What is the exam pattern for JEE Main? How is it different from JEE Advanced?

JEE Main Exam Pattern (Typical):

• Papers:
  • Paper 1: For B.E./B.Tech courses.
  • Paper 2 For B.Arch (Architecture).
  • Paper 2B: For B.Planning.
• Mode: Primarily Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Paper 1 and parts of Paper 2. The Drawing test in B.Arch (Paper 2A) is usually offline (pen-and-paper).
• Subjects (Paper 1 - B.E./B.Tech): Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Number of Questions (Paper 1): Typically 90 questions (30 per subject – 20 MCQs + 10 Numerical Value Questions, out of which 5 are to be attempted). Total questions to attempt: 75.
• Marking Scheme (Paper 1): +4 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQ answers. No negative marking for Numerical Value Questions.
• Duration (Paper 1): 3 hours.

JEE Advanced Exam Pattern (Typical):

• Papers: Two compulsory papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), both of 3 hours duration each, usually held on the same day.
• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Question Types: Can vary significantly and may include MCQs with single correct answers, MCQs with multiple correct answers, numerical answer type questions, paragraph-based questions, matrix-match type questions, etc. The pattern can change each year, making it more challenging.
• Marking Scheme: Complex and variable. Different sections can have different marking schemes, including partial marking for multiple correct answer types and negative marking.

Key Differences: JEE Advanced is generally considered more challenging due to the complexity and variety of question types, a more rigorous syllabus depth, and the two-paper format. The marking scheme in Advanced can also be more intricate.