What factors have led JEE Advanced to gain the reputation of one of the toughest exams in the world? Is it the pass percentage, high competition, or the challenging syllabus? Let's explore the 10 reasons that make JEE Advanced one of the toughest exams in the world.
Why is JEE Advanced Considered One of the Toughest Exams in the World
JEE Advanced - Toughest Exam in the World: The JEE Advanced is often regarded as one of the toughest exams in the world, largely due to its rigorous syllabus, intense competition, and low pass percentage. Many students dedicate years of preparation to crack it, to gain admission to India's prestigious IITs. While JEE Advanced is incredibly challenging, it is often considered the second toughest exam, after China's Gaokao.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.The Gaokao, the National College Entrance Examination in China, is known for its extreme difficulty. Unlike most exams, which last around three to four hours, the Gaokao stretches for a gruelling nine hours. Taken by students in their final year of high school, it serves as the sole criterion for admission to Chinese universities. With such high stakes, the Gaokao is a pivotal event in the lives of Chinese students, who must excel in subjects like Chinese literature, mathematics, and English to secure their future.
Q: What is the minimum score or rank required in JEE Advanced to get into a good IIT?
The definition of godd IIT can be relatable. The candidates who wish to get admisison to the first generation of the IITs like IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Roorkee must have a high score of 250+ marks out of 360 marks. However, this is not applicable for all courses offered by these IITs. Every course and IIT has different demand and seat ratio which effects the admission of the cabdidates. Hence it is very difficult to say what will be the minimum score or rank required in JEE Advanced to get into a good IIT.
Candidates must aim to score as high as possible in the exam to be get seat in the first generation of the IIts as these IITs see the most demand.
Q: What is a safe score for JEE Advanced to get an IIT?
It is a very relatable thing. A good score in JEE Advanced will depend on various factors one of them being the cutoff. Further, the cutoff will depend on various factors like the difficulty level, paper pattern, number of seats in the IITs, number of candidtaes taking the exam and so on. Therefore, it is difficult to say what will be a safe score. However, 300+ is a safe score in JEE Advanced if the total marks in the paper is 360.
JEE Advanced 2024 cutoff has been the highest in the past 6 year. This year the cutoff marks has been 109 marks for the Common rank list (CRL) out of 360 marks. For the GEN-EWS and OBC-NCL rank list the cutoff marks is 98; for SC/ST/Common-PwD/GEN-EWS-PwD/OBC-NCL-PwD/SC-PwD/ST-PwD is 54 marks and for Preparatory course rank lists it is 27 marks.
Q: What is JoSAA?
JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) has been set up by the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) to manage and regulate joint seat allocation for admissions to over 100 institutes including IITs, NITs, IIITs, and Other-Government Funded Technical Institutes (Other-GFTIs). Admissions to all these institutes will be done through a single platform. The idea behind introducing a single counselling platform was to reduce thousands of seats going vacant in engineering colleges across the country. The Joint seat allocation process was introduced to make the whole process of admissions smoother, effective, efficient, transparent and a lot faster. Candidates who qualify for the JEE Main or JEE Advanced must register for JoSAA 2025 to participate in the counselling and admission process for various renowned engineering institutes across India. The admission process for admissions in 23 IITs, 31 NITs, 25 IIITs, and 28 Other-Government Funded Technical Institutes (Other-GFTIs) is managed by The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA). Candidates will be allotted seats in various rounds of JoSAA counselling. The seat allotment through JoSAA will be based on the merit of candidates and their preference for courses and colleges.
Which are the Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World?
These are the world’s 10 toughest exams:
- Gaokao Exam, China
- IIT JEE Advanced Exam, India
- UPSC Exam, India
- Mensa Exam, UK
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination) America
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) USA
- CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
- GATE Exam, India
- USMLE Exam, America
- California Bar Exam
Why is JEE Advanced Considered the Second Toughest Exam in The World?
