The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2024 is a critical examination for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses in engineering, architecture, and planning in prestigious institutions across India.
Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE Main serves as a gateway to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs).
This year, several updates have been introduced to improve the examination process and ensure it aligns with the latest educational policies and technological advancements.
Why JEE Main 2025
JEE Main is not just an entrance examination but a comprehensive assessment designed to test a candidate’s understanding of fundamental concepts in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
It plays a crucial role in determining admissions to various engineering colleges across India, making it one of the most competitive exams nationwide.
Furthermore, it serves as a preliminary test for JEE Advanced, which is necessary for admission into the IITs.
Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization under the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. Established to conduct efficient, transparent, and international-standard tests to assess the competency of candidates for admissions and recruitment, the NTA has successfully managed JEE Main examinations with a focus on maintaining high standards of fairness and accuracy.
JEE Main 2025 Key Updates
This year, several key updates have been introduced in the JEE Main 2024 examination:
- Introduction of more regional languages for the question papers.
- Enhanced security measures to prevent unfair practices.
- Improvements in the online application process and test-taking interface.
JEE Main 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Session 1 (January 2024) | Session 2 (April 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Period | November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023 | February 2, 2024 – March 2, 2024 |
| Examination Dates | January 24, 2024 – February 1, 2024 | April 1, 2024 – April 15, 2024 |
| Result Announcement | February 12, 2024 | April 25, 2024 |
Examination Scheme
Mode of Examination
JEE Main 2024 will be conducted in a Computer Based Test (CBT) mode for all papers, ensuring a smooth, standardized testing environment that minimizes logistical challenges and human errors.
Choice of Medium
Candidates have the option to choose from a variety of languages for their question papers, including English, Hindi, Gujarati, and several regional languages. This initiative aims to make the examination more accessible to students from different linguistic backgrounds.
Scheme of Examination
JEE Main 2024 offers three papers:
- Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech.
- Paper 2A: B.Arch.
- Paper 2B: B.Planning
Duration and Timing of Exams
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.): 3 hours
- Paper 2A (B.Arch.): 3 hours
- Paper 2B (B.Planning): 3 hours
- Combined B.Arch. and B.Planning: 3 hours 30 minutes
| Shift | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| First | 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Second | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Combined Papers | 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM |
JEE Main 2025 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Sections | Number of Questions | Type of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.E./B.Tech. | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | 90 (30 each subject) | 20 MCQs, 10 numerical value questions (5 to be answered) per subject |
| B.Arch. | Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing | 82 (20+10, 50, 2) | 20 MCQs, 10 numerical value questions (5 to be answered) in Maths; 50 MCQs in Aptitude; 2 Drawing questions |
| B.Planning | Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning | 105 (20+10, 50, 25) | 20 MCQs, 10 numerical value questions (5 to be answered) in Maths; 50 MCQs in Aptitude; 25 Planning questions |
JEE Main 2025 Syllabus
Overview of Syllabus
The syllabus for JEE Main 2024 covers the NCERT curriculum for classes 11 and 12. It includes topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, which are crucial for engineering studies.
Detailed Syllabus Outline
Physics:
- Mechanics
- Kinematics
- Thermodynamics
- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
- Optics
- Modern Physics
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
Chemistry:
- Physical Chemistry: Structure of Atom, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, etc.
- Inorganic Chemistry: Classification of Elements, Periodicity in Properties, Hydrogen, s-block and p-block elements, etc.
- Organic Chemistry: Basic Principles, Hydrocarbons, Polymers, Environmental Chemistry, etc.
Mathematics:
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate Geometry
- Calculus
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Statistics and Probability
- Vector Algebra
JEE Main 2025 Eligibility and Qualifications
Age Criteria
There is no age limit for candidates appearing in JEE Main 2024. However, candidates must ensure they meet the age requirements of the institutes to which they seek admission.
Educational Qualifications
- Qualifying Examination (QE): Candidates should have passed the class 12/equivalent examination in 2022, 2023, or should be appearing for it in 2024.
