• Updated on 19 Jan, 2026 by Ankul Tiwari
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JEE Main vs JEE Advanced difference is bigger than it seems. JEE Main is a screening exam to get admission into NITs, IIITs, etc. It focuses on core concepts and speed. On the other hand, JEE Advanced is a concept-intensive exam. It is a follow-up exam to join the top IIT colleges. Candidates must be in the top 2.5 Lakh rank to qualify for the JEE Advanced exam. JEE Main has a broader syllabus, while JEE Advanced has more complex topics. JEE Advanced requires skills like higher-order thinking, testing endurance, and problem-solving.
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced Overview
Students preparing for BE or B.Tech must have the JEE Main vs Advanced knowledge. There are a few differences between these two exams. JEE Main is held by NTA, and JEE Advanced is held by one of the 7 IIT colleges, including Bombay, Kanpur, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Delhi, Roorkee, and Kharagpur. The first and second session of Mains is held in 21-30 January 2026 and 1-10 April 2026 consecutively. On the other hand, JEE Advanced is conducted in June.
| IIT JEE Mains vs Advanced | ||
| Specifications | JEE Main | JEE Advanced |
| Purpose |
Join NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
JEE Advanced Screening. |
Join IITs |
| Difficulty | Moderate | High |
| Testing skills |
Speed
Accuracy |
Conceptual depth
Endurance
Multi-concept problems |
| Syllabus | CBSE class 11 & 12 | |
| Pattern |
MCQs & Numerical Value
Paper 1: 75 questions. |
Integer types questions
MCQs |
| Eligibility | 12th pass with PCM | JEE Mains (top 2.5 Lakh ranks) |
| Total Attempts | 3 | 2 tries over 2 years |
| Conducting Organisation | National Testing Agency | One of the 7 IITs on a rotational basis. |
| Conducted | Twice a year | Once a year |
| Language | 13 Languages (English, Hindi, Gujarati, etc.) | 2 Language (English & Hindi) |
| Number of Papers | 3 | 2 |
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced vs JEE Mains are different. JEE Main is a baseline exam, so every JEE Advanced aspirant will have to pass this exam. Moreover, the top-ranking candidates will be able to attend the JEE Advanced Exam. JEE Main Eligibility Criteria and JEE Advanced eligibility criteria are mentioned in the table below:
| JEE Main vs Advanced Eligibility Criteria | ||
| Particulars | JEE Main | JEE Advanced |
| Qualifying Exam | 12th with PCM | 12th Pass in the last 3 years. |
| Age limit | No age limit | Updated every year |
The number of attempts is different for both the JEE Advanced and Main examinations. JEE Main aspirants can appear thrice, but JEE Advanced aspirants can appear twice only. The number of attempts is the same for all students.
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced: Exam Pattern
NTA releases the exam pattern for the JEE Main exams. The JEE Main Exam Pattern is fixed, and the Advanced pattern keeps changing every year. IIT colleges keep changing the question types every year. The main exam pattern difference is listed in the section below:
JEE Main Exam Pattern
JEE Main includes 3 different exam papers for BE/BTech, BArch, and BPlanning. The exam pattern was revised last year and includes numerical-type questions. More details are listed below:
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2A | Paper 2B |
| Exam Mode | CBT |
CBT- Math & Aptitude
Pen & Paper- Drawing |
CBT |
| Subjects |
Math
Physics
Chemistry |
Math
Aptitude
Drawing |
Math
Aptitude
Planning |
| Total Questions Asked | 75 | 77 | 100 |
| Duration | 3 Hours | 3 Hours | 3 Hours |
JEE Advanced Exam Pattern
JEE Advanced is conducted in 2 parts, and applicants must qualify for both exams. Candidates applying for B.Arch from IITs must qualify for the AAT paper after JEE Advanced for admission.