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced is often regarded as one of the toughest exams in the world. It serves as the gateway for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which are among the top engineering institutes globally. There are several reasons why JEE Advanced is considered extremely difficult, ranging from its rigorous syllabus to the level of competition. Here are ten reasons that explain why JEE Advanced is so challenging:
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1. Extensive and Complex Syllabus
The JEE Advanced syllabus covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. These subjects are taught at a deep and advanced level, with topics like Quantum Mechanics, Organic Chemistry, and Integral Calculus requiring in-depth understanding and problem-solving abilities.
The syllabus is vast, and the depth of the concepts covered is much more detailed than other engineering entrance exams. For example, the mathematics section includes topics like Differential Equations, Complex Numbers, and 3D Geometry, which require advanced problem-solving techniques.
Q: Is the JEE Advanced the toughest exam in India?
Consistently ranked as one of the most challenging examinations globally, the JEE Advanced is a formidable hurdle for high school students in India. Typically, students devote several years to intensive preparation for this exam, often seeking guidance from coaching institutes. The combination of its high difficulty level and low acceptance rate exerts immense pressure on aspirants, making success in this exam a highly sought-after achievement.
Q: What should be the preparation strategy for JEE Advanced?
Here is a strategy that can help you with JEE Advanced preparations:
- In order to prepare thoroughly for the JEE Advanced exam, it is important to begin revision as early as possible and maintain a consistent daily routine.
- It is advisable to start with the most challenging topics that you may have encountered during your preparation and allocate specific time to these areas. By doing so, you will have ample time to master these topics before the actual exam day.
- It is recommended that, as you progress, you cross off each difficult topic that you have successfully revised. This will boost your confidence and motivate you to work harder on the remaining topics.
- In addition, it is important to structure your revision schedule to allow for regular tests based on what you have learned. This will help you to gauge your progress and identify areas that require further attention.
- It is also essential that you analyze your test scores and work on reducing your mistakes in the upcoming tests. Multiple revisions are highly beneficial, particularly for subjects like Inorganic Chemistry, where you are likely to discover something new each time you revise.
- Moreover, it is vital to maintain a high level of motivation throughout the preparation period. This is a critical phase of the JEE Advanced exam, and it is essential to stay positive, focused, and determined.
By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of achieving success in the JEE Advanced exam.
Q: How many days are sufficient for the preparation of JEE Advanced?
Q: Which IIT can I get with JEE Advanced rank between 5,000 to 10,000?
As per the previous year analysis of the closing rank, candidates can expecte the following IITs, if their JEE Advanced rank is between 5000 to 10000:
- Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi
- Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad
- Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai
- Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
- Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad
- Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar
- Indian Institute of Technology Goa
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
- Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad
- Indian Institute of Technology Indore
- Indian Institute of Technology Jammu
- Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras
- Indian Institute of Technology Mandi
- Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad
- Indian Institute of Technology Patna
- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
- Indian Institute of Technology Ropar
- Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati
Q: How to clear all the concepts of JEE Advance of every chapter?
Clearing all the concepts of JEE Advanced of every chapter requires a systematic approach and consistent effort. Here are some tips to help you: Understand the Fundamentals: Start by understanding the fundamental concepts of each chapter. Build your foundation by learning the basics, formulas, and definitions. Refer to Quality Study Material: Refer to quality study material such as NCERT books, JEE Advanced preparation books, and online study resources. These resources can help you gain a deeper understanding of the concepts. Practice with Problems: Solve problems and numerical questions related to each concept to strengthen your understanding. Start with easier problems and then gradually move to more challenging ones. Take Notes: Take notes while studying each chapter. This will help you revise the concepts and formulas later. Analyze your Mistakes: Analyze your mistakes while practicing problems. This will help you identify your weaknesses and work on them accordingly. Clear your Doubts: Don't hesitate to ask your teachers or peers if you have any doubts. Clearing your doubts in a timely manner can help you build a strong foundation of knowledge. Revise Regularly: Regular revision is key to retaining what you have learned. Set aside time for regular revision of all the chapters. Remember that mastering all the concepts of JEE Advanced requires a consistent and dedicated effort. Keep practicing and stay motivated to achieve your goals. Good luck!
