Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT JEE)

The IIT JEE is India's premier engineering entrance examination, conducted since 1960 and split since 2013 into two stages: JEE Main (for NITs, IIITs, and other institutes) and JEE Advanced (exclusively for admission to the IITs). This guide covers the exam's history, how its pattern has evolved, the current structure of both stages, and what admission to the top IITs typically requires.

History of the IIT JEE

• First conducted in 1960, soon after the IITs were established to build world-class engineering and scientific talent in India.
• Originally a single exam testing Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, known from the start for its difficulty.
• Today more than a million students appear each year, competing for a limited number of IIT seats.

How the exam pattern has changed

• Screening test (1998–2005): a qualifying screen was introduced to reduce the number of candidates in the main exam.
• Two-tier system (2013 onwards): the exam was split into JEE Main and JEE Advanced; Class 12 marks were briefly factored into ranking (2013–2016) before being scrapped.
• Computer-based testing (2018 onwards): JEE Main became fully online.
• Multiple sessions (2019 onwards): JEE Main began to be held more than once a year; numerical (non-MCQ) questions were added from 2020. The exact number of sessions varies by year — check the current NTA notification.

JEE Main: current structure

• Computer-based test held in multiple sessions each year, with papers available in English, Hindi, and several regional languages.
• Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics; Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) covers Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing/Planning.
• Each paper is 3 hours. MCQs carry 4 marks with 1 mark negative marking; numerical questions carry 4 marks with no negative marking (verify the current scheme in the official brochure).
• Ranks are based on percentile scores, normalised across sessions.

JEE Advanced: current structure

• Conducted once a year by one of the IITs; only top JEE Main rank holders are eligible.
• Two compulsory papers, both covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, each of 3 hours.
• Question types include MCQs, numerical questions, and match-the-following; the marking scheme varies and is stated in each paper's instructions, often with partial marking.
• The All India Rank is based on aggregate marks across Paper 1 and Paper 2.

What the exam tests

• Conceptual understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics fundamentals.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability, especially through numerical and application-based questions.
• Time management and composure under a highly competitive, timed format.

Top IITs at a glance

IIT Bombay

• Established in 1958 in Mumbai; strongest branches include Computer Science, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
• Excellent placements, vibrant campus life, and proximity to India's financial capital; living costs and academic pressure are on the higher side.
• Computer Science here has historically required a rank within roughly the top 50 in JEE Advanced.

IIT Delhi

• Established in 1961; known for research and innovation, with strong Computer Science, Electrical, and Civil Engineering departments.
• Location in the capital gives strong industry exposure and a diverse student community; pollution and living costs are drawbacks.
• Computer Science has typically required a rank within roughly the top 100.

IIT Madras

• Established in 1959 in Chennai, with long-standing German collaboration; strong in Computer Science, Electrical, and Aerospace Engineering.
• Large green campus with a natural reserve and a strong research focus.
• Computer Science has typically required a rank within roughly the top 200.

Alongside your syllabus study, regular timed practice with mock tests on Pareeksha can help you gauge where you stand.