JEE Main Overview
JEE Main is the national entrance exam for engineering and architecture. Admission to NITs, IIITs and other centrally funded technical institutes is done through JoSAA counselling on JEE Main rank, and many state colleges also use it. The top candidates qualify to appear in JEE Advanced for the IITs.
Check jeemain.nta.nic.in for the latest information bulletin, session dates and result.
| Full form | Joint Entrance Examination (Main) |
| Conducting body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam level | National |
| Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Frequency | 2 sessions a year |
| Duration | 3 hours (Paper 1) |
| Papers | Paper 1 (B.E. / B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Planning) |
| Official website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
JEE Main Important Dates
| Event | Date / timing |
|---|---|
| Session 1 registration | November / December |
| Session 1 exam | January |
| Session 2 registration | February / March |
| Session 2 exam | April |
| Result | Within a few days of each session; final rank list after Session 2 |
| JoSAA counselling | June to August |
Typical timeline based on previous years - exact dates are in the NTA information bulletin.
JEE Main Eligibility
- Passed or appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for B.Tech.
- There is no age limit. A candidate can attempt for 3 consecutive years from the year of passing Class 12.
- For NITs / IIITs / CFTIs through JoSAA, 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC / ST) or being in the top 20 percentile of the board is required.
JEE Main Exam Pattern
| Total questions (Paper 1) | 75 (25 each in Physics, Chemistry, Maths) |
| Total marks | 300 |
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Question types | MCQ and numerical value questions |
| Marking | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong answer |
| Languages | English, Hindi and several regional languages |
Section-wise structure
| Subject | Questions | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 25 | 20 MCQ + 5 numerical |
| Chemistry | 25 | 20 MCQ + 5 numerical |
| Mathematics | 25 | 20 MCQ + 5 numerical |
JEE Main Syllabus
Physics
Mechanics, thermodynamics, electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism, optics, modern physics, waves, units and measurement.
Chemistry
Physical chemistry (mole concept, equilibrium, kinetics), organic chemistry (named reactions, GOC) and inorganic chemistry (periodic table, bonding, coordination compounds).
Mathematics
Algebra, coordinate geometry, calculus, trigonometry, vectors and 3D, probability and statistics.
How to Apply for JEE Main
- Register on jeemain.nta.nic.in with email and mobile number.
- Fill in the application form and choose papers and exam cities.
- Upload photo, signature and documents and pay the fee.
- Download the admit card and appear in Session 1 and / or Session 2.
- Register for JoSAA counselling for NIT / IIIT seats, or for JEE Advanced if qualified.
JEE Main Preparation Tips
- Stick to NCERT first, then solve previous year papers.
- Practise numerical questions - they have no options.
- Attempt both sessions if possible; the better score is considered.
- Revise formulas daily.
Colleges Accepting JEE Main
JEE Main FAQs
How many sessions does JEE Main have?
JEE Main is held twice a year - January and April sessions. The best of the valid scores is used for the rank.
Is JEE Main required for IITs?
IIT admission is through JEE Advanced, and you must qualify JEE Main to be eligible to appear in JEE Advanced.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
How can I get JEE Main counselling?
Use the Call, WhatsApp or Email buttons on this page to talk to the StudyGalaxy counselling team.
Exam dates, pattern and eligibility can change every year. Please confirm on the official website before applying.