JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.): Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
JEE Main Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) is the engineering route. It tests Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at CBSE Class 11–12/NCERT depth, with emphasis on applying concepts to unfamiliar numerical situations rather than recalling isolated facts.
Pattern and marking
The current NTA pattern is 75 questions and 300 marks: 25 questions per subject. Each subject has Section A (MCQs) and Section B (numerical-value questions). Marking is +4 for a correct answer and −1 for an incorrect one in both sections; numerical answers must be rounded as instructed. Check the current information bulletin because Section B choice rules have changed between sessions.
What is tested
Physics: mechanics, SHM, thermodynamics, electrostatics, current electricity, optics and modern physics. Chemistry: physical-chemistry calculations, organic reaction mechanisms and inorganic periodic trends. Mathematics: calculus, algebra, coordinate geometry, vectors/3D and probability. NCERT is the base; JEE-style problems add multi-step reasoning.
Worked example
Evaluate ∫_0^1 x e^{x²} dx. Let u=x², so du=2x dx. The limits stay 0 to 1. The integral becomes ½∫_0^1 e^u du = ½(e−1). The substitution removes the x factor; missing the ½ is the common error.
Traps that cost marks
Negative marking applies to numerical questions too, so an uninformed guess is costly. Unit conversions (cm→m, eV→J), significant figures and rounding rules cause silent errors. In organic chemistry, reagent and temperature conditions decide the product. In mechanics, check whether a force is conservative before using energy conservation.