Home IIT JEE JEE MAIN JEE Main vs BITSAT Exam: Key Differences, Pattern, Marking Scheme, Difficulty Level & Preparation Strategies

JEE Main vs BITSAT Exam: Key Differences, Pattern, Marking Scheme, Difficulty Level & Preparation Strategies

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JEE Main Vs BITSAT Exam
Quick Summary: JEE Main and BITSAT are two popular exams for engineering admission. JEE Main is for NITs, IIITs, and government colleges, while BITSAT is for BITS Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. JEE Main has fewer questions but needs deep thinking. BITSAT has more questions and needs fast speed. Both exams are online, have negative marking, and include Physics, Chemistry, and Maths, but BITSAT also has English and reasoning. To know more about both the exams read the complete blog.

JEE Main vs BITSAT Exam: The number of students choosing engineering is increasing every year, and along with this, the demand for admission to top colleges is also growing. With the demand of seats in popular BTech and BE institutes increasing, the students are now appearing in competitive entrance exams. While JEE Main is the most widely attempted exam at the national level, the BITSAT Exam is commonly selected by students aiming for private institute admissions. For engineering aspirants, JEE Main and BITSAT exams act as a gateway to leading colleges such as NITs, IIITs, and BITS Pilani. The Birla Institute of Technology and Science Aptitude Test, known as BITSAT, is conducted for admission to the Birla Institute of Technology and Science campuses at Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad.

Most candidates who apply for BITSAT Exam also appear for JEE Main, which increases the level of competition. This compels a large number of students to make comparisons of the two exams. This article explains the differences between JEE Main and BITSAT, helping students prepare for both exams at the same time. It also answers common questions like Is BITSAT easier than JEE Mains, Is BITSAT tougher than JEE?, and JEE Main Vs BITSAT: Which Exam Is More Difficult?, along with key points related to the BITSAT vs JEE Mains syllabus.

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JEE Main: Introduction

The Joint Entrance Examination Main, called JEE Main, is the first step of the JEE Advanced process and is a national-level entrance test. JEE Main allows students to get admission into NITs, IIITs, and other government-funded technical institutes. This exam is taken by students who are interested in course studies in engineering, architecture, basic science. It also works as a screening stage for JEE Advanced, which leads to admission in undergraduate and integrated postgraduate programs at the IITs. Many students also question Is JEE Main more difficult than BITSAT, which makes understanding the exam important.

The National Testing Agency conducts JEE Main, while JEE Advanced is organized each year by one of the IITs under the Joint Admission Board. JEE Advanced was conducted in 2025 by IIT Kanpur and in 2026 it will be conducted by IIT Roorkee.

BITSAT: Introduction

The BITSAT Exam is a national-level entrance test held by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science for admission into undergraduate and integrated postgraduate courses like BE, B.Pharma, and Integrated MSc at BITS Pilani and its other campuses. In this article, the comparison is limited only to BE courses while discussing JEE Main and BITSAT exams.

JEE Main vs BITSAT Exam

To understand the difficulty level of the JEE Main vs BITSAT Exam, it is useful to compare their exam pattern and syllabus. Looking at the structure and topics helps students clearly see the BITSAT vs JEE Mains syllabus and understand how both exams are different.

JEE Main Vs BITSAT: Which Exam Is More Difficult?

A common question among engineering students is JEE Main Vs BITSAT: Which Exam Is More Difficult? Many also ask Is BITSAT easier than JEE Mains. Since both exams help students get admission into good colleges, the level of competition remains high.

Exam Aspect BITSAT JEE Main (Paper 1)
Total Questions 130 compulsory questions, with an option to attempt 12 extra questions if the paper is finished early 75 questions in total, including 60 MCQs and 15 numerical-type questions
Time Given 3 hours 3 hours
Question Style Questions are mostly straightforward and fact-based Questions are more concept-driven and require a deeper understanding
Speed vs Accuracy Strong focus on speed, as many questions must be solved in limited time Balanced focus on speed and accuracy due to mixed question types
Difficulty Level Questions are easier individually, but the high question count increases pressure Fewer questions, but the level is higher and concept-heavy
Competition Level Comparatively lower competition Very high competition with top-ranking students appearing
Negative Marking Rule Negative marking is applicable, so careful attempts are important Negative marking is applicable, so guesswork should be avoided
Check Out: JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026

JEE Main (Paper 1) Vs BITSAT Exam Pattern

Both JEE Main and the BITSAT Exam are conducted online as computer-based tests. These exams are held across different states, and many students appear for both. So, before attempting them, understanding the differences between JEE Main and BITSAT becomes important for proper preparation.

