JEE Main vs CUET for B.Tech 2025: Key Differences and Which to Choose

JEE Main vs CUET for B.Tech 2025: Key Differences and Which to Choose

Edited By Umang Kataria | Updated on Mar 30, 2025 12:29 PM IST | #JEE Main

JEE Main vs CUET for B.Tech 2025 - For getting admission to top IITs, NITs, and other engineering colleges in India, JEE Main is a preferred choice. JEE Main is the primary and widely accepted entrance examination for B.Tech admission. On the other hand, CUET allows admission to various other, but less prestigious, colleges. If a candidate doesn't wish to opt JEE Main exam 2025, the CUET exam 2025 can be an option. Initially, admission to B.Tech programs was mainly through a candidate’s JEE scores. However, now, admission to the best engineering colleges in India is not limited to JEE Main. Many candidates aim for both exams, which can be challenging. Knowing each of their unique differences can help make a wise choice.

This Story also Contains
  1. JEE Main vs CUET for B.Tech 2025
  2. JEE Main vc CUET Key Differences
  3. JEE Main vs CUET for B.Tech Eligibility 2025
  4. JEE Main and CUET B.Tech Admission Process
  5. JEE Main and CUET B.Tech Syllabus 2025
  6. JEE Main vs CUET Top B.Tech Colleges 2025
JEE Main vs CUET for B.Tech 2025: Key Differences and Which to Choose
JEE Main vs CUET for B.Tech 2025: Key Differences and Which to Choose
LiveJoSAA Counselling 2025 LIVE: BTech registration starts today at josaa.nic.in for IIT, NIT, IIIT admissionsJun 3, 2025 | 10:01 AM IST

JEE Advanced 2025: The last 7 years, IIT Bombay CSE closing cut-offs. 

2024

Gender-Neutral

68

Female-only (including Supernumerary)

421

2023

Gender-Neutral

67

Female-only (including Supernumerary)

291

2022

Gender-Neutral

61

Female-only (including Supernumerary)

305

2021

Gender-Neutral

67

Female-only (including Supernumerary)

361

2020

Gender-Neutral

66

Female-only (including Supernumerary)

248

2019

Gender-Neutral

63

Female-only (including Supernumerary)

313

2018

Gender-Neutral

59

Female-only (including Supernumerary)

173

Read More: JEE Main 2025: Why IIT Bombay CSE remains top priority of toppers; cut-offs of last 7 years

Read More

Many students now consider CUET for admission to the engineering domain, as it is comparatively less tough than JEE Main. However, remember that each of them has its pros and cons. Keep reading to learn more about JEE Main vs CUET for B.Tech.

JEE Main vs CUET for B.Tech 2025

Top universities and institutions in India accept JEE Main scorecard 2025 for admission to their B.Tech program. However, certain institutions also accept CUET scorecard 2025 along with JEE to admit candidates. Students now have a limited choice for opting for either JEE or CUET, as not all institutions accept the latter. There are many key differences between these entrance examinations. See the table below to understand better.

JEE Main vc CUET Key Differences

JEE Main

CUET

More competitive and open doors to top engineering institutions in India.

A little less competitive and not as preferable for the top institutions.

Limited range of universities.

Broader range of universities.

High exam difficulty level and cut-offs.

Less difficult and comparatively low cut-offs.

Solely for engineering programs.

For various UG and PG programs.

Detailed syllabus from class 11 and 12.

Major focus on class 12 syllabus.

Less number of seats in top universities

More number of seats in wider range of universities

Also view:

Parul University B.Tech Admissions 2025

Registrations Deadline- 12th June | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package

UPES B.Tech Admissions 2025

Ranked #42 among Engineering colleges in India by NIRF | Highest Package 1.3 CR , 100% Placements

JEE Main vs CUET for B.Tech Eligibility 2025

Read below the separate B.Tech eligibility criteria in the case of JEE Main and CUET for a more thorough difference understanding.

