The gateway to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs — and the qualifier for JEE Advanced.
Overview
JEE Main is a computer-based national entrance examination held in two sessions (January and April) for admission to B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1), B.Arch (Paper 2A) and B.Planning (Paper 2B). The better of the two session NTA scores is used for ranking.
National Testing Agency (NTA). Seat allocation is handled by the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) and CSAB.
To select candidates for undergraduate engineering, architecture and planning programmes at 31 NITs, 26 IIITs and 40+ GFTIs, and to shortlist the top 2.5 lakh Paper 1 candidates for JEE Advanced.
Latest Bulletins
Download the admit card from the NTA portal using your application number and date of birth.
NTA opened the JEE Main Session 1 application form along with the information bulletin.
JEE Main will again be conducted in two sessions, with the best NTA score used for ranking.
Always cross-check dates and notices with the official JEE Main website.
Eligibility Criteria
Exam Pattern
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) has 75 questions — 25 each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Each subject has 20 MCQs and 5 numerical-value questions (all 5 to be attempted). Total 300 marks, computer-based test.
| Subject / Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics (20 MCQ + 5 Numerical) | 25 | 100 |
| Chemistry (20 MCQ + 5 Numerical) | 25 | 100 |
| Mathematics (20 MCQ + 5 Numerical) | 25 | 100 |
| Total (Paper 1) | 75 | 300 |
3 hours for Paper 1 and Paper 2A/2B; 3 hours 30 minutes if both Paper 2A and 2B are taken.
+4 marks for each correct response, in both MCQ and numerical-value sections.
−1 mark for each incorrect response in MCQs and in numerical-value questions. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Detailed Syllabus
Important Dates
| Event | Expected Schedule |
|---|---|
| Session 1 Registration | October – November |
| Session 1 Admit Card | 3–4 days before the exam date |
| Session 1 Examination | Late January |
| Session 1 Result / NTA Score | Early February |
| Session 2 Registration | February |
| Session 2 Examination | April |
| Final Result & AIR | Late April |
| JoSAA Counselling | June onwards (6 rounds) |
Indicative schedule — exact dates are confirmed by the official notification each year.
Registration Process
Counselling Process
Participating Colleges
NIT Tiruchirappalli
Consistently the top-ranked NIT; CSE closes near 99.4 percentile.
NIT Karnataka, Surathkal
Strong CSE, IT and Metallurgy placements.
NIT Warangal
Excellent ECE and CSE outcomes.
IIIT Hyderabad
Admits through its own counselling using JEE Main score.
Delhi Technological University (DTU)
Delhi state admissions via JEE Main.
Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT)
Delhi-based, JEE Main based admission.
IIITs (Allahabad, Gwalior, Jabalpur)
Admission through JoSAA on JEE Main rank.
GFTIs (IIEST Shibpur, BIT Mesra and others)
Government funded technical institutes under JoSAA.
Cut-offs
Indicative JEE Advanced qualifying percentile from JEE Main
| General / CRL | ≈ 93.1 percentile |
|---|---|
| EWS | ≈ 81.3 percentile |
| OBC-NCL | ≈ 79.4 percentile |
| SC | ≈ 61.1 percentile |
| ST | ≈ 47.9 percentile |
| PwD | ≈ 0.0018 percentile |
Indicative figures from previous years — actual cut-offs vary with difficulty and seat matrix.
Preparation Tips
Prioritise Mathematics calculus and algebra — they carry the highest question density year after year.
Practise on a computer screen, not paper: JEE Main is a CBT and on-screen stamina matters.
Use NCERT for Chemistry theory and a standard problem book for Physical Chemistry numericals.
Attempt sectional timed tests to fix a per-subject time budget (about 55–60 minutes each).
Analyse each mock for silly-mistake loss; at this level accuracy beats attempt count.
Cover the full syllabus before Session 1 so Session 2 can be pure revision and mocks.
Study Resources
Free deep notes and 30-question chapter tests for JEE Main.
OpenYear-wise JEE Main papers, answer keys and solutions.
OpenFull-length JEE Main-pattern mock tests with analytics.
OpenCurated book list for JEE Main preparation.
OpenMonth-by-month strategy for JEE Main aspirants.
OpenLive mentored coaching with printed material and test series.
OpenFAQs
You may appear in both sessions in a year, for three consecutive years after your Class 12.
If you appear in both sessions, the better of the two NTA scores is used to compute your final rank.
It is required for admission to NITs, IIITs and GFTIs (65% for SC/ST), or being in the top 20 percentile of your board. It is not needed just to appear for the exam.
Yes, the current pattern applies −1 for incorrect numerical-value answers as well.
Book a free demo class with a Prepkunj mentor and get a personalised JEE Main roadmap.
Papers, free notes, tests and coaching programs connected to this exam.
