The countdown to JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) Advanced 2025 has begun. While JEE Main Session 1 ended on 30th January, Session 2 is scheduled for 1st to 8th April. The top 2.5 lakh rank holders of JEE Main 2025 will be allowed to appear for JEE Advanced 2025 to be held on 18th May.
A common question among aspirants preparing for JEE every year is “How hard is JEE Advanced?” Let us try to answer this question in detail, bust some myths, and help you with some handy tips to supercharge your preparations.
What is JEE Advanced?
JEE Advanced is generally considered the final stage of the JEE journey, conducted after JEE Main. The exam is designed to test the in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities of the candidates in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
The exam is organized by the seven zonal IITs – IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Guwahati on a rotational basis. For instance, IIT Madras conducted JEE Advanced 2024 and in 2025, it is being organized by IIT Kanpur.
One distinctive feature of JEE Advanced is its dynamic nature, with a pattern and marking scheme that mostly changes every year. This ensures the exam remains unpredictable and challenges students to think creatively.
Overview of JEE Advanced 2025
| Exam | Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (JEE Advanced) 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur |
| Official Website | https://jeeadv.ac.in/ |
| Purpose | Admission to IIT’s undergraduate Engineering, Science, and Architecture programs |
| Eligibility | Top 2,50,000 rank holders in JEE Main 2025 |
| Examination Date | 18th May 2025 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based ONLINE test |
| Number of Papers | 2: Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Duration | 3 hours for each paper |
| Total Marks | 360 (Paper 1 + Paper 2) |
| Subjects Covered | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Language | English & Hindi |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Numerical Value Type Questions, Match the Following |
| Marking Scheme | Partial, Full, and Zero |
| Negative Marking | Yes, for incorrect MCQs |
| ApplicationProcess | Online |
| Application Fee | The amount varies based on the category |
| Admit Card Release | May 11, 2025, to May 18, 2025 |
| Result Date | June 02, 2025 |
| Counselling Process | Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) |
Is JEE Advanced Tough for 2025?
Now to the main question, is JEE Advanced tough? As the final stage of the JEE journey, JEE Advanced is an exam that can get you a seat in prestigious IITs. Thus, the exam is bound to be difficult. In 2024, over 1 million students appeared for JEE Main, and only 2.5 lakh qualified for JEE Advanced. Overall, IITs only had around 17,700 seats in 2024.
So, the IITs organizing the JEE exam are expected to keep it difficult to ensure only the best of minds from the country qualify. The rigorous selection process upholds the academic excellence and global reputation of the IITs.
What Factors are Responsible for Making JEE Advanced Tough?
Why JEE advanced is so tough? Here are some of the top reasons-
- High Level of Competition
As discussed above, only 2.5 lakh top-rankers of JEE Main can appear for JEE Advanced. IITs only have a few thousand seats and this increases the stakes significantly.
- Complex Question Patterns
The exam focuses on conceptual understanding and application rather than rote learning. Questions often require solving multiple concepts in a single problem.
- Extensive Syllabus
The exam covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics studied in Classes 11 and 12. It also requires an in-depth understanding of NCERT and beyond.
- Dynamic Nature of JEE Advanced
The exam pattern and marking scheme also change every year, making it highly unpredictable for the candidates.
- Time Management Pressure
JEE Advanced is a 3-hour exam. Solving complex questions within a limited time frame demands speed and accuracy.
Year-Wise Difficulty Level of JEE Advanced (2010-2024)
By gauging the following table you can know how difficult is JEE Advanced–
| Examination Year | Difficulty | Conducting Body |
| 2010 | Moderate | IIT Madras |
| 2011 | Moderate | IIT Kanpur |
| 2012 | Tougher than 2011 | IIT Delhi |
| 2013 | Moderate | IIT Delhi |
| 2014 | Moderate | IIT Kharagpur |
| 2015 | Difficult | IIT Bombay |
| 2016 | Difficult | IIT Guwahati |
| 2017 | Moderate | IIT Madras |
| 2018 | Tougher than 2017 | IIT Kanpur |
| 2019 | Tougher than 2018 | IIT Roorkee |
| 2020 | Moderate | IIT Delhi |
| 2021 | Moderate | IIT Kharagpur |
| 2022 | Moderate (and lengthy) | IIT Bombay |
| 2023 | Moderate | IIT Guwahati |
| 2024 | Easy | IIT Madras |
Common JEE Advanced Myths
The complex nature of JEE Advanced has given rise to numerous myths that often mislead and confuse aspirants. Here are some of the most popular ones-
1. “It’s Impossible to Crack JEET Advanced Without Coaching”
Fact- Many students have succeeded in cracking JEE Advanced through disciplined self-study, leveraging online resources, and structured schedules.
2. “You Must Study 15+ Hours Daily”
Fact- Quality matters more than quantity. Focused 6-8 hours of study with adequate breaks generally yields better results.
3. “Only Geniuses Crack JEE”
Fact- Hard work, consistency, and strategic preparation often outweigh raw intelligence in cracking competitive exams.
4. “Dropping a Year for Preparation is Waste”
Fact- A well-planned drop year can significantly improve your preparation and chances of success if utilized effectively.
5. “You Must Cover Every Topic Thoroughly”
Fact- Smart preparation involves focusing on high-weightage topics and excelling in them rather than spreading yourself too thin.
Tips to Ace JEE Advanced
Is JEE tough? Yes, but with consistent effort, smart strategies, and the right mindset, it is definitely achievable. Here are some time-proven tips-
1. Start with the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Ensure you thoroughly understand the latest syllabus, pattern, and marking scheme. Prioritize high-weightage topics across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
2. Strengthen Your Foundation
Build a strong foundation by mastering NCERT concepts. Avoid skipping fundamental topics as they often serve as the basis for advanced problems.
3. Solve Previous Year Papers
Familiarize yourself with question types and patterns by solving papers from previous years. Practice solving papers under timed conditions to stimulate the actual exam.
4. Focus on Time Management
Allocate specific time slots for each subject daily. Regularly practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
5. Enrol in Coaching
If necessary, join a reputed coaching center or online platform for structured guidance. Attend doubt-clearing sessions to address weaker areas.
6. Maintain Physical and Mental Health
Eat nutritious meals and get adequate sleep for optimal brain function. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to manage stress.
The Takeaway
Is JEE exam tough? JEE Advanced 2025 is likely to retain its position as one of the toughest entrance exams in India. You’ll need a combination of a focused study plan, conceptual clarity, regular practice, and effective time management to ace the exam.
But while the journey may be challenging, the reward of securing a seat in an IIT and the opportunities it brings makes the effort worthwhile. So, stay determined, trust your preparation, and believe in your ability to achieve your goal.
FAQs on is jee advanced tough
Yes, JEE Advanced 2025 will likely be challenging as it aims to select the best candidates for IITs.
JEE Advanced 2025 will be organized by IIT Kanpur.
The JEE Advanced paper for 2016, organized by IIT Guwahati, is considered one of the toughest JEE Advanced exams.
Taking a drop can be beneficial if you have a clear plan and are determined to improve your preparation.
Focus on mastering concepts, solving mock tests, practicing previous papers, and maintaining a consistent study routine.