Exam Feature BITSAT Exam JEE Main (Paper 1)
Exam Format Online computer-based test Online computer-based test
Question Paper Language English only English, Hindi, Gujarati, and regional languages like Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu
Time Duration 3 hours 3 hours
Subjects Covered Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, plus English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Question Style All questions are multiple-choice Section A: Multiple-choice questions Section B: Numerical-based questions
Total Questions 130 questions, with 12 extra questions for students who finish early 75 questions
Marking Pattern +3 marks for every correct answer –1 mark for each incorrect answer +4 marks for each correct answer –1 mark for wrong MCQ answers, No negative marking for numerical questions

BITSAT vs JEE Main – Differences and Similarities

  • Mode of examination: Both JEE Main and BITSAT exams are conducted in online mode. Students have to appear for these exams at fixed test centres. JEE Main was conducted two times in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and the best score out of both attempts was used for preparing the rank list. The BITSAT Exam in 2025 was also held in two sessions, and the higher score from the two was taken for admission.
  • Admission scope: JEE Main is mainly conducted for admission to government engineering colleges, including central institutions and many state-run colleges. Conversely, BITSAT is conducted to get access to the various campuses of a single privately located engineering institute in India.
  • Number of candidates and seats: For JEE Main 2025, around 13.11 lakh students registered for Session 1, and about 12.58 lakh candidates appeared. During Session 2, almost 10.61 lakh students enrolled whereas approximately 9.92 lakh attended the exam. According to the JoSAA seat matrix, the seat totalled 62,853 and almost 18,160 were in IITs. In 2025, the NITs and IIITs had approximately 24,525 and 9,940 seats respectively. By contrast, BITSAT 2025 had approximately 1.8 lakh participants who were competing to take (take with a grain of salt idiom synonym) close to 2,000 vacancies.
  • Level of difficulty: When we look at the differences between JEE Main and BITSAT, the level of difficulty of JEE Main is considered higher because most questions are based on strong concepts. Many students often ask, Is JEE Main more difficult than BITSAT, and in most cases, the answer is yes. However, BITSAT has a higher number of questions, which makes time (race against time phrase meaning) management tough and leads to doubts like Is BITSAT easier than JEE Mains.
  • Marking scheme: The Marking pattern in both exams is also different. In JEE Main, students get 4 marks for every correct answer, while 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. In the BITSAT Exam, each correct answer carries 3 marks, and 1 mark is reduced for an incorrect response.
  • Result and transparency: In JEE Main, the question paper and answer key are released on the official website. The objections can also be raised by students when the answer key is uploaded on the website (idioms website) jeemain.nta.nic.in. In BITSAT, the score is displayed right after the exam has been taken. A clear comparison helps students understand JEE Main Vs BITSAT: Which Exam Is More Difficult?
Check Out: JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips for Class 12th Students

BITSAT Vs JEE Main: Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy

In the JEE Main vs BITSAT Exam, students often notice a difference in question style. The BITSAT Exam mainly includes direct questions where quick formula recall is enough. In comparison, JEE Main focuses more on understanding basics and applying them correctly. Because of this, students preparing for both exams together usually find BITSAT easier to attempt. If someone is already studying for JEE Main, appearing for BITSAT feels less challenging. One clear difference is that BITSAT includes English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning, which are not part of JEE Main. This comparison helps students understand Is BITSAT easier than JEE Mains.

Given below is a subject comparison to understand the difficulty level clearly.