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | AAT |
| Exam Mode | CBT | CBT | Offline |
| Subjects | PCM | PCM |
Geometrical Drawing
3D Perception
Architectural Awareness
Freehand Drawing |
| Question Types | MCQ | Numerical Question |
MCQ
Numerical
Drawing |
| Duration | 3 Hours (4 for PwD candidates) | 3 Hours (4 for PwD candidates) | 3 Hours (4 for PwD candidates) |
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced: Syllabus
Both exams are for BE/BTech students, but there is a major difference between syllabus. JEE Main Syllabus is based on 11th & 12th, but JEE Advanced syllabus includes some additional topics. JEE Main vs Advanced syllabus is listed below:
| JEE Main vs Advanced Syllabus | ||
| Subjects | JEE Main Syllabus | JEE Advanced Syllabus |
| Physics |
Physics & Measurement
Work, Energy & Power
Properties of Solids & Liquids
Gases: Kinetic Energy
Rotational Motion
Communication Systems
Electromagnetic Induction
Alternating Currents
Experiments |
Modern Physics
Electricity & Magnetism
Mechanics
Optics
Electromagnetic Waves
General Physics
Thermal Physics |
| Chemistry |
Molecular Structure & Chemical Bonding
Principles of Practical Chemistry
Organic Compounds & Classification
Organic Chemistry
S & d-Block Elements
Classification of Elements
Chemistry in Everyday Life
Isolation of Metals
Atomic Structure
Electrochemistry
Redox Reaction
Chemical THermodynamics
Periodic Table
States of Matter |
Organic Chemistry
Periodicity in Properties
Environmental Chemistry
Carboxylic Acids
Polymers
Biomolecules
Alcohols
Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry
Classification of Elements
Molecular Structure & Chemical Bonding
Atomic Structure
Electrochemistry
S, p, d, and f-Block Elements
Chemistry in Daily life
Isolation of Metals
States of Matter
Chemical Kinetics |
| Maths |
Reasoning
Calculus
Continuity & Differentiability
Binomial Theorem
Sets, Relations, and Functions
Simple & Quadratic Equations
Matrices & Determinants
Permutations & Combinations
Trigonometry
Vector Algebra
Statistics & Probability
3D Geometry
Sequence & Series |
Vectors
Probability & Statistics
Analytical Geometry
Advanced Algebra
Sets, Rotations, and Functions
Advanced Trigonometry
Differential Calculus
Integral Calculus
Trigonometry
Matrices |
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced: Difficulty Level
JEE Main vs Advanced difficulty level depends on candidates' preparation. However, JEE Advanced is tougher than JEE Main. Here is the main difference between JEE Mains and JEE Advanced:
| JEE Main vs Advanced Difficulty Level | |
| JEE Main | JEE Advanced |
| It examines students based on the 11th & 12th syllabi. | Other topics than 11th & 12th. |
| Formula-based questions | Concept-based questions |
| Requires general knowledge | Requires In-depth knowledge |
| Test speed & accuracy | Tests problem-solving skills with speed & accuracy. |
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced FAQs
Should I prepare for the JEE Main or JEE Advanced?
Candidates willing to join top IIT colleges will have to clear JEE Advanced. On the other hand, NITs and IIITs only require JEE Main ranks. Candidates should be in the top 2.5 lakh ranks in order to qualify for the JEE Advanced examination.
How different is JEE Mains from JEE Advanced?
Both exams are different due to the syllabus, number of questions, type of questions, nature of questions, and more. JEE Main is a foundational exam, and JEE Advance is a second-stage exam. JEE Advanced offers entry to top IITs, and JEE Mains is the gateway to top NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
Who sets the IIT JEE Main vs JEE Advanced question papers?
NTA appointed subject experts set question papers for JEE Mains. On the other hand, various IIT experts and professional panels create Advanced papers. The question paper is created with several samples, feedback, and a review process.
Do students give the JEE Main and Advanced examinations in Hindi?
Yes, JEE Main and Advanced papers are available in Hindi. However, the JEE Advanced AAT paper is only available in the English language. Applicants will have to choose their language while filling out the application form.
Is the JEE Mains tougher than the JEE Advanced?
No, JEE Mains has less syllabus compared to JEE Advanced. JEE Mains has multiple choice based questions based on foundational topics. On the other hand, JEE Advanced requires in-depth knowledge of topics and concepts.
What types of questions does the JEE ask?
JEE Mains Vs Advanced includes 11th & 12th class-based questions. Both exams include MCQ and numerically based questions. JEE Main focuses on basic concepts & planning, but JEE Advanced focuses on higher-order thinking and advanced concepts.
What is the marking of jee advanced vs mains?
JEE Main follows a fixed marking scheme while JEE Advanced follows Numerical Answer Types, Multiple correct, and Single correct marking schemes. Both exams feature different marking schemes and rules. JEE Mains Section A follows +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect, and 0 for unattempted questions. Section B has no negative marking. Total marking is 300 for paper 1.
Which exam should I take first, JEE Main vs JEE Advanced?
JEE Main is the foundational exam, and it is conducted first. Candidates must attempt the Mains exam first, and then they will be able to qualify for the Advanced exam.
What is the difference between JEE Main vs JEE Advanced?
JEE Main is the first stage of the exam to qualify for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs admissions. JEE Advanced is a second-stage exam to get admission into the top IIT colleges. The eligibility criteria, syllabus, and difficulty level are different for both exams.
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