are often asked.
- Coordinate Geometry: This includes questions on Straight Lines, Circles, and Parabolas.
- Probability and Statistics: Concepts like mean, median, variance, and probability distributions are frequently tested.
- Trigonometry: Students should be familiar with identities, equations, and the unit circle.
For students opting for Biology, the section includes questions on various biological concepts, including human physiology, genetics, ecology, and biotechnology.
Important Topics in Biology:
- Genetics and Evolution: Questions often focus on Mendelian inheritance, genetic variation, and natural selection.
- Human Physiology: Systems like the circulatory system, nervous system, and digestive system are commonly tested.
- Ecology and Environment: Students should be prepared to answer questions on ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental conservation.
- Biotechnology and Applications: Topics such as genetic engineering, bioreactors, and recombinant DNA technology are important.
The Mathematics section is generally considered more challenging due to the extensive calculations involved, while the Biology section requires strong memorization skills and conceptual understanding.
English & Aptitude: Weightage and Importance
Although the English and Aptitude sections have fewer questions compared to the core subjects, they still play a crucial role in determining the overall score.
The English section usually contains 5 questions, which test students’ comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. These questions are typically straightforward and do not require much time to answer.
The Aptitude section, introduced in recent years, has 10 questions and focuses on logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Common types of questions in the Aptitude section include:
- Data Interpretation
- Logical Puzzles
- Pattern Recognition
- Series and Sequences
While these sections may not carry as much weight as Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics/Biology, they are relatively easier to score in, and students should aim to secure full marks in these areas.
Changes in VITEEE Exam Pattern Over the Years
The VITEEE exam pattern has undergone several changes in recent years to better align with current educational trends and to test a wider range of student abilities. Let’s take a look at some of the key updates and revisions in the VITEEE exam pattern and how these changes impact students.
Key Updates and Revisions in Recent Years
Introduction of the Aptitude Section: One of the most significant changes in the recent VITEEE exam pattern has been the introduction of the Aptitude section. This section is designed to test students’ logical reasoning, data interpretation, and analytical skills, which are essential for success in engineering and problem-solving.
Shift to Computer-Based Testing (CBT): Another major change has been the shift from a paper-based exam to a computer-based test (CBT). The CBT format allows for more efficient exam administration, and it also gives students a smoother testing experience. Students are now required to take the exam on a computer, which also enables quicker results processing.
Changes in Subject Weightage: While the core subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology continue to carry the most weight, the addition of Aptitude and English sections has slightly reduced the weightage of the core subjects. This change has prompted students to prepare more holistically, as scoring in all sections is now important.
How These Changes Impact Students
These changes in the VITEEE exam pattern have had a significant impact on how students prepare for the exam. The introduction of the Aptitude section means that students must now allocate time to practise logical reasoning and problem-solving in addition to their regular subject preparation. While these types of questions may not require much memorization, they do require students to think critically and solve puzzles efficiently.
The shift to CBT has also made it essential for students to practise taking online tests. Mock exams that simulate the CBT environment are helpful in getting students accustomed to the interface and managing their time on a computer screen. Students who are used to taking paper-based tests may need to practise more in the CBT format to ensure a smooth transition on exam day.
Year-Wise VITEEE Cutoffs
The cutoff marks for VITEEE vary each year based on several factors, including the difficulty level of the exam, the number of students appearing for the test, and the overall performance of the candidates. Let’s look at the trends in VITEEE cutoff scores over the last few years.
