JEE Advanced 2025: Exam Overview & Key Insights
The JEE Advanced 2025 exam, held on May 18, 2025, left aspirants buzzing with mixed reactions. Initial reviews confirm Paper 2 was tougher than Paper 1, especially in Mathematics. The exam was conducted in two sessions on Sunday, May 18, with Paper 1 from 9 am to 12 pm and Paper 2 from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
This article breaks down the difficulty levels, expected cut-offs, and critical takeaways for candidates awaiting results.
Key Highlights
- Exam Dates: May 18, 2025 (Paper 1: 9 AM–12 PM | Paper 2: 2:30–5:30 PM).
- Results: Official scores and ranks release on June 2, 2025.
- Total Marks: 360 (180 per paper).
- Question Types: Single-correct, multiple-correct, numerical, and list-match.
Paper 1 vs. Paper 2: Difficulty Showdown
| Subject | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Moderate to Difficult | Toughest Section |
| Physics | Moderate | Tricky Concepts + Lengthy Maths |
| Chemistry | Easy to Moderate | Slightly Trickier than Paper 1 |
Why Paper 2 Stood Out:
- Maths: Required advanced problem-solving and time management.
- Physics: Lengthy calculations slowed down candidates.
- Chemistry: Deceptive simplicity with conceptual twists.
Expert Quotes and Insights:
- Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director, Engineering, Aakash Educational Services Limited, is quoted as stating the overall exam was moderately difficult, with Mathematics being the most difficult, Chemistry the easiest, and Physics moderate to challenging.
- Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO of Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, indicated that the overall difficulty was slightly higher than the previous year. He specifically mentioned Paper 2’s increased difficulty, especially in Physics (more conceptual and lengthier) and Mathematics (computationally intensive).
- Nitin Vijay, Founder and CEO, Motion Education, pointed out that Paper 2 proved tougher than Paper 1, particularly in Math and Physics. He highlighted the absence of paragraph-type questions and an increase in number value type questions in Paper 2 as factors contributing to its difficulty.
Changes in Paper Pattern Noted by Experts:
- Some experts observed a shift in question types in Paper 2, with an increase in integer-type (numerical) questions and an absence of paragraph-based and matrix match-type questions. This change is believed to have contributed to the paper’s increased difficulty and time-consuming nature.
Expected Cut-Offs for JEE Advanced 2025
Here’s the predicted range for qualifying marks:
- General (CRL): 125–135 marks
- OBC-NCL/ GEN-EWS: 110–120 marks
- SC/ST: 65–70 marks
- PwD: 60–65 marks
Note: Cut-offs may vary slightly based on final answer key adjustments.
Subject-Wise Analysis: What Made 2025 Challenging?
- Mathematics:
- Paper 1: Focused on integrals, calculus, and algebra.
- Paper 2: Dominated by complex calculus and coordinate geometry.
- Physics:
- Electrodynamics and thermodynamics were heavily tested.
- Paper 2 included application-based questions from modern physics.
- Chemistry:
- Organic chemistry dominated Paper 1.
- Paper 2 emphasized inorganic reactions and numericals in physical chemistry.
Exam Pattern Simplified
- Papers: 2 (3 hours each).
- Questions per Paper: 16 per subject (48 total).
- Marking Scheme: Variable (No negative marking for numerical/list-match).
- Total Questions: 96 (Combined).
What is JEE Advanced?
The Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) is India’s toughest engineering entrance exam for admission to IITs and IISc. It tests candidates on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics through conceptual depth, analytical skills, and time management. Only top 2.5 lakh JEE Main qualifiers are eligible.
Final Thoughts
With results around the corner, aspirants must stay calm and analyze their performance against the predicted cut-offs. Paper 2’s difficulty spike highlights the importance of balanced preparation for future candidates.
Bookmark the official JEE Advanced website for updates!
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