JEE Main physics exam pattern
| Feature | Details (current pattern, Paper 1 for B.E./B.Tech) |
|---|---|
| Physics questions | 25: Section A has 20 multiple-choice questions, Section B has 5 numerical-value questions |
| Compulsory? | All 25 questions are compulsory, with no choice in Section B |
| Physics marks | 100 out of 300 |
| Marking | +4 for a correct answer and −1 for a wrong answer, in both sections |
| Whole paper | 75 questions: Physics 25, Chemistry 25, Mathematics 25 |
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Syllabus | Class 11 and Class 12 physics, as listed by NTA |
This is the pattern in use since 2025. Always check the latest notice and information bulletin at jeemain.nta.nic.in for the final rules, dates and syllabus for JEE Main 2027.
JEE Main physics and NEET physics
| Feature | JEE Main | NEET |
|---|---|---|
| Physics questions | 25 (20 MCQs + 5 numerical) | 45 (all MCQs) |
| Physics marks | 100 | 180 |
| Answer type | Options and typed numerical answers | Options only |
| Marking | +4 / −1 | +4 / −1 |
| Typical style | More multi-step numericals and applications | More direct concept and formula questions |
The style row describes general tendencies, not an official rule. If you are preparing for both exams, see the NEET Physics Master Hub, because most of the syllabus overlaps.
Chapter-wise guide to JEE Main physics
The table shows what each unit usually asks and where to practise on eduPhysics. The notes come from patterns in past papers, not from official weightage, because NTA does not publish topic weightage.
| Unit | What JEE Main usually tests | Practise |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Units and measurements | Dimensions, significant figures, error propagation, least count of vernier and screw gauge | Screw gauge hub, Screw gauge Q&A |
| 2. Kinematics | Equations of motion, graphs, projectile motion, relative velocity in one and two dimensions | Kinematics Q&A, Projectile Q&A |
| 3. Laws of motion | Friction, connected bodies, pulleys, inclined planes, circular motion and banking | PYQs |
| 4. Work, energy and power | Work–energy theorem, variable force, spring energy, collisions | PYQs |
| 5. Rotational motion | Moment of inertia, torque, angular momentum conservation, rolling | Rotational Q&A |
| 6. Gravitation | Variation of g, escape and orbital velocity, satellite energy, Kepler’s laws | PYQs |
| 7. Solids and liquids | Elasticity, Bernoulli, viscosity, surface tension, calorimetry, heat transfer | PYQs |
| 8. Thermodynamics | First law, P–V processes, entropy ideas, Carnot engine, efficiency | Thermodynamics Q&A |
| 9. Kinetic theory | RMS speed, degrees of freedom, specific heats, equipartition | PYQs |
| 10. Oscillations and waves | SHM, spring and pendulum systems, Doppler effect, standing waves, pipes | PYQs |
| 11. Electrostatics | Gauss’s law, potential and field, dipoles, capacitors, dielectrics and combinations | PYQs |
| 12. Current electricity | Kirchhoff’s laws, meter bridge, potentiometer, cells, Wheatstone bridge, power | Current electricity hub, Resistance Q&A |
| 13. Magnetism | Motion of charges in fields, Biot–Savart law, Ampere’s law, torque on loops, galvanometer | Magnetism hub |
| 14. EMI and AC | Faraday and Lenz laws, motional emf, inductance, LCR circuits, resonance, transformers | EMI hub |
| 15. Electromagnetic waves | Spectrum order, wave relations, energy and momentum of waves | PYQs |
| 16. Optics | Mirrors, lenses, prism, refraction at surfaces, instruments, YDSE, diffraction, polarisation | PYQs |
| 17. Dual nature | Photoelectric effect, graphs, stopping potential, de Broglie wavelength | Dual nature hub |
| 18. Atoms and nuclei | Bohr model, spectral series, radioactive decay, binding energy, fission and fusion | Fission & fusion post |
| 19. Electronic devices | Diodes, rectifiers, Zener diode, transistors, logic gates | PYQs |
| 20. Experimental skills | Vernier, screw gauge, meter bridge, potentiometer, lens, prism, diode characteristics | Practical viva hub |
The unit list follows the syllabus published by NTA. Check the official syllabus for any change before you plan your revision.
A study strategy for JEE Main physics
- Understand, don’t memoriseLearn each derivation once, so that you can rebuild a formula when a question changes the setup.
