JEE Advanced is one of the most competitive exams in India. It is the gateway to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which are among the top engineering colleges in the country. Every year, one of the IITs is assigned the responsibility of conducting this exam. The exam is held for candidates who qualify in JEE Main. The purpose of JEE Advanced is to evaluate candidates’ understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and assess their ability to solve complex problems in these subjects.
This article will provide insights into which IITs conduct JEE Advanced, the process of setting the paper, an analysis of past papers, difficulty levels over the years, and other factors influencing the exam’s difficulty. It will also offer tips on how to prepare effectively for JEE Advanced.
Who Conducts JEE Advanced?
JEE Advanced is one of the most prestigious exams for students aiming to secure a seat in one of India’s top engineering institutes, the IITs. Every year, one IIT is chosen to conduct the exam, and this responsibility carries significant importance. The conducting IIT is responsible for setting the paper, managing the logistics of the exam, and overseeing the entire process. Let’s take a deeper look into the role of the conducting IIT and how the process works.
Process of Selection for the Conducting IIT
The selection of the IIT that will conduct JEE Advanced is done on a rotational basis. This means that each IIT takes turns conducting the exam, ensuring that the responsibility is shared equally among the institutes.
- Rotation System: The rotation allows different IITs to contribute their expertise to the exam-setting process. This system is managed by the Joint Admission Board (JAB), which is responsible for making these decisions and ensuring a smooth transition between the IITs.
- Years in Advance: The assignment of conducting IITs is made years in advance, ensuring that the institute is well-prepared to handle the massive scale of organizing the exam.
Responsibilities of the Conducting IIT
The IIT that is selected to conduct JEE Advanced takes on several key responsibilities to ensure that the exam runs smoothly. These include:
Paper Setting: The conducting IIT is responsible for preparing the question paper. This task is assigned to a panel of subject matter experts and professors from various IITs. These experts work together to create a paper that is challenging but fair, ensuring that it tests candidates’ knowledge and problem-solving skills across the three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Logistics Management: Organizing an exam of such a large scale involves managing multiple logistics, such as:
- Arranging Exam Centers: The conducting IIT ensures that exam centers are set up across various cities, making the exam accessible to students from all over India.
- Security Measures: Proper security arrangements are made to ensure that the exam is fair and no malpractices take place.
Result Processing: After the exam is conducted, the IIT is also responsible for evaluating the answer sheets, processing the results, and declaring them in a timely manner. This requires coordination with other IITs to finalize the cutoff marks and ensure a fair assessment process.
Role of Subject Matter Experts
The paper-setting process involves a team of professors who specialize in the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. These professors, who may come from different IITs, are responsible for creating a balanced questionnaire that tests a student’s knowledge and understanding of concepts.
- Collaboration: Professors from various IITs collaborate and review the questions to make sure they are of the appropriate level of difficulty. The goal is to ensure that the paper has a mix of easy, moderate, and tough questions across all sections.
- Focus on Core Concepts: The primary focus of the paper is to test the core concepts of each subject. It is important that the questions are not only challenging but also conceptually sound and aligned with the syllabus of JEE Advanced.
Which IIT Makes the Toughest Paper for JEE Advanced?
It’s difficult to pinpoint which IIT sets the toughest JEE Advanced paper. However, IIT Roorkee’s 2019 paper had the lowest qualifying percentage in recent years, suggesting it was more challenging compared to other years. This indicates that the difficulty level can vary each year, even within the same IIT.
