New Delhi: The JEE Mains exam has already been conducted, and students are getting ready for JEE Advanced 2025. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has scheduled it for 18 May. So, candidates need to understand the key differences between JEE Mains and JEE Advanced.
As the JEE Advanced 2025 exam approaches on 18th May, it’s crucial for aspirants to clearly understand how it differs from JEE Main—not just in difficulty but also in approach, syllabus, and expectations.
While JEE Main focuses on testing speed and conceptual clarity based on NCERT, JEE Advanced dives deeper into logic, application, and problem-solving under pressure.
Here, we have given a comprehensive comparison between the two, including the chapters which are in JEE Advance but not in JEE Mains.
What Are JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is the national-level engineering entrance gateway in India for students aiming to enter top-tier institutes like IITs, NITs, and IIITs.
- JEE Main is the preliminary exam conducted by NTA and is essential for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, and also acts as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced.
- JEE Advanced is conducted by one of the IITs and is exclusively for candidates aspiring for a seat in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
While both exams are interconnected, they differ vastly in terms of difficulty level, exam pattern, eligibility, and syllabus.
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced – Key Differences
| Particulars | JEE Mains | JEE Advance |
| Conducting Body | NTA (National Testing Agency) | One of the IITs (on rotational basis) |
| Admission To | NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, etc. | IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) |
| Exam Frequency | 2 Sessions per year | Once a year |
| Mode | Online (Computer-Based) | Online (Computer-Based) |
| Number of Papers | 1 (Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech) | 2 Papers (both mandatory) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 qualified/appearing | Top 2.5 lakh JEE Main qualifiers only |
| Language Options | 13 Languages | English & Hindi only |
| Attempts Allowed | 3 times (in 3 consecutive years) | 2 times (in 2 consecutive years) |
| Age Limit | No age bar | General: Born on/after Oct 1, 2000 (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | High (Analytical & Conceptual) |
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced: Exam Pattern Differences
Syllabus Differences
JEE Main – Based on NCERT Class 11 & 12
Physics:
- Alternating & Direct Current (AC/DC)
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Optics, Electronic Devices
Chemistry:
- p-, d-, f-block Elements
- Organic Compounds
- Thermodynamics & Equilibrium
Mathematics:
- Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus
- Permutations, Probability, Sets & Relations
JEE Advanced – Beyond NCERT
Physics:
- Blackbody Radiation
- Photoelectric & Compton Effect
- Advanced Thermodynamics
Chemistry:
- Reaction Mechanism & Stereochemistry
- Coordination Chemistry
- Chemistry in Everyday Life
Mathematics:
- Vector Calculus, Differential Equations
- Complex Integration, 3D Geometry
- Advanced Maxima-Minima, Applications of Derivatives
Note: JEE Advanced focuses on in-depth application-based questions, while JEE Main emphasizes formula-based and NCERT-aligned concepts.
Eligibility Criteria Breakdown
| Criteria | JEE Mains | JEE Advanced |
| Qualification | Class 12 passed/appearing | Must qualify JEE Main and be in top 2.5 lakh |
| Age Limit | No bar | GEN: Born on or after Oct 1, 2000 (5-year relaxations for others) |
| Attempt Limit | Max 3 attempts over 3 years | Max 2 attempts over 2 consecutive years |
Language Options
- JEE Main: Available in English, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, Marathi, Odia, Kannada, Punjabi, and Malayalam.
- JEE Advanced: Only English and Hindi.
Exam Attempts
| Exam | Max Attempt Allowed |
| JEE Main | 3 times (in 3 years) |
| JEE Adv. | 2 times (in 2 years) |
Preparation Strategy
Understanding the difference in syllabus and difficulty is key to strategic preparation:
- For JEE Main: Focus on mastering NCERT concepts, speed & accuracy.
- For JEE Advanced: Go deeper into topics, practice analytical questions, and solve PYQs (Previous Year Questions).
Focused preparation, smart time management, and a shift from formula-based to concept-based learning can make all the difference.
Remember, qualifying for JEE Main was just the beginning—now is the time to rise to the challenge of JEE Advanced. Stay consistent, revise thoroughly, and solve previous years’ papers.
Success lies not just in hard work but in knowing what to work on. Prepare smart, stay focused, and give your best shot!
