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JEE Main Exam Pattern Structure

JEE main Exam patterm

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In this guide, let’s break down the JEE Main Exam Pattern in a way that’s simple, practical, and helps you plan your preparation with more clarity and confidence.

Why You Should Know the Exam Pattern First

Imagine preparing for a race without knowing the track length or the rules. Sounds risky, right? That’s exactly why understanding the JEE Main Paper Pattern matters.

It helps you:
• Save time during the exam
• Prioritize subjects and question types
• Avoid negative marking mistakes
• Boost your confidence before the big day

When you know what’s coming, you prepare smarter not just harder.

JEE Main 2025 – Exam Format at a Glance

How Many Papers Are There in JEE Main?

There are 3 papers in JEE Main:

  • Paper 1 – For B.E./B.Tech. aspirants
  • Paper 2A – For B.Arch
  • Paper 2B – For B.Planning

Most students aiming for engineering focus on Paper 1, so that’s what we’ll cover in detail.

Mode of the Exam

JEE Main Paper 1 is conducted in online mode only (CBT – Computer-Based Test). This means all questions are attempted on a computer, so you should be comfortable with the digital interface.

Duration and Timing

You’ll get 3 hours to complete the exam. Students with disabilities are given 4 hours.

Subjects in Paper For JEEMain 1

There are 3 subjects you need to prepare for:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics

Each subject carries equal weight in the final score.

Structure of the Question Paper

Here’s how the questions are structured:

  • Each subject has 20 MCQs (single correct option) and 10 numerical questions
  • Out of the 10 numerical questions, only 5 need to be answered
  • Total questions you attempt: 75 (25 from each subject)

Marking Scheme

  • Correct answer: +4 marks
  • Wrong answer (MCQs only): -1 mark
  • No negative marking for numerical questions

This gives you an opportunity: if you’re unsure in numerical types, attempting them doesn’t hurt your score.

Total Marks

• Each subject: 100 marks
• Total: 300 marks

How to Manage Time During the Exam

understanding the pattern is only useful when you actively apply it during the exam to manage time and avoid mistakes. Here’s a simple strategy to divide your time.

Physics Exam

Mostly NCERT-based. If you’re well-prepared, this section can be a quick win.

Chemistry Exam

Can be time-consuming. Prioritize questions you’re confident in and don’t spend too much time on one.

Mathematics Exam

Understanding the pattern is only useful when it’s applied effectively during the exam. Here’s a simple strategy to divide your time.

What are the Subjects in JEE? Detailed Overview for Aspirants

Smart Tips to Use the Pattern in Your Favor

1. Practice Online Mock Tests

Get used to the CBT format by solving full-length tests online. This will also help with speed and screen-time endurance.

2. Start with Your Strengths

During the exam, attempt your strongest subject first. It builds momentum and saves time.

3. Be Careful with Negative Marking

During the exam, attempt your strongest subject first. It builds momentum and saves time.

4. Revise Smart, Not Just More

Make short notes for revision and focus more on high-weightage chapters from the JEE syllabus.

Final Thoughts: Exam Pattern

When you understand how the exam works, you don’t fear it—you control it.

The JEE Main paper pattern isn’t meant to scare you. It’s just a system. And once you know how it works, you can bend it to your favor. Therefore, instead of just solving problems randomly, focus on preparing with purpose, ensuring that every practice session brings you closer to your goal. Use the exam pattern as a map.

FAQ

What is the pattern of JEE Main?

JEE Main Paper 1 consists of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject has 20 MCQs and 10 numerical questions (answer any 5). You attempt 75 out of 90 questions in total. Each correct answer gives 4 marks, MCQs have -1 for wrong answers, and there’s no negative marking for numerical questions. The exam is online and lasts 3 hours.

Paper 1 is for students applying to B.E./B.Tech courses. It includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and is conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test).

Paper 2 is for students applying to B.Arch (Paper 2A) and B.Planning (Paper 2B) courses.

Paper 2A (B.Arch) includes Mathematics, Aptitude Test, and a Drawing Test (conducted partially offline).

Paper 2B (B.Planning) includes Mathematics, Aptitude Test, and Planning-based questions, all in online mode.

 

Yes, in the online (CBT) mode of JEE Main, you can attempt Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in any order you prefer. The system allows you to freely navigate between sections, so you can start with your strongest subject to build confidence and manage your time better.

JEE Main Paper 1 covers three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject has both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical value-based questions. These subjects carry equal weight, contributing to a total of 300 marks.

The JEE Main cutoff is the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced or get admission into NITs and IIITs. It varies by year and category.

There are 2 types of cutoffs in JEE Mains:

  1. Qualifying Cutoff – Minimum percentile to be eligible for JEE Advanced.
  2. Admission Cutoff – Institute-wise cutoff for getting admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

Both cutoffs vary based on category, seat availability, and exam difficulty.

With 90 percentile in JEE Main, admission to NITs is possible but usually for lower-ranked colleges or less competitive branches. For reserved categories, chances are better.

JEE Main Paper 1 consists of a total of 75 questions and is conducted by NTA for BTech admissions. Each subject—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—is divided into two sections: Section A and Section B.

JEE Main is conducted only in online mode as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). There is no offline or pen-and-paper exam for JEE Main.

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