The National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced significant changes to the JEE Main 2025 exam pattern, especially the removal of optional questions from Section B. This update aims to streamline the assessment process and encourage students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the new JEE Main 2025 structure and what candidates should expect.
JEE Main 2025: Key Updates and Exam Dates
- Session 1: Held from January 22 to January 30, 2025
- Session 2: Held from April 2 to April 9, 2025
Major Changes in JEE Main 2025
Section B Optional Questions Removed
One of the most notable changes for JEE Main 2025 is the elimination of optional questions in Section B. Previously, candidates could choose which questions to attempt in the numerical-based section. Now, all five questions in Section B are compulsory for every candidate, with no choices offered.
- Background: The optional question format was introduced in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the World Health Organization declaring the end of the pandemic in May 2023, this flexibility has been withdrawn.
JEE Main 2025 Exam Pattern Overview
Paper 1: B.E./B.Tech (Computer-Based Test)
| Subject | Section A (MCQs) | Section B (Numerical) | Total Marks |
| Mathematics | 20 | 5 | 100 |
| Physics | 20 | 5 | 100 |
| Chemistry | 20 | 5 | 100 |
| Total | 60 | 15 | 300 |
- Section A: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Section B: Numerical value questions (all compulsory, no options)
- Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates)
- Languages: 13 languages including Hindi, English, Gujarati, Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu
Paper 2A: B.Arch
| Subject | Questions (Section A/B) | Marks |
| Mathematics | 20 (A) + 5 (B) | 100 |
| Aptitude Test | 50 | 200 |
| Drawing Test | 2 | 100 |
| Total | 77 | 400 |
Paper 2B: B.Plan
| Subject | Questions (Section A/B) | Marks |
| Mathematics | 20 (A) + 5 (B) | 100 |
| Aptitude Test | 50 | 200 |
| Planning | 25 | 100 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
JEE Main 2025: Old vs New Pattern
| Criteria | JEE Main 2024 | JEE Main 2025 (Updated) | Changes Highlighted |
| Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) | |||
| Section A | 20 MCQs per subject | 20 MCQs per subject | No changes |
| Section B | 10 numerical-type (5 to be answered) | 5 numerical-type (all mandatory) | Optional questions removed |
| Paper 2A/2B (Maths) | 10 numerical-type (5 to be answered) | 5 numerical-type (all mandatory) | Optional questions removed |
Marking Scheme (All Papers)
- Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
- Unattempted: 0 marks
Section-wise Marks Distribution
- B.E./B.Tech: 25 questions per subject (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) × 4 = 100 marks each
- B.Arch: 25 Maths × 4 = 100, 50 Aptitude × 4 = 200, 2 Drawing × 50 = 100
- B.Plan: 25 Maths × 4 = 100, 50 Aptitude × 4 = 200, 25 Planning × 4 = 100
JEE Main Syllabus 2025
- Paper 1: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Paper 2A: Mathematics, General Aptitude, Drawing skills
- Paper 2B: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning Based Questions
Preparation Strategy for JEE Main 2025
With the removal of optional questions, candidates must now prepare to attempt every question in the paper. This change emphasizes comprehensive knowledge and discourages selective study. Practicing with updated mock tests and covering the entire syllabus is crucial for success.
Additional Information
- The NTA has released an official notification regarding these changes.
- For detailed updates and official notices, visit the NTA JEE Main website.
Summary:
The updated JEE Main 2025 exam pattern requires all candidates to answer every question in Section B, eliminating previous options and focusing on thorough subject understanding. Students should adapt their preparation strategies accordingly to excel under the new format.
