2. JEE Main and Advanced: Exam Pattern & Course Content
JEE Main is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted twice a year by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Exam Pattern (B.E. / B.Tech)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) only |
| Total Marks | 300 marks |
| Duration | 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates) |
| Subject Distribution | 3 sections (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), each worth 100 marks |
| Question Structure | 25 questions per subject: Section A — 20 mandatory MCQs; Section B — 10 Numerical Value Questions, attempt any 5 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for a correct response; −1 for an incorrect response (applies to MCQs and NVQs) |
Course Content / Syllabus
The syllabus heavily maps to the Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT curriculum:
- Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Kinematics, Optics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, and Modern Physics.
- Chemistry: Physical Chemistry (Mole concept, Thermodynamics, Kinetics), Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Functional groups, Biomolecules), and Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic table, Coordination compounds, p-block elements).
- Mathematics: Algebra (Matrices, Determinants, Quadratic equations), Calculus (Differential and Integral), Coordinate Geometry, Vectors, and Three-Dimensional Geometry.
JEE Advanced: Exam Pattern & Course Content
Only the top 2,50,000 qualifiers from JEE Main are eligible to sit for JEE Advanced, which is organized annually by one of the zonal IITs.
Exam Pattern
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- Structure: Two mandatory papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2) conducted on the same day. Missing either paper results in disqualification.
- Duration: 3 hours per paper (total 6 hours).
- Total Marks: Variable — changes every year and is revealed only on exam day.
- Question Variety: Single-correct MCQs, multiple-correct MCQs (with partial marking), numerical value questions, matching lists, and comprehension-based paragraph questions.
- Marking Scheme: Complex positive, negative, and partial marking based on question type.
Course Content / Syllabus
While the foundational subjects remain Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, the syllabus demands deeper analytical skills, conceptual overlapping, and advanced application.
- Physics: Greater focus on experimental physics, thermal physics, advanced mechanics, and electromagnetic induction.
- Chemistry: Deep mechanistic organic pathways, complex coordination chemistry, and heavy numerical problem-solving in physical chemistry.
- Mathematics: Advanced calculus, probability distributions, complex numbers, and intricate geometry problems requiring non-standard approaches.
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