JEE Main B.Tech Eligibility Criteria

  • Students who passed the class 12 exam in 2023 or 2024 or are still appearing in 2025 are eligible to apply.
  • Students with Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry/ Biology/ Biotechnology/ Technical Vocational Subjects in class 12.
  • Students with 75% (general) or 65% (SC/ST) marks in class 12 or are in the top 20 percentile in their class 12 exam are also eligible.
  • Meet the institution-specific cut-off marks.
JEE Main 2025 College Predictor
Know your college admission chances in NITs, IIITs and CFTIs, many States/ Institutes based on your JEE Main rank by using JEE Main 2025 College Predictor.
Use Now

CUET B.Tech Eligibility Criteria

  • Students who passed class 12 or are still appearing in the class 12 exam 2025.
  • Students with an aggregate score of 50% (general) and 45% (SC/ST) in the class 12 exam.
  • Fulfill the cut-off eligibility criteria for different institutions.
ICFAI University Hyderabad B.Tech Admissions 2025

Merit Scholarships | NAAC A+ Accredited | Top Recruiters : E&Y, CYENT, Nvidia, CISCO, Genpact, Amazon & many more

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | B.Tech Admissions 2025

Recognized as Institute of Eminence by Govt. of India | NAAC ‘A++’ Grade | Upto 75% Scholarships | Applications accepted on through JEE

Kindly visit the official website of each college for more accurate information.

JEE Main and CUET B.Tech Admission Process

If we talk about the JEE Main exam, it is conducted twice a year in two sessions, i.e., January and April. This exam primarily focuses on the B.Tech domain, with physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Whereas, CUET caters to broader disciplines for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Both the exams are applied for in online mode. See below the steps of applying to these exams:

JEE Main Application 2025

  • Go to JEE Main official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in 2025.
  • Enter the login credentials received via registered contact details.
  • Fill out the JEE Main application form.
  • Upload the documents and make the fee payment.
  • Click on submit and download/print for further reference.

CUET Application 2025

  • Go to CUET official website, cuet.nta.nic.in.
  • Enter the required personal and academic information.
  • Upload the copies of scanned documents.
  • Make the fee payment and submit the form.
  • Download or print the CUET application form for future reference.

JEE Main and CUET B.Tech Syllabus 2025

See below the JEE Main syllabus as compared to the CUET UG syllabus for the B.Tech domain. Compare the details and strategize the preparation effectively.

JEE Main B.Tech Syllabus 2025

Physics

Units and Measurements, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Properties of Solids and Liquids, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Oscillations and Waves, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices, Experimental Skills.

Physical Chemistry

Some Basic Concepts In Chemistry, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure, Chemical Thermodynamic, Redox Reactions And Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Solutions, Equilibrium.

Inorganic Chemistry

Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, P- Block Elements, d - and f- Block Elements, Co-ordination Compounds

Organic Chemistry

Purification And Characterisation Of Organic Compounds, Some Basic Principles Of Organic Chemistry, Hydrocarbons

Organic Compounds Containing Halogens, Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen, Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

Biomolecules, Principles Related To Practical Chemistry

Mathematics

Complex Numbers And Quadratic Equations, Matrices and Determinants, Sets and Relations And Functions, Permutations And Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequence And Series, Limits And Derivatives and Continuity And Differentiability, Integrals, Differential Equations, Three- Dimensional Geometry

Trigonometric Functions, Statistics And Probability, Vector Algebra, Co-Ordinate Geometry.

CUET B.Tech Syllabus 2025

Physics

Atom and Nuclei, Communication Systems, Current Electricity, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating currents, Electromagnetic waves, Electronic Devices, Electrostatics, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Optics.

Chemistry

States of Matter, Electrochemistry, Solutions, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, General Principle and Process of Isolation of metals, P- Block Elements, d - and f- Block Elements, Co-ordination Compounds, Organic Compounds containing Halogens, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life.

Mathematics

Differential equations, Sets, Relations and Functions, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Limit , continuity and differentiability, Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Three Dimensional Geometry, Statistics and Probability, Mathematical Induction, Mathematical Reasoning, Linear Programming.

JEE Main vs CUET Top B.Tech Colleges 2025

JEE Main scores are valuable for admission to top engineering colleges in India. Whereas, CUET scores are useful for admission to several other central and state universities. See below some top NIRF ranked colleges accepting JEE Main scores and CUET scores.

Top Engineering Colleges in India accepting JEE Main and CUET

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is better, JEE or CUET?

Both JEE and CUET entrance exams have their similarities and differences. However, CUET is becoming a popular choice amongst many, being less competitive.

2. Is CUET worth it for BTech?

CUET offers a wide range of university options for varied programs and disciplines. Therefore, it is considered worth it for B.Tech.

3. Can I get BTech with CUET?

Yes. Getting admission to B.Tech in various institutions is now possible with the CUET scores. 

4. Is jee preparation enough for CUET?

Both JEE and CUET have different syllabus. Therefore, solely relying on JEE preparation is not enough for CUET. Check the detailed syllabus for each and prepare accordingly. 