- Subjects: Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in their qualifying examination.
State of Eligibility
The state of eligibility refers to the code of the state from where the candidate has passed/appeared in class 12/equivalent qualifying examination. This is important for the preparation of state-wise merit lists.
Reservation Policy
Categories Eligible for Reservation
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL)
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
Guidelines for Candidates with Disabilities
- PwD with 40% or More Disability: Special provisions include additional time during the examination, scribes for candidates with visual impairments, and other necessary accommodations.
- PwD with Less than 40% Disability: Candidates with specified disabilities can request specific accommodations as per their needs.
JEE Main 2025 Application Process
Steps to Apply Online
- Registration Process: Candidates need to select one of the following for registration: DigiLocker, Academic Bank of Credits ID (ABC ID), Indian Passport Number, Non-Indian Passport Number, or PAN Card Number.
- Filling Out the Application Form: This includes personal details, choice of examination cities, and educational qualifications.
- Uploading Documents: Candidates need to upload scanned images of their photograph, signature, and PwD certificate (if applicable).
- Payment of Application Fee: The fee can be paid through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.
Fee Structure
| Category | Single Paper Fee (India) | Combined Papers Fee (India) | Single Paper Fee (Outside India) | Combined Papers Fee (Outside India) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Male | ₹1000 | ₹2000 | ₹5000 | ₹8000 |
| General Female | ₹800 | ₹1600 | ₹4000 | ₹7000 |
| Gen-EWS/OBC-NCL Male | ₹900 | ₹1800 | ₹4500 | ₹7500 |
| Gen-EWS/OBC-NCL Female | ₹800 | ₹1600 | ₹4000 | ₹7000 |
| SC/ST/PwD Male | ₹500 | ₹1000 | ₹2500 | ₹5000 |
| SC/ST/PwD Female | ₹500 | ₹1000 | ₹2500 | ₹5000 |
| Third Gender | ₹500 | ₹1000 | ₹3000 | ₹6000 |
Payment Methods
The fee can be paid online through various methods including Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, and UPI. Processing charges and GST are applicable.
JEE Main 2025 Admit Card
Availability and Download
Candidates can download their admit cards from the NTA website three days before the examination date. The admit card contains important details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, examination center, and timing.
Important Details on the Admit Card
- Candidate’s personal information
- Roll number
- Photograph and signature
- Examination center details
- Date and shift of the examination
Troubleshooting Admit Card Issues
In case of discrepancies or issues in downloading the admit card, candidates should immediately contact the NTA helpline. They must ensure all information is correct to avoid problems on the examination day.
Preparation Tips and Strategies
Understanding the Exam Pattern
A thorough understanding of the JEE Main exam pattern is crucial. Candidates should be aware of the types of questions, marking schemes, and the overall structure of the examination.
Time Management
Time management is key to success in JEE Main. Candidates should allocate appropriate time to each section based on their strengths and weaknesses. Practicing with a timer can help improve speed and accuracy.
Recommended Books and Resources
- Physics: Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma, Understanding Physics by D.C. Pandey
- Chemistry: Organic Chemistry by Morrison and Boyd, Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee
- Mathematics: Mathematics for Class 11 & 12 by R.D. Sharma, Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight
Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers
Taking regular mock tests and solving previous years’ papers is essential for familiarizing oneself with the exam format and assessing preparation levels. The NTA website offers free mock tests.
Coaching and Self-study
Choosing between coaching classes and self-study depends on the individual candidate. While coaching classes provide structured learning and expert guidance, self-study allows for flexibility and personalized pacing.
Examination Day Guidelines
Reporting Time and Examination Schedule
Candidates must report to the examination center at least an hour before the commencement of the examination to complete the necessary formalities without any rush.
Items to Carry
Candidates must carry their admit card, a valid photo ID proof (such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.), and a passport-sized photograph (same as uploaded in the application form).
