Cracking JEE Main: The Essential Differences Between Paper 1 and Paper 2
Abhishek Patel
21/03/2025
Table of Contents
Every year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, providing eligible candidates with an opportunity for admission into various undergraduate courses like B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Plan, and B.E. Successful candidates can secure seats in some of the top engineering colleges across India, including NITs, IIITs, Government Funded Technical Institutes, as well as CFTIs. To excel in this exam, it’s crucial to understand the JEE Main exam pattern thoroughly.
This article covers the essential details of the JEE Main exam pattern. Paper 1, which is required for B.Tech admissions, and Paper 2, which is divided into Paper 2A for B.Arch courses and Paper 2B for B.Plan courses, are two essential components of the exam. Scoring well in both papers is vital to qualify for the next step, JEE Advanced, which is a gateway to prestigious IITs and other institutes.
JEE Main Exam Pattern
The JEE Main exam pattern for Paper 1 and Paper 2 is announced by the conducting authority, NTA, on the official website.
JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Tech)
Paper 1 for B.Tech courses consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with sections for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online or Computer-Based Exam |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Sections | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Types of Questions | Section A: MCQs; Section B: Numerical Questions |
| Language of Exam | English, Hindi, and other regional languages |
| Total No of Questions | 90 (each subject has 30 questions each) |
| Total Compulsory Questions | 75 (5 questions are compulsory from Section B) |
| Total Marks | 300 marks (100 marks for each section) |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks for each correct answer, and 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer |
JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch and B.Plan)
The JEE Main exam Paper 2 patterns differ for B.Arch and B.Planning. Candidates have around 3 hours to attempt both papers. Paper 2A typically has multiple-choice questions, numerical-based questions, and drawing aptitude. Paper 2B features multiple-choice and numerical-based questions.
B.Arch (Paper 2A)
- Drawing Section: Evaluates the drawing skills of students.
- Mathematics Section: Features both MCQs and numerical-based questions.
- Aptitude Section: Tests the candidate’s awareness.
B.Plan (Paper 2B)
- Planning Section: Includes general awareness questions.
- Mathematics Section: Features both MCQs and numerical-based questions.
- Aptitude Section: Tests the candidate’s awareness.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 3 hours |
| Exam Mode | Paper 2A: Online and Offline; Paper 2B: Online |
| Language of Exam | English, Hindi, and other regional languages |
| Total No. of Sections | Paper 2A: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test; Paper 2B: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning Test |
| Types of Questions | Paper 2A: MCQs, numerical-based questions, drawing aptitude; Paper 2B: Multiple-choice and numerical-based questions |
| Total No of Questions | Varies based on the specific paper. |
| Compulsory Questions | Varies based on the specific paper. |
| Total Marks | 400 marks for each paper |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks are given for the correct answer, and 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer |
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JEE Main Syllabus
The National Testing Agency (NTA) publishes the JEE Main syllabus on the official website.
JEE Main Paper 1: B.Tech (Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry)
The syllabus for Paper 1 encompasses topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, covering a broad range of concepts and problem-solving skills.
JEE Main Paper 2A and 2B: B.Arch and B. Planning
The syllabus for Paper 2 covers Mathematics, Aptitude, Planning, and Architecture-related topics, preparing students for design and planning-oriented questions.
Key Differences Between JEE Main Paper 1 and Paper 2
The table below outlines the major differences to keep in mind:
| Feature | JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Tech) | JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Course Focus | Engineering | Architecture and Planning |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing/Planning |
| Exam Mode | Online | Online (Drawing offline for B.Arch) |
| Question Types | MCQs, Numerical | MCQs, Numerical, Drawing Aptitude |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path
Understanding the differences between JEE Main Paper 1 and Paper 2 is crucial for making an informed decision about your career path. By carefully considering your interests, strengths, and career goals, you can choose the paper that best aligns with your aspirations.
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