JEE Main 2025 Registration: New Exam Pattern, Negative Marking & Age Limit Removal
Introduction
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced significant changes for JEE Main 2025, India's premier engineering entrance exam for admission into IITs and NITs. The changes include a removal of optional questions, introduction of negative marking for numerical value questions, elimination of the age limit, syllabus reduction, and a decrease in exam centres. These updates are designed to bring uniformity and ease to the examination and ranking process.
Revised Exam Pattern Removes Optional Questions
JEE Main 2025 returns to the pre-pandemic format by removing optional questions previously introduced in Section B. Candidates must answer all 25 questions per subject — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Paper 1, targeting B.Tech aspirants, will have a total of 75 questions comprising 20 multiple-choice and 5 numerical value questions for each subject. This ensures consistency in the evaluation process for every candidate.
Negative Marking Applies to Numerical Value Questions
For the first time, negative marking will apply to numerical value questions (NVQs). Previously, penalties were applicable only to incorrect multiple-choice questions. This change urges candidates to be more cautious and accurate when attempting NVQs, as wrong answers will now reduce the overall score.
New Tie-Breaking Rules Focus on Exam Performance
The tie-breaking criteria have been revamped. Age and application number considerations are removed. Ranking priority is now given to subject-wise scores in the order: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. If a tie remains, the ratio of incorrect to correct answers will be reviewed, and if unresolved, candidates will share the same rank.
Age Limit Removed from Eligibility Criteria
The age limit for JEE Main applicants is no longer a restriction. Candidates of any age meeting the educational qualifications can apply. This change broadens access to the exam, especially for older candidates or those with educational breaks.
Reduction in Exam Centres and Cities
The total number of exam centres has decreased from 300 to 284, affecting both domestic and international locations. International centres are now 14, down from 24, with removals in countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Hong Kong. In India, some states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have fewer centres, while Telangana and Maharashtra have experienced slight increases. Candidates should carefully check the updated list before choosing their exam city.
JEE Main Syllabus Reduced
The syllabus sees notable reductions, continuing from previous years:
- Physics: Topics like Scalars & Vectors, Vector Addition and Subtraction, Scalar & Vector Products, Unit Vectors, and Resolution of Vectors are removed.
- Chemistry: Entire chapters such as States of Matter, Surface Chemistry, and General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals are excluded.
- Mathematics: No new reductions from last year; previous removals in Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Coordinate Geometry, and Three Dimensional Geometry remain.
Important Details Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Pattern | 75 questions (20 MCQs + 5 NVQs per subject), no optional questions |
| Negative Marking | Applicable to both MCQs and Numerical Value Questions |
| Tie-Breaking Criteria | Subject-wise priority: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry; then incorrect/correct answer ratio |
| Age Limit | Removed; open to all ages meeting educational qualifications |
| Exam Centres | Reduced from 300 to 284; International centres reduced from 24 to 14 |
| Syllabus | Physics and Chemistry topics reduced; Mathematics unchanged from last year |
Step-by-Step JEE Main 2025 Registration Process
- Visit the official NTA JEE Main website at https://jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Click on the "JEE Main 2025 Registration" link.
- Fill in all required personal, academic, and contact details in the registration form.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other documents as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee through available online payment options.
- Review and submit the application form.
- Download and save the confirmation page and fee receipt for future reference.
- Keep an eye on the official website for admit card download and exam updates.

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