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Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced, Eligibility, Pattern & Difficulty Level

by PW Gulf
August 18, 2025
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Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced: Many students often ask, what is the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced? These two exams are very important for students who want to study engineering at top colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs. Although both are part of the IIT-JEE system, they are not the same exam.

Knowing the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced is important because it helps students plan better. Each exam has its own eligibility rules, exam pattern, and syllabus. JEE Main is the first step, and only the top students from JEE Main can appear for JEE Advanced.

If you are preparing for these exams, especially students from the UAE or other international locations, you must understand the key differences in JEE exams UAE. These include who can apply, how the exam is structured, what subjects are included, and the level of difficulty. Keep reading to learn all the important details and prepare the right way.

What is Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced

JEE Main and JEE Advanced are two distinct engineering entrance exams in India, both serving different purposes and catering to different institutes. While JEE Main is the qualifying exam for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, it also acts as the gateway to JEE Advanced, which is exclusively for IIT admissions.

The table below provides an overview of the key differences between the two exams:

Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced

Feature

JEE Main

JEE Advanced

Conducting Body

NTA (National Testing Agency)

One of the IITs (on a rotational basis)

Purpose

Admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs

Admission to IITs

Eligibility

Class 12 passed/appearing in 2024, 2025, 2026

Top 2.5 lakh JEE Main rank holders + age limit

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Subjects

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Language Medium

English, Hindi + regional languages

English and Hindi

Number of Papers

1 (for B.E./B.Tech)

2 (both compulsory)

Type of Questions

MCQs & Numerical Value

MCQs, Numerical, Match the Following

Total Duration

3 hours

3 hours per paper

Difficulty Level

Moderate, NCERT-focused

High, concept and application-oriented

Official Website

jeemain.nta.nic.in

jeeadv.ac.in

Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced- Conducting Authority

One of the key differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced is the conducting authority. This affects the exam pattern, difficulty level, and how often the exam is held.

  • JEE Main is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). NTA is a government body that organizes entrance exams across India. JEE Main is held twice a year and is the main exam for getting into NITs, IIITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs).

  • JEE Advanced is conducted by one of the IITs (like IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, or IIT Kanpur) on a rotational basis. It is held once a year and only students who rank in the top 2,50,000 in JEE Main can appear for it.

Also Know: JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Dates For UAE, Exam Schedule, Application Form

JEE Main vs JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria

Both JEE Main and JEE Advanced are national-level engineering entrance exams. Students must first clear JEE Main to become eligible for JEE Advanced. However, both exams have different eligibility rules.

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria

To appear for JEE Main, candidates must meet certain basic academic and exam-related requirements set by the NTA.

1. Age Limit

  • There is no age limit to appear in JEE Main.

  • However, candidates must satisfy the age requirements (if any) of the college they are applying to.

2. Educational Qualification

  • Must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent exam from a recognized board.

  • Eligible boards include CBSE, ICSE, state boards, NIOS, and international boards like IB or GCE.

  • Students with a 3-year diploma are also eligible.

3. Year of Passing Class 12

  • Candidates who passed in the last 3 years or are appearing in the current year can apply.

  • Those who passed before that are not eligible.

4. Number of Attempts

  • There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts, but eligibility depends on the year of passing Class 12.

5. State of Eligibility

  • Determined by the state where Class 12 was passed.

  • Not related to the student’s place of birth or residence.

  • For NIOS students, it depends on the location of the study centre.

JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria

To appear in JEE Advanced, students must first qualify JEE Main and meet all the following conditions:

1. JEE Main Rank

  • Must be among the top 2,50,000 candidates in JEE Main (B.E./B.Tech paper), including all categories.

2. Age Limit

  • Must be born on or after October 1, with 5 years relaxation for ST, SC, and PwD candidates.

3. Class 12 Qualification

  • Must have appeared for Class 12 (or equivalent) exam in the last 2 years with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

4. Number of Attempts

  • Can attempt JEE Advanced only twice in two consecutive years.

5. Previous Admission in IIT

  • Not eligible if already admitted to any IIT, even if the admission was cancelled or not continued.

  • Exception: Students who got a preparatory course seat or withdrew before the final round may still be eligible.

Also Know : How to Score 250+ in JEE Main 2026, Preparation Tips and Strategies

JEE Main vs JEE Advanced Exam Pattern

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. This comparison highlights the key differences in exam mode, subjects, question types, duration, and marking scheme for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams.

