JEE Mains is a highly competitive entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate engineering courses in various prestigious institutions such as NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. It is also the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the IITs. The exam is designed to assess a student's understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and their problem-solving skills. A good performance in JEE Mains opens the doors to various engineering programs and plays a crucial role in shaping the academic career of aspiring engineers.

Answer: The JEE Mains exam consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: This is for B.E./B.Tech aspirants. It is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format, consisting of 90 multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each section has 30 questions. Paper 1 carries a total of 300 marks, with 4 marks for each correct answer and a 1 mark deduction for incorrect answers.
• Paper 2: This paper is for B.Arch/B.Planning aspirants. It has three parts: Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing. The Mathematics and Aptitude sections are in multiple-choice format, while the Drawing section requires candidates to sketch drawings. Paper 2 carries a total of 400 marks.
• The total duration of each paper is 3 hours.

JEE Mains Paper 1 is for B.E./B.Tech aspirants and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with each correct answer earning 4 marks. Paper 2 is for B.Arch aspirants and includes 82 MCQs and a drawing section. For both papers, negative marking is applied for incorrect answers. Paper 1 is fully online, while Paper 2 is a mix of online and offline formats.

The JEE Mains cutoff is the minimum score required for candidates to qualify for JEE Advanced. It varies annually and depends on factors like the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and category-based differences. A higher cutoff indicates increased competition. After the exam, the cutoff will be published, and only those meeting the cutoff will be eligible for JEE Advanced.

Appearing twice gives students an opportunity to improve their score if they aren’t satisfied with the first attempt. After the first attempt, students can evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and focus on areas that need improvement. The best of the two scores is considered for the final result, providing a better chance of qualifying. This also reduces pressure, as students have a second chance to do better.

JEE Mains serves as an entrance exam for NITs, IIITs, and other institutes, while JEE Advanced is the pathway to IITs. JEE Advanced is more challenging, focusing on in-depth and complex problem-solving. To appear for JEE Advanced, candidates must first clear JEE Mains and meet the qualifying cutoff. The format for both exams differs, with JEE Advanced involving two papers, each with varied question types.

Candidates must upload a recent passport-sized photograph, a scanned signature, and necessary documents like the Class 12 marksheet or an appearance certificate. Reserved category students must submit their category certificates. All documents must be scanned according to the prescribed guidelines regarding file size and format. Ensuring the clarity and accuracy of documents is critical for successful submission.

Time management, stress, and a vast syllabus are some common challenges students face. Adopting a well-planned study schedule can help manage these efficiently. Regular revision and taking mock tests allow students to measure progress and improve weaknesses. Maintaining a positive attitude and seeking guidance when needed helps in staying focused and motivated.