Every year, thousands of students prepare for engineering entrance exams, aiming for a seat in a top college. Two of the most popular exams are VITEEE and JEE Mains. While JEE Mains is the gateway to NITs, IIITs, and other reputed institutes, VITEEE offers admission to Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), one of India’s leading private universities.
A common question among students is: “Which exam is tougher—VITEEE or JEE Mains?” Understanding the difficulty levels of these exams can help in better preparation and planning. Some students believe JEE Mains is much harder, while others think VITEEE also requires strong preparation.
This article provides a detailed comparison between VITEEE and JEE Mains based on syllabus, question type, competition, and conceptual difficulty. If you are preparing for these exams, this guide will help you decide where to focus more and how to approach your studies effectively. Read on to find out which exam suits you better and what it takes to score well!
Overview of VITEEE and JEE Mains
Students preparing for engineering exams must know the difficulty levels of different entrance tests. VITEEE and JEE Mains are both computer-based exams, but they test students differently. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right preparation strategy.
What is VITEEE?
VITEEE (VIT Engineering Entrance Examination) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) for admission to its B.Tech programs across various campuses. VIT has campuses in Vellore, Chennai, Bhopal, and Amaravati, offering a wide range of engineering specializations. The exam is designed to assess students’ understanding of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, and English, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge for an engineering course.
VITEEE is one of the most popular private engineering entrance exams in India. Unlike JEE Mains, which is used for admissions into government engineering colleges, VITEEE is specifically for students seeking admission into VIT University, which is considered one of the top private engineering institutions in India.
VITEEE Exam Format
VITEEE is a computer-based test (CBT) that follows a multiple-choice question (MCQ) format. The exam pattern is designed to test students’ basic conceptual knowledge rather than their problem-solving ability. The key features of the exam format are:
| Particulars | VITEEE paper pattern |
| Examination Mode | Online – Computer Based Test |
| Duration of Exam | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Sections | Mathematics – 40 Questions Physics – 35 Questions Chemistry – 35 Questions Aptitude – 10 Questions English – 5 Questions |
| Type of Questions | Objective – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Number of Questions | 125 questions |
| VITEEE total marks | 125 |
| VITEEE Marking Scheme | For each correct response, one mark will be awarded |
| VITEEE Negative Marking | There is no provision for negative marking in VITEEE 2025 |
Since there is no negative marking, students are encouraged to attempt all the questions, even if they are unsure of some answers. This makes the exam relatively less stressful compared to JEE Mains, where incorrect answers lead to mark deductions.
Subjects Covered in VITEEE
VITEEE consists of questions from the following subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics/Biology (Mathematics for engineering aspirants, Biology for students applying for biotechnology-related courses)
- English
The inclusion of an English section sets VITEEE apart from JEE Mains. This section tests students on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
VITEEE Marking Scheme
VITEEE consists of 125 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across Mathematics (40), Physics (35), Chemistry (35), Aptitude (10), and English (5). Each correct answer carries one mark, and the total marks are 125. There is no negative marking, so students can attempt all questions without the risk of losing marks for incorrect answers.
Duration
The total duration of the VITEEE exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is no sectional time limit, so students can manage their time according to their strengths.
Eligibility
To be eligible for VITEEE, students must:
- Have completed Class 12 or an equivalent examination.
- Score at least 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology
VITEEE provides a good opportunity for students who may find JEE Mains challenging but still want to study in a reputed private engineering college.
What is JEE Mains?
.JEE Mains (Joint Entrance Examination Mains) is a national-level engineering entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the gateway to prestigious government engineering institutes, including National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other centrally funded technical institutions (CFTIs). Additionally, JEE Mains serves as the first stage for students aspiring to enter IITs, as qualifying it is mandatory to appear for JEE Advanced.
JEE Mains is considered one of the most challenging entrance exams in India due to its vast syllabus, complex questions, and high competition. Every year, more than 10 lakh students take the exam, making it one of the toughest engineering entrance exams in the country.
JEE Mains Exam Format
JEE Mains is a computer-based test (CBT) that includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical-based questions. The exam is conducted in multiple sessions throughout the year, allowing students to improve their scores. The key features of the exam format are:
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. |
JEE Mains follows a strict marking scheme, where incorrect answers lead to a loss of marks, making accuracy a crucial factor for scoring well. JEE Mains includes three subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Unlike VITEEE, JEE Mains does not have an English section. Instead, it focuses entirely on testing conceptual knowledge and problem-solving skills in core science subjects. The numerical-based questions require detailed calculations, adding to the exam’s difficulty.
Marking Scheme in JEE Mains
JEE Mains consists of three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject has 25 questions in total, divided into two types: 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 5 numerical answer type (NAT) questions.
- For MCQs, students receive four marks for a correct answer, while an incorrect answer results in a deduction of one mark.
- For NAT questions, students are awarded four marks for each correct answer, and an incorrect answer leads to a deduction of one mark. This negative marking for NAT questions was introduced recently.
- Unattempted questions do not receive any marks or penalties. Since negative marking applies to both MCQs and NAT questions, accuracy is important to avoid losing marks.
Duration
The total duration of JEE Mains is 3 hours. There is no sectional time limit, allowing students to manage their time based on their strengths and weaknesses.
Eligibility
To be eligible for JEE Mains, students must:
- Have completed Class 12 or an equivalent examination.
- Have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in Class 12.
JEE Mains is a highly competitive exam, and only students with strong conceptual clarity and excellent problem-solving skills can score well. Proper preparation, time management, and regular practice are essential for success in this exam.