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Questions related to JEE Main

Have a question related to JEE Main ?

Hello,

I hope you are doing well. As per your mentioned query, before starting any preparation analyse the syllabus first. It is the primary objective of any competitive exam.

To know the syllabus, kindly refer this:

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-main-syllabus-2026

Good wishes!

Yes, with a GPAT score of 70, you are eligible to apply for NIPER JEE 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for NIPER JEE 2025

To be eligible for NIPER JEE 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Educational Qualification : A Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or an equivalent qualification.

  • Minimum Marks in Qualifying Examination :

    • General Category : At least 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.75 on a 10-point scale.

    • SC/ST Category : At least 55% marks or a CGPA of 6.25.

    • PwD Category : At least 50% marks or a CGPA of 5.25

With an OBC rank of 5600 in JEE Main, you're in a good position to get into a variety of NITs and IIITs. You'll likely be able to secure a spot in a reputable engineering program, though it may not be in the top-tier NITs for the most competitive branches like CSE/IT.

Here's a breakdown of your options:

Top-Tier NITs:

For top-tier NITs (like NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal, NIT Rourkela, etc.), you may not be able to get into the most sought-after branches like CSE or IT with an OBC rank of 5600. You might be able to get into other core engineering branches like Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil.

Mid-Tier and Lower-Tier NITs:

You have a strong chance of getting into many mid-tier and lower-tier NITs with a good branch selection. You may also be able to get into some top branches like CSE/IT in less competitive NITs.

IIITs:

IIITs are a great option, especially with a rank like yours. Many IIITs accept JEE Main scores and offer excellent engineering programs.

GFTIs:

Government Funded Technical Institutes are also worth considering.

Private Colleges:

If you are not able to get into an NIT or IIIT, you may need to consider private colleges, but these are typically more expensive.

To maximize your chances, consider:

Branch Preference:

Be realistic about your branch preferences. If you're not able to get into CSE/IT in top-tier NITs, explore other core branches like Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil.

State-Level Counseling:

Check for state-level counseling options in your home state.

IIIT and GFTI Options:

Explore options in IIITs and GFTIs as they often have lower cutoff ranks than NITs.

Private Colleges:

If you are not able to get into an NIT or IIIT, you may need to consider private colleges, but these are typically more expensive.

Some specific examples of colleges you might consider:

NITs: NIT Hamirpur, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Silchar, NIT Durgapur, NIT Raipur, NIT Jamshedpur

IIITs: IIIT Gwalior, IIIT Lucknow

In summary: With a rank of 5600, you have several excellent options for engineering education. Be strategic with your branch preferences, explore different types of colleges, and don't be afraid to consider alternatives if you're not able to get into your top choice initially.

Hello Bhuvan,

This is a personal decision based on a few important components:

  1. Goal Clarity: If IIT Bombay is your dream school and you feel you can prepare for the next iteration of JEE Advanced, dropping a year to study for JEE Advanced is a reasonable option. A dedicated and focused drop year has helped many students achieve great scores on JEE Advanced, and the top ranks.
  2. Current Opportunity: NIT Surathkal is one of the top NITs with opportunities for excellent placements, research opportunities, and the opportunity for interactions with top companies - especially for ECE/EEE. After that, with good academics, you can potentially earn your way into top M.Tech programs like MIT, Stanford, or IITs via GATE or GRE.
  3. Risk vs Reward: Dropping a year has a risk component: mental and academic risk. Think about whether you can handle that level of pressure and if your performance at JEE Advanced can improve with one more year of preparation.
  4. Ambition for MIT M.Tech: For M.Tech, you don't need an IIT degree to get into MIT. Strong research and projects, GRE scores, and thoughtful and compelling YES at SOP matter more than an IIT degree. Many students from top NITs get into MIT and other institutions throughout the world.

Hello Mr. Krishna,

With a JEE Mains percentile of 94.32 and 86% in 12th post, EWS, your son stands a good chance to get seat in SASTRA University. SASTRA considers the JEE Mains score (Stream 1) and board marks (Stream 2) during admission. Your son has a strong profile, and it will be especially competitive for the well-known branches like CSE or ECE, if EWS quota is applicable. Keep monitoring the cutoffs and counseling updates for this specific year, since they may vary ever so slightly and a range of 0.5 is acceptable.  Check this link for more information: SASTRA University Thanjavur: Admission 2025

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