Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a national-level examination for students seeking engineering admission after Class 12. It is mainly used for admission into top colleges like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other government-funded technical institutes. JEE is conducted in two parts called JEE Main and JEE Advanced. These exams test a student’s understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics based on the Class 11 and 12 syllabus.
IIT-JEE is conducted to seek students with analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a reasonable understanding of science and mathematics to be considered for top B.Tech and engineering programs across India.
JEE is one of the toughest exams in the country, and an excellent score in JEE directs one toward top engineering careers. Students must check the Joint Entrance Examination Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, and much more below.
Joint Entrance Examination
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is the main exam used for admission into top institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). Joint Entrance Examination is conducted in two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced, and each has a different purpose.
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Joint Entrance Examination (Main) Exam
JEE (Main) is the first stage and is conducted by the NTA. The exam is necessary for admission to undergraduate courses such as B.E., B.Tech., B.Arch., and B.Planning in the NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Also, the JEE Main acts as a qualifying exam for those who want to appear for JEE Advanced.
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Joint Entrance Examination (Advance) Exam
JEE Advanced is the second stage of the exam and is conducted by one of the IITs under the guidance of the Joint Admission Board (JAB). Only students who qualify for JEE Main and meet specific eligibility criteria are allowed to appear in JEE Advanced.
This exam is required for admission into the IITs and a few other top institutes like the IISc and IISERs. JEE Advanced is known for its high difficulty level and tests a deep understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Also Know : JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
JEE Exam Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the JEE exam, students must fulfill specific eligibility criteria related to age, educational qualifications, number of attempts, and other requirements.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria
JEE Main is conducted by the NTA. Students must meet the following basic requirements:
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Age Limit: There is no age limit set by the NTA to appear for JEE Main. However, students must follow any age rules set by the college they apply to.
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Educational Qualification: Students must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. Accepted boards include CBSE, ICSE, state boards, NIOS, and international boards like IB or GCE. Students with a 3-year diploma are also eligible to appear for JEE Main, but not for admission to NITs or IIITs.
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Year of Passing Class 12: Candidates who passed Class 12 in the last three years, or are appearing in the current year, are eligible. Students who passed earlier than this are not eligible.
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Number of Attempts: Students can attempt JEE Main a maximum of two times each year, and for three consecutive years after passing Class 12. This means a student can have up to six total attempts.
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State of Eligibility: The state of eligibility is based on the location of the school or board where Class 12 was completed. It is not related to the student's place of birth or residence. For NIOS students, it depends on the location of the study center.
Also Know: Is Calculator Allowed in JEE Exam 2026
JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria
JEE Advanced is the second stage of the exam and is organized by one of the IITs, under the guidance of the Joint Admission Board (JAB). Only students who qualify JEE Main and meet the following criteria can apply:
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JEE Main Rank: Students must be among the top 2,50,000 rank holders in the B.E./B.Tech paper of JEE Main. This includes all categories (General, SC, ST, OBC, and PwD).
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Age Limit: Students must be born on or after a specific year, with a 5-year age relaxation for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. Exact cut-off dates may vary depending on the current guidelines.
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Class 12 Qualification: Candidates must have appeared for Class 12 (or equivalent) in one of the last two years. They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
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Number of Attempts: A student can attempt JEE Advanced only twice, and in two consecutive years.
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Previous Admission to IITs: Students who were already admitted to an IIT are not eligible, even if they left the program or the seat was cancelled.
Exception: Students who were offered a preparatory course or withdrew before final admission may still be eligible.
Also Know : How Indian Students In UAE Apply For JEE Main 2026?
