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JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination Main) is a national, computer-based entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Its scores are used for B.Tech and B.E. admission at NITs, IIITs, other centrally funded institutes and many state and private colleges, and top performers qualify for JEE Advanced, the exam for the IITs. It is usually held in two sessions early in the year.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Joint Entrance Examination (Main) |
| Conducted by | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Used for | B.E., B.Tech, B.Arch and B.Planning admission; qualifying exam for JEE Advanced |
| Subjects (Paper 1) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Mode | Computer-based (B.Arch drawing test on paper) |
| Usually held | Two sessions, around January and April |
Official source: National Testing Agency. Always confirm dates, fees and eligibility there before you apply.
What JEE Main is used for
JEE Main has separate papers for different degrees:
- Paper 1 for B.E. and B.Tech programmes
- Paper 2A for B.Arch programmes
- Paper 2B for B.Planning programmes
Seats at NITs, IIITs and other centrally funded technical institutes are allotted through joint counselling using JEE Main ranks. Many state governments and private universities also use JEE Main scores. Top performers in Paper 1 become eligible to sit JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the IITs.
Who can take it
- Students who have passed Class 12, or are appearing for it in the same year
- For B.E. and B.Tech, Physics and Mathematics are compulsory in Class 12, along with one of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology or a technical vocational subject
- NITs, IIITs and some other institutes also set a minimum Class 12 score, or a top percentile in your board, for admission
- There is a limit on the number of consecutive years in which you can attempt the exam
The exact rules change from year to year, so read the information bulletin for your year before you register.
What it tests
Paper 1 tests Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, based on the Class 11 and 12 syllabus. Questions are a mix of multiple-choice and numerical-answer questions, and wrong answers can carry negative marks. Paper 2A adds an aptitude test and a drawing test, and Paper 2B adds planning-based questions.
Results are published as NTA scores, which are percentiles. Your percentile shows the share of candidates in your session who scored the same as you or lower, and scores are normalised across shifts so that students in harder shifts are not disadvantaged.
How to prepare
- Master the NCERT textbooks for Class 11 and 12 first. Most questions build on concepts covered there.
- Practise previous years' papers to learn the question style and the level of difficulty.
- Take timed mock tests on a computer, because speed and accuracy under time pressure decide your percentile.
- Review every mistake and keep a list of weak topics to revisit each week.
- Balance your board exams. Class 12 marks matter for eligibility, so do not neglect them.
Careers this exam leads to
Frequently asked questions
How many times can I take JEE Main?
JEE Main is usually held in two sessions each year. You can take one or both, and your better score is used. There is also a limit on the number of consecutive years you can attempt it, set in the information bulletin.
Is JEE Main enough to get into an IIT?
No. Admission to the IITs is through JEE Advanced. A set number of top performers in JEE Main become eligible to sit JEE Advanced, and you also need to meet the IITs' Class 12 performance criteria.
Can I take JEE Main without Chemistry?
For B.E. and B.Tech, Physics and Mathematics are compulsory. The third subject can be Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology or a technical vocational subject. Check the current bulletin, as rules can change.
What does a JEE Main percentile mean?
A percentile of 95, for example, means that 95 percent of candidates in your session scored the same as you or lower. It is not the same as the percentage of marks you scored.
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Exam names, eligibility rules, dates and programme details change. Always confirm anything you plan to act on with the official exam authority or institution. Something out of date? Tell us at info.socialhouselearning@gmail.com.