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Every year, lakhs of students aspire to secure a seat in India’s most prestigious engineering colleges — the IITs. For these students, JEE Main 2025 and JEE Advanced 2025 are more than just exams; they are life-changing milestones. But while preparing for the JEE exam, many aspirants get caught up in textbooks and mock tests, missing out on understanding one crucial component: rank calculation.
This blog by Mayoor School, Noida goes beyond formulas and past papers. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from “what is JEE”, how the ranking system works, to how your performance can translate into a future at an IIT.
What is JEE and Why Does It Matter?
To put it simply, JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is a two-tier national-level engineering entrance exam. The first phase, JEE Main, is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and it acts as the eligibility test for JEE Advanced, which is organized by one of the IITs each year.
Cracking JEE Main is necessary, but it is only the beginning. The top 2.5 lakh rank holders in JEE Main are allowed to appear for JEE Advanced 2025, making it an elite exam in terms of difficulty and competition.
How Many Attempts for JEE Are Allowed?
Understanding the number of attempts is essential for strategic planning. You can attempt JEE Main up to three times over three consecutive years. Since the exam is held twice a year — typically in January and April — you can technically appear in six sessions, but only three years are counted.
For JEE Advanced, you can appear only twice in two consecutive years. That means you have to make each attempt count, as opportunities are limited.
How to Apply for JEE 2025?
The process for applying to JEE Main 2025 is entirely online via the NTA JEE Mains website. Here’s a quick overview of the steps:
- Register on the official portal using your mobile number and email ID.
- Fill in personal and academic details.
- Upload documents such as your photo, signature, and educational certificates.
- Pay the application fee via net banking or UPI.
- Download and print the confirmation page.
Once you qualify JEE Main, you’ll be eligible to register separately for JEE Advanced, which typically takes place in May or June.
Understanding the JEE Advanced Question Paper
Unlike JEE Main, which has a fairly standard format, the JEE Advanced question paper is known for its unpredictability and depth. It features multiple types of questions such as:
- Integer-type answers
- Assertion-reasoning
- Multiple correct options
- Comprehension-based MCQs
The exam consists of two papers, both of which are compulsory. The design of the paper challenges not only your academic knowledge but also your logical thinking, speed, and time management skills. Understanding this format is key to predicting how you'll perform and where you stand among lakhs of aspirants.
How Is the JEE Advanced 2025 Rank Calculated?
The calculation of rank in JEE Advanced is based on the marks obtained in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. These are added together to determine your total score. No sectional cutoffs or subject-wise rankings are given — only the aggregate marks are used to determine your All India Rank (AIR).
In case of a tie between candidates scoring the same total marks, the ranking is decided in the following order:
- Higher positive marks (i.e., fewer wrong answers)
- Higher marks in Mathematics
- Higher marks in Physics
- Age (the older candidate gets preference)
Additionally, you must meet the minimum cutoffs in each subject — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics — to be considered for ranking, regardless of your total score.
Should You Use a JEE Advanced Rank Predictor?
Absolutely. After taking mock tests or attempting previous year papers, using a JEE advanced rank predictor gives you an estimated idea of your performance. These tools analyze trends from previous years, compare your scores against expected cutoffs, and predict a possible rank. While not 100% accurate, they are useful in helping you adjust your preparation strategy and set realistic expectations.
Key Differences Between JEE Main 2025 and JEE Advanced 2025
While both exams are part of the same system, their objectives and structure differ significantly. JEE Main 2025, conducted by NTA, is relatively easier and focuses on objective-type questions. It’s the qualifying stage for NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutions.
JEE Advanced, on the other hand, is the ticket to the IITs. Its structure is more complex, and the level of questions requires a deep understanding of concepts and their applications.
In terms of eligibility and attempts:
- JEE Main allows more attempts (three years)
- JEE Advanced allows only two attempts in two consecutive years
- JEE Main tests speed and accuracy
- JEE Advanced tests depth of understanding and problem-solving ability
Don’t Forget About CUET Preparation
Many students, while preparing for JEE, also aim to keep backup options open. This is where CUET preparation comes in. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) allows students to apply to a variety of undergraduate programs in central universities.
Balancing CUET with JEE prep is possible with time management. While CUET is generally simpler, it requires focused preparation in subjects like English, general aptitude, and domain-specific knowledge. For students from Mayoor School, Noida, our structured academic programs ensure that JEE and CUET preparation can go hand in hand.
Final Tips for JEE Advanced 2025 Aspirants
- Begin Early: Start preparing in Class 11 for a two-year focused approach.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Don't chase shortcuts. Build strong conceptual clarity.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous JEE advanced question paper sets and take online mock tests.
- Use Analytics Tools: Leverage tools like rank predictors to track your progress.
- Time Management: Learn to allocate time between sections and between exams (JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and CUET).
- Stay Consistent: Daily study habits, proper sleep, and a balanced routine help more than last-minute cramming.
In Conclusion
The journey through JEE Main 2025 and JEE Advanced 2025 is filled with challenges — from mastering complex problems to understanding the nuances of rank calculation. However, with a clear understanding of the process and a solid preparation plan, you can confidently work towards your goal of getting into the IITs.
At Mayoor School, Noida, we provide our students with an academic environment that fosters discipline, inquiry, and excellence. Our advanced curriculum and expert mentoring help students prepare not just for exams but for life.
