Quick Summary: In this blog, we’ve explained the key differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced in a simple and clear way. NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs are eligible to admission through the JEE Main 2026 which is held in January and April by NTA, whereas IITs, IISc, and IIST are eligible to admission through the JEE Advanced 2026. JEE Main is more concerned with speed and accuracy, but JEE Advanced is rather concerned with conceptual understanding and analytical ability. We have also discussed eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus comparison, attempts and the level of difficulty to enable aspirants wise organize their preparation.
What is the Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced? For students preparing for engineering entrance exams, knowing the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced is very important. These are the exams that lead to getting admission to the leading engineering colleges in India. JEE Main is the initial exam that helps students get into NITs, IIITs, and other top engineering institutes, while JEE Advanced is the next stage that offers admission to the famous IITs.
The main differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced are seen in their purpose, difficulty level, pattern, and eligibility rules. JEE Main acts as a gateway for most students, while JEE Advanced is more difficult and focuses on complex concept-based questions. Only the top 2,50,000 students who qualify for JEE Main can appear for JEE Advanced.
Though both exams are connected, the difference between JEE mains and JEE advanced lies in syllabus coverage, exam structure, and the colleges they lead to. A detailed comparison helps students understand the jee main and advanced difference clearly and prepare in the right way. For students planning to appear in JEE 2026, knowing the difference between JEE main and advanced will help them make a better study plan.
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Key Differences Between JEE Main And JEE Advanced
The table below highlights the jee main and advanced difference, showing the exam structure, eligibility, and the institutes they are linked with. JEE Main is written twice in a year which is usually in January and April and this provides students with additional opportunities to better the score. It is a computer-based test consisting of a multiple-choice and numerical test. But JEE Advanced is conducted only once in a year and consists of two exams which are administered on a single day. Questions in these papers are in a combination of single correct, multiple correct and integer questions.
| Details | JEE Advanced 2026 | JEE Main 2026 |
| Organizing Institute | Conducted every year by one of the seven IITs – Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, or Roorkee. | Managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). |
| Number of Exams in a Year | Held once a year. | Conducted twice annually – generally in January and April. |
| Participating Colleges | Admission to top IITs, IISc, IIST, RGIPT, and some IIITs. | Used for admission in NITs, IIITs, and various government and private engineering colleges. |
| Total Attempts Allowed | Students can appear for two consecutive years after qualifying. | Students can attempt for three consecutive years. |
| Exam Time | The exam lasts for six hours, divided into two separate sessions. | The test runs for three hours (180 minutes). |
| Mode of Examination | Fully computer-based – both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are online. | Paper 1 (for B.E./B.Tech) is online, while Paper 2 (for B.Arch/B.Planning) is offline. |
| Language Options | Questions are available in English and Hindi only. | Conducted in multiple languages including English, Hindi, and regional languages (based on location). |
| Eligibility Requirements | Candidates must qualify JEE Main 2026 to appear. | Students must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. |
| Ranking and Qualification Rule | Only the top 2,50,000 JEE Main scorers can sit for JEE Advanced. | No fixed ranking rule; students should have at least 50% marks in Class 12. |
| Age Criteria | Must be born on or after October 1, 2001 (age relaxations apply for SC/ST/PwD categories). | There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main. |
What is the Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced?- Conducting Authority
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a national-level examination that is taken by engineering aspirants administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It assists students to secure the entry into the courses such as B.Tech, B.Arch and other associated courses. The test is conducted in two phases who include JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Here’s a quick look at the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced based on their conducting authorities and purpose:
- JEE Main is a test that is administered by NTA to get admission into institutes such as NITs, IIITs and GFTIs.
- JEE Advanced The IITs organize it on a rotational basis to enter the best Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
- In 2026 IIT Roorkee will conduct JEE Advanced.
- Although both exams are connected, the JEE Main and Advanced difference can be seen in factors like eligibility, exam structure, and syllabus.
