Preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a significant milestone for students aiming to secure admission into premier engineering institutions in India and beyond. The JEE, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is considered one of the most challenging competitive exams globally. Here, we delve into everything JEE aspirants must know to navigate this journey effectively.
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a two-tier examination system comprising JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Each stage has a specific purpose:
| Exam Name | Purpose | Eligibility |
| JEE Main | Admission to NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions (CFTIs). | Open to all students who have passed class 12. |
| JEE Advanced | Gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). | Only for top qualifiers of JEE Main. |
JEE serves as a standardized testing system for millions of aspirants annually. Its relevance is multi-fold:
The JEE Main exam is divided into two papers, catering to different engineering disciplines:
| Paper | Purpose | Subjects Covered |
| Paper 1 | Admission to BE/B.Tech courses | Physics, Chemistry, Maths |
| Paper 2A | Admission to B.Arch courses | Maths, Aptitude, Drawing |
| Paper 2B | Admission to B.Planning courses | Maths, Aptitude, Planning |
JEE Advanced is designed for top JEE Main performers and is the pathway to IITs. Key features include:
| Year | Major Change |
| 2020 | JEE Main conducted online due to Covid-19 restrictions. |
| 2021 | Increased attempts – JEE Main held four times. |
| 2022 | Uncertainty over the number of attempts due to policy shifts. |
| Institution | Courses Available |
| National Institutes of Technology (NITs) | BE, B.Tech |
| Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) | B.Tech, Dual Degrees |
| IIITs and CFTIs | BE, B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Planning |
Even if you do not secure admission to IITs or NITs, many private institutions accept JEE scores, providing a wide array of opportunities.
JEE is more than just an exam; it’s a journey that shapes careers and future opportunities. While the path is challenging, the rewards are immense. With dedication, proper planning, and consistent efforts, every aspirant can turn their dreams of studying at a top engineering institution into reality.
JEE Main serves as the qualifying exam for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other CFTIs, and it is the first stage of the JEE process. JEE Advanced is the second stage and is exclusively for candidates aiming for admission to IITs. Only the top qualifiers from JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.
You can attempt JEE Main six times over three consecutive years, as it is conducted twice a year. For JEE Advanced, you are allowed only two attempts in consecutive years.
To be eligible for JEE Advanced, candidates must rank among the top 2,50,000 qualifiers in JEE Main and meet specific age and academic qualifications. Additionally, they should not have been admitted to any IIT previously.