Introduction

Understanding JEE

Jee Main

JEE Advanced

Engineering branches

Career prospects

Branch selection

Conclusion

Introduction

If you aspire to a career in the technical fields as an engineer, in aeronautics, computers, Robotics and AI, or electronics, then India has many premium institutes. IIT, NIT and IISc graduates are coveted by the top MNCs globally for their top jobs. In recent years, many new businesses and start-ups across India have been helmed by engineering graduates from top-tier colleges in the country. The first step towards beginning one’s academic journey in engineering is appearing for the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE). The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this highly competitive entrance test. The Ministry of Education established it as an “independent, autonomous, and self-sustained premier testing organisation for conducting efficient, transparent, and international standardised tests.” 

Understanding JEE

There are two levels in JEE – 

• JEE Mains
• JEE Advances

The JEE is the main exam for engineering aspirants and the primary test for admission to government-sponsored technical colleges such as IITs and NITs. The students who cleared the JEE Main qualify to appear for JEE Advanced which is primarily taken for the IITs. 

Jee Main

JEE Main is an eligibility test for engineering programmes and JEE (Advanced). The syllabus for JEE Main is based on the Class 11 and 12 curricula for NCERT. 

JEE Main exams are divided into two papers – paper 1 for engineering aspirants and paper 2 for B. Arch and B. Planning aspirants. 

The first session is for Paper 1 which will be between 22 to 31 January 2025. This paper is for B.E/B.Tech aspirants. 

• Subjects: Physics, chemistry, mathematics

• Total marks: 300

• Question pattern:

• Total questions: 90 (30 from each subject)

• 30 Numerical Value-Based Questions (15 per subject, but only 10 need to be attempted per subject)

• Marking scheme:

• +4 for each correct answer

• -1 for incorrect MCQs

• No negative marking for numerical value-based questions

JEE Advanced

The JEE Advanced is conducted by one of the IITs (rotational basis) under the Joint Admission Board (JAB). The exam date for JEE Advanced 2025 is 18th May. The top 2,50,000 rank holders across categories in JEE Main are eligible to attempt the JEE Advanced subject to the age limit and number of attempts. 

*Age and attempt criteria for JEE Advanced 2025 – 

• Age Limit: Born on or after October 1, 1999 (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates)

• Attempts: Maximum of two consecutive attempts

• Should have appeared for the Class XII (or equivalent) exam in 2024 or 2025

Candidates will appear for two exams in JEE Advanced.

• Syllabus:

• Physics - Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, Oscillations, Waves, and Gravitation.

• Chemistry – 

• Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Equilibrium

• Organic Chemistry: Reaction mechanisms, Biomolecules

• Inorganic Chemistry: Coordination compounds, Periodic table trends

• Mathematics - Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability and Matrices.

• Exam pattern:

• Mode: computer-based test

• Papers: two compulsory papers (Paper 1 and paper 2)

• Duration: 3 hours for each paper (4 hours for PwD candidates)

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

• Exam pattern (changes each year)

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Single or multiple correct answer(s)

• Numerical Value-Based Questions: No options; candidates enter the answer directly.

• Match the Following: Assertion-reasoning or matrix match type

• Integer-Type Questions: Require exact numerical values

• Marking System:

• Positive marking for correct answers.

• Partial marking for some questions (e.g., multiple correct options)

• Negative marking for incorrect answers in MCQs (varies annually)

Engineering branches

There are several engineering branches that lead to exciting prospects in various careers paths in India and internationally. Students aspiring to work in multinational companies, with big brand names or launch their entrepreneurial aspirations can opt for these branches. The most sought-after engineering branches and the career opportunities that they lead to are – 

• Computer Science – 

• Career: Programming, software development, SaaS, AI/ML, database management

• Industry: IT/ITeS, Pan-industry

• Electrical Engineering – 

• Career: Electrical engineer, electronics designer, power systems engineer, and control systems engineer

• Industry: Consumer electronics, telecommunications, power generation

• Mechanical Engineering – 

• Career: Mechanical engineer, product designer, automotive engineer, and robotics specialist

• Industry: manufacturing, automobile, hardware manufacturing.

• Civil Engineering – 

• Career: Civil engineer, construction manager, urban planner, and structural engineer

• Industry: real estate, transportation, planning and development

• Chemical Engineering – 

• Career: Chemical engineer, process engineer, materials scientist, and production manager

• Industry: chemical manufacturing, fertilizer, biomedical, petroleum, pharmaceutical

• Aerospace Engineering – 

• Career: Aerospace engineer, avionics engineer, propulsion engineer, aircraft designer

• Industry: aerospace, space research, aeronautics

• Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering

• Career: Telecommunications engineer, network engineer, signal processing specialist, and communication systems engineer

• Industry: telecommunication, IT/ITeS

• Biomedical Engineering

• Career: Biomedical engineer, medical device designer, and research scientist

• Industry: Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical.

• Biotechnology – 

• Career: Biotechnologist, genetic engineer, bioinformatics specialist, and pharmaceutical researcher

• Industry: pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical, genetic research

• Automobile engineering – 

• Career: auto product designer, automotive engineer, and robotics specialist

• Industry: automobile, aviation industry

• Oil & gas engineering – 

• Career: Petroleum engineer, drilling engineer, reservoir engineer, and production engineer

• Industry: petroleum, oil & gas 

• Industrial Engineering – 

• Career: Industrial engineer, operations manager, quality control engineer, and systems analyst

• Industry: Pan-industry

• Environmental engineering – 

• Career: Environmental engineer, waste management specialist, water resources engineer, and sustainability consultant

• Industry: government and non-government organisations

• Metallurgical engineering – 

• Career: Metallurgical engineer, materials scientist, metallurgist, and quality control engineer

• Industry: mining, manufacturing, research

Career prospects

JEE clears the path for admissions to top engineering colleges across India. Graduating from these institutes leads to excellent career opportunities through campus placements from top companies. The IITs have incubation centres where budding entrepreneurs are given space to research and develop technologies. Students are facilitated with space, resources, filing copyright and connection to venture capitalists, alumni networks and markets to showcase their products. 

Branch selection

Selecting an engineering branch after JEE requires careful consideration of interests, future career goals, aptitude and the job market potential. One can check the different job opportunities that different qualifications lead to, and which college is best for the branch. One can discuss job prospects with people in the industry such as alumni, acquaintances or individuals in the field. 

Conclusion 

Engineering is a rewarding field and studying at a top engineering college in India is a great learning experience. IITs are the hub for research and development and professors actively engage students in the process as part of projects and internships too. Thus, the learning is hands-on and when the students graduate, they are job-ready. While preparing for JEE, continuously research which branches are available and which will be good for you.