IIT JEE Exam Pattern 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Overview of JEE Main & JEE Advanced Exam Pattern

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) serves as the gateway to prestigious engineering institutions across India. Conducted in two phases—JEE Main and JEE Advanced—this national-level examination evaluates students based on their conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Understanding the JEE exam pattern is crucial for aspirants to strategize their preparation effectively. The 2025 exam pattern continues to evolve, incorporating changes that reflect the evolving educational landscape while maintaining the core assessment of engineering aptitude.

Importance of Understanding the Exam Structure

Familiarity with the JEE exam pattern offers several strategic advantages:

• Effective Time Management: Knowing the number of questions, their distribution, and the time allowed helps candidates allocate time efficiently during the examination.
• Strategic Preparation: Understanding the weightage of different topics enables focused study on high-value sections.
• Examination Strategy: Knowledge of marking schemes helps develop question-attempt strategies that maximize scores while minimizing penalties.
• Confidence Building: Familiarity with the exam format reduces anxiety and builds confidence, allowing candidates to perform optimally under pressure.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2025

JEE Main serves as both a standalone entrance examination for NITs, IIITs, and other CFTIs, and as a qualifying test for JEE Advanced. The 2025 pattern continues the structure established in recent years with some refinements.

Mode of Examination (CBT & Pen-Paper Mode)

JEE Main 2025 will be conducted primarily in computer-based test (CBT) mode, with one exception:

• Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): Computer-Based Test (Online mode)
• Paper 2A (B.Arch):
  • Mathematics and Aptitude Test: Computer-Based Test
  • Drawing Test: Pen and Paper Based (Offline mode)
• Paper 2B (B.Planning): Computer-Based Test (Online mode)

The computer-based test provides immediate benefits:

• Reduced possibility of human error in evaluation
• Enhanced security and transparency
• Faster result processing
• Environmentally friendly approach

Number of Papers: Paper 1 (B.Tech) & Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning)

JEE Main comprises three distinct papers, catering to different academic pursuits:

Paper	Course	Subjects
Paper 1	B.E./B.Tech	Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Paper 2A	B.Arch	Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test
Paper 2B	B.Planning	Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning Based Questions

Students can opt for one or more papers based on their career aspirations. Many candidates appear for multiple papers to keep their options open.

Duration & Marking Scheme

The examination duration and total marks for each paper are structured as follows:

Paper	Duration	Total Questions	Maximum Marks
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)	3 hours	90 questions	300 marks
Paper 2A (B.Arch)	3 hours	82 questions	400 marks
Paper 2B (B.Planning)	3 hours	105 questions	400 marks

Subject-Wise Distribution of Questions

The question distribution across subjects for each paper follows a structured format:

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech):

Subject	Total Questions	Section A (MCQs)	Section B (Numerical Value)	Maximum Marks
Physics	30	20	10 (Attempt any 5)	100
Chemistry	30	20	10 (Attempt any 5)	100
Mathematics	30	20	10 (Attempt any 5)	100
Total	90	60	30 (Attempt 15)	300

Paper 2A (B.Arch):

Part	Subject	Questions	Maximum Marks
Part I	Mathematics	30 (20 MCQs + 10 Numerical Value)	100
Part II	Aptitude Test	50 MCQs	200
Part III	Drawing Test	2 questions	100
Total		82	400

Paper 2B (B.Planning):

Part	Subject	Questions	Maximum Marks
Part I	Mathematics	30 (20 MCQs + 10 Numerical Value)	100
Part II	Aptitude Test	50 MCQs	200
Part III	Planning Based Questions	25 MCQs	100
Total		105	400

Negative Marking Policy

JEE Main implements a negative marking system to discourage random guessing and ensure fair assessment:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
  • +4 marks for each correct answer
  • -1 mark for each incorrect answer
  • 0 marks for unattempted questions
• Numerical Value Questions (NVQs):
  • +4 marks for each correct answer
  • 0 marks for incorrect answers (No negative marking)
  • 0 marks for unattempted questions

JEE Advanced Exam Pattern 2025

JEE Advanced represents the second and more rigorous phase of the selection process, exclusively for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The examination tests deeper conceptual understanding and application abilities.

