Joint Entrance Exam Eligibility Criteria, Syllabus, Study Tips, and More

JEE Main Cleared? Get Ready for Advanced or Explore Plan B Options

Hey There, Future Engineer!!

If you are an aspiring engineer, there is a chance that the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) will become a major part of your life. This is not just another common test; it is an entry point to India’s top engineering colleges and a major step in your academic journey. However, with the complex syllabus, multiple sessions, and rising competition, it is easy to feel overburdened and pressured. 

The Joint Entrance Examination JEE is one of the most competitive exams in India, paving the way to premier engineering institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs. With Session 1 of JEE Main 2025 already completed in January and Joint Entrance Examination Advanced 2025 on the horizon, now is the time to sharpen your preparation—and your career strategy.

But cracking JEE isn’t just about solving equations. It’s also about making informed decisions and knowing your options. Whether you’re targeting IITs or exploring Plan B, this guide will cover everything from the Joint Entrance Exam syllabus and paper pattern to expert prep tips and post-JEE career guidance.

Let us uncover the Joint Entrance Exam details. 

What is the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)?

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a 2-tiered national-level examination for securing admission into India’s top engineering colleges:

• • JEE Main: This exam is conducted by NTA to filter candidates for NITs, IIITs, and further JEE Advanced exams. 

• JEE Advanced: Only the top scorers of JEE Main can appear. This exam is conducted anually by one of the IITs annually and is the pathway to enter the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT).

Application Process for JEE 2025

Candidates must fill out the Joint Entrance Exam form on the official NTA website to participate in JEE Main and subsequently be eligible for JEE Advanced. The application typically involves registration, uploading documents, and payment of the exam fee. Ensure that all details are entered correctly to avoid disqualification.

Joint Entrance Exam JEE Main 2025: Quick Recap

• Sessions Held: January & April 2025

• Purpose: Entry to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs; eligibility for JEE Advanced 

• Test Mode: Computer-Based Test

• • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

• Joint Entrance Examination Total Marks: 300 (each subject 100 marks)

JEE Advanced 2025: The Next Step

• • Joint Entrance Exam Date 2025: May 18, 2025

• Joint Entrance Exam Time & Duration: JEE Advanced will have a total duration of 6 hours, broken down into 2 papers of 3 hours each. Paper 1 - 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Paper 2 - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

• Eligibility: Top 2.5 Lakh JEE Main Scorers
• Format: 2 papers (3 hours each)
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, with more conceptual and analytical depth. 
• Conducted By: One of the IITs on a rotational basis

JEE Stats: See How Competitive the JEE Exam is

Exam	Approximate Candidates	Selection for the Next Stage	Final Seats Available
JEE Mains	11-12 lakhs	Top 2.5 lakh qualify for the JEE Advanced	Approx. 40,000 (NITs, IITs, etc.)
JEE Advanced	2.5 lakhs approx.	Approx. 16000 to 17000 get seats in IIT	Approx. 17385 (IITs, 2024 data)

Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 

To appear for JEE Main, you must:

• Have passed Class 12.
• Have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
• There is no age limit.
• You can attempt JEE Main a maximum of 3 times over 3 consecutive years.

Eligibility for JEE Advanced:

• Be among the top 2.5 lakh scorers in JEE Main (across all categories).
• Have passed Class 12.
• Score at least:
  • 75% in Class 12 (General/OBC), or
  • 65% for SC/ST/PwD, or
  • Be in the top 20th percentile of your respective board.
• Only 2 attempts are allowed in 2 consecutive years.
• Must not have been admitted to an IIT earlier (even if you left).

JEE Advanced Syllabus Overview

While the syllabus is 90% derived from the syllabi of classes 11th and 12th, the depth and complexity in JEE Advanced are much higher. Below is the brief breakdown: 

• Physics: Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Thermodynamics, Optics 
• Chemistry: Physical, Organic, Inorganic Chemistry 
• Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry

Tip: Regular mock tests and conceptual clarity are key to cracking JEE Advanced.

When to Start Preparing for JEE?

Most top scorers begin JEE preparation in Class 11. But early starters often begin conceptual prep in Class 9 or 10.

Ideal Preparation Timeline:

• Class 9–10: Strong foundation in Maths & Science.
• Class 11: Start full-fledged JEE syllabus (core concepts).
• Class 12: Application, revision, and boards prep.
• After Class 12: Take a drop year (optional) for focused preparation.

How Students Start JEE Preparation at Different Stages

Starting from Class 9 or 10: The Early Starters

• Focus: Building a strong foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
• Method:
  • Study from the NCERT textbooks thoroughly.
  • Join foundation coaching programs (e.g., FIITJEE, Aakash, Allen).
  • Solve Olympiad-level and NTSE questions to build aptitude.

• Advantages:
  • Better conceptual clarity.
  • Smooth transition to JEE-level questions in Class 11.
  • More time for revision in Class 12.

Ideal for students aiming for top JEE ranks or international Olympiads.

Starting from Class 11: The Standard Route

• Focus: Full-fledged JEE syllabus begins.
• Method:
  • Join a 2-year integrated coaching (offline or online).
  • Maintain a balanced schedule between school and JEE prep.
  • Regularly solve previous years’ JEE questions and take mock tests.

• Advantages:
  • Optimal time duration for mastering all topics.
  • Synchronizes well with Class 11–12 board curriculum.
  • Many top rankers follow this route.

Recommended for students serious about JEE with proper time management.

