Pearson | PTE
Register now for PTE & Unlock 20% OFF : Use promo code: 'C360SPL20'. Valid till 30th NOV'24! Trusted by 3,500+ universities globally
JEE Main, IISER Admission Test Compared: Paper Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Strategy
Edited By Ramraj Saini | Updated on Mar 05, 2022 12:55 PM IST | #JEE Main
The Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) admission test (IAT) are both prestigious national-level entrance exams for undergraduate science and technology programmes. The JEE Main is the gateway for admission in various premier public engineering colleges including the National Institutes of Technology (NITs); it also serves as a preliminary round for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The IAT is for admission into IISERs which were established to promote research and development in the Sciences and offer integrated BS-MS programmes at most institutes. This article will describe the differences and the similarities between the two and offer handy, subject-wise preparation strategies.
New: Direct link to apply for JEE Main 2025 registration for session 1
Also Check: Crack JEE Main 2025 - Join Our Free Crash Course Now!
JEE Main 2025: Sample Papers | Syllabus | Mock Tests | PYQs | Video Lectures
JEE Main 2025: Preparation Guide | High Scoring Topics | Study Plan 100 Days
This Story also Contains
JEE Main
JEE Main is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA). The IIT-JEE, as it is often called, consists of two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. For admission in the IITs, JEE Main is the first stage and JEE Advanced, the final. For admission in Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Government-funded technical institutions (GFTIs) and many other private colleges or institutes, students have to qualify JEE Main.
IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)
The IISERs are premium science research institutes in India. There are seven of them – IISER Bhopal, IISER Pune, IISER Kolkata, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, IISER Tirupati, IISER Berhampur and IISER Mohali. They offer programmes like Bachelor of Science (BS), Integrated Bachelor of Science - Master of Science (BS-MS), research (PhD) and postdoctoral programmes.
JEE Main, IISER Aptitude Test: Exam Patterns
In JEE Main, there are a total of 90 questions out of which 75 questions are mandatory to attempt. There are three sections in the paper:
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
JEE Main Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics
This free eBook covers JEE Main important chapters & topics to study just 40% of the syllabus and score up to 100% marks in the examination.
Download EBookRecently, the pattern for JEE Main was modified and numerical questions introduced. JEE Main contains two sections for every subject. Section 1 contains 20 multiple choice questions (MCQs) and all the MCQs are compulsory. Section 2 contains 10 numerical questions of which only five have to be attempted.
Unlike other institutions there are three admission routes into an IISER:
science students who qualify the KVPY exam through college. To get admission, you must write the KVPY exam in Class 11 or 12. Admission is on the basis of the KVPY rank with each IISER setting its own cut-off rank.
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Advanced) of Indian Institutes of Technology.
State and Central Boards Channel (SCB): To get admission through the SCB channel, you should write the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT).
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is a three-hour examination covering 60 questions. There are four sections in the paper:
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Biology
A student appearing for the examination has to answer questions in all the sections. There are 15 questions in each section.
JEE Main, IISER Aptitude Test: Differences And Similarities
Both exams, JEE Main and IAT, are now computer-based. The IISER Aptitude Test is organized only once in a year whereas JEE Main was held twice in 2019 and 2020 and four times in 2021. For candidates who write it more than onces, the best score of the four is considered for the final NTA JEE Main result and rank list.
The number of students appearing in the JEE Main examination is much higher than the IAT.
In 2021, over 10.48 lakh students registered for the four sessions of JEE Main and about 9.39 lakh candidates finally appeared. 45,000 seats are directly filled through JEE Main or via JEE Advanced, including 16,053 seats in IITs and 31,652 seats in NITs, GFTIs, IIITs and rest.
Also Read,
- JEE Main, BITSAT Compared: What Your Preparation Strategy Should Be
- Why Internships Are A ‘To-Do’ Thing For High School Students
- 10 Scholarships For Class 12 Students
In 2020, almost 2 lakh students applied for IAT, competing for at least 1,734 seats in BS-MS dual degree and 115 seats in BS degree programmes.
The level of IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is on a par with JEE Main. The only major difference is that for one, you have to attempt questions from all four subjects and for JEE Main, only three. However, all science stream students can write the IAT irrespective of whether they studied Biology and Mathematics.
