10 Reasons Why JEE Advanced is One of the Toughest Exams in the World
Joint Entrance Exam - Advanced 2025 ( JEE Advanced )
Registration - 23 Apr '25 - 2 May '25
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?
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: How would I know my JEE Advanced exam centre?
Candidates will only know their allotted JEE Advanced exam centre after the release of the admit card. There is no way to determine the test centre prior to this. The examination authority assigns a test centre in the city of the candidate's first preference, as specified in the application form. Therefore, candidates can be assured that they will receive a test centre in their chosen first-preference city. However, the specific venue details will be available only on the admit card. Once the JEE Advanced admit card is released, candidates should promptly check their test city and centre information. To avoid any confusion, it is recommended that candidates visit the centre at least once before the exam day.
Q: Is self study enough for JEE Advanced preparations?
Self-study can definitely be enough for preparing for JEE Advanced, but it largely depends on how disciplined, focused, and systematic your approach is. Many students who successfully crack JEE Advanced have done so through self-study, but it requires dedication, strategic planning, and good time management.
- Choose the right study materials. Books like HC Verma (Physics), IIT Chemistry series (Chemistry), and Cengage or TMH for Mathematics are popular among JEE aspirants. Additionally, refer to previous years' question papers and mock tests.
- JEE Advanced is known for testing deep conceptual understanding. So, focus on building strong foundations in basic concepts before moving on to advanced problems.
- Make a realistic timetable and stick to it. Divide time wisely between topics and practice. Set weekly or monthly goals to track your progress.
- Initially, focus on understanding the concepts, and then move to solving problems of varying difficulty. Mock tests and solving previous year papers can be especially useful.
- Consistency is key. Devote a set amount of time each day to study, even if it's just a few hours. Avoid large gaps between study sessions.
- Regularly assess your understanding by taking mock tests and solving previous year papers. This will help identify weak areas and refine your strategy.
- Since you're studying independently, maintaining motivation can be challenging. Break down larger tasks into smaller chunks, celebrate small achievements, and stay focused on your goals.
Self-study can work as effectively as coaching if you're self-disciplined and proactive about addressing doubts. However, many students find that a mix of self-study and structured coaching works best because coaching can provide direction, mentorship, and strategies for tackling competitive exams. Ultimately, the key is to maintain consistency, focus, and clarity in your preparation approach.
Q: Which is the best book to prepare for JEE Advanced for maths?
As per recommendations from experts and toppers, the best books for JEE Advanced maths section preparations are:
- Arihant Problem Book in Mathematics for IIT JEE by SK Goyal
- NCERT Maths Class 11 and 12
- Cengage Maths by G TIWANI
- Comprehensive Mathematics for JEE Advanced by Tata McGraw Hill publications
- Problems Plus in IIT Mathematics by A Das Gupta
Q: How to prepare for organic Chemistry in JEE advanced?
Q: What is JEE Advanced rank list?
JEE Advanced rank lists are prepared based on the aggregate marks in JEE Advanced. Only candidates who appear for BOTH Paper 1 and Paper 2 will be considered for ranking. There will be no waiting list for ranking. The ranklist is used in JoSAA for allocation of seats in the IITs. JoSAA is held online only. All the candidates who are eligible for admission will have to participate in the joint seat allocation process by filling in their preferential choices of the courses and institutes. If the aggregate marks scored by two or more candidates are the same, then the following tie-break policy will be used for awarding ranks: Candidates having higher positive marks will be awarded a higher rank. If a tie exists then a higher rank will be assigned to the candidate who has obtained higher marks in Mathematics. If this does not break the tie, a higher rank will be assigned to the candidate who has obtained higher marks in Physics. If there is a tie even after this, candidates will be assigned the same rank.
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 Yesterday
Hello! Taking an early drop for JEE 2026 is a great decision if you're determined to improve your rank and secure a seat in your dream college. Since you've already attempted JEE Mains once, you have a clear idea of the exam pattern and your strengths and weaknesses. Start by analyzing your performa
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Those who appear for must check the JEE Main 2025 cutoff for general and other categories. The previous year cutoff marks for JEE Main for the General category are 93.24, 79.67 for OBC, 81.33 for EWS-ALL, 0.0018700 for UR-PWD, 60.0923182 for SC-ALL, and 46.6975840 for ST-ALL,
In 2022, the requir
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
JEE Advanced attempt limit is twice in two consecutive year. As a one time measure, 3 attempts at JEE Advanced 2025 has been permitted ONLY to the candidates who had dropped out of their courses between November 5, 2024, and November 18, 2024.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The candidates of Indian origin have to ppear for JEE Advanced and qualify the same for admission to IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus. Indian candidates will be allotted seats at IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus based on JEE Advanced ranks and via JoSAA counselling. One-third of the total UG seats in IIT Delhi
V
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 weeks ago
CAET 2025, or the Combined Admission Entrance Test 2025, is an entrance examination for admission to undergraduate (Bachelor of Technology) programs at the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi campus. It is open to:
- UAE Nationals
- Indian expatriates who have completed grades 8-12 in the UAE
- International students (non
N
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 weeks ago
The BTech Degrees are Offered at IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus via CAET and JEE Advanced are:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
One-third of the total undergraduate seats at the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus will be reserved for JEE Advanced 2025 rank holders and allocat
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
BHU cutoff 2024 has been concluded with Round 5 seat allotment results. The JEE Main is necessary to appear in JEE Advanced and to get into the same exam, one needs to score low rank than cutoff. With a better cutoff marks, candidates can surely eligible for JEE Advanced. The minimum marks needed in
V
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 weeks ago
With a better cutoff marks, candidates can surely eligible for JEE Advanced. The minimum marks needed in JEE Main to qualify for JEE Advanced 2025 are usually around 90-91 for the general category. However, these marks can vary slightly depending on factors such as the difficulty level of the exam a
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes. JEE Advanced counselling is conducted by JoSAA. The candidates with JEE Advanced rank have to register for JoSAA counselling for admission to the IITs.
C
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 3 weeks ago
The JEE Advanced counselling is called the JoSAA counselling. All details regarding it is updated on the JoSAA official website - josaa.nic.in.
M
Contributor-Level 10
The definition of a good IIT can be subjective. 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 candidates. 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 able to get a seat in the first generation of the IITs as these IITs see the most demand and craze among students in academia.