JEE Main Maths Question Paper
Mathematics is an important subject to be cleared for many competitive exams, including JEE Main entrance test. Preparing for Mathematics requires a good understanding of Mathematics Concepts, memorising all formulae , logical thinking, regular practise and revision.
All experts advise JEE Main aspiring candidates to solve numerous past years’ question papers. These question papers sample papers will help candidates get a fair understanding of the exam pattern, chapter-wise question weightage, etc. Several sets of JEE Main Maths question papers with solutions are listed with their article links in this article below. Access these resources for free and enhance your exam preparation.
Introduction to the Exam
JEE Main is a test for engineering students interested in NITs, IIITs, and other CFTI engineering programs. It serves as a prerequisite for the JEE Advanced, held for admission to all IITs. Since 2019, the Government has delegated the responsibility for conducting the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main to the National Testing Agency (NTA). JEE Paper 1 is for admission to UG B.E. / B. Tech program, while Paper 2 is for admission to B. Arch and B. Planning program.
JEE Main Mathematics Exam
Mathematics is the most challenging section of the JEE Main exam preparation. Almost every year, the questions in the Mathematics section of the paper are more complex than the other sections. This is a very time-consuming section too.
But one can’t ignore the fact that Mathematics is the favourite subject for many JEE aspirants. Mathematics may be tricky on paper, but preparation-wise it is comparatively easier than other subjects. And with solid practice and good fundamentals, one can score excellent marks in Mathematics. Apart from this syllabus also refer to past years’ set of JEE Main Maths question papers and its solution sets.
JEE Main Mathematics Syllabus
Sr. No |
Chapter Name |
1 |
Sets, Relations, and Functions |
2 |
Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations |
3 |
Matrices and Determinants |
4 |
Permutations And Combinations |
5 |
Mathematical Induction |
6 |
Binomial Theorem and its Simple Applications |
7 |
Sequences and Series |
8 |
Limit, Continuity, and Differentiability |
9 |
Integral Calculus |
10 |
Differential Equations |
11 |
Coordinate Geometry |
12 |
Three-Dimensional Geometry |
13 |
Vector Algebra |
14 |
Statistics and Probability |
15 |
Trigonometry |
16 |
Mathematical Reasoning |
Crucial topics for JEE Main Maths question paper preparation
- Calculus – Calculus is one of the essential topics in mathematics. Differential and integral calculus are the two main areas of study. Limits and continuity, application of derivatives, and differentiation are essential concepts to learn in differential calculus. The indefinite integral, definite integral, and the area under curves are all essential concepts in integral calculus and can come in the JEE Main Maths question paper.
- Coordinate Geometry – Coordinate geometry studies shapes and curves on a graph, and it’s pretty simple to score. Straight lines, hyperbola, parabola, ellipse, and circle are important topics covered in coordinate geometry.
- Trigonometry – Since the 10th grade, trigonometry has been regarded as one of the most important subjects. Students must understand the fundamentals of trigonometry. The JEE Main and other tests test trigonometric ratios and trigonometric functions. These are both high-scoring and moderately difficult.
- Algebra – Algebra questions are usually asked in the JEE Main Mathematics question paper. This is the vastest area of mathematics. Algebra questions can range from simple to complex. How long a problem can take relies on your ability to interpret it. Some significant subjects addressed are sets, relations and functions, matrices and determinants, permutations and combinations, complex numbers, probability, differential equations, quadratic equations and expressions, progressions and series, and the binomial Theorem in algebra.
JEE Main Exam Pattern – Mathematics Section
The JEE Main maths question paper is of 3 hours duration. 2 types of questions are asked – Multiple Choice Questions and numerical value-based questions. The Mathematics section consists of 100 marks – 20 compulsory MCQs and 10 choice-based numerical questions, out of which 5 have to be answered. Therefore, 25 questions have to be answered, all in all.
Under MCQs, for each correct answer, four marks will be awarded, and for each incorrect answer, there will be a negative marking of one mark.
Under numerical value questions, there will be no negative marking, and candidates will receive four marks for each correct answer.
JEE Main Maths Question Paper Analysis
Here are the past few years’ JEE Main Maths question paper analysis for your reference –
JEE Main Maths question paper analysis – 2021
According to the experts, the JEE Main Maths question paper was time-consuming but straightforward due to extensive calculations.
Five questions were asked from Coordinate Geometry, seven from calculus, four from Vectors and 3D, and at least five from the Algebra chapter.
JEE Main Mathematics question paper analysis – 2020
The paper was much easier than the previous session. In all three papers, the numerical section was lengthy and concept-based. Students should expect a cut-off score ranging from 85 to 90.
For 2020, the questions in JEE Main Mathematics question paper were mainly from class 11 topics, and the paper followed the NCERT pattern. The numerical section was lengthy, whereas the rest of the questions were fact-based. Maths was the most challenging subject in terms of difficulty, with many problems from the numerical section.
JEE Main Mathematics question paper analysis – 2019
Surprisingly, the difficulty level of the questions in the Mathematics section for 2019 JEE Main Maths question paper was moderate. Candidates who took the exam said the questions required a few calculations and that it took them a little longer to solve and attempt all of the questions. There were 9 algebra questions, 8 coordinate geometry questions, 9 calculus questions, and 4 based on probability, mathematical Reasoning, and statistics. Overall, 13 questions were easy, 13 moderate, and four were challenging.
