Big Changes in JEE Main 2025: How They Impact Your Preparation Strategy
If you are preparing for JEE, then it is very important to know that major changes have been made in the exam pattern of 2025. NTA has changed the format of JEE Main, which will directly impact your preparation strategy. Now there will be no optional questions, negative marking will be done on numerical value-type questions, and exam centers will also be reduced. In this blog, we will understand these changes and guide you on how you can improve so these big changes in JEE don’t impact your preparation.
Revised Exam Pattern
Optional questions have been removed in JEE Main 2025. Meaning, it is necessary to attempt numerical value questions of Section B also. Earlier you had the option to choose a few questions, but now all 75 questions are compulsory. This means that instead of studying selective topics, you will have to cover the entire syllabus.
Exam Papers: Structure & Details
JEE Main 2025 will have three papers: Paper 1 (for B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (for B.Arch), and Paper 2B (for B.Planning). In every paper, there will be mandatory questions in Section B, which also includes numerical questions. This means that now you have to attempt one question, without any optional choice.
Session Schedule: Double Attempt Opportunity
JEE Main 2025 will be conducted in two separate sessions—one session in January (22-31 January) and the other session in April (1-8 April). This will give candidates two chances to take the exam. If something goes wrong in the first session, you can improve your score in the second session. This gives you an extra opportunity to test your preparation.
Duration & Marks Breakdown
The duration of each paper will be 3 hours and the total marks will be 300. In Section A (MCQs), each correct answer will get +4 marks, and there will be negative marking of -1 mark for each wrong answer. There will be numerical questions in Section B, but there will be no negative marking. Therefore, you will have to give your answers carefully so that unnecessary marks are not lost.
Negative Marking Returns
NTA has made another significant change: negative marking in numerical value questions. If your answer is wrong, then marks will be deducted. Earlier this rule was only for MCQs, but now it will be applicable in the numerical section also. Now you will have to be extra careful while solving the answers and avoid guessing without certainty.
Tie-Breaking Policy Updates
According to the new rules of JEE Main 2025, factors like age and application number have been removed from the tie-breaking policy. Now the scores of Maths, Physics, and Chemistry will be considered while deciding the rank. This means that your performance in these subjects has become most important.
Fewer Exam Centers
The number of exam centers has now reduced from 300 to 284. This change may be more difficult for students who live in remote or rural areas. Therefore, confirm the location of your exam center beforehand and make planning and arrangements for travel in advance.
Syllabus and Preparation
The good news is that not many changes have been made to the syllabus. However, some topics of physics have been revised that are aligned with the NCERT curriculum. This means that the syllabus overall is the same, but please check the latest updates of the Physics section.
No Optional Questions
Optional questions have been completely removed from the JEE Main exam of 2025. Now all numerical value-type questions in Section B are compulsory. This change has further increased the importance of numerical problems.
Increased Weightage for Numerical Problems
Due to the high weightage of numerical problems, regular practice of these topics is necessary. You can secure marks by balancing accuracy and speed in questions.
Practice and time management tips
- Daily Practice: Solve numerical problems every day, especially in Physics and Maths.
- Mock Tests: Solve mock tests to understand the pattern of the exam.
- Time Management: While solving numerical questions, keep in mind the time and attempt tough questions last.
Extra Time for PWD
NTA has made provision for compensatory time for PWD (Persons with Disabilities) candidates. Extra time of 20 minutes will be available every hour, and the option to write will also be available. This step will ensure a fair and inclusive environment for students who appear with special needs.
Impact on Cutoffs
Experts say that the cutoffs may be lower than before due to the new pattern. Because AB questions are compulsory and there is negative marking in numerical problems, there is a possibility of the overall difficulty increasing. Therefore you will have to set your target score realistically.
Preparation Tips
- Cover Full Syllabus: Selective study will not help, so an in-depth understanding of the topic is necessary.
- Practice Numerical More: Invest more time in Section B and improve the speed and accuracy of solving numerical value problems.
- Give Mock Tests: It is very important to give mock tests to understand the exam pattern and learn time management.
- Strategic Guesswork: Avoid guessing in the face of negative marking; tick only certain answers.
Conclusion
The new changes to JEE Main 2025 create some challenges in preparation, but if you focus on your syllabus, time management, and practice, then these changes cannot stop you. Make your strategy according to that pattern and prepare with confidence. At Matrix Institute, you get expert guidance and regular practice sessions to study smartly, which can further improve your preparation. Remember, smart study and regular practice are the keys to success! All the best!