Is VITEEE Tougher Than JEE Mains?
No, VITEEE is generally easier than JEE Mains. While both exams test a student’s understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (or Biology for some VITEEE courses), JEE Mains requires deeper conceptual clarity, advanced problem-solving skills, and faster calculations. VITEEE primarily focuses on basic concepts and direct applications, whereas JEE Mains contains complex, multi-step questions that require logical reasoning and analytical thinking.
The questions in VITEEE are more straightforward, and the exam does not have negative marking, allowing students to attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks. Additionally, VITEEE includes an English section, which is easier compared to JEE Mains’ challenging numerical-based problems.
The level of competition is also lower in VITEEE, as fewer students apply compared to JEE Mains. JEE Mains includes tricky numerical questions and application-based MCQs, which require strong conceptual understanding and speed. The negative marking system makes accuracy crucial. Since JEE Mains is the first step toward IITs, NITs, and IIITs, the competition is extremely high, making it a much tougher exam compared to VITEEE.
Comparison of Difficulty Levels of VITEEE and JEE Mains
Many students preparing for engineering entrance exams often wonder whether VITEEE is tougher than JEE Mains. While both exams test students in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, they differ in question type, syllabus depth, competition level, and conceptual difficulty.
Overall, JEE Mains is more difficult than VITEEE. The questions in JEE Mains require deeper understanding, strong problem-solving skills, and speed, while VITEEE focuses on direct and formula-based questions. Below is a detailed comparison of their difficulty levels.
1) Syllabus
VITEEE: VITEEE covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology, along with an English section. The syllabus is mostly based on NCERT Class 11 and 12 topics, but the difficulty level remains moderate. The questions are designed to test basic understanding, and most of them are fact-based or formula-driven. The Biology section is for students who opt for Biotechnology or Bioengineering courses, while those applying for traditional engineering courses take the Mathematics section.
JEE Mains: JEE Mains covers only Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics but in much greater depth. While the syllabus is also based on NCERT Class 11 and 12, the questions are more conceptual. Many problems require multi-step calculations, logical reasoning, and critical thinking. Unlike VITEEE, JEE Mains does not include an English section, making it more focused on technical subjects.
2) Question Type
VITEEE: The questions in VITEEE are multiple-choice (MCQs) and more straightforward. They are fact-based and directly test concepts rather than requiring advanced problem-solving skills. The calculation-based questions are simpler, and students can often solve them using basic formulas. Since there is no negative marking, students can attempt all questions without worrying about mark deductions.
JEE Mains: JEE Mains consists of both MCQs and numerical-based questions. The MCQs have four options, with one correct answer, while the numerical-based questions require students to enter the correct numerical value. The questions are designed to test problem-solving skills, analytical ability, and conceptual depth. Many problems involve multiple concepts and require step-by-step calculations. There is also negative marking, which makes accuracy essential.
3) Competition
VITEEE: VITEEE has lower competition compared to JEE Mains. Around 1-2 lakh students appear for VITEEE every year, competing for seats across multiple campuses. Since VIT has a large number of seats, the chances of selection are relatively high. Students with a good understanding of NCERT concepts can easily score well in VITEEE.
JEE Mains: JEE Mains has very high competition, with over 10-12 lakh students appearing every year. The exam is the gateway to NITs, IIITs, and other top government colleges, making it much tougher. Only a small percentage of students score high enough to secure seats in top NITs and IIITs. Additionally, JEE Mains is required for JEE Advanced, which is the entrance exam for IITs. This increases the competition, as many students aim for top ranks to qualify for IIT admission.
4) Level of Conceptual Difficulty
VITEEE: VITEEE tests basic conceptual understanding rather than deep problem-solving skills. The questions are easier, with most being direct applications of formulas. Students who have prepared from NCERT books and practiced previous years’ papers can score well in VITEEE without requiring advanced coaching. The exam is time-based but does not require extreme speed, as the calculations are not very complex.
JEE Mains: JEE Mains requires strong conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. The questions often involve multiple concepts from different chapters, requiring students to apply logic and solve multi-step problems. Many questions include tricky numerical calculations, making speed and efficiency important. The negative marking adds another layer of difficulty, as students must be careful while answering.
Final Verdict: Which is Tougher?
Between the two exams, JEE Mains is significantly tougher than VITEEE. It has a more difficult syllabus, complex question patterns, and higher competition. Students aiming for NITs, IIITs, or IITs need to prepare thoroughly with strong problem-solving skills and deep conceptual understanding.
VITEEE, on the other hand, is a moderately easy exam with straightforward questions and no negative marking. It is a good option for students who want to get into a top private university with a simpler entrance test.
Conclusion
VITEEE and JEE Mains are both important exams for students aiming to pursue engineering. While both require preparation and focus, they differ in terms of difficulty, competition, and question format. VITEEE is designed to test basic concepts with straightforward questions, making it easier for students who prefer a less challenging exam. On the other hand, JEE Mains demands a deeper understanding of concepts and strong problem-solving skills, making it tougher and more competitive.
Choosing between the two depends on individual goals and preparation levels. Students who are comfortable with complex problem-solving and wish to secure a seat in prestigious government institutes should focus on JEE Mains. Those looking for a reputed private university with a simpler exam format can opt for VITEEE. Regardless of the exam, a consistent study plan, proper time management, and a clear understanding of concepts will help in achieving a good score. With the right approach and dedication, success in any engineering entrance exam is possible. Stay motivated and keep working hard!