2. High Level of Conceptual Understanding Required
JEE Advanced tests not only knowledge but also the application of concepts in solving complex problems. It's not about rote memorisation but deep understanding.
For example, in Physics, questions often require students to apply concepts of mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism together in a single problem, testing both theoretical knowledge and the ability to interconnect different principles.
3. Tough Competition
JEE Advanced is taken by some of the brightest students in the country, leading to fierce competition.
Around 11 lakh to 15 lakh students appear for JEE Main, from which only the top 2.5 lakh are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. The number of IIT seats available each year is limited, with only about 16,000 seats for undergraduate courses in IITs, intensifying the competition. Below is the data to support this:
| Year |
Number of students appeared in JEE Mains |
Number of JEE Main candidates qualified for Advanced |
Number of candidates appeared |
Number of qualified candidates |
Seats in IITs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |
14,15,110 |
2,50,284 |
1,80,200 |
48,248 |
17,740 |
| 2023 |
11,13,325 |
2,50,255 |
1,80,372 |
43,769 |
17,340 |
| 2022 |
9,05,590 |
2,62,175 |
1,55,538 |
40,712 |
16,635 |
| 2021 |
9,39,008 |
2,50,186 |
1,41,699 |
41,862 |
16,296 |
| 2020 |
10,23,000 |
2,50,681 |
1,50,838 |
43,204 |
16,061 |
| 2019 |
11,47,125 |
2,45,194 |
1,61,319 |
38,705 |
13,604 |
| 2018 |
10,43,000 |
2,31,024 |
1,55,158 |
31,988 |
12,069 |
| 2017 |
11,22,351 |
2,21,834 |
1,59,540 |
51,040 |
- |
| 2016 |
11,28,633 |
1,98,228 |
1,47,678 |
36,566 |
10,576 |
4. Innovative and Unconventional Question Format
JEE Advanced is known for its unconventional and innovative question papers, which often require out-of-the-box thinking.
The exam often includes questions with multiple correct answers, negative markings for incorrect answers, and questions where one needs to reason the answer, not just memorise formulas. This demands high analytical thinking and adaptability in solving problems. Also, the question paper pattern tends to change and is not static every year. Hence there is always a chance of surprise in the exam each year. The exact JEE Advanced exam pattern is revealed to the candidates on the exam day.
5. Time Pressure
The time allotted for JEE Advanced is limited, and candidates need to solve complex problems under significant time pressure.
With only 6 hours of examination time spread across two papers, each with around 50-60 questions, candidates are forced to work under intense time constraints, often leading to errors or rushing through questions without adequate understanding.
6. Negative Marking and Multiple Correct Answers
Negative marking is a key feature in the JEE Advanced exam pattern, with wrong answers leading to the deduction of marks. Additionally, some questions have more than one correct answer, adding complexity.
In many sections, choosing a wrong answer can lead to a deduction of 1 or 2 marks, which penalizes guessing. Furthermore, if multiple options are correct, students need to select all correct choices to score full marks, which adds an additional layer of difficulty.
7. High Mental and Physical Endurance Required
Preparing for and taking JEE Advanced requires sustained focus and energy over extended periods.
Students must study for months, sometimes years, with long hours of JEE Advanced preparation, often involving 10–12 hours a day. The physical toll, along with the mental stress, leads to fatigue, which can impact performance during the actual exam.
8. Difficulty of the Question Paper
The overall difficulty of the JEE Advanced question paper is much higher than most competitive exams worldwide.
In JEE Advanced, questions are designed to be extremely challenging. The level of difficulty often goes beyond typical board exams and requires high-level problem-solving skills. For instance, in 2022, the exam included challenging topics like modern physics, advanced algebra, and organic chemistry that stretched the boundaries of typical high school learning.