The marking scheme differs slightly. In JEE Main, for every correct answer, candidates are awarded four marks and for every wrong answer, one mark is deducted. In IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), for every correct answer, candidates are awarded three marks and for every wrong one, one mark is deducted.
A student can write JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from their first attempt right during or immediately after Class 12. For IAT, candidates are allowed two attempts in two consecutive years upon completing Class 12.
In case of IISER, the scorecard and ranks are not disclosed to the candidates. A window is provided to view the evaluated responses on the website and the seat allotments are started directly after. In case of JEE Main, scorecards are provided to candidates displaying the percentiles in each section along with the overall percentile.
IISER Vs JEE Main: Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy
Questions in IISER Aptitude Test and JEE Main are of similar difficulty level. Both require deep knowledge and understanding of concepts.
A student preparing for JEE Main can also appear for IISER Aptitude Test. The major difference is the presence of the compulsory Biology section in the IAT..
A subject-wise comparison of questions is given below.
PHYSICS
Syllabus Compared
The Physics syllabus and difficulty level are the same for IISER Aptitude Test and JEE Main, except the experimental lab skills part. Experimental lab skills are not a part of the IAT.
Weightage Compared
The previous IAT papers are not public, but on the basis of students' reviews, Current Electricity, Modern Physics, Thermodynamics and Mechanics carry a huge chunk of marks. For Physics, it is a good idea to refer to a good reference book, to practice numericals, and to have a firm grasp on the topics and concepts.
CHEMISTRY
Syllabus Compared
The syllabus for both exams includes all the topics and chapters in Class 11 and Class 12 Chemistry NCERT textbooks. Even in this case, the experimental lab skills are not tested on in the IAT. The difficulty levels are similar too.
Weightage Compared
On the basis of students’ reviews, the exceptional trends in Inorganic Chemistry must be learnt for IAT. The reaction mechanisms should be understood in depth as several problems are based on them. For JEE Main, a candidate must have a strong grip over the concepts of Organic Chemistry.
MATHEMATICS
Syllabus Compared
Similarly, there is much overlap between the Mathematics syllabi. A chapter on Linear Programming is not asked in JEE Main but appears in AIT. Other chapters from the Classes 11, 12 syllabus, including Matrices, Determinants, Integration, and Derivatives, appear in both the examinations.
Weightage Compared
In case of IAT, student reviews state that candidates should focus on Trigonometric Equations, Properties of Triangle, Complex Numbers, Calculus and Probability as these chapters hold high weightage.
BIOLOGY
Syllabus Compared
Biology is not part of JEE Main at all but a compulsory section in the IISER Aptitude Test.
Weightage Compared
Judging by students’ responses, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology and Cell Division should be studied with greater care as these units constitute a large part of AIT’s Biology section.
Is IISER Aptitude Test Easier Than JEE Main?
The difficulty levels of both exams are similar as are the syllabi.
The only differences are in the question paper patterns and the presence of the Biology section in IAT. It is a good idea to practise solving questions from various reference books, previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
How You Should Prepare
The JEE Main contains more questions than the IAT and they have to be solved within the same period of time. So, JEE Main is also a speed test. This is how you can approach the exams:
Make a study time-table and follow it strictly
First, study the concepts thoroughly from the NCERT textbooks and then, to gain depth and clarity of understanding concepts, use good reference books.
Create your own study material or notes.
Do regular self-study.
Make use of flowcharts and diagrams
Attempt previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
Prepare a strategy to attempt the question paper so that you can maximize your score.
- Manage your time smartly.
Articles
Nov 16, 2024
Upcoming Engineering Exams
Application Date:03 September,2024 - 31 December,2024
Application Date:16 September,2024 - 04 December,2024
Certifications By Top Providers
Computer Architecture
Via Metropolitan School of Business and Management, London Java Fundamentals
Via Coding Ninjas Python For Beginners
Via PW Skills Data Structures and Algorithms
Via Google Python Basics
Via Accenture Gradle for Android and Java
Via Google Explore Top Universities Across Globe
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
North Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30332University of Nottingham, Nottingham
University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RDUniversity of Strathclyde, Glasgow
16 Richmond St, Glasgow G1 1XQTexas A and M University, College Station
400 Bizzell St College Station, Texas 77843University College London, London
Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BTImperial College, London
South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZUSMLE Step 1 Exam 2024: Dates, Syllabus, Fees, Pattern, Registration
12 min ⋆ Sep 11, 2024 04:09 AM ISTJohns Hopkins University Acceptance Rate for international students 2024
5 min ⋆ Sep 13, 2024 04:09 AM ISTWhy PTE: Reasons for Choosing it over other English Tests?
