Are you confused about the differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced? Well, you’re not alone. Many students who aspire to be engineers often wonder about how the two differ. Both entrance exams can open the gates of some of the most prestigious engineering colleges for you. Read on to learn more about them and their differences.
What are JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
To seek admission to any engineering college in India, you must appear for JEE. It stands for Joint Entrance Examination. In simple words, JEE is conducted in two stages. The first stage is JEE Main, and JEE Advanced is the second stage. While clearing Mains can also get you into several engineering colleges, you need to clear Advanced to get into the premium league colleges such as the Indian Institute of Technology, etc.
Five Main Differences Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced
JEE Main and JEE Advanced play pivotal roles in unlocking the doors of some of the most desired engineering colleges in the country. Below are some key differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Level of Difficulty
JEE Main is comparatively easier than JEE Advanced. The Main entrance exam’s format is completely multiple-choice question-based, while JEE Advanced is a mix of multiple-choice and numerical reasoning questions. Therefore, the difficulty level of JEE Advanced is higher than JEE Main.
Syllabus
While the syllabus for both the Main and Advanced exams remains the same, the difficulty level varies. JEE Main’s syllabus covers the general topics from Class 11 and 12. On the other hand, JEE Advanced’s syllabus goes much deeper into each topic. It might also ask questions about additional topics not included in the JEE Main syllabus.
Number of Attempts
One of the main differences is the number of times candidates can attempt JEE. An engineering aspirant can appear for Main for three years in a row, while they can only appear for JEE Advanced for two consecutive years.
Exam Duration
The difficulty level is different for both stages and so is the duration. The JEE Main exam runs for three hours and consists of three sections, while JEE Advanced exam runs for six hours and consists of two papers. The Main exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), while JEE Advanced is conducted by one of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Eligibility Criteria
Only those students who have successfully passed Class 12 or an equivalent exam can appear for JEE Main. Their core subjects should be Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. While appearing for JEE Advanced, a candidate must clear JEE Main and find a place in the top 2,50,000 qualified candidates.
Conclusion
Now that you have learnt about the key differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced, it’s important to remember that both exams serve different purposes and require high levels of preparation. Ensure you have a clear strategy, manage your time well, refer to many online resources and solve many sample papers and mock tests. Remember, practice makes everyone perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions on JEE Main & JEE Advanced
Can I apply for JEE Advanced without qualifying for JEE Main?
No. Only those candidates who have successfully cleared JEE Main can apply for JEE Advanced. JEE Main serves as a screening test for JEE Advanced.
What is the age limit to apply for JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
There is no age limit for applying for JEE Main. Candidates who have passed Class 12 are eligible regardless of age.
How is the score calculated in JEE exams?
The total marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are added to the Main exam. Likewise, in JEE Advanced, the marks are totalled for each subject, and then the negative marking is done for every incorrect answers from that total.
Is there any reservation for female candidates?
No. There is no reservation for female candidates in JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Can I get admission if I clear JEE Main without writing JEE Advanced?
Yes. Candidates who clear JEE Main can get admission into NIT or IIIT without having to clear JEE Advanced.