VITEEE Cut off Category wise for VIT Vellore
| Programme | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 |
| CSE | 950 | 3500 | 19000 | 22000 | 25500 |
| CSE with specialisations | 2800 | 9000 | 23000 | 27000 | 31000 |
VITEEE Cut off Category wise for VIT Chennai
| Programme | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 |
| CSE | 8000 | 14000 | 25000 | 29000 | 34000 |
| CSE with specialisations | 11500 | 20500 | 26000 | 32000 | 42000 |
VITEEE Course- wise Cut Off 2024(Expected) for VIT University, Vellore
| Courses | Closing Rank |
| Computer Science and Engineering(Bioinformatics) | 7300 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 12000 |
| Biotechnology | 13000 |
| Civil Engineering | 14100 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 14700 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 15500 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 16200 |
| Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering | 16000 |
| Information Technology | 16800 |
VITEEE Course- wise Cut Off 2024(Expected) for VIT University, Chennai
| Courses | Closing Rank |
| Civil Engineering | 28000 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 32000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 38000 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 39000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 39300 |
| Fashion Technology | 54000 |
| Electronics and Computer Science Engineering | 40000 |
VITEEE 2023 Cut off
| B.Tech Branch | Cut-Off Rank |
| CSE | 7,500 |
| IT | 8,000 |
| ECE | 15,000 |
| CSE (specialisation in Bioinformatics) | 11,000 |
| CSE (other specialisations) | 15,000 |
VITEEE 2022 Cut off Category wise for VIT Vellore
| Programme | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 |
| CSE | 950 | 3500 | 19000 | 22000 | 25500 |
| CSE with specialisations | 2800 | 9000 | 23000 | 27000 | 31000 |
VITEEE 2022 Cut off Category wise for VIT Chennai
| Programme | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 |
| CSE | 8000 | 14000 | 25000 | 29000 | 34000 |
| CSE with specialisations | 11500 | 20500 | 26000 | 32000 | 42000 |
VITEEE 2019 Branch-wise Closing Ranks
| Branch | Closing Rank |
| CSE (Specialisation in Bioinformatics) | 7500 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 13000 |
| Biotechnology | 13500 |
| CE | 14300 |
| CS & Engg | 15000 |
| EC | 15500 |
| EE | 16000 |
| Electronics and Instrumentation Engg | 16500 |
| IT | 17000 |
| ME | 19000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Automotive Engineering) | 20000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Chemical process Eng.) | 23000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Energy Engineering) | 25000 |
| Production and Industrial Eng. | 27500 |
| ECE (Spec. Internet of Things and Sensor) | 14800 |
| CSE(Spec. in Information Security) | 7500 |
VIT Vellore Closing ranks for the year 2018
| Course Name | Closing Rank (Round 1) |
| B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering | 14500 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering with Specialization in Automotive Engineering | 12300 |
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 19500 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering (Bioinformatics) | 13500 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 15500 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 53000 |
| B.Tech. in Information technology | 12000 |
| B.Tech. in Production and Industrial Engineering | 50000 |
| B.Tech. in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering | 18500 |
VIT Vellore Closing ranks for the year 2017
| Course Name | Closing Rank |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 15500 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 19000 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 16000 |
| Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering | 16500 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Automotive Engineering) | 20000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Chemical process Engineering) | 23000 |
| Information technology | 17000 |
| Production and Industrial Eng. | 27500 |
| Comp. Science Eng. (Spec. in Information Security) | 7500 |
| Civil Engineering | 29000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 39000 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 33000 |
VIT Vellore Closing ranks for the year 2016 and 2017
| Course Name | Closing Rank 2016 | Closing Rank 2015 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 7000 | 15000 |
| Information technology | 12000 | 17000 |
| Computer science and Engg. (Specialisation in Bioinformatics) | 13500 | 7500 |
| BioMedical Engineering | 45000 | 13000 |
| Biotechnology | 20000 | 13500 |
| Civil Engineering | 35000 | 14300 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 14500 | 15500 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 15500 | 16000 |
| Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering | 18500 | 16500 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 19500 | 19000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Automotive Engineering) | 12300 | 20000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Energy Engineering) | 20000 | 25000 |
| Production and Industrial Engg. | 50000 | 27500 |
| Chemical Engineering | 19500 | NA |
| ECE (Spec.Internet of Things and Sensor) | 14800 | NA |
| Comp.Science Engg.(Spec.in Information Security) | 7500 | NA |
VIT Chennai Closing ranks for the years 2017
| Course Name | Closing Rank |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 39000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 39500 |
| Electronics and Computer Engineering | 42000 |
| Fashion Technology | 55000 |
VIT Chennai Closing ranks for the years 2016 and 2015
| Course Name | Closing Rank 2016 | Closing Rank 2015 |
| Civil Engineering | 40000 | 29000 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 14000 | 33000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 25000 | 39000 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 28000 | 39000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 32000 | 39500 |
| Fashion Technology | 55000 | NA |
| Electronics and Computer Engineering | 42000 | NA |
Factors Affecting Cutoff Changes
Several factors contribute to changes in the cutoff scores each year:
Difficulty Level of the Exam: If the exam is particularly challenging in a given year, the cutoff marks tend to be lower, as fewer students are able to score high marks.
