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JEE MAIN & ADVANCED Complete Guide

JEE Exam 2024: Everything You Need to Know

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is one of the most prestigious entrance exams for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate engineering programs at top institutions in India. Administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE serves as the gateway to institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other esteemed engineering colleges across the country.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the key details about the JEE exam—its structure, eligibility, and important dates, so you can start your preparation with clarity.


1. What is JEE?

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a national-level exam that is held for admission into B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) and B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) courses at various engineering institutions in India, including the IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other participating colleges.

JEE is divided into two main parts:

  • JEE Main: The first phase of the exam, which is a prerequisite for JEE Advanced.
  • JEE Advanced: The second phase, which is conducted for admission into the IITs and other prestigious institutions.

2. JEE Exam Structure

JEE Main

  • Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)

  • Exam Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)

  • Subjects Covered:

    • Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Mathematics
  • Number of Papers:

    • Paper 1 (for B.Tech/B.E.): Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical value-based questions.
    • Paper 2 (for B.Arch/B.Planning): A combination of mathematics, aptitude test, and drawing test (for architecture aspirants).
  • Duration: 3 hours (for Paper 1)

  • Type of Questions: Objective (MCQs) and numerical questions.

  • Mode of Conduct: Online (Computer-based)

JEE Advanced

  • Conducted by: One of the IITs on a rotating basis (after JEE Main)
  • Exam Mode: Computer-based test
  • Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (Similar to JEE Main)
  • Number of Papers: 2 (Paper 1 and Paper 2)
  • Duration: 3 hours for each paper
  • Type of Questions: Multiple-choice, numerical value-based, and match-the-following questions.

JEE Advanced is the gateway to the IITs and is only available to those who qualify JEE Main. Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates from JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.


3. JEE Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for JEE, it is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria:

Age Limit

  • Candidates must be born on or after October 1, 1999 (for General Category). There is a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates (born on or after October 1, 1994).

Academic Qualification

  • Candidates must have passed the Class 12 or equivalent exam with at least 5 subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, from a recognized board. Students who are in the final year of Class 12 are also eligible.
  • The candidate must have secured a minimum of 75% marks (for General category) or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards. For SC/ST students, the requirement is 65%.

Attempts

  • Candidates can attempt JEE Main a maximum of 3 times.
  • JEE Advanced can be attempted a maximum of 2 times in consecutive years, after qualifying JEE Main.

4. JEE Syllabus

The syllabus for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced includes topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, typically taught in Classes 11 and 12. Below are the key topics:

Physics

  • Mechanics (Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, Power)
  • Thermodynamics
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Optics
  • Modern Physics
  • Waves and Sound

Chemistry

  • Physical Chemistry (Moles and Stoichiometry, Thermodynamics)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding)
  • Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Biomolecules, Polymers)

Mathematics

  • Algebra (Quadratic Equations, Progressions)
  • Calculus (Differentiation, Integration)
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Probability
  • Trigonometry

The exact syllabus may vary slightly, so candidates should refer to the official JEE website for updates.


5. JEE Application Process

The application process for JEE is conducted online through the official JEE website. Here are the basic steps involved:

  1. Registration: Create an account on the JEE portal.
  2. Fill the Application Form: Provide personal details, educational qualifications, and other necessary information.
  3. Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, and other documents as per the specifications.
  4. Pay the Application Fee: The fee structure for JEE Main varies depending on the category and number of papers chosen (Paper 1 or Paper 2).
  5. Submit the Form: After completing the form, review all the details and submit your application.

6. JEE 2024 Important Dates

For JEE Main, the exam is usually conducted in two sessions: one in January and the other in April. The following dates are based on past trends (specific dates should be confirmed by checking official notifications):

  • JEE Main Application Start: December 2023
  • JEE Main Application Last Date: January 2024
  • JEE Main Exam (Session 1): January 2024
  • JEE Main Exam (Session 2): April 2024
  • JEE Advanced Application: May 2024
  • JEE Advanced Exam: June 2024

7. JEE Preparation Tips

Preparing for JEE requires dedication and smart strategy. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the JEE syllabus and focus on important topics.
  • Time Management: Create a study schedule and stick to it. Prioritize subjects and allocate sufficient time for revision.
  • Practice Regularly: Solve a variety of problems, take mock tests, and practice previous year’s papers to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Focus on Concepts: Focus on building a strong foundation of concepts, as JEE tests your conceptual clarity and application.
  • Stay Updated: Keep an eye on any updates or changes in the exam pattern, syllabus, or dates by regularly visiting the official JEE website.

