JEE Mains

History

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains has a rich history. Initially known as the All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE), it was introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in 2002 to streamline the engineering admission process across India. In 2013, AIEEE was replaced by JEE Mains to unify the entrance exams for various prestigious institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other centrally funded technical institutions. Since 2019, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has been the organizing body, bringing in standardized testing practices.

Conducting Authority

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for conducting JEE Mains. Established in November 2017, NTA is an autonomous and self-sustaining organization that aims to conduct efficient, transparent, and international-standard tests to assess the competency of candidates for admissions to premier higher education institutions.

Exam Centres

JEE Mains is conducted at numerous centres across India and in select international locations to accommodate the large number of aspirants. Centres are strategically located in major cities, towns, and regions to ensure accessibility. For 2025, there are more than 500 centres in India and 15 centres abroad, including locations in countries like the USA, Canada, Singapore, and the UAE.

Subjects and Exam Pattern

JEE Mains comprises two primary papers:

Paper 1: For B.E./B.Tech courses.
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Format: Computer-based test.
- Structure: Each subject contains 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and 10 Numerical Value Questions (out of which 5 are to be answered). The total marks are 300.
Paper 2: For B.Arch and B.Planning courses.
- Subjects: Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing for B.Arch; Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning for B.Planning.
- Format: Computer-based test (except the Drawing test which is pen-and-paper-based).
- Structure: Each section has a different number of questions, totaling 400 marks for B.Arch and 300 marks for B.Planning.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for JEE Mains, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing for the final examination of Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Mathematics, and one of the technical subjects prescribed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) from a recognized board/university.
Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Mains. However, candidates may need to meet the age criteria of the institutions to which they are applying.
Number of Attempts: A candidate can appear for JEE Mains a maximum of three consecutive years.

Scope

JEE Mains serves as a gateway for admission to several prestigious institutions across India. The key outcomes of clearing JEE Mains include:

Eligibility for JEE Advanced: Top performers in JEE Mains can appear for JEE Advanced, the entrance exam for admissions to the IITs.
Admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs: Successful candidates can secure seats in National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government Funded Technical Institutions (GFTIs) based on their ranks.
State-Level Admissions: Various states also use JEE Mains scores for admissions to their engineering colleges.

Preparation Tips

Preparing for JEE Mains requires a structured approach:

Strong Foundation: Focus on understanding core concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Regular Practice: Solve previous years' question papers and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for each subject and ensure a balanced study schedule.
Revision: Regularly revise key topics to retain information and identify weak areas.

Additional Activities and Support

NTA provides various support mechanisms for JEE aspirants:

Mock Tests: Available online for practice.
Support Centres: Information and support centres to assist candidates with the application and examination process.
Helpline: A dedicated helpline for resolving queries and providing assistance.

The JEE Mains exam is a rigorous test that opens doors to some of the best engineering and technical education institutions in India, playing a crucial role in shaping the careers of aspiring engineers.