Number of Papers & Duration

JEE Advanced 2025 maintains its established structure:

• Two compulsory papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2
• Each paper duration: 3 hours
• Both papers conducted on the same day
• Morning session (Paper 1): 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Afternoon session (Paper 2): 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Both papers are mandatory, and the aggregate performance across both determines the final ranking.

Types of Questions Asked (MCQs, Numerical, Matrix Match, etc.)

JEE Advanced features diverse question formats that test different cognitive abilities:

Question Type	Description
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)	Questions with single or multiple correct options
Numerical Value Answer (NVA)	Questions requiring a numerical answer entered via virtual keypad
Matrix Match Questions	Questions requiring matching of items from two columns
Paragraph-Based Questions	Multiple questions based on a given paragraph or data
Integer Answer Type Questions	Questions with answers as non-negative integers

The variety of question formats is designed to assess not just knowledge retention but also conceptual understanding, application ability, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Marking Scheme & Partial Marking

JEE Advanced employs a sophisticated marking scheme that varies by question type:

Question Type	Marking System
Single Correct Option MCQs	+3 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, 0 for unmarked
Multiple Correct Option MCQs	+4 for marking all correct options, Partial marking with negative marks for incorrect selections, -2 for all incorrect options
Numerical Value Questions	+3 for correct answer, 0 for incorrect or unmarked
Matrix Match Questions	Partial marking scheme based on correct matches, with negative marking for incorrect matches

The exact marking scheme may vary slightly each year as determined by the organizing IIT. The final scheme is detailed in the question paper.

Paper 1 vs. Paper 2 Structure

While both papers cover Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, they differ in their approach and question distribution:

Feature	Paper 1	Paper 2
Difficulty Level	Typically focuses on fundamental concepts with moderate complexity	Often contains more challenging questions requiring deeper analysis
Question Types	May emphasize MCQs and numerical value questions	May feature more matrix match and comprehension-based questions
Subject Distribution	Equal distribution across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics	Equal distribution across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Total Marks	Approximately 183 marks (may vary)	Approximately 183 marks (may vary)

Both papers jointly evaluate a candidate's comprehensive understanding of all three subjects, with varied question formats testing different aspects of knowledge application.

Subject-Wise Exam Format for JEE Main & Advanced

Understanding the subject-specific approach in both examinations helps candidates focus their preparation on high-yield topics.

Physics: Topics Covered & Question Distribution

Physics questions in JEE evaluate conceptual clarity, mathematical application, and problem-solving abilities.

Key Topic Areas:

• Mechanics: Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work-Energy-Power, Rotational Motion
• Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory: Heat Transfer, Laws of Thermodynamics
• Electrodynamics: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction
• Optics: Ray Optics, Wave Optics
• Modern Physics: Atomic Structure, Nuclear Physics, Semiconductor Devices
• Waves and Oscillations: Simple Harmonic Motion, Mechanical Waves

Typical Distribution (JEE Main):

Topic Area	Approximate Weightage
Mechanics	30-35%
Electrodynamics	25-30%
Modern Physics	15-20%
Thermodynamics and Waves	15-20%
Optics	8-10%

JEE Advanced tends to feature more integrated questions that combine concepts from multiple physics domains, demanding deeper understanding and analytical thinking.

Chemistry: Physical, Organic & Inorganic Chemistry Breakdown

Chemistry in JEE covers three main branches, each with distinctive question types and approaches.

