JEE Main vs JEE Advanced: Key Differences Every Student Should Know

• 15 March 2025
• Admin

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is one of the most competitive exams in India for students aspiring to pursue engineering at prestigious institutions. It consists of two exams: JEE Main vs JEE Advanced. While both exams serve as gateways to top engineering colleges, they differ in terms of difficulty level, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and purpose.

If you're confused about the differences between these two exams and wondering which one to prepare for, this blog will break it down in simple terms. Let’s explore JEE Main vs JEE Advanced in detail!

What is JEE Main?

JEE Main is the first stage of the entrance exam for engineering aspirants. Moreover, it is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and serves as the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced. Furthermore, students who clear JEE Main can secure admission to National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Government-funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs).

Additionally, JEE Main is used as an eligibility test for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Who Can Appear for JEE Main?

• Students who have completed their 12th grade or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• There is no age limit, but candidates can attempt the exam six times (twice a year for three consecutive years).
• Candidates must meet the required percentage criteria (usually 75% in board exams for NITs and IIITs, but this is subject to change).

What is JEE Advanced?

JEE Advanced is the second stage of the JEE examination process. Moreover, it is conducted exclusively for students who qualify in JEE Main and, consequently, aims to select candidates for IITs as well as a few other premier institutes, such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs).

Unlike JEE Main, JEE Advanced is considered to be one of the toughest engineering entrance exams in the world, designed to test deep conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.

Who Can Appear for JEE Advanced?

• Only the top 2,50,000 rank holders in JEE Main are eligible to appear.
• Students can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years.
• Age restrictions apply (usually, candidates should have been born on or after a specified year).

Difference Between JEE Main vs JEE Advance

Exam Pattern Comparison

JEE Main Exam Pattern

JEE Main consists of two papers:

1. Paper 1: For B.E./B.Tech. aspirants (NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs)
2. Paper 2: For B.Arch and B.Planning aspirants

For engineering aspirants, only Paper 1 is relevant.

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Total Marks: 300
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) & Numerical Value Questions
• Exam Duration: 3 hours

JEE Advanced Exam Pattern

JEE Advanced has two compulsory papers:

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Total Marks: Varies each year
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Question Type: MCQs, integer-type questions, matrix match, passage-based questions
• Exam Duration: 6 hours (3 hours per paper)

The marking scheme in JEE Advanced is more complex, with negative markings for incorrect responses in some sections.

Syllabus Differences

While the JEE Main syllabus follows the NCERT curriculum (Class 11 and 12), JEE Advanced goes deeper into concepts and requires analytical thinking.

Additional Topics in JEE Advanced

• Mathematics: Advanced permutations & combinations, 3D geometry
• Physics: Thermodynamics, rotational motion in greater depth
• Chemistry: More emphasis on organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms

JEE Advanced also includes conceptual questions that require multiple concepts to solve.

Difficulty Level: Which Exam is Tougher?

• JEE Main is relatively easier since it focuses on direct concepts and formulas.
• On the other hand, JEE Advanced is much harder as it requires problem-solving ability, logical reasoning, and deep conceptual understanding.
• Furthermore, JEE Advanced questions are application-based, and many involve multiple concepts.

Students who aim for IITs must prepare rigorously and go beyond NCERT textbooks.

How to Prepare for JEE Main and JEE Advanced?

For JEE Main:

• First and foremost, focus on NCERT textbooks (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics).
• Additionally, practice mock tests and solve previous years’ question papers.
• Finally, work on time management to attempt all questions within 3 hours.

For JEE Advanced:

• Understand concepts in-depth, rather than rote learning.
• Solve IIT-level problems, including HC Verma (Physics) and Cengage (Mathematics).
• Attempt JEE Advanced mock tests to improve problem-solving speed.

Which Exam Should You Focus On?

• If you want to get into NITs, IIITs, or other engineering colleges, then focus on JEE Main.
• However, if your dream is to study at IITs, you must clear JEE Advanced.
• Moreover, if you are confident in high-level problem-solving, consider preparing for both exams simultaneously.

Why Choose ABS Coaching Classes for JEE Preparation?

ABS Coaching Classes offers expert guidance for JEE Main vs JEE Advanced with:

• Experienced Faculty: Skilled teachers with years of JEE coaching experience.
• Comprehensive Study Material: Well-structured notes, practice questions, and mock tests.
• Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one doubt-clearing sessions.
• Regular Mock Tests: Helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.

Get the right support for JEE success. Visit ABS Coaching Classes for details.