Check Out: JEE Main 2026 Chapter wise Weightage For Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics

BITSAT vs JEE Mains Physics syllabus comparison

The BITSAT vs JEE Mains syllabus for Physics is almost the same in both exams. The only extra topic in JEE Main is Experimental Lab Skills, which does not come in BITSAT. Apart from this difference, all Class 11 and Class 12 Physics chapters from NCERT are important for both exams. Students preparing for JEE Main and planning to attempt the BITSAT Exam should focus well on these shared topics.

BITSAT vs JEE Mains Weightage Comparison

In BITSAT, Mechanics has a higher share of questions, so students should give more time to it. Chapters like Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Optics, and Electrostatics also carry good weightage. Using a reliable book can help in remembering formulas and basics. This comparison also answers questions such as Is JEE Main more difficult than BITSAT.

The detailed chapter-wise comparison below explains the difference clearly.

JEE Main Vs BITSAT Physics Chapter-Wise Comparison

Class 11 Physics (NCERT)

Chapter Name JEE Main BITSAT
Laws Of Motion Yes Yes
Units And Measurements Yes Yes
Mechanical Properties Of Fluids Yes Yes
Motion In A Plane Yes Yes
Gravitation Yes Yes
Kinetic Theory Yes Yes
Motion In A Straight Line Yes Yes
Mechanical Properties Of Solids Yes Yes
Work, Energy And Power Yes Yes
Waves Yes Yes
Thermodynamics Yes Yes
System Of Particles And Rotational Motion Yes Yes
Thermal Properties Of Matter Yes No
Oscillations Yes Yes

 

Class 12 Physics (NCERT)

Chapter Name JEE Main BITSAT
Current Electricity Yes Yes
Ray Optics And Optical Instruments Yes Yes
Moving Charges And Magnetism Yes Yes
Dual Nature Of Radiation And Matter Yes Yes
Electric Charges And Fields Yes Yes
Electromagnetic Waves Yes Yes
Semiconductor Electronics Yes Yes
Alternating Current Yes Yes
Atoms Yes Yes
Electrostatic Potential And Capacitance Yes Yes
Magnetism And Matter Yes Yes
Nuclei Yes Yes
Wave Optics Yes Yes
Electromagnetic Induction Yes Yes
Experimental Skills Yes No
Communication Systems No No
Check Out: JEE Main 2026 Most Important Chapters and Topics for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Chemistry Syllabus Comparison

The Chemistry syllabus in JEE Main and BITSAT exams is mostly taken from all topics and chapters given in NCERT books of Class 11 and Class 12. Still, a few chapters like Solid State, Surface Chemistry, and Environmental Chemistry are included in the BITSAT Exam but are not asked in JEE Main. This clearly shows the differences between JEE Main and BITSAT. The question style is also different, as JEE Main checks concept understanding, while BITSAT focuses more on quick use of formulas.

BITSAT vs JEE Mains Weightage Comparison

In the BITSAT Exam, Organic Chemistry carries good weightage, followed by Inorganic Chemistry. There are also some additional subjects such as Biomolecules, Chemistry in Everyday Life and Metallurgy, which ought to be ready properly. The table below explains the BITSAT vs JEE Mains syllabus in detail.

JEE Main Vs BITSAT Chemistry Chemistry NCERT Syllabus Coverage
Class NCERT Chemistry Chapter JEE Main BITSAT
11 Structure Of Atom Yes Yes
11 States Of Matter No Yes
11 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure Yes Yes
11 Some Basic Concepts Of Chemistry Yes Yes
11 Hydrogen No Yes
11 Redox Reactions Yes Yes
11 Classification Of Elements And Periodicity In Properties Yes Yes
11 Thermodynamics Yes Yes
11 The s – Block Elements No Yes
11 Equilibrium Yes Yes
11 Environmental Chemistry No Yes
11 Organic Chemistry Some Basic Principles And Techniques Yes Yes
11 Hydrocarbons Yes Yes
11 The p – Block Elements Yes Yes
12 Solid States No Yes
12 Electrochemistry Yes Yes
12 Solutions Yes Yes
12 Surface Chemistry No Yes
12 Chemical Kinetics Yes Yes
12 General Principle And Processes Of Isolation Of Elements No No
12 The d-And f-Block Elements Yes Yes
12 Coordination Compounds Yes Yes
12 The p-Block Elements Yes Yes
12 Haloalkanes And Haloarenes Yes Yes
12 Alcohols, Phenols And Ethers Yes Yes
12 Aldehydes, Ketones And Carboxylic Acids Yes Yes
12 Amines Yes Yes
12 Biomolecules Yes Yes
12 Polymers No Yes
12 Chemistry In Everyday Life No Yes