- Practise numericals dailySolve a set of multi-step numericals from the chapter you studied, and check every unit.
- Revise with a formula sheetReview your formulas each day, and write them from memory before you check.
- Take timed mock testsAttempt full papers under exam conditions, and review each wrong answer afterwards.
Time and negative marking
Time
The whole paper has 75 questions, so the time works out at a little over two minutes per question. Physics numericals vary a lot in length, so decide during your mock tests how long you will give each subject, and move on from any question that is taking too long.
Negative marking
A wrong answer costs 1 mark in both sections, including the numerical-value questions. Attempt a question when you have worked out an answer you can check, and don’t guess blindly, because a typed numerical answer has no options to help you.
How to handle the numerical-value questions
- Use SI units throughout, and convert at the start, not at the end.
- Follow the rounding instruction printed in the question, and give the answer in the form it asks for.
- Estimate first. A quick order-of-magnitude check catches most slips in powers of ten.
- Use the value of g given in the question. Papers state whether to take g as 10 m/s² or 9.8 m/s².
- Check units and dimensions before you type the answer.
The PhysicsAce calculators are a quick way to verify an answer after you have solved it by hand.
Sample questions with solutions
Try each question first, then click to see the answer. Take g = 10 m/s² where needed.
Multiple-choice questions
Q1. A particle is projected at 45° with a speed of 20 m/s. What is the maximum height it reaches?
- (A) 5 m
- (B) 10 m
- (C) 20 m
- (D) 40 m
Answer: (B). H = u² sin²θ / 2g = (400 × 0.5) / 20 = 10 m.
Q2. In a meter bridge, a 4 Ω resistance in the left gap gives a null point at 40 cm. What is the unknown resistance in the right gap?
- (A) 2.67 Ω
- (B) 6 Ω
- (C) 10 Ω
- (D) 16 Ω
Answer: (B). R/S = l/(100 − l), so 4/S = 40/60 and S = 6 Ω.
Q3. A series LCR circuit has L = 0.1 H and C = 10 µF. What is its resonant frequency?
- (A) 50 Hz
- (B) 100 Hz
- (C) 159 Hz
- (D) 318 Hz
Answer: (C). f₀ = 1/(2π√(LC)) = 1/(2π × 10⁻³) ≈ 159 Hz.
Numerical-value questions
N1. A 2 kg block on a rough floor (μk = 0.2) is pulled by a horizontal force of 12 N. Find its acceleration in m/s².
Answer: 4. Friction = μkmg = 0.2 × 2 × 10 = 4 N. a = (12 − 4)/2 = 4 m/s².
N2. A Carnot engine with a sink at 300 K has an efficiency of 40%. Find the source temperature in kelvin.
Answer: 500. η = 1 − T₂/T₁, so 0.4 = 1 − 300/T₁, which gives T₁ = 300/0.6 = 500 K.
N3. A radioactive sample has a half-life of 5 days. Of 800 nuclei at the start, how many remain after 15 days?
Answer: 100. 15 days is 3 half-lives, so the remaining fraction is (1/2)³ = 1/8, and 800/8 = 100.
JEE Main physics FAQs
How many physics questions are there in JEE Main?
There are 25 physics questions in Paper 1: 20 multiple-choice questions and 5 numerical-value questions, all compulsory, for 100 marks out of 300.
How is JEE Main physics different from NEET physics?
JEE Main has fewer physics questions (25 against 45) and includes numerical-value questions that you type in, while NEET physics is all multiple choice. JEE Main questions tend to involve more steps, but the syllabus overlaps a lot, so one base of preparation helps both.
Is there negative marking for numerical-value questions?
Under the pattern in use since 2025, a wrong answer costs 1 mark in both the multiple-choice and numerical-value sections. Check the latest NTA notice for the final rule for your attempt.
Is NCERT enough for JEE Main physics?
NCERT is the essential base and covers the concepts in the syllabus. For JEE Main you also need much more numerical practice and previous year questions, because the paper tests how well you apply the ideas.
Which physics chapters are the most important for JEE Main?
NTA does not publish topic weightage, so a list of the most important chapters is only an estimate from past papers. A safer approach is to cover every unit and put extra time into the ones where your practice shows the most mistakes.
Where can I check the official JEE Main 2027 pattern and syllabus?
Visit jeemain.nta.nic.in and read the latest notice and information bulletin. The pattern on this page is the one in use since 2025, and the official site gives the final rules, dates and syllabus.