Read further to know the detailed differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced – Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for engineering exams, students must know the difference between JEE Mains and JEE Advanced eligibility rules. The two exams are essential to those who want to get the best colleges such as IITs and NITs, however, they are not similar. The JEE Main exam can be taken by students who have passed or are appearing in classes 12 who have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as the main subjects. In the meantime, the only 2.5 lakh rankers in the JEE Main examination can take (take with a grain of salt idiom synonym) the JEE Advanced examination.
The detailed table showing the JEE Main and Advanced difference is mentioned below:
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Key Differences Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced |
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| Criteria | JEE Main | JEE Advanced |
| Eligibility Based on Class 12 Performance | You should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12 and must have passed or be appearing in the same year. | You need to be among the top 2.5 lakh candidates from JEE Main and must also have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12. |
| Year of Passing 12th | Students who passed their Class 12 exam either in the current year or in the last two years can apply. | Same rule applies here – only those who appeared or passed Class 12 in the current or previous two years are eligible. |
| Minimum Marks Requirement | There is no minimum percentage to sit for JEE Main, but admission to NITs/IIITs needs 75% marks (65% for reserved category) or top 20 percentile in the board. | You must score at least 75% marks (65% for SC/ST/PwD) in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percentile of your board. |
| Number of Attempts Allowed | The exam is held twice a year, and students can attempt it in three consecutive years. | You can appear a maximum of two times in two consecutive years. |
| Age Limit | There’s no fixed age limit for JEE Main. | Candidates should be born on or after October 1, 2001. A relaxation of 5 years is given to SC/ST/PwD students. |
What is the Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced? – Number of Attempts
The number of times a student can appear for the exam is another key difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Students who wish to study in top engineering colleges like IITs and NITs must know how many chances they have for each exam. Below is the JEE Main and Advanced difference based on the number of attempts.
- JEE Main – Number of Attempts: For JEE Main 2026, candidates are allowed to attempt the exam for three consecutive years from the year they pass Class 12. Since the exam is conducted twice a year (January and April), a student can appear for a maximum of six attempts in total. There is no age limit for JEE Main, but candidates must meet the Class 12 qualification and subject requirements. The best score out of all attempts is considered for ranking and admission.
- JEE Advanced – Number of Attempts: In JEE Advanced the number of attempts is restricted. Students are allowed to take the exam not more than twice in two years in a row. Therefore, in case a student qualifies in JEE Advanced in one year, he/she can only re-appear the following year. In addition to that, there is no additional effort permitted, and that is why planning is much needed to future aspirants.
JEE Main Exam Pattern vs JEE Advanced Exam Pattern
The difference between JEE mains and JEE advanced is also visible in their exam patterns. The JEE Main exam pattern stays almost the same every year and is officially shared by NTA with the notification. However, the JEE Advanced exam pattern changes every year as it is decided by the IIT conducting the exam. Check below how the difference between JEE main and advanced appears in the paper pattern.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern
- The JEE Main 2026 will have three papers – Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech, Paper 2A for B.Arch, and Paper 2B for B.Planning.
- The pattern of exam has now also introduced internal choice in the numerical-type questions.
- Students have an option on what paper to study depending on their choice of course or discipline.
- The changes are beneficial as they assist in making the exam more flexible and better to all candidates.
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JEE Main 2026 Paper-Wise Exam Pattern |
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| Details | B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1) | B.Arch (Paper 2A) | B.Planning (Paper 2B) |
| Mode of Exam | Entire exam will be held in computer-based mode (CBT). | Conducted online through CBT. | Conducted online through CBT. |
| Exam Time | Total duration – 3 hours | 3 hours long | 3 hours long |
| Main Subjects Covered | Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics | Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing | Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning |
| Question Types | Each subject has 20 MCQs and 10 numerical-type questions (NATs). Candidates must attempt 20 MCQs + 5 NATs per subject. | Mathematics section includes 20 MCQs and 10 numerical-type questions (attempt any 5), along with Aptitude (50 MCQs) and Drawing (2 questions). | Mathematics section includes 20 MCQs and 10 numerical-type questions (attempt any 5), with Aptitude (50 MCQs) and Planning (25 MCQs). |
| Total Questions Asked | 30 questions per subject (20 MCQs + 10 numerical-type) | Total 82 questions (Maths – 30, Aptitude – 50, Drawing – 2) | Total 105 questions (Maths – 30, Aptitude – 50, Planning – 25) |
| Questions to be Attempted | Students have to answer 25 questions per subject (20 MCQs + 5 numerical-type). | Out of 82, candidates must answer 77 questions (Maths – 25, Aptitude – 50, Drawing – 2). | Out of 105, students must answer 100 questions (Maths – 25, Aptitude – 50, Planning – 25). |
| Total Marks | 300 marks in total | 400 marks in total | 400 marks in total |
| Marking System | Each right answer gives +4 marks, and every wrong answer deducts 1 mark. | Same rule: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect. | Same marking rule: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong. |
| Special Sections | Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Section B – Numerical Value Questions (NATs) | Aptitude Test (200 marks), Drawing Test (100 marks) | Aptitude Test (200 marks), Planning Test (100 marks) |
Note: The information provided below is grounded on the existing knowledge about the exam pattern. In order to get the latest information and most precise information, students are always to refer to the official NTA notification.
JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Pattern
- The JEE Advanced exam consists of two mandatory papers Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- In order to pass JEE Advanced, students must qualify Paper 1 as well as Paper 2.
- Candidates wishing to attend B.Arch courses in IITs are also required to pass AAT (Architecture Aptitude Test) which follows JEE Advanced.
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JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Structure |
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| Details | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | AAT (Architecture Aptitude Test) |
| Mode of Exam | Conducted in online mode (CBT) | Held through computer-based test | Conducted offline (pen and paper) |
| Subjects Covered | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Freehand and Geometrical Drawing, 3D Perception, Imagination & Aesthetic Sense, Architectural Awareness |
| Question Format | Objective-type (MCQs) | Numerical value-based questions | Includes MCQs, numerical questions, sketching, and drawing tasks |
| Language Options | Available in both English and Hindi | Available in English and Hindi | Conducted in English only |
| Total Time | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced Syllabus
Both exams test Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, but the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced lies in the level of questions and the depth of topics. Let’s understand the JEE Main and Advanced difference below.
JEE Main Syllabus Overview
The syllabus of the JEE Main is founded on the content of the CBSE Class 11 and 12. It involves simple subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics; largely of school level understanding. The JEE Main syllabus covers some of the topics as follows:
- Physics Electronic Devices, Electromagnetic Waves, and Communication Systems.
- Mathematics Sets, Relations and Functions; Statistics and Probability; Trigonometry; and Mathematical Reasoning.
They do not belong to JEE Advanced syllabus and this makes the JEE Main an easier and more straightforward test in regards to subjects.
JEE Advanced Syllabus Overview
JEE Advanced syllabus is broader and expansive than the Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus. It has some of the additional and advanced issues that require a deeper insight. A few examples are:
- Physics: Thermal Physics, which focuses on heat and temperature concepts
- Chemistry: Electrochemistry, which is not covered in JEE Main
The JEE Advanced exam checks how well students understand and apply concepts through tricky and detailed questions.
JEE Main vs Advanced Syllabus Comparison
Understanding the differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced is important for every student preparing for JEE 2026. Both exams are based on Class 11 and 12 topics, but the difference between JEE Main and Advanced lies in how deeply the topics are studied and how complex the questions are.
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Key Differences Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced Syllabus |
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| Category | JEE Advanced | JEE Main |
| Type of Questions | Questions are mostly tricky and test your understanding through complex and mixed-concept problems. | Questions are generally direct and easier to attempt, focusing on formulas and basic applications. |
| Physics | Focuses on in-depth concepts, numerical problems that need logical thinking, and application-based questions. | Stresses more on NCERT theories, simple laws, and formula-based questions. |
| Mathematics | Problems are multi-step and need higher reasoning ability. | Questions are mainly based on formulas and quick calculations. |
| Chemistry | Tests conceptual clarity, especially in Organic Chemistry, along with Physical and Inorganic parts. | Gives nearly equal weightage to all three branches — Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. |
| Coverage of Syllabus | Extends beyond NCERT level, needing detailed analytical preparation. | Follows NCERT topics closely and remains within the school-level syllabus. |
| Preparation Tip | First clear your basics, then move to advanced-level problem-solving for better results. | Build a strong base using NCERT books before exploring difficult concepts. |
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced Difficulty Level
JEE Main and JEE Advanced are national-level engineering exams in the country. The level of difficulty of the tests will be determined by how you prepare but JEE Advanced is generally more difficult. JEE Advanced needs more knowledge and improved problem-solving skills. JEE Main exams are fast and speedy.