BITSAT vs JEE Mains Mathematics Syllabus Comparison

Some chapters such as Linear Programming, Mathematical Modelling, and Linear Inequalities, are not included in the JEE Main syllabus but are asked in the BITSAT Exam.

BITSAT vs JEE Mains Weightage Comparison

Students should mainly focus on Calculus, Complex Numbers, Statistics, Vectors, and Trigonometry, as these topics form a large part of the Mathematics section in the JEE Main vs BITSAT Exam. The table below shows a clear chapter-wise comparison.

Check Out: JEE Main 2026 Maths Most Important Chapters
JEE Main Vs BITSAT- Maths Syllabus Coverage

Class 11 Mathematics

Chapter Name (NCERT Class 11) Included in JEE Main Included in BITSAT
Trigonometric Functions Yes Yes
Sets Yes Yes
Principle of Mathematical Induction No Yes
Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations Yes Yes
Mathematical Reasoning No Yes
Permutations and Combinations Yes Yes
Linear Inequalities No Yes
Statistics Yes Yes
Relations and Functions Yes Yes
Binomial Theorem Yes Yes
Introduction to Three-Dimensional Geometry Yes Yes
Straight Lines Yes Yes
Limits and Derivatives Yes Yes
Probability Yes Yes
Conic Sections Yes Yes
Sequence and Series Yes Yes

 

Class 12 Mathematics

Chapter Name (NCERT Class 12) JEE Main Coverage BITSAT Coverage
Inverse Trigonometric Functions Yes Yes
Linear Programming No Yes
Matrices Yes Yes
Probability Yes Yes
Continuity and Differentiability Yes Yes
Vector Algebra Yes Yes
Determinants Yes Yes
Three-Dimensional Geometry Yes Yes
Application of Derivatives Yes Yes
Differential Equations Yes Yes
Relations and Functions Yes Yes
Integrals Yes Yes
Application of Integrals Yes Yes

Which topics from the BITSAT syllabus are not part of the JEE Main syllabus?

Along with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, the BITSAT Exam also has a separate section for English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning. This section is not included in JEE Main. It checks a student’s English understanding and reasoning ability.

Area Sub-Section Topics Included
English Proficiency Composition Paragraph Unity, Linkers/Connectives, Rearrangement
Vocabulary Contextual meaning, Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word, Odd Word, Analogy, Jumbled letters, Homophones, Spelling
Grammar Voice, Transformation, Agreement, Time and Tense, Relative pronouns, Parallel construction, Modals, Adjectives, Determiners, Prepositions, Question tags, Phrasal verbs
Reading Comprehension Vocabulary, Content/ideas, Idioms/Phrases, Referents, Reconstruction (rewording)
Logical Reasoning Nonverbal Reasoning Rule Detection, Pattern Perception, Figure Matrix, Paper Cutting
Verbal Reasoning Classification, Series Completion, Analogy, Logical Deduction, Chart Logic

Is BITSAT easier than JEE Main?

Many students feel that Is BITSAT easier than JEE Mains because the questions are straightforward and the level is lighter than JEE Main. Still, the BITSAT Exam can feel tough because it has more questions to attempt. Preparing well for JEE Main and BITSAT exams together is usually enough, as both are based on Class 11 and Class 12 Science topics. Because of this, the BITSAT vs JEE Mains syllabus is almost the same, and the difficulty of BITSAT is slightly lower.

When comparing the JEE Main vs BITSAT Exam, the main thing students should notice is the exam pattern. Solving questions from different books and practising mock tests helps students understand question types and marking style. For BITSAT, simple English reading skills and logical thinking are needed.