Key Topic Areas:

• Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Solutions
• Organic Chemistry: Nomenclature, Reaction Mechanisms, Functional Groups, Biomolecules
• Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic Properties, Coordination Compounds, Metallurgy, s/p/d/f-Block Elements

Typical Distribution (JEE Main):

Branch	Approximate Weightage
Physical Chemistry	35-40%
Organic Chemistry	30-35%
Inorganic Chemistry	25-30%

JEE Advanced chemistry questions often require integration of concepts across branches, with emphasis on reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry, application of principles in physical chemistry, and systematic properties in inorganic chemistry.

Mathematics: Key Topics & Weightage

Mathematics in JEE tests computational skills, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving approaches.

Key Topic Areas:

• Calculus: Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Integration, Differential Equations
• Algebra: Complex Numbers, Matrices, Determinants, Permutation & Combination, Probability
• Coordinate Geometry: Straight Lines, Circles, Conic Sections, 3D Geometry
• Trigonometry: Trigonometric Ratios, Equations, Inverse Functions
• Vector Algebra

Typical Distribution (JEE Main):

Topic Area	Approximate Weightage
Calculus	35-40%
Algebra	25-30%
Coordinate Geometry	15-20%
Trigonometry	10-15%
Vector Algebra & 3D Geometry	5-10%

JEE Advanced mathematics questions emphasize creative problem-solving approaches, requiring deeper conceptual understanding and application of multiple mathematical techniques.

New Changes & Updates in JEE 2025 Exam Pattern

The JEE examination structure undergoes periodic refinements to maintain assessment quality and align with evolving educational objectives.

Any Changes Introduced by NTA & IITs

For JEE 2025, several notable updates have been implemented:

The organizing authorities typically release the final examination pattern a few months before the examination, and minor adjustments may occur closer to the examination date.

Differences from Previous Year Patterns

Comparing the 2025 pattern with previous years reveals several evolutionary changes:

Aspect	Previous Pattern	2025 Pattern
Numerical Value Questions in JEE Main	Introduced with mandatory attempt of all questions	Continued with flexibility to attempt 5 out of 10 questions per subject
Number of JEE Main Sessions	Two sessions (January and April)	Expected to continue with two sessions, with possibility of additional sessions
Question Complexity	Balance of direct and application-based questions	Increased emphasis on application-based and conceptual understanding questions
JEE Advanced Question Types	Established mix of different question formats	Maintained diversity with refined marking schemes for complex question types

These evolutionary changes reflect the broader educational objective of testing genuine understanding and problem-solving abilities rather than rote memorization or formulaic approaches.

JEE Marking Scheme & Scoring System

Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for developing effective examination strategies and maximizing scores.

Marks Per Correct Answer

The allocation of marks for correct answers varies by examination and question type:

JEE Main:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): +4 marks per correct answer
• Numerical Value Questions (NVQs): +4 marks per correct answer

JEE Advanced:

• Single Correct Option MCQs: +3 marks per correct answer
• Multiple Correct Option MCQs: +4 marks when all correct options are selected
• Numerical Value Questions: +3 marks per correct answer
• Matrix Match Questions: Varying marks based on the number of correct matches

The exact mark allocation in JEE Advanced may vary slightly each year and is specified in the question paper.

Negative Marking for Incorrect Answers

Both examinations implement negative marking to discourage random guessing:

JEE Main:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): -1 mark per incorrect answer
• Numerical Value Questions (NVQs): No negative marking

JEE Advanced:

• Single Correct Option MCQs: -1 mark per incorrect answer
• Multiple Correct Option MCQs: Partial negative marking based on the number and nature of incorrect selections
• Matrix Match Questions: Negative marking applies for incorrect matches
• Numerical Value Questions: No negative marking

No Negative Marking Questions (If Any)

Certain question types across both examinations do not carry negative marking:

JEE Main:

• Numerical Value Questions (NVQs) across all subjects
• Drawing test questions in Paper 2A (B.Arch)

JEE Advanced:

• Numerical Value Questions (may vary based on the specific paper)
• Certain special question types as specified in the instructions