JEE Main 2025: Beginner’s Guide to Getting into NITs and IIITs

What is JEE Main?

Hey there! JEE Main stands for Joint Entrance Examination Main, and it’s a big exam for students who want to become engineers and study at top colleges like the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) or Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs). It’s also the first step to getting into the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)—but for that, you’ll need to take another exam called JEE Advanced. NITs and IIITs are amazing colleges where you can learn to build machines, design software, or even create new technology. JEE Main is run by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and over 9 lakh students take it every year. Let’s break it down so you can get started!

A Little History of JEE Main

JEE Main started in 2013, but its story goes back further. Before 2013, there was an exam called AIEEE (All India Engineering Entrance Examination) that helped students get into NITs. In 2013, the government decided to combine AIEEE with the exam for IITs, creating JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Main replaced AIEEE, and since 2019, the NTA has been organizing it. They also made it easier by holding the exam twice a year (January and April), so you can try twice and use your best score. It’s a big deal because it decides who gets to study at some of India’s best engineering colleges!

Who Can Apply for JEE Main?

Let’s see if you can apply! Here’s what you need:

• Education: You need to have passed Class 12 (or be in Class 12 in 2025) with Physics, Chemistry, and Math (PCM). For JEE Main, you need at least 75% marks in Class 12 (65% if you’re SC/ST).
• Age: There’s no strict age limit, but you should have passed Class 12 in 2023, 2024, or 2025. If you’re older, you might still be eligible—check the official rules!
• Number of Attempts: You can try JEE Main for 3 years in a row, so you get 6 chances (since it happens twice a year).
• Nationality: Indian citizens can apply, and so can some foreign nationals, but there are extra rules for them.

What Will You Study? (Syllabus)

JEE Main tests you on three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Math. Here’s what each one includes:

• Physics: This is about how things work in the world. Topics include:
  • Mechanics (why things move, like cars or balls).
  • Electricity and Magnetism (how lights turn on or magnets work).
  • Waves and Sound (like how music travels).
  • Optics (how light bends, like in glasses).
  • Modern Physics (like atoms and X-rays).
• Chemistry: This is about chemicals and reactions, split into three parts:
  • Physical Chemistry: Math-based topics like how gases behave or how fast reactions happen.
  • Organic Chemistry: Learning about carbon compounds, like medicines or plastics.
  • Inorganic Chemistry: Studying elements, like metals and gases, and their properties.
• Math: This includes:
  • Algebra (solving equations, like 2x + 3 = 7).
  • Calculus (finding slopes or areas, like in graphs).
  • Geometry (shapes, angles, and circles).
  • Trigonometry (angles and triangles).
  • Probability and Statistics (like flipping a coin or averages).

If you’re applying for B.Arch (architecture), you’ll also have a drawing test to check your creativity!

How the Exam Works (Exam Pattern)

JEE Main has two papers, but most students take Paper 1 for engineering (B.E./B.Tech). Here’s how it works:

• Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): It’s a computer-based test with 90 questions, but you only answer 75 (25 from each subject: Physics, Chemistry, Math). Each subject has 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 5 numerical questions (where you type the answer). Each question is worth 4 marks, so the total is 300 marks. You get 3 hours to finish, and wrong answers cost you 1 mark (only for MCQs).
• Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning): This has three parts: Math (like Paper 1), an Aptitude Test (about design and shapes), and a Drawing Test for B.Arch. It’s also 3 hours but worth 400 marks.

What’s Happened Before? (Past Trends)

Here’s what past exams tell us:

• In 2024, around 9.5 lakh students took JEE Main. About 2.5 lakh qualified for JEE Advanced, and thousands got into NITs and IIITs.
• The cutoff for General category in 2024 was around 93 out of 300. To get into a good NIT, you needed at least 150-180 marks.
• Physics is often the hardest section because of tricky numericals, while Chemistry can help you score if you memorize well.
• Math questions often mix topics—like using algebra and calculus together—so you need to practice a lot.
• Toppers usually say they solved 50-60 questions correctly out of 75 to get a high rank.

Latest Updates for JEE Main 2025

Here’s what’s new as of May 26, 2025:

• JEE Main 2025 happened in two sessions: January (last week) and April (first week). The results for both sessions are out, and the top 2.5 lakh students can take JEE Advanced.
• JEE Advanced 2025 was held yesterday, May 25, 2025! Results will be out in early June, and counseling for NITs/IIITs (through JoSAA) starts in late June.
• No changes to the syllabus or pattern this year—it’s the same as 2024.
• The NTA introduced a new helpline for students facing issues with applications—details are on their website.

How to Prepare for JEE Main 2025 (Beginner Tips)

Don’t worry if you’re new—here’s how to start:

• Start with NCERT Books: Use your Class 11 and 12 NCERT books for Physics, Chemistry, and Math. They explain concepts clearly and are the foundation for JEE.
• Practice a Lot: JEE is all about solving questions. Get these books:
  • For Physics: “Concepts of Physics” by H.C. Verma.
  • For Chemistry: “Organic Chemistry” by O.P. Tandon.
  • For Math: “Maths for Class 11 & 12” by R.D. Sharma.
  Solve at least 20-30 questions daily.
• Take Mock Tests: Practice full-length tests online to get used to 3 hours. Sites like Testbook or Unacademy have free mock tests.
• Make a Study Plan: Study 6-8 hours a day. Spend 2 hours on Physics, 2 on Chemistry, and 2 on Math. Use the last hour to revise or solve questions.
• Join a Coaching Class (Optional): Coaching centers like FIITJEE or Allen can help, but you can also study on your own with books and online videos.
• Focus on Weak Areas: If Physics is hard, spend more time on it. Watch YouTube videos (like from Physics Wallah) to understand better.
• Stay Calm: JEE is tough, but don’t stress. Take breaks, play a little, and sleep well so you can study better.

Where to Find More Help (External Links)

• JEE Main Official Website – Check dates, syllabus, and results here.
• Shiksha – Easy tips and updates for JEE beginners.
• JoSAA Website – For counseling and seat allocation.

Final Words

JEE Main 2025 is your first step to studying at top colleges like NITs and IIITs, where you can become an amazing engineer! It’s a tough exam, but with practice and a good plan, you can do it. Start with NCERT books, practice every day, and don’t give up. You’re on your way to a bright future!