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The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a crucial gateway for aspiring engineers in India, opening doors to prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the National Institutes of Technology (NITs). However, the path to these coveted seats is paved with two distinct examinations: JEE Mains and JEE Advanced.
While both serve as qualifying tests for engineering courses, their purpose, eligibility, frequency, difficulty, syllabus, paper pattern, and marking scheme differ. Candidates must understand these aspects to strategize effectively and achieve their academic goals.
Difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced
Tabulated below is the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced
| Feature | JEE Mains | JEE Advanced |
| Purpose | Entrance exam for NITs, IIITs, and other central/state government institutes | Entrance exam for IITs (premier engineering institutes in India) |
| Eligibility | Open to all | Only for those who have cleared JEE Mains |
| Frequency | Twice a year | Once a year |
| Difficulty | Moderate | High |
| Syllabus | NCERT-based | More in-depth and conceptually challenging |
| Paper Pattern | Online | Offline |
| Sections | Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics | Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted question | +4 for correct answer, -2 for incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted question |
JEE Main and JEE Advanced Eligibility
JEE Mains, conducted twice a year, serves as a screening test for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions. It is open to all students who have passed Class 12 with the required subjects. Conversely, JEE Advanced, held annually, is the final hurdle for admission to the IITs. Only those who have successfully cleared JEE Mains are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.
JEE Main and JEE Advanced – Frequency and Level of Difficulty
JEE Mains, offered in January and April, allows candidates to attempt the exam multiple times, providing an opportunity to improve their scores. JEE Advanced, however, is a one-shot deal, demanding unwavering focus and preparation.
Moreover, JEE Advanced is known for its rigorous and conceptual questions, testing students’ deep understanding of engineering principles.
Difference Between the Exam Pattern JEE Main and JEE Advanced
The Exam pattern for JEE Mains is online, while JEE Advanced is conducted offline. Both exams consist of three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Refer to the table below for the difference between on the Exam pattern of JEE Main and JEE Advanced –
| Feature | JEE Mains | JEE Advanced |
| Mode of Examination | Online | Offline |
| Number of Papers | Two | Two |
| Duration of Each Paper | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Total Marks | 300 for Paper 1, 400 for Paper 2 | 180 for each paper |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted question | +2 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted question |
| Question Type | MCQs | MCQs, NVQs |
Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced Marking Scheme
JEE Mains adopts a +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, and 0 for unattempted question marking scheme. This allows candidates to take calculated risks and improve their scores. JEE Advanced, however, penalizes incorrect answers more heavily, with a -2 deduction for each wrong attempt. This necessitates a more cautious approach and thorough preparation.
Difference Between the Syllabus of JEE Main and JEE Advanced
While both JEE Mains and JEE Advanced assess candidates’ preparedness for engineering studies, they differ in the depth and breadth of their syllabi, requiring distinct preparation strategies.
- JEE Mains – A Foundational Assessment: The JEE Mains syllabus aligns closely with the CBSE curriculum for Classes 11 and 12, encompassing concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The syllabus is designed to evaluate students’ basic understanding and application of fundamental principles. The questions are generally straightforward, allowing candidates to demonstrate their grasp of the subject matter. The syllabus of JEE Mains is tabulated below –
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| Physics | Physics And Measurement, Work Energy And Power, Rotational Motion, Properties of Solids and Liquids, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Communication Systems, Experimental skills |
| Chemistry | Some basic concepts in chemistry, States of Matter, Atomic Structure, Chemical Thermodynamics, Redox Reaction and Electrochemistry, General Principle and Process of Isolation of Metals, S – Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals), d – and f – Block Elements, Co-ordination Compounds, Purification and Characterisation of Organic Compounds, Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry, Organic Compounds containing Halogens, Organic Compounds containing Oxygen, Chemistry in Everyday Life, Principles Related to Practical Chemistry, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, Classification of Elements and Periodic Table |
| Mathematics | Sets, Relations and Functions, Complex Numbers And Quadratic Equations, Matrices and Determinants, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial theorem and its simple applications, Sequence and Series, Limit, Continuity and Differentiability, Integral Calculus, Differential equations, Co-ordinate Geometry, Three Dimensional Geometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability, Trigonometry, Mathematical reasoning |
- JEE Advanced – A Deeper Dive into Concepts: The JEE Advanced syllabus extends beyond JEE Mains, delving into more intricate and challenging concepts. It demands a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, emphasizing conceptual depth, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to apply knowledge to new and unfamiliar situations. The questions are designed to test students’ analytical thinking and ability to tackle complex problems. The syllabus of JEE Advanced is tabulated below –
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| Physics | General, Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Modern Physics |
| Chemistry | General topics, States of Matter: Gases and Liquids, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, Chemical Thermodynamics, Chemical and Ionic Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Solid state, Solutions, Surface chemistry, Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, Hydrogen, s-Block Elements, p-Block Elements, d-Block Elements, f-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Isolation of Metals, Principles of Qualitative Analysis, Environmental Chemistry, Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry, Alkanes, Alkenes and Alkynes, Benzene, Phenols, Alkyl Halides, Alcohols, Ethers, Aldehydes and Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Amines, Haloarenes, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life, Practical Organic Chemistry |
| Mathematics | Sets, Relations and Functions, Algebra, Matrices, Probability and Statistics, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vectors |
Conclusion
JEE Mains and JEE Advanced are distinct yet complementary examinations that serve as milestones in the journey towards a successful engineering career. Understanding their differences and devising a personalized preparation strategy are essential for aspiring engineers to navigate the maze of JEE and emerge victorious.
FAQs on Difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced
What is the difference between preparing for JEE Mains and advanced?
The JEE Mains and JEE Advanced are two important engineering entrance exams in India. While both exams assess candidates' understanding of the subject matter, they differ in their difficulty level, syllabus, and exam pattern. JEE Mains Focuses on foundational knowledge and basic concepts Syllabus is aligned with the NCERT curriculum Online exam with MCQs Marking scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted question JEE Advanced Focuses on conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities Syllabus is broader and deeper than JEE Mains Offline exam with MCQs and Numerical Value Questions (NVQs) Marking scheme: +2 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted question
Which is the most difficult subject in JEE?
The difficulty level of a subject is subjective and depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. However, Physics is often considered the most challenging subject in JEE, followed by Mathematics and Chemistry.
Can an average student crack IIT Advanced?
Yes, an average student can crack IIT Advanced with consistent dedication, hard work, and strategic preparation. It requires identifying one's strengths and weaknesses, focusing on building conceptual understanding, and practicing regularly to improve problem-solving skills.
What is the gap between JEE Mains and advanced?
JEE Advanced is significantly more difficult than JEE Mains in terms of the depth and complexity of the questions. The syllabus for JEE Advanced is broader and delves deeper into concepts, demanding a stronger conceptual grasp and problem-solving abilities. The marking scheme for JEE Advanced also penalizes incorrect answers more heavily, emphasizing accuracy and precision.
