Knowing the JEE Main exam pattern is crucial for candidates and students appearing for the IIT JEE exam. Candidates who closely observe and follow the JEE Main exam pattern will not only be able to prepare a successful study plan but they will ultimately perform well and achieve a better result in the entrance exam.

From 2019 onwards, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has been granted the authority to design and develop the JEE Main syllabus as well as set the exam pattern. While there were a few modifications made to the exam pattern in 2019, for the 2022 exam NTA has more or less kept the exam pattern similar to last year. However, some of the noticeable changes in 2022 are as follows.

• Two sessions of the exam instead of four. The first session of the exam will be held in June and the second session in July.
• There will be negative marking for both Section A and Section B.

In essence, aspirants will find all the important information about the exam including the mode of the JEE Main 2022 exam, type of questions, different sections, allotment of marks and duration of the exam on this page. Let us look at the details below.

Highlights of JEE Main Exam Pattern

JEE Main mainly consists of three papers mainly and will be conducted in two shifts – morning and evening. The general layout of the exam pattern for JEE Main is given below;

JEE Main Exam Pattern Detailed Description

The JEE Main exam pattern indicates how the exam will be conducted and how the JEE Main question paper will be set. Previously, JEE Main was held in four sessions. However, we are yet to receive a notification regarding the same from the exam authority.

Notifications and circulars about the exam are usually released on the official website and candidates should keep a close eye on the updates and refer them to know the latest details about the exam. The exam conducting authority may introduce new changes at certain intervals. Nonetheless, we will look at the exam pattern for JEE Main below.

JEE Main Paper I Exam Pattern 

In paper I each Subject will contain two sections. Section A will be of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Section B will contain Questions whose answers are to be filled in as a numerical value. In Section B, candidates have to attempt any five questions out of 10. There will be negative marking for Section B as well.

JEE Main Paper 2A Exam Pattern 

In paper 2A, 20 questions will be MCQs and 5 questions will have answers to be filled as a numerical value out of 10. There will be negative marking for numerical value.

JEE Main Paper 2B Exam Pattern 

*20 questions will be MCQs and 5 questions will have answers to be filled as a numerical value out of 10. There will be negative marking for numerical value.

On a side note, it is also very important for candidates to carefully read all the instructions that are given in the question paper. Understand it clearly and then move on to solving the questions. It is important to follow the right procedure for the exams because gaining a negative marking or losing points may cost candidates a higher rank in the exams.

JEE Main Paper Medium

From 2021 onwards, as per the National Education Policy (NEP), JEE Main paper will be set in 13 languages. They are as follows.

Candidates have to note the option of choosing a language for question paper should be exercised while filling up the application form online. NTA has mentioned that it cannot be changed at a later stage. Additionally, for the correctness of the questions in all the JEE Main question papers, the English version will be taken as final.

Benefits of the New Exam Pattern

According to NTA, students will reap the following benefits from the new pattern.

• This will give two opportunities to the candidates to improve their scores in the examination if they are not able to give their best in one attempt.
• In the first attempt, the students will get a first-hand experience of taking an examination and will know their mistakes which they can improve while attempting for the second time.
• This will reduce the chances of dropping a year and droppers would not have to waste an entire year.
• If anyone missed the examination due to reasons beyond control (such as the Board examination), then he/she will not have to wait for one entire year.
• A candidate need not appear in both sessions. However, if a candidate appears in more than one session then his/her best of the JEE Main 2022 NTA Scores will be considered for preparation of merit list/ranking.

JEE Main Paper Analysis and Syllabus

Candidates can also check or go through the JEE Main question paper analysis of each year to get a better idea of the exam pattern, types of questions, difficulty level, important topics and more. This will further help candidates to develop a proper strategy for preparing effectively and clearing the entrance exam. Additionally, candidates can take JEE mock tests to understand the examination mode, question types and they can also analyze their preparation level.

Alternatively, candidates should also get their hands on the JEE Main syllabus and go through it to get a deeper understanding of the exam pattern, marking scheme, course objectives and more. All these study exercises will help aspirants to perform excellently in the final exam.

JEE Main Exam Schedule

The exam schedule for JEE Main will be released soon by the NTA. The JEE Main exam dates will be updated shortly.

The JEE Main exam is conducted in two shifts. The timing details are given below.

While the JEE exams require smart and productive work, candidates can significantly boost their preparation by taking some JEE Crash course. Learn more about it by clicking on the given link.

JEE Main Merit List Determination

How is the JEE Main merit list determined? Let us find out below.

Method of resolving Ties

Tie between candidates obtaining equal Total NTA scores in Paper1: B.E./B.Tech will be resolved in the following descending order:
▪ NTA score in Mathematics, followed by
▪ NTA score in Physics, followed by
▪ NTA score in Chemistry, followed by
▪ Candidates having a lesser ratio of negative to positive responses

Tie between candidates obtaining equal Total NTA scores in Paper 2A: B.Arch will be resolved in the following manner:
▪ NTA score in Mathematics, followed by
▪ NTA score in Aptitude Test, followed by
▪ NTA score in Drawing Test, followed by
▪ Candidates having a lesser ratio of negative to positive responses

Tie between candidates obtaining equal Total NTA scores in 2B: B. Planning will be resolved in the following manner:
▪ NTA score in Mathematics, followed by
▪ NTA score in Aptitude Test, followed by
▪ NTA score in Planning Based Questions, followed by
▪ Candidates having a lesser ratio of negative to positive responses

Important Guidelines for JEE Main Exam Day

Here are some useful tips that candidates can follow to avoid any confusion during the exam day.

• Candidates should reach the examination hall early. Normally, the gates are opened two hours in advance. There will be strict checking and candidates should have proper time management. They should be on time for the exam.
• Aspirants should remember to carry their id proofs and their JEE Main admit card. These are important documents without which they will not be allowed to enter the exam hall.
• No electronic devices including watches, calculators or phones as well books, notebooks will be allowed in the exam hall.