JEE Main vs JEE Advanced Exam Pattern

Feature

JEE Main

JEE Advanced

Exam Mode

CBT (except Drawing offline in B.Arch)

CBT only

Number of Papers

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Planning)

2 Papers (Compulsory)

Subjects Tested

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing/Planning (as applicable)

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Duration

3 hours per paper (4 hours for PwD)

3 hours per paper, total 6 hours

Languages

13 languages including English & Hindi

English & Hindi (switch allowed)

Question Types

MCQs + Numerical value questions

MCQs + Numerical + others

Negative Marking

Yes, for incorrect answers

Yes, for some questions

Drawing Test

Offline (only B.Arch Paper 2A)

Not applicable

Number of Questions

75-100 (depending on paper)

Varies per paper, multiple sections

Also Know : Is Calculator Allowed in JEE Exam 2026

Syllabus Comparison JEE Main vs JEE Advanced 

Both JEE Main and JEE Advanced test students on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, but the level of detail and difficulty varies. Knowing these differences helps students plan their studies better.

JEE Main Syllabus

  • Based mostly on the NCERT curriculum for Class 11 and 12.

  • Covers basic and important topics in all three subjects.

  • Includes some chapters like Communication Systems, Environmental Chemistry, and Experimental Skills that are not part of JEE Advanced.

  • Focuses on speed, accuracy, and conceptual understanding at a moderate difficulty level.

JEE Advanced Syllabus

  • Created by the IITs with a focus on conceptual depth and application.

  • It does not cover all topics covered by JEE Main, but it includes topics covering blackbody radiation, the law of Kirchhoff and Wien displacement law.

  • Requires strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • It is more difficult and challenges students over their conceptual knowledge.

Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced- Number of Attempts

The number of attempts allowed in both exams is one of the most important differences:

  • JEE Main Attempts: Students can appear for JEE Main twice a year (in January and April), for up to three consecutive years after passing Class 12. This means a student can get up to 6 total attempts (2 attempts per year × 3 years).

  • JEE Advanced Attempts: Students can attempt JEE Advanced only twice, and that too in two consecutive years after completing Class 12. This makes JEE Advanced more limited and time-sensitive.

Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced- Exam Mode

The mode of examination differs slightly between JEE Main and JEE Advanced:

  • JEE Main is primarily conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for most papers. However, for B.Arch (Paper 2A), the Drawing section is conducted offline on paper, while the rest is online.

  • JEE Advanced is conducted entirely in CBT mode for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, with no offline component. The exam is conducted in English and Hindi only.

In short, JEE Advanced is fully online, while JEE Main includes an offline section for Architecture aspirants.

JEE Main vs JEE Advanced Difficulty Level

Both exams test knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, but they differ significantly in complexity and purpose:

  • JEE Main is considered moderate in difficulty. It primarily checks students’ understanding of fundamental concepts from the NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabi and focuses on speed and accuracy. The question format includes MCQs and numerical value questions.

  • JEE Advanced, on the other hand, is more challenging. It requires stronger analytical thinking, deeper conceptual clarity, and complex problem-solving skills. Questions often integrate multiple concepts and go beyond the standard NCERT material.

Also Know: JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026, Qualifications, Age Limit, Number of Attempts

JEE Main or JEE Advanced Which is Harder?

JEE Advanced is more difficult than JEE Main because of multiple reasons:

  • JEE Advanced is more conceptual. Students are also required to solve problems which are integrative of various topics and are not only at the limits of theory.

  • Question patterns in JEE Advanced are more complex. Students face multiple correct answers, partial marking, and tougher logic-based questions.

  • JEE Advanced also requires more problem-solving skills. It challenges the ability of the students to think under pressure and apply concepts in a new manner.

  • Competition level is higher in JEE Advanced. Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates from JEE Main are allowed to appear for this exam.

Also Know: JEE Main Mock Test Analysis: How To Perform Mock Test Analysis?

Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced FAQs

Q1: Which is better, JEE Mains or Advanced?

Ans: JEE Advanced is better if you're targeting IITs. JEE Main is ideal for admissions into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Both have different goals.

Q2: Can I appear in JEE Advanced without JEE Mains?

Ans: No, you get one chance at JEE Main and place in the top 2.5 lakh candidates in order to be deemed eligible to JEE Advanced.

Q3: Is JEE Main enough for NIT?
Ans: Yes, JEE Main is the only exam required for NIT admission. Your performance in JEE Main determines your NIT seat.

Q4: Is JEE Mains needed for JEE Advanced?

Ans: Yes, qualifying JEE Main is mandatory to appear for the JEE Advanced. There is no direct way to apply for Advanced.

Q5: Which is easier, JEE Mains or JEE Advanced?

Ans: JEE Main is less challenging. It is concerned with rudimentary knowledge and speed, but JEE Advanced demands a clear understanding and excellent skills in solving problems.

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