8. JEE 2024 Exam Fee

The application fee for JEE Main varies by category and the number of papers selected (Paper 1 or Paper 2). Here’s an approximate fee structure:

  • For General/OBC Candidates: ₹650 for one paper, ₹1,300 for both papers.
  • For SC/ST/PwD/Transgender Candidates: ₹325 for one paper, ₹650 for both papers.
  • For Foreign Nationals: ₹5,000 for one paper, ₹10,000 for both papers.

Note: The exact fee may vary, and it’s advisable to check the official website for the updated fee structure.


9. JEE Results and Counselling

  • JEE Main Results: The results for JEE Main are typically announced within a few weeks after the exam. The results are available online on the official NTA website.

  • JEE Advanced Results: The JEE Advanced results are declared after the exam, and candidates can check their ranks and scores on the official IIT website.

  • Counselling Process: After JEE Main and JEE Advanced results, the counselling process for admission to various engineering institutes, including IITs, NITs, and IIITs, is conducted by the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA). Seats are allocated based on the candidate’s rank, preferences, and category.


Conclusion

JEE is a highly competitive exam, but with the right preparation strategy, it is possible to secure admission to top engineering colleges in India. By understanding the exam structure, syllabus, and eligibility criteria, you can prepare effectively and maximize your chances of success. Stay focused, practice regularly, and aim to strengthen your core concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Good luck with your JEE preparation, and remember, consistent effort and determination are key to achieving your goals!

JEE Eligibility Criteria: A Complete Guide

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is one of the most competitive exams in India, and it serves as the gateway to top engineering colleges, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other prestigious institutions. Before applying for JEE, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the exam conducting authority. Below is a detailed breakdown of the JEE eligibility criteria for 2024.


1. Nationality Criteria

  • Indian Nationals: All Indian citizens are eligible to appear for JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
  • Foreign Nationals: Foreign nationals are also eligible for JEE Main. However, they must fulfill the eligibility conditions specified by the individual institutions, which may vary.
  • OCI/PIO: Candidates who are Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are also eligible to appear for JEE Main and JEE Advanced.

2. Age Limit

JEE Main Age Limit:

  • Minimum Age: Candidates must have born on or after October 1, 1999 (for General candidates).

  • Maximum Age: There is no upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main.

    However, for JEE Advanced, the age limit is stricter:

JEE Advanced Age Limit:

  • Minimum Age: Candidates should be at least 17 years old as of October 1, 2024.
  • Maximum Age: Candidates must be born on or after October 1, 1999 (for General category candidates).
    • For SC/ST/PwD candidates, there is a relaxation of 5 years, meaning they must be born on or after October 1, 1994.

3. Educational Qualifications

To be eligible for JEE, candidates must meet the following educational requirements:

For JEE Main:

  • Class 12 Qualification: Candidates must have passed their Class 12 or equivalent exam with at least 5 subjects (including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics).
    • Candidates appearing for Class 12 exams in 2024 are also eligible to appear for JEE Main 2024.

For JEE Advanced:

  • Class 12 Qualification: Candidates must have passed the Class 12 or equivalent exam in the year 2023 or 2024.
    • Only candidates who qualify JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.
    • Candidates must secure a minimum of 75% marks in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards (for General candidates). For SC/ST candidates, the minimum requirement is 65%.

Candidates who have already taken the JEE Advanced exam twice are not eligible for a third attempt.


4. Number of Attempts

The number of attempts allowed for JEE varies depending on the stage:

JEE Main:

  • A candidate can appear for JEE Main up to 3 consecutive years. This includes attempts in different years, but only the best performance is considered for ranking.

JEE Advanced:

  • Candidates can appear for JEE Advanced a maximum of 2 times in consecutive years.
    • Only candidates who qualify JEE Main and are among the top 2.5 lakh candidates are eligible for JEE Advanced.

5. Subject Eligibility

Candidates must have studied the following subjects in Class 12 (or equivalent):

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics

Additionally, English is a compulsory subject in most educational boards, but it is not tested in JEE exams.


6. Minimum Marks in Class 12

To appear for JEE Main, candidates must have:

  • Secured at least 75% marks in aggregate in Class 12 exams (or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards).
  • For SC/ST candidates, the minimum marks required are 65% in Class 12.

