The difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced is fundamental to India's engineering education trajectory. These two exams are gateways to prestigious institutions with unique features and eligibility criteria. In this blog, we will discuss the distinctions between JEE Main and JEE Advanced, examining various aspects such as eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, number of attempts, and the ultimate goal of securing admission to top-tier engineering colleges, especially the coveted Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced Highlights
The table below provides candidates with a brief overview of the JEE Mains and JEE Advanced Exam:
Difference Between JEE Mains and JEE Advanced Highlights |
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Basis of Difference |
JEE Mains |
JEE Advanced |
Course |
JEE Main is the gateway exam for admission to NITs, IIITs, and various central/state government institutes. |
JEE Advanced is conducted to help candidates secure admission to IITs, IISTs, and RGIPTs. |
Number of times exams conducted |
The JEE Main exam is conducted twice a year. |
The JEE Main exam is conducted once a year. |
Exam conducting authority |
JEE Main is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA |
JEE Advanced is administered by the IIT Joint Admission Board (JAB). |
Number of attempts |
Candidates are allowed to participate in JEE Main for up to three consecutive years |
Candidates are allowed to participate in JEE Advanced for up to two consecutive years |
Eligibility Criteria |
For the 2024 JEE (Main) Examination, eligibility extends to candidates who have completed their Class 12 or an equivalent qualifying examination in 2022 or 2023. Additionally, those currently in the process of appearing for their Class 12 or equivalent qualifying examination in 2024 are also eligible to participate. |
Candidates must pass JEE Main (Paper 1) and be among the top 2,50,000. Reservation percentages a |
Exam Duration |
The JEE Main Exam lasts three hours |
JEE Advanced Paper spans six hours (three hours for Paper 1 and three for Paper 2). |
Question Type |
MCQs and NAT Type Questions |
Objective-type questions are asked in Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
Syllabus |
JEE Mains Syllabus consists of Class 11 and Class 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics topics |
JEE Advanced Syllabus includes a few additional topics. |
Exam Mode |
JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B, Tech) is a computer-based test. JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) is a computer-based test, except for the Drwaing test, conducted in a pen-paper mode. JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Planning) is a computer-based test. |
The JEE Advanced examination is only conducted in Computer-based test (CBT) mode. |
Differenced Between JEE Mains and JEE Advanced Detailed Description
1. Overview of JEE Main V/S JEE Advanced:
The JEE Main Examination, overseen by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is the initial step for securing admissions to various engineering colleges. These institutions include NITs, CFTIs, IITs, and various state and government-funded establishments. The examination structure comprises a single paper for B.E./B. Tech courses, with a separate paper dedicated to B.Arch and B.Planning programs.
On the other hand, the JEE Advanced Examination is conducted exclusively by the IITs and serves as the exclusive gateway for admission to the 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This advanced-level examination is accessible only to candidates who successfully clear the JEE Main examination.
2. JEE Mains V/S JEE Advanced Eligibility
To be eligible for JEE Main, the candidate must be an Indian citizen. Additionally, they should have completed the 12th-grade examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as the main subjects from a recognized board. There is no restriction on the number of attempts, allowing candidates to participate in the JEE Main exam for three consecutive years. Notably, there is no specified age limit set by the competent authorities.
On the other hand, candidates who qualify for JEE Main can appear for the JEE Advanced exam. Those who have passed the 12th-grade examination in the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 are eligible to participate in the JEE Advanced. Moreover, candidates can appear in the exam for at least two consecutive years. It is important to note that the examining agency provides age relaxations for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
3. JEE Mains V/S JEE Advanced Number of Attempts
Candidates can take the JEE Main exam up to three times within three consecutive years. For JEE Advanced, candidates can attempt the exam twice within two consecutive years.
JEE Main VS JEE Advanced Exam Pattern
Explore the key distinctions between the JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams by referring to the table below.