3 min ⋆ Sep 12, 2024 12:09 PM ISTAdvantages of PTE While Applying to Australian Universities
3 min ⋆ Sep 12, 2024 12:09 PM ISTHow to Convert 10 Point CGPA to 4 Point GPA? CGPA to GPA
7 min ⋆ Sep 12, 2024 11:09 AM ISTPR in Australia After Study for International Students: PR Procedure and How to Apply
8 min ⋆ Sep 12, 2024 11:09 AM ISTPopular Courses and Specializations
List of colleges accepting JEE Main
Browse Engineering Colleges by State
Questions related to JEE Main
Have a question related to JEE Main ?
Hello,
To view the available books and study materials for specific exams like JEE Main or JEE Advanced on Careers360, follow these steps:
-
Navigate to the Careers360 Website : Visit Careers360 and use their search function to locate resources for JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or other exams.
-
Explore the Study Material Section : Careers360 provides detailed lists of e-books, sample papers, and study guides. For instance, for JEE Main, you can find:
- Exam preparation books including solved question papers and guides for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Specialized materials like formula sheets, mock tests, and previous years' papers.
-
Filters and Categories : Use filters on the site to narrow down books by type (e.g., question papers, study guides), education level, or specific topics relevant to JEE Main or JEE Advanced.
-
Free and Paid Options : Careers360 offers both free downloads and premium study packages. The "JEE Main Knockout Programme," for example, includes comprehensive resources such as video lectures and expert guidance.
For quick access, you can directly search for study material for a given exam on the Careers360 site, ensuring you stay updated with the latest editions and resources.
To get study material, visit :
1. https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/best-books-for-jee-main
2. https://engineering.careers360.com/download/jee-main-ebooks
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 17 November,2024
hello,
To start JEE Main preparation, allocate 6–8 hours daily. Focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Maths equally. Study in blocks of 2 hours with breaks. Morning: Revise concepts and solve NCERT questions. Afternoon: Practice numericals and past papers. Evening: Attempt mock tests or solve advanced problems. Dedicate Sundays to full-length mock tests and analysis. Ensure 7 hours of sleep and daily exercise. Adjust based on your school/college timings.
You can check out the link below for a detailed schedule
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-prepare-for-jee-main-in-6-months
Tanya Gupta 16 November,2024
Hello Aastha,
Yes, it's okay to use your mother's name as per the Aadhaar card, "Mamta Walia," while filling out the JEE application form. However, during document verification or counseling, there could be a discrepancy between the 10th marksheet and Aadhaar card. To avoid future issues, keep an affidavit or a notarized document ready explaining the name difference, or get it corrected in either document if possible.
For more details, you can check out an article by Careers360 whose link is given below:
Link: https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-to-fill-jee-main-application-form
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 16 November,2024
Hello aspirant,
According to the most recent NTA announcement about the JEE Main 2025 application form correction feature, candidates will not be able to change their uploaded photo if it was originally submitted incorrectly.
So you can change your photo in JEE MAINS correction window.
Thank you
Sajal Trivedi 16 November,2024
Hello
No , it's not possible to change your category status between different sessions of the JEE Mains exam . The category you mentioned at the time of your initial registration will apply to all the sessions you choose to appear for in that particular year .
Switching from General to PWD between sessions would require official documentation and category verification during the registration itself .
If you have valid PWD status and documentation , you should register under the PWD category from the beginning for consistency and accuracy in your application .
Hope this information helps you .
If you have any query drop message in comment section .
ALL THE BEST
Mitali Sharma 17 November,2024
Popular JEE Main Questions
Explore Career Options (By Industry)
Flight Attendant
A flight attendant is a professional whose primary duty is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during an airline flight. An individual who is pursuing a career as a flight attendant is part of the cabin crew for the plane, a team of personnel who operate a commercial, business, or even military aircraft while travelling domestically or internationally.
