JEE Main 2025: A Complete Guide to the Question Paper Structure and What to Expect
The JEE Main 2025 exam, one of India’s most prestigious entrance exams for admission to engineering colleges, is fast approaching. Understanding the question paper structure is essential for effective preparation and to ensure a smooth exam day experience. Knowing the breakdown of the exam paper will help students strategize their approach to the test, manage their time efficiently, and prioritize topics accordingly.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the JEE Main 2025 paper pattern, provide insights into the types of questions, and offer tips on tackling each section with confidence.
1. Overview of the JEE Main 2025 Exam Pattern
The JEE Main 2025 exam will be conducted for two papers:
- Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): This paper is for candidates who wish to pursue a degree in B.Tech or B.E. It will be held in computer-based test (CBT) mode, consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical value-based questions (NVTs).
- Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning): This paper is for candidates interested in pursuing B.Arch or B.Planning. The exam will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode for the drawing section and CBT mode for the mathematics and general studies sections.
For the sake of this article, we will focus on Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), which is commonly taken by the majority of applicants.
2. Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): Breakdown of Subjects and Sections
Paper 1 of JEE Main 2025 will consist of three subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
The paper will have a total of 90 questions, divided into three sections. The structure is as follows:
| Section |
Number of Questions |
Type of Questions |
| Physics |
20 MCQs + 10 NVTs |
MCQs and Numerical |
| Chemistry |
20 MCQs + 10 NVTs |
MCQs and Numerical |
| Mathematics |
20 MCQs + 10 NVTs |
MCQs and Numerical |
Candidates will need to attempt 25 questions per subject, totaling 75 questions from the MCQs and 15 numerical-based questions across the three sections.
3. Types of Questions in JEE Main 2025
Understanding the types of questions in JEE Main 2025 will help candidates decide how to tackle them. The questions are divided into the following categories:
a. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
These questions provide four options, with only one correct answer. Each correct answer will fetch 4 marks, and incorrect answers will result in a negative marking of 1 mark.
- Total Marks: 80 (4 marks for each of the 20 MCQs per subject)
- Negative Marking: 1 mark for each incorrect answer
b. Numerical Value-Based Questions (NVTs)
These questions will test a candidate’s ability to work through calculations and derive exact numerical answers. Unlike MCQs, NVTs have no options to choose from. Instead, candidates will need to input their answers as numerical values in a given range.
- Total Marks: 40 (4 marks for each of the 10 NVTs per subject)
- No Negative Marking: There is no penalty for incorrect answers in NVTs.
4. Subject-Wise Paper Structure
a. Physics Section
The Physics section of JEE Main 2025 will test candidates’ understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical applications. The section will be divided into two types of questions:
- MCQs: These will cover fundamental topics in Mechanics, Electrostatics, Optics, Modern Physics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Waves. The questions will be designed to assess the depth of a candidate's conceptual understanding.
- NVTs: These will focus on problem-solving skills and will require candidates to provide exact numerical answers. Topics such as Kinematics, Work, Energy & Power, and Electromagnetic Waves may be included in this section.
b. Chemistry Section
The Chemistry section will test candidates’ knowledge in three primary areas: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.
- MCQs: These will test concepts in Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Molecular Structure, and Periodic Table Trends. Questions may also cover the properties of organic compounds and coordination chemistry.
- NVTs: The numerical questions in Chemistry may include calculations related to moles, concentration, equilibrium, and stoichiometry. Candidates should be prepared to solve problems related to solution preparation and reaction rates.
c. Mathematics Section
The Mathematics section will be the most intensive and will require strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- MCQs: The topics in this section will include Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Vectors, and Coordinate Geometry. Questions will test candidates’ ability to apply mathematical principles to real-life problems.
- NVTs: These will include questions that require candidates to solve complex integration, differentiation, and equation-solving problems. Candidates must be well-versed in functions, limits, and matrices to perform well in this section.
5. Marking Scheme for JEE Main 2025
The marking scheme for JEE Main 2025 is designed to assess both the correctness and efficiency of a candidate’s responses:
- Correct Answer (MCQ): +4 marks
- Incorrect Answer (MCQ): -1 mark
- Unanswered Question: 0 marks (No penalty)
- Correct Answer (NVT): +4 marks
- Incorrect Answer (NVT): 0 marks (No penalty)
This scheme encourages candidates to answer questions confidently while ensuring there is a penalty for random guessing.
6. Time Management Strategy for JEE Main 2025
Proper time management during the exam is essential to complete the paper within the 3-hour duration. Here are a few tips to manage your time effectively:
- Distribute Time: Allocate 60 minutes to each subject: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Spend the first 10 minutes per section to quickly go through the paper and decide which questions to attempt first.
- Prioritize Questions: Start with questions you find easiest, and leave the more complex ones for later.
- Avoid Spending Too Much Time on One Question: If stuck, move on and return to it after completing other sections.
- Leave Time for Revision: Reserve the final 10-15 minutes to review your answers and ensure you haven’t missed anything.
Final Tips for Last Minute JEE Main 2025 Preparation
Understanding the question paper structure is critical for any candidate aspiring to succeed in JEE Main 2025. The exam will test not only your academic knowledge but also your ability to solve problems efficiently under time pressure. By practicing mock tests, revising key concepts, and managing your time wisely, you can set yourself up for success.
Stay focused, keep a calm mindset, and trust in your preparation as you approach the exam day. Best of luck with your JEE Main 2025 journey!
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