Prohibited Items
Electronic devices (like mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches), study materials, and any form of paper (except the admit card and photo ID) are strictly prohibited.
Unfair Means Practices
The NTA maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards unfair means practices. These include:
- Impersonation
- Possession of prohibited items
- Malpractice
Consequences for engaging in unfair means include disqualification from the exam, a ban on appearing in future NTA exams, and legal action.
JEE Main 2025 Answer Key and Result
Display of Answer Key
The NTA will release the provisional answer key a few days after the examination. Candidates can access the answer key on the official website and use it to estimate their scores.
Process to Challenge Answer Keys
Candidates who find discrepancies in the answer key can challenge it by paying a nominal fee. The challenges are reviewed by subject experts, and if any discrepancies are found, the answer key is revised accordingly.
Result Declaration
The results for both sessions will be declared on the official website. The scorecard will include the candidate’s marks in each subject, the total score, and the percentile score.
How Results are Compiled and Displayed
Results are compiled using the normalization procedure based on percentile scores. This ensures that no candidate is disadvantaged due to the varying difficulty levels of different shifts.
Re-evaluation and Re-checking Policies
There is no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking of answer sheets. The scores obtained and declared by the NTA are final.
JEE Main 2025 Admission Process
Eligibility for Admission
Candidates seeking admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs must meet the following criteria:
- JEE Main Rank: Candidates must secure a rank within the cutoff prescribed by the respective institutions.
- Qualifying Examination: Must have passed the class 12/equivalent examination with a minimum of 75% marks (65% for SC/ST candidates) or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
Seat Allocation
The seat allocation process is conducted by the Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) through an online counseling procedure. Candidates are allotted seats based on their JEE Main rank, choices filled, and availability of seats.
JEE Advanced Eligibility
Top 2,50,000 candidates (including all categories) of JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2024. Candidates must meet additional criteria set by the IITs for appearing in JEE Advanced.
Miscellaneous Information
National Test Abhyas
The NTA provides a mobile application, “National Test Abhyas,” which offers free mock tests for JEE Main aspirants. These mock tests help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and improve their time management skills.
Query Redressal System (QRS)
Candidates can raise queries and grievances through the Query Redressal System available on the NTA website. The system ensures timely resolution of issues related to application forms, admit cards, results, and other examination-related matters.
Legal and Jurisdictional Information
All disputes related to JEE Main are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts at Delhi only. The NTA’s decisions on all matters pertaining to the conduct of the examination are final and binding.
Annexures
List of Examination Cities
A comprehensive list of cities where JEE Main 2024 will be conducted is provided in the official information bulletin. Candidates can choose up to four cities for their preferred examination center during the application process.
Procedure for Online Payment
The detailed procedure for making the online payment of the application fee is outlined in the information bulletin. It includes step-by-step instructions to ensure a seamless payment process.
Guidelines for Computer Based Test (CBT)
Candidates are advised to practice using the mock tests available on the NTA website to get accustomed to the CBT format. Detailed guidelines on navigating through the CBT interface are also provided.
Normalization Procedure
The NTA employs a normalization procedure based on percentile scores to ensure fairness and equity in the evaluation process. This accounts for any variations in the difficulty levels across different shifts of the examination.
Detailed Syllabus
The detailed syllabus for JEE Main 2024, covering all subjects and topics, is available in the information bulletin and on the NTA website. Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the syllabus and focus on key areas.
Sample Application Form
A sample application form is included in the information bulletin to guide candidates in correctly filling out their forms. This helps minimize errors and ensures that all necessary information is provided.
Conclusion
The JEE Main 2024 exam is a critical milestone for engineering aspirants across India. Understanding the examination scheme, eligibility criteria, application process, and preparation strategies is essential for success. By following the guidelines and utilizing the resources provided by the NTA, candidates can enhance their chances of securing admission to their desired institutions. With thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the exam requirements, candidates can approach JEE Main 2024 with confidence and achieve their academic and career goals.