Table of Contents
Introduction
JEE Advanced is one of the toughest entrance exams in India, opening doors to prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). A common question among aspirants is: How many questions should I get right to secure admission in an IIT?
The answer depends on multiple factors, including exam difficulty, cut-off trends, category-wise reservations, and seat availability. This guide will break down these factors and provide a strategic approach to scoring well.
Understanding the JEE Advanced Marking Scheme
JEE Advanced follows a dynamic marking system with multiple question types, including:
- Single correct MCQs
- Multiple correct MCQs
- Integer-type questions
- Match the following
The marking scheme varies yearly, but the key aspects are:
- Negative marking for some questions (usually -1 or -2 per incorrect answer)
- Partial marking for multi-correct questions
- Total marks range between 360-400 (varies each year)
Trends of JEE Advanced Cutoff
The cut-off is the minimum score required to qualify for the IIT admission process. Here’s a look at the recent cut-offs:
| Year | General Category Cut-Off (%) | OBC Cut-Off (%) | SC Cut-Off (%) | ST Cut-Off (%) |
| 2024 | Approx. 35-40% | 30-35% | 20-25% | 15-20% |
| 2023 | 35% | 30% | 20% | 15% |
| 2022 | 34% | 30% | 19% | 14% |
| 2021 | 35% | 31% | 20% | 15% |
Minimum Marks Required for an IIT Seat
- If the exam is out of 360 marks, a safe score for a general category aspirant is 130-150+ for IIT admission.
- For OBC candidates, a score of 110-130 is typically safe.
- For SC/ST candidates, a score of 60-90 can secure a seat in lower-ranked IITs.
How Many Questions Should You Attempt Correctly?
The number of correct answers depends on your accuracy, negative marking, and difficulty level. Let’s analyze:
1. Based on JEE Advanced Cutoff Trends
If the cut-off is around 35% (General Category) and the total marks are 360:
- 35% of 360 = 126 marks
- Assuming an average question carries 3 marks, you need 42 correct answers (without negative marking).
- Considering a 75% accuracy rate, you should attempt around 55-60 questions.
For OBC candidates:
- 30% of 360 = 108 marks
- Requires about 36 correct answers (without negative marking).
For SC/ST candidates:
- 20% of 360 = 72 marks
- Requires 24-25 correct answers.
2. Based on Top IITs vs Lower IITs
- Top IITs (IIT Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kanpur, Kharagpur): Requires 150-180+ marks → 50-60 correct answers
- Mid-tier IITs (IIT Indore, IIT Bhubaneswar, IIT Jodhpur): Requires 120-150 marks → 40-50 correct answers
- Newer IITs (IIT Mandi, IIT Jammu, IIT Bhilai): Requires 100-120 marks → 30-40 correct answers
Strategy to Secure a Seat in IIT
1. Target High-Weightage Topics
Certain topics contribute more marks in JEE. Prioritize:
- Mathematics: Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors, Probability
- Physics: Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Wave Optics, Modern Physics
- Chemistry: Reaction Mechanisms, Electrochemistry, Coordination Chemistry
2. Optimize Question Selection
- Avoid questions with high negative marking risk.
- Focus on accuracy rather than excessive attempts.
- Use elimination techniques for MCQs whenever possible.
3. Effective Time Management and Smart Guessing
- Allocate time efficiently (about 1.5 hours per subject).
- Skip time-consuming questions and revisit them later.
- Make educated guesses only when at least two incorrect options can be ruled out.
4. Take Mock Tests and Evaluate Mistakes
- Take full-syllabus mock tests under real exam conditions.
- Analyze errors and work on weaker areas.
- Enhance speed and accuracy with structured revision.
5. Maintain Consistency in Performance
- Regular, structured practice builds confidence and improves recall.
- Make balance between accuracy and speed.
- Strengthen fundamental concepts, particularly in Chemistry, using NCERT textbooks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Attempting too many questions without accuracy, leading to unnecessary negative marking.
- Ignoring straightforward questions while spending excessive time on complex ones.
- Neglecting subject-wise prioritization, missing out on high-scoring topics.
- Lack of sufficient MCQ practice, making it difficult to adapt to JEE Advanced’s challenging format.
Conclusion
There’s no fixed number of questions you need to get right in JEE Advanced, but based on past trends:
- Top IITs: Aim for 50-60 correct answers.
- Mid-tier IITs: Aim for 40-50 correct answers.
- New IITs: Aim for 30-40 correct answers.
By following a structured study plan, prioritizing accuracy, and enhancing problem-solving skills, you can significantly improve your chances of securing a seat in an IIT. Stay consistent, analyze progress, and remain motivated throughout your JEE Advanced preparation journey.
Best of luck for JEE Advanced! 🚀