Number of Candidates: A higher number of candidates generally increases competition, which can push the cutoff higher.
Overall Performance of Candidates: If a larger percentage of students perform well, the cutoff will naturally be higher to select only the best candidates for admission.
What Students Should Aim for in Terms of Scores
To secure admission in popular programs like Computer Science Engineering at top campuses like VIT Vellore, students should aim to score at least 80-90 marks out of 125. For other branches, a score in the range of 60-70 marks is generally competitive. However, students should aim for the highest possible score to maximise their chances of getting into their preferred course and campus.
Section-Wise Cutoff Marks: How to Beat Them
Although VITEEE does not officially release section-wise cutoffs, it’s important for students to perform well in each section to meet the overall cutoff. Here’s how students can approach each section strategically to maximise their score.
How Much to Score in Each Section to Meet Cutoffs
While exact section-wise cutoffs are not published, students should aim to score 70-80% of the marks in each section to ensure they meet the overall cutoff. For example, in a section with 40 questions, students should try to answer at least 28-30 questions correctly to stay competitive.
Importance of Scoring Well in High-Weightage Sections
Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology carry the most weight in terms of the number of questions. Therefore, students should prioritise these sections and allocate more time to them during preparation. Scoring well in these sections can make a significant difference in the final rank, as they contribute the most to the overall score.
In contrast, the English and Aptitude sections, though smaller, offer an opportunity to boost the overall score with relatively less effort. Since these sections are generally easier, students should aim to score full marks in them to maximise their total score.
How the VITEEE Exam Pattern Influences Your Strategy
The VITEEE exam pattern has a direct impact on how students should prepare and approach the exam on test day. By understanding the pattern, students can develop strategies that maximise their chances of success.
Adjusting Time Management Based on Pattern
Time management is one of the most important factors in VITEEE success. Since the exam consists of 125 questions to be answered in 2.5 hours, students have less than a minute to answer each question. To manage time effectively, students should:
Divide time per section: Allocate time based on the number of questions in each section. For example, spend more time on Mathematics/Biology and Physics and less time on English and Aptitude.
Attempt easier sections first: Start with sections that you find easier, such as English or Aptitude. This helps build confidence and saves time for more challenging sections like Mathematics.
Skip and return: If you encounter a difficult question, skip it and return to it later if time permits. This ensures that you don’t waste too much time on one question at the expense of others.
Prioritising Sections Based on Scoring Potential
Each student has different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to prioritise sections based on your individual strengths. For example, if you’re strong in Physics, you may want to complete that section first to secure those marks and boost your confidence for the remaining sections.
Additionally, students should focus on high-weightage sections like Mathematics/Biology and Physics since they contribute the most to the overall score. However, don’t neglect the smaller sections like English and Aptitude, as scoring well in these areas can provide a valuable score boost.
Conclusion
The VITEEE exam pattern is carefully designed to test students on a wide range of subjects and skills, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, English, and Aptitude. Understanding the pattern is crucial for success, as it helps students manage their time, prioritise sections, and focus on the topics that carry the most weight.
The 2025 exam pattern includes 125 multiple-choice questions spread across five sections, with no negative marking. This allows students to attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks for incorrect answers. By practising mock tests, managing time efficiently, and focusing on both core subjects and smaller sections, students can maximise their chances of performing well and securing a high rank in VITEEE.
FAQs
1) What is the latest VITEEE exam pattern?
The latest VITEEE exam pattern (2025) consists of 125 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) spread across five sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, English, and Aptitude. Each question carries one mark, and there is no negative marking.
2) How many questions are there in each section?
There are typically 35 questions in Physics, 35 questions in Chemistry, 40 questions in Mathematics/Biology, 5 questions in English, and 10 questions in the Aptitude section.
3) What were the previous year’s VITEEE cutoffs?
In 2023, the cutoff for popular branches like Computer Science ranged between 80-90 marks. In previous years, cutoffs have varied depending on the difficulty level of the exam and the performance of students, with some branches having cutoffs in the range of 60-70 marks.