JEE Mains Exam Pattern
JEE Main consists of three papers and will be conducted in morning and evening shifts. The 3 papers of JEE Mains include Paper 1 for B.E/ B. Tech, Paper 2A for B. Arch Admission, and Paper 2B for B. Planning. The general layout of the JEE Main Exam Pattern is given below:
JEE Mains Exam Pattern |
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Specifications |
JEE Main Exam Pattern For Paper 1 (B.E/ B. Tech) |
JEE Main Exam Pattern For 2A (B.Arch) |
JEE Main Exam Pattern For 2B (B.Planning) |
Exam Mode |
Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Mathematics and Aptitude (CBT Mode) Drawing - Pen and Paper Mode |
CBT |
Subjects |
Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
Aptitude Test, Mathematics, and Drawing |
Mathematics, Planning Based, and Objective Type |
Total Questions Asked |
30 Questions (20 MCQs + 10 NAT) in each section |
82 Questions (Mathematics: 30, Aptitude: 50, and Drawing: 2 |
105 Questions (Mathematics: 30, Aptitude: 50, and Planning: 25 |
Total Questions To Be Answered |
25 Questions (20 MCQs + 5 NAT) in each section |
77 Questions (Mathematics: 25, Aptitude: 50, and Drawing: 2 |
100 Questions (Mathematics: 25, Aptitude: 50, and Planning: 25 |
Question Types |
Physics ( 20 MCQs + 10 NAT) Chemistry ( 20 MCQs + 10 NAT), and Mathematics ( 20 MCQs + 10 NAT) |
Physics ( 20 MCQs + 10 NAT) Chemistry ( 20 MCQs + 10 NAT), and Mathematics ( 20 MCQs + 10 NAT) |
Physics ( 20 MCQs + 10 NAT) Chemistry ( 20 MCQs + 10 NAT), and Mathematics ( 20 MCQs + 10 NAT) |
Exam Language |
13 languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu) |
13 languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu) |
13 languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu) |
Exam Duration |
3 hours |
3.5 hours |
3.5 hours |
Total Marks |
300 |
400 |
400 |
Marking Scheme |
MCQs :+ 4 for each correct response and (-1) for each incorrect answer. Unattempted questions will not be marked. NAT : + 4 for each correct response, and no negative markings for incorrect responses or unattempted questions. |
MCQs: + 4 for each correct response and (-1) for each incorrect answer. Unattempted questions will not be marked. NAT: + 4 for each correct response, and no negative markings for incorrect responses or unattempted questions. Drawing Test: 2 Questions of 100 marks |
MCQs :+ 4 for each correct response and (-1) for each incorrect answer. Unattempted questions will not be marked. NAT: + 4 for each correct response, and no negative markings for incorrect responses or unattempted questions. |
JEE Advanced Exam Pattern
The JEE Advanced 2024 Exam Pattern comprises two compulsory papers, Paper-I and Paper-II, conducted in a computer-based (online) mode. The exam is scheduled in two shifts: 9 AM to 12 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Each paper lasts 3 hours, extended to 4 hours for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates. The question paper consists of three sections - Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
For B.Arch Admission to IIT, candidates must qualify AAT Paper after JEE Advanced
Specification |
JEE Advanced Pattern For Paper 1 |
JEE Advanced Pattern For Paper 2 |
JEE Advanced Pattern For AAT |
Exam Mode |
CBT |
CBT |
Offine |
Subject |
Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
Freehand drawing, Geometric drawing, Ghree-dimensional perception, Imagination and Aesthetic Sensitivity, Architecture Awareness |
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions |
Numerical Type Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions, Numerical Type Questions, Sketching, Drawing, etc. |
Exam Medium |
English and Hindi |
English and Hindi |
English |
Exam Duration |
3 hours |
3 hours |
3 hours |
JEE Main VS JEE Advanced Syllabus
Both JEE Main and JEE Advanced focus on B.E./B. Tech admission but have different syllabi. JEE Main follows the CBSE class 11 and 12 syllabus, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), with specific topics for Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Plan). JEE Main 2023 Physics Syllabus includes topics like Electronic Devices, Electromagnetic Waves, and Communication Systems, which are absent in JEE Advanced.
JEE Advanced Syllabus 2024 is generally more concise than JEE Main, with additional topics beyond the Class 11th and 12th Syllabus. For example, JEE Main excludes subjects like Thermal Physics and Electrochemistry in JEE Advanced. It's important to refer to the revised JEE Advanced 2024 Syllabus, which now includes topics from JEE Main previously omitted.
JEE Mains VS JEE Advanced Difficulty Level
JEE Main and JEE Advanced are important engineering entrance exams. While the difficulty of each paper depends on individual preparation, JEE Advanced is generally considered tougher than JEE Main. JEE Main focuses on the Class 11th and 12th syllabus, with direct formula-based questions that are usually easier. The exam primarily assesses the candidates' speed with 75 questions.
On the other hand, JEE Advanced is more challenging as it includes topics beyond class 11th and 12th. Its questions are concept-based, requiring in-depth knowledge, often combining two or three concepts. JEE Advanced evaluates both the speed and problem-solving skills of applicants.
Wrap UP!
While JEE Main and JEE Advanced share similarities, differences in eligibility, exam structure, syllabus, and objectives highlight their unique nature. Aspiring engineers must strategically navigate both exams for admission to preferred institutions, particularly the esteemed IITs, representing the pinnacle of achievement.
The journey from JEE Main to JEE Advanced is demanding, requiring academic excellence and a focused approach. In this challenging path, PW IIT JEE Online Coaching, with its innovative teaching methods, become crucial for aspirants, aiding them in mastering both exams and optimising their chances of success. Enrol in PW JEE Online Classes today and embark on a journey towards effective exam preparation.
JEE Mains and JEE Advanced Difference FAQs
Q1. What distinguishes JEE Main from JEE Advanced?
Ans: JEE Main is the initial screening exam for admission to various engineering colleges, while JEE Advanced is the next level for entry into IITs.
Q2. Can one appear for JEE Advanced directly without taking JEE Main?
Ans: No, candidates must qualify in JEE Main to be eligible for JEE Advanced.
Q3. Are the syllabi for JEE Main and JEE Advanced the same?
Ans: While there are similarities, JEE Advanced often has additional topics and a more in-depth examination of shared concepts.
Q4. How do the eligibility criteria differ between JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
Ans: JEE Main has no age limit, but JEE Advanced imposes restrictions, allowing candidates to attempt the exam for a maximum of two consecutive years.
Q5: Are the exam patterns for JEE Main and JEE Advanced similar?
Ans: Both exams assess Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, but JEE Advanced is known for its more complex and analytical questions.