A score of around 312 out of 390 is considered good in the BITSAT Exam. In 2025, the cutoff for B.E. Computer Science at the Pilani campus was 304. Cutoffs were lower than 2024, but CSE remained the most competitive branch.

Common Preparation Tips for JEE Main and BITSAT Exam

Students who are getting ready for JEE Main and the BITSAT Exam together can follow a few common tips. If the JEE Main syllabus is completed properly, then most of the BITSAT syllabus is also covered on its own, as many topics are the same in both exams.

  • The first step in your preparation is to first check exam pattern and syllabus. You make your study plan, and read each detail. Compare two syllabuses, learn about minor differences, and focus on areas in which one needs to work harder.
  • Choose the appropriate books and notes of each subject after knowing the paper pattern. No one should forget NCERT books because they assist in clearing simple concepts and are equally useful for both exams.
  • Determine what you are weak and strong in. Break down your study period according to it and attempt to study all your subjects daily so as to be in touch with each.
  • Practice regularly by solving past question papers of JEE Main and taking mock tests for BITSAT. This will assist you in time management and you will be more confident when sitting the exam.
  • Take brief revision notes in the process of studying. Make notes of critical formulae and main points so that you might revise them subsequently on the exam days.
  • Be optimistic in the course of preparation. You should stay healthy, relaxed, and avoid taking unnecessary pressure on yourself when studying to take the exams.

FAQs on JEE Main vs BITSAT Exam

Q: How difficult is BITSAT when compared to JEE Main?

When we look at the JEE Main vs BITSAT Exam, BITSAT questions are usually simpler and more direct, based on NCERT ideas. JEE Main questions are tougher because they need deeper thinking and stronger concepts. The BITSAT Exam has more questions, about 130, while JEE Main has 90, so students get less time per question. BITSAT too possesses English and Reasoning sections. Because of this, BITSAT feels easier in concepts but harder in speed, while JEE Main focuses on solving problems.

Q: Can admission to BITS Pilani be done through JEE Main?

No, admission to BITS Pilani is not possible through JEE Main. Entry to BITS Pilani is only through the BITSAT Exam. It is a separate online test that includes Physics, Chemistry, Maths or Biology, English, and Logical Reasoning. Along with a good BITSAT score, students also need strong marks in Class 12 board exams. JEE Main scores are not used for admission to BITS Pilani at all.

Q: Is BITSAT easier than JEE Mains?

Many students ask, Is BITSAT easier than JEE Mains, and in terms of question level, the answer is mostly yes. BITSAT questions are not very complicated and are designed on simple formulas and fast pace. Nevertheless, due to numerous questions and additional parts of the paper, the time pressure is strong. JEE Main, on the other hand, has fewer questions but they are more concept-based. So BITSAT is not as difficult to read, but more difficult to complete in time.

Q: Is it possible to prepare for both BITSAT and JEE Main together?

Yes, preparing for JEE Main and BITSAT exams together is possible because most of the Physics, Chemistry, and Maths topics are the same. This overlap in the BITSAT vs JEE Mains syllabus helps students save time. Nevertheless, English and Logical Reasoning should be practiced more in BITSAT. JEE preparation builds strong basics, while BITSAT needs fast solving and accuracy.

Q: Can a student appear for both JEE Main and BITSAT in the same year?

Yes, the students may take up both exams within the same year. This is done by many students since the dates of the exams normally do not interfere. Also, JEE Main preparation gives a good base for the PCM part of BITSAT, making it easier to handle both exams together.

Q: Is it allowed to attempt both BITSAT sessions?

Yes, there are two sessions of BITSAT that students can participate in. Where a student has both, the highest marks from the session will be taken into consideration during admission. This provides an additional opportunity to do better and have a nicer choice of college.

Q: What is the exam mode for JEE Main and BITSAT?

Both JEE Main and the BITSAT Exam are conducted in online mode at exam centres. Both exams include Physics, Chemistry, and Maths, but BITSAT also has English and Reasoning. These differences between JEE Main and BITSAT help students understand JEE Main Vs BITSAT: Which Exam Is More Difficult? based on their strengths.





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