Cracking the Code: All You Need to Know About IIT JEE

Wondering how to get into an IIT? Here’s everything you need to know about JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and the 2025 category-wise cutoff.

Apr 22, 2025 - 17:26
May 13, 2025 - 11:56
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Cracking the Code: All You Need to Know About IIT JEE

Every year, lakhs of students across India dream of getting into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This exam serves as the gateway to India's most prestigious engineering institutions and is widely considered one of the nation’s most challenging and competitive exams. But what exactly is the JEE, how does it work, and what does it take to make the cut in 2025? let's break it down.

Understanding the IIT JEE Structure

The IIT JEE is held in two stages:

  1. JEE Main – This is the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced and is also used for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutions.
  2. JEE Advanced – This is the decisive exam that determines whether candidates aspiring to join the IITs will make it to the final rank list.

Unlike JEE Main, which evaluates fundamental concept application, JEE Advanced tests deep analytical skills and conceptual mastery

JEE Main 2025 Category- Wise Cutoff Percentiles

Category

Cutoff Percentile

General (UR)

93.1023262

EWS

80.3830119

OBC-NCL

79.4313582

SC

61.1526933

ST

47.9026465

UR-PwD

0.0079349

Source: Careers360

JEE Advanced 2025 Qualifying Cut-Offs (Category-Wise)

To be included in the rank list for IIT admissions, candidates must meet both subject-wise and aggregate minimum percentage criteria. Here's the breakdown:

Category

Minimum Percentage per Subject

Minimum Overall Percentage

General (CRL)

10%

 

35%

OBC-NCL / GEN-EWS

9%

31%

SC / ST / PwD

5%

17.5%

Preparatory (SC/ST/PwD)

2.5%

8.75%

These percentages are calculated based on the total marks in the exam. Remember, these are qualifying marks—actual admission depends on your All India Rank, seat availability, and your preferred branch and IIT.

 Why Does the IIT JEE Matter So Much?

  • Prestige: Earning admission to an IIT not only brings prestige but also unlocks global opportunities in engineering, innovation, and research-driven careers.
  • Career: IIT graduates often land high-paying jobs, both in India and abroad.
  • Network: The IIT alumni network is vast and influential across industries worldwide.

 JEE Main vs. JEE Advanced: Quick Comparison

Feature

JEE Main

JEE Advanced

Conducted by

NTA (National Testing Agency)

IITs on a rotational basis

Admission to

NITs, IIITs, GFTIs

IITs

Subjects Covered

PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math)

PCM with higher difficulty level

Attempt Limit

Three attempts over a span of three consecutive years

Two attempts across two consecutive years

Eligibility

12th pass

Top 2.5 lakh JEE Main qualifiers

The road to IIT is undeniably tough, but with the right mindset, consistent preparation, and a strong grasp of fundamentals, it’s absolutely achievable. Whether you're just starting your prep or refining your final strategy, keep in mind that this journey builds more than just academic skills—it shapes resilience and critical thinking for life.