9. A Rigorous Selection Process
Only a small percentage of candidates make it to JEE Advanced, and then a much smaller percentage succeed in securing a spot in the IITs.
After JEE Main, only the top 2.5 lakh students qualify for JEE Advanced. Even among these, the success rate is low. Out of these candidates, only around 17,000 manage to get admission into an IIT, making it an incredibly competitive exam.
10. Pressure of Reputation and Expectations
The immense pressure due to the prestige associated with IITs makes JEE Advanced mentally and emotionally challenging.
IITs are considered the pinnacle of engineering education, not just in India, but globally. Students, parents, and peers place tremendous pressure on candidates to perform well, and the fear of not making it to IIT often leads to stress and anxiety, which can impact a student’s ability to perform optimally.
In short, JEE Advanced is one of the most challenging exams in the world due to its vast syllabus, the requirement for conceptual mastery, its innovative question patterns, the high level of competition, and the time pressure under which students must perform. Preparing for this exam demands not just academic brilliance but also mental endurance, effective time management, and emotional resilience. This combination of factors makes JEE Advanced a formidable challenge for students aspiring to study at IITs.
If you want to understand how students prepare for JEE Advanced, you can watch Kota Factory and Super 30 for some motivation!
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 21 hours ago
Choosing the best books for JEE Advanced preparation can be a critical decision in your journey towards cracking the exam. Here are some key strategies and guidelines to help you select the most effective books for your preparation:
- Before selecting any books, thoroughly understand the JEE Advanced s
C
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 21 hours ago
Here's a comparison to help you decide which one is better for JEE Advanced preparation:
Inorganic Chemistry by O.P. Tandon: This book is more suited for students who are preparing for JEE Mains and Advanced. It covers a broad range of topics and is structured in a way that gradually builds up from b
A
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 22 hours ago
Since you're in Class 11, it's the perfect time to begin your preparation for JEE Mains and Advanced. Here's a list of best books for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry that will guide you through both the fundamentals and advanced concepts:
- NCERT Books:
- IIT Mathematics by M.L. Khanna
- Problems in Calc
Y
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 22 hours ago
It is recommened to not start with any new book in the last one month of JEE Advanced preparation. Rely on the books and study materials you already have gone through. Rather than relying on the books im the last one month, it is recimmenede that the candidates should:
- Dedicate at least 7 hours for t
V
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 22 hours ago
To prcatice some difficult questions for JEE Advanced exam, one can use the following recommended books:
- 300 Creative Physics Problems with Solutions by Laszlo Holics
- 200 Puzzling Physics Problems: With Hints and Solutions, Reviews Book by Gyula Honyek, K. F Riley, and Péter Gnädig
- Advance Problem in O
A
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 22 hours ago
Aptitude Test Problems in Physics by Krotov is the most recommened book for JEE Advanced preparation by the toppers. This book is recommened for practising variety for aptitude-based problems.
M
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 22 hours ago
Some of the books recommended for JEE Advanced preparation by the toppers are as follows:
- NCERT books for Physics, Chemistry and Maths
Physics:
- Problems in General Physics by I.E. Irodov
- Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker
- Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma
Maths:
- Plane Trigonometry by
N
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 22 hours ago
No. A watch timer of 3 hours will be available on the computer screen of all the candidates to monitor thir exam timing. A candidate cannot carry or wear a atch inside the exam hall. Also, candidates cannot carry mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, pagers, health bands or any
V
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 22 hours ago
Yes, as per the official instructions of JEE Advanced, candidates are advised NOT to wear charm/taweez, items containing metals such as ring, bracelet, earrings, nose pin, chain/necklace, pendant, badge, brooch, clothes with big buttons. They are also advised to wear open footwear like chappals and
A
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 23 hours ago
Yes, during the JEE Advanced exam, candidates are provided with rough sheets, commonly referred to as "scribble pads," for calculations and rough work. These pads are distributed at the beginning of each paper and must be returned to the invigilator after the exam.
A
Contributor-Level 9
How to choose best books for JEE Advanced preparation?