How Many Questions Are There in JEE Mains?

Students preparing for engineering entrance examinations often search for accurate and updated information about the JEE Main exam pattern. One of the most common queries is how many questions are there in JEE Mains, as this directly affects preparation strategy, time management, and scoring approach. This article provides a detailed, factual, and structured explanation of the total number of questions in JEE Main, subject-wise distribution, section-wise structure, marking scheme, and related examination details. The information is presented in a professional education-portal format suitable for students and parents.

What Is JEE Main?

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is a national-level engineering entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is conducted for admission to undergraduate engineering and architecture programs offered by NITs, IIITs, Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), and several state and private colleges across India. JEE Main also serves as the qualifying examination for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

JEE Main is usually conducted multiple times in a year, allowing candidates to improve their scores. The exam is computer-based and follows a fixed syllabus prescribed by NTA.

How Many Questions Are There in JEE Mains?

The JEE Main question paper for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) consists of a total of 90 questions, out of which candidates are required to attempt 75 questions.

Although 90 questions are displayed on the computer screen, not all questions are compulsory. Each subject contains internal choices that allow candidates to select questions based on their strength.

Subject-Wise Question Distribution in JEE Main

JEE Main Paper 1 is divided into three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject follows the same question structure and weightage pattern.

Mathematics

Mathematics contains a total of 30 questions. These questions are designed to test problem-solving ability, numerical aptitude, and conceptual clarity. The syllabus includes topics such as algebra, calculus, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry.

Physics

Physics also consists of 30 questions, covering both theoretical and numerical problem-solving aspects. The questions are framed from topics such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics.

Chemistry

Chemistry includes 30 questions, distributed across physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. The subject tests factual knowledge as well as application-based understanding.

Section A and Section B Explained

Each subject in JEE Main is divided into Section A and Section B, making it important for students to understand the structure clearly.

Section A (Multiple Choice Questions – MCQs)

Section A consists of 20 multiple-choice questions per subject. Each question is provided with four answer choices, out of which only one is the correct option. All questions in Section A are compulsory.

Section B (Numerical Value-Based Questions)

Section B consists of 10 numerical value-based questions per subject. Out of these, candidates are required to attempt any 5 questions. These questions do not have multiple-choice options, and answers are to be entered as numerical values.

This internal choice in Section B reduces pressure and allows flexibility in question selection.

Total Questions vs Questions to Be Attempted

Although the question paper displays 90 questions, candidates must attempt only 75 questions in total. This is calculated as follows:

• 25 questions per subject

• 20 questions from Section A (compulsory)

• 5 questions from Section B (out of 10 optional)

This structure ensures equal weightage to all three subjects while giving candidates some freedom of choice.

Marking Scheme in Relation to Number of Questions

Each correct answer in JEE Main Paper 1 carries 4 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer in both Section A and Section B. Unanswered questions do not carry any penalty.

The maximum total marks for JEE Main Paper 1 are 300 marks, calculated from 75 questions × 4 marks each. Understanding the number of questions and the marking scheme together is essential for planning an effective attempt strategy.

Importance of Understanding the Number of Questions

Knowing how many questions are there in JEE Mains helps students plan their preparation in a structured manner. Time allocation during the exam, decision-making about question selection in Section B, and balancing accuracy with speed all depend on a clear understanding of the question pattern. This knowledge also helps in mock test analysis and performance evaluation.

Common Doubts About JEE Main Questions

Does the number of questions in JEE Main change every year?

The overall structure has remained consistent in recent years, with 90 questions displayed and 75 to be attempted. However, students should always refer to the latest official information brochure released by NTA.

Are all questions compulsory in JEE Main?

No. While all Section A questions are compulsory, Section B offers internal choices, allowing candidates to attempt only 5 out of 10 questions per subject.

Is the question pattern the same for all sessions of JEE Main?

Yes. All sessions conducted in a year follow the same exam pattern, syllabus, and question distribution.

Difference Between JEE Main and JEE Advanced in Terms of Questions

JEE Main follows a fixed and predictable structure with a defined number of questions and marking scheme. In contrast, JEE Advanced has a more complex and variable pattern, with different question types and marking schemes each year. Students aiming for IIT admissions must qualify JEE Main and then score sufficiently in JEE Advanced. For detailed cutoff-related information, refer to Minimum Marks in JEE Advanced to Get IIT.

Role of Expert Guidance in Managing JEE Main Question Pattern

Preparing for a competitive examination like JEE Main requires not only syllabus coverage but also exam-oriented strategy. Expert tutors help students understand question distribution, prioritize topics based on weightage, and practice section-wise time management.

Students looking for structured preparation can explore Best IIT JEE Tutors offering online guidance.

For subject-specific support, especially for Mathematics which carries high weightage and complexity, students can also refer to specialized Math Tutors for JEE Main.

Conclusion

Understanding how many questions are there in JEE Mains, along with subject-wise and section-wise distribution, is a fundamental requirement for effective exam preparation. The JEE Main structure of 90 total questions with 75 to be attempted ensures balanced assessment across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, while offering limited flexibility to candidates. Accurate knowledge of this pattern helps students prepare with clarity, confidence, and precision.