An individual pursuing a career as a flight attendant is specially trained for the aircraft in which he or she works since passenger safety is their foremost concern. In this article, we will discuss how to become a flight attendant in India or how to become a flight attendant after graduation.
3 Jobs Available
Aerospace Engineer
An aerospace engineer is an individual who develops new ideas and technologies that can be used in defence systems, aviation, and spacecraft. He or she not only designs aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles but also creates test vehicles to ensure optimum functionality. Aerospace engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the study, design, and development of aerial vehicles such as aircraft and spacecraft.
Aerospace engineering jobs deal with employees who design or build missiles and aircraft for national defence, or spacecraft. Aerospace engineering or aircraft engineering is often referred to as rocket science. The bottom line is that the person who is pursuing a career in aerospace engineering has to deal with multiple teams at different levels and work across various technologies.
2 Jobs Available
Flight Engineer
A career in the aviation industry always sounds exciting. But, there is no scope for the slightest error as it may cost the lives of many people. A Flight Engineer role comes with the responsibility of monitoring the aircraft engine and control systems while in flight. Whenever the aircraft is away from the home station, he or she is required to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections
2 Jobs Available
Aircrew officer
An aircrew officer or airline commanders fly aircraft to provide transportation to passengers or cargo. The aircrew officer operates the engines of aircraft and controls to navigate and fly the airplane. The ability to learn new technologies every time and to stay up-to-date with the changes in the industry is what the aircrew officer should possess.
This could be possible through membership with professional pilot associations. The aircrew officer is also one of the highest-paid professionals and the job is quite coveted. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about how to become aircrew officer.
You may also read career as Airline Pilot.
2 Jobs Available
Air Hostess
An air hostess is a flight attendant also known as a cabin crew or steward. An air hostess undertakes several pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight duties and is responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers on both national and international flights. A career as an air hostess might be desirable for you if you are excited about a job in which you can help people and travel to exciting places.
Air hostesses play a crucial role in the flight crew, working closely with pilots and ground personnel to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience, even beyond their hospitality responsibilities. Being flexible, having strong communication skills, and being dedicated to the comfort of passengers are all necessary for their dynamic function, which makes them essential to the entire travel experience.
2 Jobs Available
Aeronautical Engineer
An Aeronautical Engineer job comes with the responsibility of designing aircraft and thrust systems. He or she is employed in aviation, defence or civil aviation industries. Aeronautical Engineer is generally engaged in the design of aircraft and propulsion systems as well as the analysis of building materials and aircraft's aerodynamic performance. The role of an Aeronautical Engineer may involve assembling parts of aircraft, testing and maintaining them.
2 Jobs Available
Safety Manager
A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
2 Jobs Available
Airline Pilot
Are you searching for an 'airline pilot job description'? An airline pilot or airline commander flies aircraft and helicopters to provide transportation to passengers or cargo. The airline pilot operates the engines of the aircraft and controls them to navigate and fly the airplane. The ability to learn new technologies every time and to stay up-to-date with the changes in the industry is what aviators should possess. The career as airline pilot is also one of the highest-paid professionals and the job is quite coveted.
1 Jobs Available
Welding Engineer
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
5 Jobs Available
Transportation Planner
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
3 Jobs Available
Environmental Engineer
Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems.
2 Jobs Available
Safety Manager
A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
2 Jobs Available
Conservation Architect
A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.
2 Jobs Available
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software.
2 Jobs Available
Highway Engineer
Highway Engineer Job Description: A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.
2 Jobs Available
Field Surveyor
Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials.
2 Jobs Available
Geothermal Engineer
Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.
3 Jobs Available
Geologist
A geologist attempts to comprehend the historical backdrop of the planet we live on, all the more likely to anticipate the future and clarify current events. He or she analyses the components, deployments, results, physical characteristics, and past of the planet. A geologist examines the landforms and landscapes of the earth in relation to the geology, climatic, and human processes that have shaped them.