JEE Advanced Conducting IITs
Here is a list of IITs that have conducted JEE Advanced in recent years:
| Year | Difficulty level | JEE Advanced Organising IIT |
| 2010 | Moderate | IIT Madras |
| 2011 | Moderate | IIT Kanpur |
| 2012 | Tougher than 2011 | IIT Delhi |
| 2013 | Moderate | IIT Delhi |
| 2014 | Moderate | IIT Kharagpur |
| 2015 | Difficult | IIT Bombay |
| 2016 | Difficult | IIT Guwahati |
| 2017 | Moderate | IIT Madras |
| 2018 | Tougher than 2017 | IIT Kanpur |
| 2019 | Tougher than 2018 | IIT Roorkee |
| 2020 | Moderate | IIT Delhi |
| 2021 | Moderate | IIT Kharagpur |
| 2022 | Moderate and lengthy | IIT Bombay |
| 2023 | Moderate | IIT Guwahati |
| 2024 | Easy | IIT Madras |
The JEE Advanced exam varies in difficulty each year. The paper’s difficulty depends on several factors, including the approach of the conducting IIT, the subject matter experts involved, and the balance of topics covered.
Year-by-Year Analysis of JEE Advanced Difficulty
Here is an analysis of the difficulty level of JEE Advanced over the years, along with the IIT that conducted the exam:
| Year | Difficulty level | JEE Advanced Organising IIT |
| 2010 | Moderate | IIT Madras |
| 2011 | Moderate | IIT Kanpur |
| 2012 | Tougher than 2011 | IIT Delhi |
| 2013 | Moderate | IIT Delhi |
| 2014 | Moderate | IIT Kharagpur |
| 2015 | Difficult | IIT Bombay |
| 2016 | Difficult | IIT Guwahati |
| 2017 | Moderate | IIT Madras |
| 2018 | Tougher than 2017 | IIT Kanpur |
| 2019 | Tougher than 2018 | IIT Roorkee |
| 2020 | Moderate | IIT Delhi |
| 2021 | Moderate | IIT Kharagpur |
| 2022 | Moderate and lengthy | IIT Bombay |
| 2023 | Moderate | IIT Guwahati |
| 2024 | Easy | IIT Madras |
The difficulty level of the exam tends to fluctuate from year to year. Some years have relatively easier exams, while others are more challenging. The pattern typically shows that IITs like IIT Madras and IIT Kharagpur tend to set exams with moderate difficulty, while IITs like IIT Bombay and IIT Guwahati sometimes set tougher papers.
JEE Advanced Year-Wise Qualifying Statistics
The number of candidates appearing for JEE Advanced and the percentage of candidates qualifying each year can give us an idea of the competitiveness of the exam.
Here are the qualifying statistics for recent years:
| Year | Appeared Candidates | Qualified Candidates | Qualifying Percentage | Allotted Seats |
| 2024 | 1,80,200 | 48,248 | 35% for the general category, 31.5% for OBC-NCL/EWS, and 17.5% for SC/ST/PwD | 59,917 |
| 2023 | 180372 | 43769 | 24.26% | 17340 |
| 2022 | 155538 | 40712 | 26.17% | 16635 |
| 2021 | 141699 | 41862 | 29.54% | 16296 |
| 2020 | 150838 | 43204 | 28.64% | 16061 |
| 2019 | 161319 | 38705 | 23.99% | 13604 |
The qualifying percentage has fluctuated in recent years, with a general trend of a lower percentage of candidates qualifying in tougher years. For instance, the qualifying percentage in 2023 was 24.26%, compared to 29.54% in 2021.
Factors Influencing JEE Advanced Paper Difficulty
The difficulty level of JEE Advanced is one of the most debated aspects of the exam. Every year, students, teachers, and even coaching institutes try to predict the level of difficulty, but it remains a challenging puzzle due to various factors that influence the paper’s overall toughness. Understanding these factors can give students insights into how the exam paper is set and help them better prepare for the test. Here are some of the main factors that influence the difficulty level of JEE Advanced:
1) Question Paper Setting Committee
One of the most significant factors that influence the difficulty of JEE Advanced is the Question Paper Setting Committee, which comprises professors and subject matter experts from various IITs. Each member of the committee has their own approach to designing questions, and their combined efforts result in a paper that balances conceptual understanding with problem-solving skills.
