Decoding JEE Main and Advanced: What You Need to Know

Decoding JEE Main and Advanced: What You Need to Know

 Introduction

JEE Main: The First Step

JEE Main Exam Format

Key Points to Remember for JEE Main

JEE Advanced: The Final Frontier

Exam Format

Key Points to Remember for JEE Advanced

JEE Main vs Advanced: exam differences

Syllabus

JEE mains

Jee Advanced

How to Prepare for Both Exams?

Conclusion

Introduction

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is the main entrance exam for students aspiring to enter India’s top engineering colleges, particularly the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Its scores are also accepted for NITs, IISc, and government-aided college admissions. The entrance test is taken by engineering and architecture career aspirants across India. There are two sets of exams in JEE – JEE (Mains) and JEE (Advanced). Only the students who have cleared the Mains are eligible to appear for the Advanced entrance test. There are some salient points that engineering aspirants must be aware of before you delve into your JEE preparations to help your strategies and build your study plan. 

JEE Main: The First Step

JEE Main is the preliminary examination that serves as a screening test for JEE Advanced. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is the first step in the admission process for many top engineering colleges, including the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs).

JEE Main Exam Format

JEE Main consists of two papers:

  • Paper 1: this paper is conducted in an online mode (Computer Based Test) and covers three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It is mainly for B. Tech and B.E. aspirants. The exam is of 3 hours duration and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with 4 marks for each correct answer and negative marking for every wrong answer.
  • Paper 2: this paper is for B.Arch. and B. Planning courses. It includes Mathematics (Part I), Aptitude Test (Part II), and Drawing (Part III). This is conducted in a pen-and-paper mode.

Key Points to Remember for JEE Main

Eligibility Criteria

12th grade with at least 75% marks aggregate (or top 20 percentile in the respective board) for admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs.

Frequency of exam

Twice a year – January and April

Marking scheme

4 marks for each correct answer

1 mark deduction for every wrong answer

No mark deductions for unanswered questions

Syllabus

CBSE syllabus for 11th and 12th-grade Physics, Chemistry and mathematics

Reference material

NCERT textbooks and guidebooks for 11th and 12th grade Physics, Chemistry and mathematics

JEE Advanced: The Final Frontier

After JEE Mains, the top 2,50,000 students become eligible to apply for the JEE Advanced. This exam is specifically for admission to the IITs, which are considered the best engineering colleges in India.

Exam Format

JEE Advanced is divided into two papers:

Paper 1 and Paper 2: Both papers are designed to test the candidate’s conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each paper is 3 hours in duration, and both have a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and numerical value-based questions and match the following types of questions.

JEE Advanced question pattern is more complex than JEE Main, with a greater emphasis on testing the depth of understanding of core concepts. JEE (Advanced) is conducted by one of the IITs each year.

Key Points to Remember for JEE Advanced

Eligibility

Top 2.5 lakh candidates based on the JEE (Main) ranks

Difficulty Level

It is more challenging than JEE Main with problems that test critical thinking and conceptual knowledge.

Syllabus

Topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Class 11 and 12.

Marking

Some sections of the test paper will have negative markings.

Numerical questions do not carry negative markings.

JEE Main vs Advanced: exam differences

Criteria

JEE Main

JEE Advanced

Conducting Authority

National Testing Agency (NTA)

One of the IITs every year

Eligibility

12th grade from a recognised board

Ranked among 2,50,000 JEE Main rank holders

Number of attempts

3 (If both attempts are made in one year, it is counted as one attempt)

2

Language

English, Hindi and Gujarati

English and Hindi

Exam mode

Paper 1: Computer-based test

Paper 2: Offline, pen-and-paper test

Paper 1 and 2: Computer-based test

Scoring System

4 marks for every correct answer

1 mark deduction for every wrong answer

No negative marking

Duration

3 hours

3 hours

Type of questions

Numerical problems, MCQs, Drawing, 

MCQs and Numerical problems

 

Syllabus 

JEE mains

Physics

Chemistry

Mathematics

Alternating Current and direct current

Electronic devices: diodes, transistors, integrated circuits 

Electromagnetic waves (properties, propagation, applications)

Optics (interference, diffraction, polarisation)

Physical chemistry: chemical thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium

Inorganic chemistry: p-block Elements, d-block elements, f-block elements

Organic chemistry: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic compounds, functional groups

Biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

Sets, relations and functions

Compound numbers and quadratic equations

Matrices and Determinants

Permutation and combination

Sequences and series

Binomial theorem and simple applications

Integral calculus

Limit, continuity and differentiability

Applications of Derivatives

Jee Advanced

Physics

Chemistry

Mathematics

Blackbody radiation

Kirchoff’s Law

Newton’s Law of Cooling

Absorptive and Emissive Powers

Wien’s Displacement Law

Stefan’s Law

Photoelectric Effect

Compton Effect

Organic chemistry: reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry

Biomolecules: enzymes, metabolism

Chemistry in everyday life: Drugs, material chemistry

Algebra: coordinate geometry, quadratic equations

Vectors: 3D geometry, vector calculus

Differential Calculus: Applications of derivatives, Maxima and minima

Integral calculus: definite integrals, Applications of integrals

Differential Equations: First-Order Differential Equations

How to Prepare for Both Exams?

Preparation for JEE requires a strategic approach, discipline, and consistency. Your approach to preparation for JEE must vary from your approach for 12th board exam preparation as the format and goal of both exams are different. Here are a few tips that can help:

  • Understand the Syllabus: if your goal is to join the IIT, then familiarise yourself with the JEE Main and Advanced syllabi early on. These are vast, and having a clear roadmap will prevent confusion and help prioritise important topics.
  • Time Management: The key to success in JEE is consistent practice. Your timetable must be adequate for all three subjects, revision, attempting practice papers and mock tests. It must also have dedicated break times with activities.
  • Conceptual Clarity: Both JEE Main and Advanced focus on deep conceptual understanding rather than rote learning. Refer to questions, examples and notes that help build your conceptual understanding so that you can critically analyse any problem.
  • Mock Tests and Practice Papers: attempt mock tests, following the time limits to simulate exam conditions. Analyse your performance after each test and work on weak areas. Solving previous years’ papers is also crucial for understanding the exam pattern and the type of questions asked.
  • Focus on your health and Take Breaks: Mental and physical well-being is important during JEE preparation. Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and take breaks to keep your mind fresh. 
  • Ask for help: there are many online and offline support groups, discussion boards, and counsellors who specialise in working with students in high-stress programmes. Whenever you are overwhelmed or need help, ask for it. 

Conclusion

JEE Main and JEE Advanced are monumental tests, but with the right preparation and mindset, it is achievable. JEE requires hard work and smart work to ensure maximum subject coverage. Understand the exam format, focus on building a strong conceptual foundation, and keep practising consistently. With determination, focus, and the right strategy, you can confidently tackle both JEE Main and Advanced and take the first step towards a rewarding engineering career.

About the Author
Mekhala Joshi

JAIN College

JAIN PU College, a part of the renowned JGI Group, is committed to empowering students with quality education.

Beyond academics, the college ensures its online content reflects the same standard of excellence. Every blog and article is meticulously vetted and proofread by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy, relevance, and clarity. From insightful educational topics to engaging discussions, JAIN PU College's content is crafted to inform, inspire, and add value to its readers, reflecting the institution's commitment to intellectual growth and innovation.

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