A geologist studies earth procedures, for example, seismic tremors, avalanches, floods, and volcanic eruptions to review land and draw up safe structure plans. When he or she researches earth materials, explores metals and minerals, yet in addition search for oil, petroleum gas, water, and strategies to extricate these.
2 Jobs Available
Energy Performance Engineer
Energy efficiency engineering is a broad field of engineering which deals with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, and sustainable energy resources. Energy efficiency engineering is one of the most recent engineering disciplines to emerge. The field combines the knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with economic and environmental engineering practices. The main job of individuals who opt for a career as an energy performance engineer is to find the most efficient and sustainable path to operate buildings and manufacturing processes.
Individuals who opt for a career as energy performance engineers apply their understanding and knowledge to increase efficiency and further develop renewable sources of energy. The energy efficiency engineers also examine the use of energy in those procedures and suggest the ways in which systems can be improved.
2 Jobs Available
Petroleum Engineer
A career as a Petroleum engineer is concerned with activities related to producing petroleum. These products can be in the form of either crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering also requires the exploration and refinement of petroleum resources. Therefore, a career as a petroleum engineer comes up with oil and gas onshore jobs. There are also desk jobs in the petroleum industry. In layman’s terms, a petroleum engineer is a person who finds the best way to drill and extract oil from oil wells. Individuals who opt for a career as petroleum engineer also tries to find new ways to extract oil in an efficient manner.
2 Jobs Available
Transportation Planner
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
3 Jobs Available
Civil Engineer
A career as a civil engineer is of great importance for the infrastructural growth of the country. It is one of the most popular professions and there is great professional as well as personal growth in this civil engineering career path. There is job satisfaction in this civil engineering career path, but it also comes with a lot of stress, as there are multiple projects that need to be handled and have to be completed on time. Students should pursue physics, chemistry and mathematics in their 10+2 to become civil engineers.
2 Jobs Available
Transportation Engineer
A career as a Transportation Engineer is someone who takes care of people's safety. He or she is responsible for designing, planning and constructing a safe and secure transportation system. The transportation sector has seen a huge transformation and is growing day by day and improving every day.
As a Transport Engineer, he or she needs to solve complex problems such as accidents, costs, traffic flow, and statistics. A Transport Engineer also collaborates for projects with some other companies.
1 Jobs Available
Loco Pilot
A loco pilot or locomotive pilot is a professional responsible for operating trains. He or she starts, stops, or controls the speed of the train. A locomotive pilot ensures that the train operates according to time schedules and signals. These loco pilots are responsible for carrying people and products to distinct destinations.
A loco pilot has thorough knowledge and understanding of the railway operations, rules, regulations, protocols, and measures to take in times of emergency. Their role is crucial in ensuring passenger and freight trains' smooth and safe operation. Here, in this article, we will discuss everything on how to how to become a loco pilot.
2 Jobs Available
B.Tech/B.Arch Admissions OPEN
UPES B.Tech Admissions 2025
ApplyRanked #42 among Engineering colleges in India by NIRF | Highest CTC 50 LPA , 100% Placements
Dayananda Sagar University B.Tech Admissions 2025
Apply60+ Years of Education Legacy | UGC & AICTE Approved | Prestigious Scholarship Worth 6 Crores | H-CTC 35 LPA
Parul University B.Tech Admissions 2025
ApplyIndia's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package
Lovely Professional University B.Tech Admissions 2025
ApplyIndia's Largest University | NAAC A++ Accredited | 100% Placement Record | Highest Package Offered : 3 Cr PA
Atlas SkillTech University | B.Tech Admissions
ApplyHands on Mentoring and Code Coaching | Cutting Edge Curriculum with Real World Application
Pearson | PTE
ApplyRegister now for PTE & Unlock 20% OFF : Use promo code: 'C360SPL20'. Valid till 30th NOV'24! Trusted by 3,500+ universities globally
News and Notifications
November 17, 2024 - 09:11 PM IST
November 17, 2024 - 03:28 PM IST
November 15, 2024 - 11:12 AM IST
November 13, 2024 - 06:45 PM IST
November 13, 2024 - 11:45 AM IST
November 12, 2024 - 10:27 PM IST
November 07, 2024 - 10:09 PM IST
Stay up-to date with JEE Main News
Back to top