JEE Exam Pattern
JEE exam pattern differs for JEE Main and JEE Advanced in terms of exam mode, subjects, duration, and question types. Understanding these differences helps students prepare effectively for each stage of the exam. The table below provides the IIT JEE Exam Pattern:
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Joint Entrance Examination Pattern |
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Feature |
JEE Main |
JEE Advanced |
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Exam Mode |
Computer-Based Test (CBT), Drawing offline |
Fully Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
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Number of Papers |
3 papers (B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Planning) |
2 compulsory papers |
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Subjects |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing/Planning |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
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Duration |
3 hours per paper |
3 hours per paper (total 6 hours) |
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Languages |
13 languages, including English and Hindi |
English and Hindi only |
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Question Types |
MCQs and Numerical questions |
MCQs, Numerical, and others |
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Negative Marking |
Yes |
Yes (in some sections) |
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Drawing Test |
Yes (offline, only for B.Arch) |
No |
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Number of Questions |
75-100 (varies by paper) |
Varies by paper and section |
Also Know: JEE Exam Centres in UAE, Centre List in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi
Joint Entrance Exam Syllabus
Joint Entrance Examination syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 and is set by the NTA. The syllabus is divided into two parts: JEE Main and JEE Advanced, with the latter having more detailed and difficult topics. Both exams cover Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, but JEE Advanced tests deeper understanding and advanced concepts.
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Joint Entrance Examination Syllabus |
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Feature |
JEE Main Syllabus |
JEE Advanced Syllabus |
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Physics |
Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves, Optics, Electricity, Modern Physics |
All JEE Main topics plus Electrodynamics, Advanced Mechanics, Error Analysis, Modern Physics |
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Chemistry |
Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry topics like Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Hydrocarbons |
In-depth Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry with reaction mechanisms, synthesis, and analysis |
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Mathematics |
Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Probability, Matrices |
Advanced topics like Vector Calculus, 3D Geometry, Complex Numbers, and Advanced Probability |
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Additional |
Aptitude and Drawing Test for B.Arch / Planning subjects |
Focus on multi-step problem solving and conceptual questions |
Also Know: JEE NRI Quota UAE, Eligibility Criteria
Tips to Prepare For Joint Entrance Examination
Preparing well for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) requires smart planning and consistent effort. Following the right strategies can help you cover the syllabus effectively, improve problem-solving skills, and boost your confidence for both JEE Main and Advanced exams. The following are some important tips to guide your preparation.
1. Create Clear Study Plan for JEE
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Make a timetable on a daily and weekly schedule with targets.
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Break down your syllabus into small portions, then set targets for each day.
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Include time for revision, solving practice papers, and analyzing mistakes.
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Avoid distractions and make it a habit to follow your schedule.
2. Use NCERT Books First, Then Reference Books
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Start your preparation with NCERT textbooks for strong bases.
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After NCERT, follow trusted reference books for further understanding.
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Focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics books that explain concepts clearly.
3. Understand Concepts, Don’t Just Memorize
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Grasp the concepts and how to apply them to problems.
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Do not just memorize formulae but should work example problems.
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Try explaining concepts to yourself or friends to strengthen understanding.
4. JEE Practice Mock Tests and Previous Year Questions
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Solve past years’ question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern.
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Take mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
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Review your mistakes carefully and work on weak areas.
5. Use Active Recall and Repetition
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Make flashcards for formulas and important points.
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Review these flashcards regularly to remember better.
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Space out your revision so you don’t forget what you studied.
Also Know: JEE Main 2026 Preparation Strategy, Study Plan
Joint Entrance Examination FAQs
Q: What does JEE stand for?
Ans: JEE is a national-level exam used for admission to top engineering institutions in India, including IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other government colleges. The exam tests students in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Q: Is JEE only for admission into IITs?
Ans: No, JEE Main does admission into NITs, IIITs, and other technical colleges, but JEE Advanced is only for IIT admission.
Q: Which is harder, IIT or NEET?
Ans: JEE Advanced is considered tougher because of difficult problem-solving and a very low pass rate. NEET is more of a memorizing entrance test and is competitive for medical college seats.
Q: Is JEE a tough exam?
Ans. Yes, JEE is considered tough owing to the vast syllabus, depth in the concepts, and intense competition. But if one prepares well, one can certainly clear the examination.
Q: Who is eligible for JEE exam?
Ans: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Mathematics, and one other subject. There is no age limit, and students can attempt JEE Main up to 6 times in 3 years.
DASA Admission for NRI Students 2026 requires JEE Main scores for UG and GRE/GMAT for PG admissions. Registration starts online at dasanit.org in June 2026, with 15% supernumerary seats and a CIWG quota. Tuition fees are around USD 4,000 per semester (USD 2,000 for CIWG), and counselling will be conducted online in July after JEE Main results.