For JEE Advanced, candidates need to meet the above eligibility criteria as well, in addition to qualifying JEE Main.


7. Eligibility for NITs, IIITs, and Other GFTIs

Candidates aspiring to secure admission in NITs, IIITs, or Other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs) must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the respective institutes and must participate in JEE Main.

  • Admissions are based on the All India Rank (AIR) in JEE Main.
  • A minimum of 75% marks in Class 12 or being in the top 20 percentile of the respective board is a requirement for admission into NITs and IIITs.
  • For SC/ST candidates, the qualifying marks are 65% in Class 12.

8. Eligibility for Foreign Nationals

Foreign Nationals can appear for JEE Main but have different eligibility criteria for admission to IITs:

  • They do not need to appear for JEE Advanced if they meet the minimum eligibility requirements.
  • The eligibility criteria for admission may vary across institutes, so it is essential to check the guidelines of each institute where you plan to apply.
  • Foreign nationals are eligible for 15% of the total seats in IITs and NITs.

9. JEE Main and JEE Advanced Eligibility Summary

CriteriaJEE MainJEE Advanced
NationalityIndian, OCI, PIO, Foreign NationalsIndian, OCI, PIO, Foreign Nationals
Age LimitNo upper age limitMinimum 17 years, Maximum 25 years
Educational QualificationClass 12 with Physics, Chemistry, MathClass 12 (or equivalent) with 75% (General) or top 20 percentile in board exams
Number of Attempts3 attempts2 attempts in consecutive years
Minimum Marks in Class 1275% (General) / 65% (SC/ST)75% (General) / 65% (SC/ST)
Subject EligibilityPhysics, Chemistry, MathPhysics, Chemistry, Math

10. Key Points to Remember

  • JEE Main is the first step toward securing a place in IITs, NITs, and other prestigious engineering colleges. You must qualify JEE Main to be eligible for JEE Advanced.
  • You must appear for JEE Main within 3 years of your Class 12 examination. For JEE Advanced, you can appear only twice in consecutive years.
  • Ensure that you meet all educational and age-related criteria to avoid disqualification.
  • The eligibility criteria for Foreign Nationals may vary, so it’s important to check the specific requirements of the institution you’re applying to.

Conclusion

JEE eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that only those who meet specific academic and age-related requirements can apply for this competitive exam. It’s important to carefully check the eligibility details before applying for JEE Main or JEE Advanced. Meeting the eligibility requirements is the first step toward a successful engineering career in India’s top institutions.

Make sure to stay updated with the official announcements on the JEE website for any changes in eligibility or other exam-related details. Preparing early and knowing your eligibility will give you a significant advantage in your JEE journey.

Total Number of Engineering Colleges and Seats Filled Through JEE Main and JEE Advanced

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is one of the most competitive exams in India, opening doors to some of the country’s most prestigious engineering institutes, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other top engineering colleges. JEE is conducted in two phases—JEE Main and JEE Advanced—with each serving different sets of colleges and institutes.

In this detailed summary, we will provide an overview of the total number of engineering colleges, the available seats, and how seats are filled through the JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams.


1. Total Number of Engineering Colleges in India

India has a large and diverse network of engineering colleges that offer undergraduate courses such as B.Tech and B.E.. These colleges are spread across various categories: government, private, and autonomous institutes. The total number of engineering colleges is subject to change as new institutions are established, but the general distribution is as follows:

A. Total Number of Engineering Colleges

  • Government Engineering Colleges: There are about 1000+ government-run engineering colleges in India, including prestigious institutes like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and state government colleges.

  • Private Engineering Colleges: India has a significant number of private engineering colleges, with more than 2500+ institutions offering B.Tech programs.

  • Total Engineering Colleges: The total number of engineering colleges across India stands at over 3500+, a combination of government and private institutions.


2. JEE Main: Number of Colleges and Seats

JEE Main is the first step in the admission process for various engineering colleges in India. It is primarily used for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). Private colleges also use JEE Main scores for admission.

A. Total Seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JEE Main

  • National Institutes of Technology (NITs): There are around 31 NITs in India, with a total of approximately 20,000 seats for B.Tech programs. These seats are filled based on the candidate’s JEE Main rank through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counseling.

  • Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs): There are about 25 IIITs across India, including government and private-funded institutes, with a combined total of approximately 4,000 seats.

  • Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs): Around 30-40 GFTIs offer B.Tech courses with approximately 3,000-4,000 seats.

  • Total Seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs: The total number of seats available through JEE Main in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs is around 27,000-30,000 seats.

B. Seats in Private Engineering Colleges through JEE Main

Many private engineering colleges also use JEE Main scores for admission, especially those that are not part of the Top 20 Institutes like the IITs or NITs. The number of seats in private colleges can vary widely, but an estimate would be:

  • Total Seats in Private Colleges: Approximately 1,00,000+ seats in private engineering institutions across India, filled through JEE Main scores.

C. Reservation in JEE Main

  • All India Quota (AIQ): 15% of the total seats in government colleges (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs) are reserved for All India Quota.
  • State Quota: 85% of the total seats in government colleges (NITs, IIITs) are filled through state-level counseling and are reserved for students from the respective states.
  • Category-wise Reservations: Reservations for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates are available according to government norms.
    • SC: 15%
    • ST: 7.5%
    • OBC-NCL: 27%
    • EWS: 10%

3. JEE Advanced: Number of Colleges and Seats

JEE Advanced is the second stage of the JEE process, primarily for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates (approx.) from JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.

A. Total Seats in IITs through JEE Advanced

  • Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): There are 23 IITs spread across the country. These institutes are known for their world-class education and infrastructure. The total number of B.Tech seats in IITs is around 16,000-17,000.

The number of seats in each IIT varies, with top IITs like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, and IIT Kanpur having more seats compared to others.

B. Reservation in IITs

The reservation system in IITs follows the same pattern as JEE Main:

  • SC (Scheduled Caste): 15%
  • ST (Scheduled Tribe): 7.5%
  • OBC (Other Backward Classes): 27%
  • PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 5%

This reservation applies to All India Quota (AIQ) seats and is a part of the overall seat distribution for JEE Advanced.

C. Total Seats in IITs

  • The total number of B.Tech seats in IITs (across all branches) is around 16,000-17,000. Given the competition and the limited number of seats, securing admission to an IIT is extremely competitive.

4. Total Seats in Engineering Colleges Through JEE

When considering both JEE Main and JEE Advanced, the total number of engineering seats in India can be estimated as follows:

A. Total Number of Engineering Seats in India (JEE Main and JEE Advanced)

  • Seats in IITs (JEE Advanced): Approximately 16,000-17,000 seats.
  • Seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs (JEE Main): Around 27,000-30,000 seats.
  • Seats in Private Engineering Colleges (JEE Main): Roughly 1,00,000+ seats.

Thus, the total number of engineering seats filled through JEE Main and JEE Advanced is approximately 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh seats.


5. Admission Process: How Seats are Filled

JEE Main Admission Process

  • JEE Main Results: After the exam, candidates are ranked based on their scores.
  • JoSAA Counseling: Candidates are allotted seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs based on their rank in JEE Main and their preferences during the counseling process.
  • State-level Counseling: State-level counseling is conducted for admissions to state-run engineering colleges, and private colleges may also conduct their own counseling processes.

JEE Advanced Admission Process

  • Top 2.5 Lakh Candidates: Only the top 2.5 lakh JEE Main candidates are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.
  • IIT Counseling (JOSAA): After the JEE Advanced results, candidates are allotted seats in the IITs based on their ranks and preferences during JoSAA counseling.

6. Challenges in Seat Availability

Despite the large number of engineering seats available in India, the demand for these seats significantly exceeds the supply. In 2023, nearly 10 lakh students appeared for JEE Main, while the number of engineering seats available was only around 2 lakh.

This massive competition means that only the top students can secure admission to prestigious colleges like IITs and NITs, and the competition becomes even more intense for specific branches like Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

Private Colleges:

While private colleges offer a large number of seats, they often charge higher fees, which can be a barrier for many students. The number of seats available in private colleges can vary significantly, and many private institutions also use JEE Main scores for admissions.


Conclusion

India has a robust system of engineering education with a wide range of options available for students through JEE Main and JEE Advanced. The total number of engineering seats available through these exams exceeds 1.5 lakh, with seats distributed among prestigious institutes like IITs, NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and numerous private colleges. However, with a growing number of aspirants each year, the competition for these seats remains high, making it essential for candidates to perform exceptionally well in the JEE exams to secure admission into their desired college and branch.