- Different Teaching Philosophies: Professors from different IITs might have different philosophies when it comes to setting questions. Some might focus more on fundamental concepts, while others may emphasize real-world applications. These differences lead to variations in the level of difficulty of the paper.
- Subject Expertise: The paper-setting committee consists of specialists in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject will likely be influenced by the professor’s experience in teaching that particular discipline. For example, a professor specializing in theoretical Physics might create a paper with more conceptual questions, whereas a professor with expertise in applied Chemistry might set questions that are more problem-oriented.
- Question Complexity: The committee also decides the complexity of questions. While some IITs may prefer relatively straightforward problems to test the basics, others may include tougher, more complex problems that require deeper analysis. This variation can affect the overall difficulty of the exam.
2) Previous Year Trends
Another critical factor that influences the difficulty of the paper is the trend followed by the conducting IIT in previous years. Each IIT follows its own pattern when setting the exam. Some IITs are known for setting papers that are easier or more balanced, while others may push the limits of difficulty.
- Historical Patterns: Certain IITs, such as IIT Madras and IIT Kharagpur, have a reputation for setting moderately difficult papers, while others like IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay are known for setting more challenging exams. This trend influences expectations, but it is important to note that the difficulty level can fluctuate each year due to the involvement of different subject experts.
- Balancing Trends: IITs tend to balance the difficulty of the paper over a few years. For example, if one year’s exam is found to be exceptionally tough, the following year’s exam may be slightly easier to ensure fairness and maintain the credibility of the exam. This balance helps students from diverse backgrounds feel that the exam remains within a reasonable challenge range.
3) Competition Level and Preparation Trends
The level of competition also plays a role in determining the difficulty of JEE Advanced. As the number of candidates appearing for the exam increases, the IITs may decide to adjust the paper’s difficulty to maintain a standard of selectivity.
- High Competition: When the competition level is high, the conducting IIT may set more difficult questions to ensure only the most prepared candidates qualify. In years with fewer top-performing candidates, the paper may be less challenging to reflect the overall level of preparedness.
- Trends in Preparation: The advent of online coaching platforms and changing preparation trends also influences how the paper is set. With more students opting for comprehensive coaching programs, the question paper setters might raise the difficulty level to test the true understanding of concepts beyond standard coaching material.
4) Exam Format and Subject Weightage
The exam format and the distribution of marks among the three subjects—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—are significant in determining the overall difficulty of the paper. Any imbalance in the difficulty of the subjects can make the entire paper feel easier or harder.
- Type of Questions: The conducting IIT decides the kind of questions included in the paper. These can range from multiple-choice questions to numerical-based problems, and the format can affect the difficulty. For example, a paper with more numerical problems can be harder than one with theoretical questions, depending on the candidate’s strengths.
- Weightage of Topics: The specific topics covered in each subject can also affect the paper’s difficulty. If a subject like Physics has a heavy focus on complex concepts like Electromagnetic Theory or Thermodynamics, it can make the paper more difficult, especially for candidates who may not have mastered those topics.
How to Prepare for JEE Advanced: Step-by-Step Preparation Strategy
Preparing for JEE Advanced is a rigorous process that requires strong determination, smart planning, and consistent effort. The exam tests your understanding of core concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and your ability to apply them in different situations. A well-structured preparation strategy can help you perform better and increase your chances of success. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for JEE Advanced effectively.
1) Understand the JEE Advanced Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Before diving into preparation, the first step is to fully understand the JEE Advanced exam pattern and syllabus. The exam consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each lasting three hours. Both papers test knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The paper format typically includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs), numerical answer type questions, and questions requiring single or multiple correct options.
Paper 1 and Paper 2 are designed to assess your understanding of concepts, problem-solving ability, and application of knowledge. Both papers are compulsory.