Starting After Class 12: The Droppers/Repeaters

• Focus: JEE-only preparation with no school distractions.
• Method:
  • Analyze previous weaknesses (topics skipped, test anxiety, etc.).
  • Take guidance from mentors, test series, or enroll in 1-year crash course.
  • Create a tight revision schedule with daily targets.

• Advantages:
  • 100% focus on cracking JEE.
  • Often leads to dramatic score improvements if used wisely.

Ideal for students who narrowly missed a good rank or discovered their potential late.

JEE Study Hours: How Many Hours Do Toppers Study?

There's no magic number, but most JEE aspirants study 6–10 hours a day, especially during peak months.

Sample JEE Study Strategy:

• Weekdays: 5–6 hrs/day (concepts, problem-solving).
• Weekends: 8–10 hrs/day (mock tests, revisions).
• Follow a timetable with balanced subjects.
• Allocate time to:
  • Concept clarity
  • Practice Questions
  • Mock tests and past year papers
  • Doubt-solving

Pro tip: Quality > Quantity. Be consistent and avoid burnout.

JEE Exam Pattern Highlights

The JEE exam is known for its unpredictability. The type of questions, marking scheme, and difficulty levels vary every year. 

You will get:

• Advanced-level questions testing applications, logic, and speed. 
• Mixed-type and multi-correct questions.
• Penalty for wrong answers (Negative marking in some sections).

The exam consists of two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), both compulsory.

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Question types: MCQs, Numerical Answer Type, Match the Columns
• Duration: 3 hours each
• Mode: Online

Note: The pattern may vary slightly each year to test analytical skills.

Exam Day Tips for JEE Advanced

• Arrive at least 30-45 minutes early to avoid last-minute stress
• Carry your admit card, ID proof, stationery, and other essentials
• Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep before exam day
• Stay hydrated and avoid studying new study material in the last 24 hours 

Preparing for the JEE? Whether you're targeting IITs through JEE Advanced or NITs via JEE Main, cracking the exam takes more than hard work—it takes smart strategy and consistency.

Here are the top JEE study tips to boost your chances of success:

Top JEE Study Tips 

1. Master the Basics First

Start with NCERT textbooks, especially for Chemistry. Build strong fundamentals before moving to advanced guides.

2. Stick to a Smart Study Plan

Break your day into:

• 40% for new concepts
• 30% for practice
• 30% for revision & mocks Avoid long, tiring sessions. Take regular breaks.

3. Focus on High-Weightage Topics

Prioritize topics like:

• Physics: Kinematics, Thermodynamics
• Chemistry: Organic, Coordination Compounds
• Maths: Calculus, Algebra, 3D Geometry

4. Practice Mocks + Maintain an Error Log

Attempt full-length mocks weekly. Analyze mistakes and maintain a logbook for errors—revise it often.

5. Use Trusted Study Resources

Best Books for JEE:

• Physics: HC Verma, DC Pandey
• Chemistry: NCERT, O.P. Tandon, MS Chauhan (Organic)
• Maths: R.D. Sharma, Cengage, Arihant series

Coaching & Online Platforms:

• Offline: FIITJEE, Aakash, Allen, Narayana
• Online: Unacademy, BYJU’S, Vedantu, PW (Physics Wallah)

6. Stay Healthy & Positive

Get proper sleep, eat well, and take care of your mental health. A focused mind performs better.

Missed JEE Exam or Didn’t Qualify?

If you could not make it to the JEE exam or if you are not confident about cracking it, don’t worry, there are other people in the race, too. You still have dozens of excellent career paths. Below is how you can reframe your future:

Top Alternative Engineering Exams

Below are the top engineering course exams for engineering aspirants:

• BITSAT: BITS Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad campuses
• VITEEE: VIT Vellore and Chennai
• SRMJEEE: SRM Institute of Science and Technology 
• MET: Manipal University 
• COMEDK UGET: Private Colleges in Karnataka 

These universities offer top-class education, placement opportunities, and advanced labs, often with less pressure and more flexibility than IITs. 

Not Just Engineering, Explore Broader STEM Careers

Do not bind yourself to just IITs. If you are passionate about science and tech, consider pursuing:

• B.Sc. in Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics
• BCA or Integrated MCA
• B.Sc. in Computer Science or Data Science 
• B.Sc. in AI & Machine Learning
• Bachelor’s in Robotics, Game Design, or Ethical Hacking

Many of these bachelor's programs also allow lateral entry to IITs or research roles through GATE, JAM, and other exams. 

Emerging Career Domains to Explore

The job market is changing fast. Here are some high-demand areas where you can build a strong career, even without an IIT tag: 

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 
• Data Analytics and Big Data 
• Blockchain Development
• Robotics and Automation 
• Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking 
• UI/UX Design 
• Cloud Computing 
• Product Management 

You can start your journey in these fields via online certifications, private colleges, or skill-based diploma programs.

Why Career Counselling Matters More Than Ever

Clearing JEE is one thing, knowing what you want to do is another. Career counselling helps you:

• Discover your real strengths and interests 
• Explore non-traditional but rewarding career paths 
• Get clarity about your options, without the stress
• Set realistic goals backed by expert insight

At Book Your Career, we help you make informed decisions with one-on-one counselling, psychometric assessments, and career roadmaps, especially when the stakes are high.

Book Your Personalized Career Counselling Session Now

JEE is just the start, not the whole journey. Whether you have cleared JEE Main, or you are preparing for Advanced, or wondering about plan B, we are here for you. 

Let us help you craft a future beyond ranks and results.

Book your career counselling session at BYC and take control of your journey today.

Book Your Personalized Career Guidance Session Now