| Criteria | JEE Advanced | JEE Main |
| Syllabus Range | Covers everything from Class 11 and 12 along with a few extra advanced topics. | Based only on the Class 11 and 12 NCERT syllabus. |
| Question Style | Questions are tricky and based on concepts. They often mix ideas from different chapters. | Questions are mostly direct and formula-based, so they are easier to attempt. |
| Type of Preparation Needed | Needs strong conceptual knowledge and deep understanding of every topic. | Focuses more on quick solving and basic understanding of formulas. |
| Exam Pattern | Number of questions can change each year, and most require detailed thinking and calculations. | Fixed 75 questions in total, where speed plays a major role. |
| Level of Difficulty | Considered tougher as it tests problem-solving ability and logical thinking. | Comparatively simpler, as it checks how well you apply what you have studied. |
| Overall Focus | Judges how deeply a student understands concepts and how they connect them in different problems. | Mainly checks speed, accuracy, and familiarity with syllabus-based questions. |
JEE Main vs JEE Advanced – Medium of Exam
The difference between JEE Mains and JEE Advanced can also be seen in the language options given to students:
- JEE Main is available in 13 languages: Hindi, English, Urdu, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Tamil, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Punjabi, Telugu. This allows students in most states to take the test without any difficulties.
- JEE Advanced: It is only in English and Hindi. The fewer language choices in JEE Advanced show its more focused and specialized nature for IIT aspirants.
FAQs on What is the Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
Q: What is the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
The difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced is basically in terms of their level and purpose. JEE Main is the first test for admission to NITs, IIITs, and many other engineering colleges, while JEE Advanced is the second stage for getting into IITs. The JEE Main and Advanced difference is that JEE Advanced is harder, has more topics, and is open only to those who qualify in JEE Main.
Q: Which is more tough, JEE Main vs JEE Advanced?
Between the two, JEE Advanced is clearly more difficult than JEE Main. JEE Advanced exams test a student’s level of understanding and his or her ability to solve difficult questions. JEE Main is less complex and is easier because it relies on fast work and formulae. This shows the clear difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Q: Can I appear for JEE Advanced without qualifying for JEE Main?
No, one cannot give JEE Advanced without clearing JEE Main. It is compulsory to qualify for JEE Main to be eligible for the next stage. JEE advanced can be taken only by those students, who score in top 250,000 in JEE Main Paper 1. The first and the most significant step is to perform well in JEE Main.
Q: Is the syllabus for JEE Main and JEE Advanced the same?
No, the difference between JEE Main and Advanced syllabus is that JEE Advanced has extra topics along with what’s covered in JEE Main. Both exams follow the Class 11 and 12 NCERT syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, but JEE Advanced goes deeper into every subject and includes some higher-level concepts.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
The differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced eligibility rules are quite clear. In the case of JEE Main, the students are required to have passed or be studying their 12th. In the case of JEE Advanced, only 250,000 highest achievers of JEE Main are allowed to apply. There is also age limit in JEE Advanced and is limited to two consecutive attempts as compared to JEE Main which is three attempts in three years and no age restriction.
Q: How many attempts are allowed for JEE Main and JEE Advanced?
JEE Main may be taken six times by the students, twice a year during three years. JEE Advanced is given twice only and that too once in the year you pass Class 12 and once in the following year. This is one of the difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Q: Is it possible to get into IITs with only JEE Main?
No, IIT admission is not possible through JEE Main alone. To get into IITs, you first need to qualify JEE Main and then clear JEE Advanced. Admission to IITs is given only on the basis of JEE Advanced performance, which is a key difference between JEE Main and JEE Advanced in terms of college entry.