Go through the official syllabus and identify which topics in each subject require more attention. Ensure you are clear about all the important chapters, especially the ones that carry higher weight in the exam.
2) Create a Realistic Study Plan
A study plan is essential for organizing your preparation. Divide your time effectively to cover all topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. A realistic timetable should allow you to dedicate sufficient time to each subject while also giving room for breaks, revision, and mock tests.
- Time Allocation: Depending on your strengths and weaknesses, allocate time accordingly to each subject. If you find Mathematics challenging, spend more time on it and focus less on areas you are already comfortable with.
- Long-term and Short-term Goals: Set both long-term goals (like completing the syllabus by a certain time) and short-term goals (like finishing one chapter in a week).
- Regular Breaks: Don’t forget to include regular breaks to refresh your mind and prevent burnout.
3) Master the Basics and Focus on Conceptual Clarity
JEE Advanced is more about application rather than rote learning. Therefore, it is essential to focus on understanding concepts thoroughly rather than simply memorizing formulas or solutions. A solid foundation in basic concepts will help you tackle complex problems more effectively.
Start with NCERT books for each subject, as they provide a strong foundation and are crucial for JEE preparation.
Once you have a clear understanding of the basics, move on to reference books like H.C. Verma (Physics), O.P. Tandon (Chemistry), and I.A. Maron (Mathematics).
Focus on understanding how to apply theories and solve problems from different angles.
4) Solve Previous Year Papers and Take Mock Tests
One of the best ways to prepare for JEE Advanced is by practicing previous years’ papers and taking regular mock tests. This will not only familiarize you with the type of questions asked but also help you manage time effectively during the exam.
- Previous Year Papers: Solving previous years’ papers will give you an idea of the exam pattern, important topics, and the level of difficulty. It is also essential to analyze your mistakes to improve your problem-solving skills.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to simulate the actual exam environment. Mock tests help you develop speed and accuracy, which are crucial for clearing JEE Advanced. Time yourself while taking these tests to ensure you complete the paper within the given time limit.
5) Focus on Problem-Solving and Practice Regularly
JEE Advanced demands not just theoretical knowledge but also practical problem-solving skills. To master problem-solving, practice a wide variety of problems regularly. The more problems you solve, the better you will understand the application of concepts in different situations.
- Daily Practice: Set aside time every day to solve problems from each subject. Start with easier problems to build confidence and gradually move on to more difficult ones.
- Practice Under Time Pressure: Once you are comfortable with individual problems, practice solving them under time constraints. This will help you improve your speed and accuracy during the actual exam.
6) Revise Regularly
Revision is a critical part of JEE Advanced preparation. The vast syllabus and complex concepts can be overwhelming, so consistent revision is necessary to retain important information and formulas.
Weekly Revision: Set aside time each week to revise the topics you have covered. This will help reinforce what you’ve learned and keep important concepts fresh in your mind.
Revision Notes: Prepare concise revision notes or flashcards while studying. These notes will be helpful during the final days leading up to the exam.
Last-Minute Revision: In the final months before the exam, focus on revising your notes and solving practice papers instead of learning new concepts.
7) Stay Motivated and Positive
Preparation for JEE Advanced can be a long and challenging journey. Staying motivated and maintaining a positive mindset are key to overcoming obstacles.
Set Milestones: Celebrate small achievements along the way, such as completing a difficult chapter or scoring well in a mock test.
Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and focus on your goal. Remind yourself regularly of the reasons why you are working hard to crack JEE Advanced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, JEE Advanced is a challenging but achievable exam, and understanding its structure and trends can give you an edge. By knowing which IIT is conducting the exam, the paper-setting process, and the difficulty patterns from previous years, you can tailor your preparation more effectively. Remember, consistent practice, understanding the syllabus deeply, and solving past papers will be key to your success. Stay focused, keep improving, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. With the right strategy and mindset, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to secure your place in one of India’s top engineering institutes. Keep pushing forward, and success will follow!