JEE Main Mathematics question paper analysis – 2018
According to the difficulty-level analysis – there were 13 easy questions, 14 moderate questions, and 3 difficult questions. A significant chunk of questions (around 20) was asked from the class 11th syllabus, and 10 questions were asked from the 12th syllabus. Overall, the Maths section for the 2018 JEE Main Maths question paper was easy compared to last year’s papers. Most marks were allotted to Algebra, followed by Calculus and Conics.
JEE Main Mathematics question paper analysis – 2017
There were ten questions from the class 11th Mathematics syllabus and twenty questions from the class 12th Mathematics syllabus. Several students evaluated Maths from the 2017 JEE Main Maths question paper as the most challenging section due to its lengthiness and application-based questions.
Expert teachers at the Extramarks team have analysed the last 10 years’ JEE Main Maths question papers to understand important chapters. The below table indicates typical chapter-wise mark allocation.
Chapter name |
Avg. Marks Allotted |
Matrices and Determinants |
8 |
Vector Algebra |
8 |
Three-Dimensional Geometry |
8 |
Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations |
8 |
Limits, continuity, and differentiability |
12 |
Integral calculus |
12 |
Coordinate Geometry |
20 |
Trigonometry |
4 |
Statics and Dynamics |
4 |
Statistics and Probability |
8 |
Sets, Relation, and Function |
2 |
Sequences and Series |
2 |
Binomial Theorem and its Application |
2 |
Differential Equations |
2 |
Differential calculus |
2 |
Permutations and Combinations |
2 |
Mathematical Reasoning |
2 |
Advantages of Solving JEE Main MaathematicsQuestion Papers
- Candidates can improve their understanding of the JEE Main Mathematicsexam pattern and the grading scheme by practising more JEE Main Maths question papers.
- Candidates would have a good grasp of the JEE Main Mathematicssyllabus weightage if they regularly solve JEE Main Mathematicsquestion papers. Candidates will be able to see which topics from the JEE Main syllabus frequently appear in the exam and have a high vs. low weightage.
- Candidates can assess their degree of preparation and improve their revision skills with each solved JEE Main Maths question paper. Candidates can learn their strong and weak areas by regularly practising JEE Main Mathematicsquestion papers, and they can strategisetheir JEE Main preparation accordingly.
- Time management is one of the most critical components in succeeding in the exam. With enough practise, any student can master the art of managing time during the actual test. Another crucial factor is to increase the speed with which questions are answered.
JEE Main Preparation Tips for JEE Main Maths question paper
- A formula can be learned through practice. To improve your grades, you must know all the essential formulae in Mathematics.
- When it comes to maths problems, the graphical approach is beneficial. Try using it and prepare JEE main revision notes for effective revision during exam preparation.
- In some cases, where reverse calculations are time-consuming, the hit-and-try strategy works. It should be used with care.
- Strengthen your understanding of function theory, as it is the foundation for practically every topic in 11th and 12th grade.
- Spend the first 5 to 10 minutes searching through all 25 questions for simple questions. 40% to 50% of the JEE Main Mathematics questions are easy to answer. Around 20% to 30% of the tasks are moderate, and about 10% to 20% are challenging.
Best Books for JEE Main Maths Preparation
The JEE Main Mathematics necessitates thorough preparation. The following table lists some of the best JEE Main books, along with their authors’ names, that students can use to prepare for the JEE Main Maths question paper –
Book |
Author/Publisher |
IIT Mathematics |
M.L. Khanna |
Differential Calculus |
Das Gupta |
Class XI and XII Mathematics |
R.D. Sharma |
Mathematics for JEE Main |
Cengage (Publisher) |
Integral Calculus for IIT-JEE |
Amit Agarwal |
Calculus and Analytic Geometry |
Thomas and Finney |
Problems in Calculus of One Variable |
I. A. Maron |
Higher Algebra |
Hall and Knight |
Do’s and Don’ts for JEE Main Exam
Do’s –
- Start by answering the more straightforward and medium questions on the JEE Main Maths question paper. This will boost the candidate’s confidence and aid them in improving their JEE Main score.
- Before you mark the OMR sheet, double-check everything. Also, read the JEE Main Maths question paper thoroughly to make a sound decision about what to attempt and what questions to leave in section B.
- If you have registered for JEE in an online format, take a sufficient number of Mock Online JEE exams from a trusted source.
Dont’s –
- Don’t worry if you find the paper difficult; it’s the relative performance that matters. Therefore, put your best analytical mind to work; it will propel you forward.
- Don’t begin with a question you don’t know.
Guidelines for Exam Day
- Candidates must bring their JEE main admit card, JEE main application form, and a valid ID. You will not be allowed to take the test if you fail to do so.
- One day before the JEE main exam date, go to the exam centre and arrive in the hall 60 minutes before the test starts. This will help you prevent complications at the last minute.
- Bring an original copy of a government-issued photo identity evidence (PAN Card, Driver’s Licence, Voter ID, Passport, Aadhar Card with Photograph, E-Aadhar, Ration Card, Aadhar Enrolment Number with Photo).
- Carry a PwD Certificate from a reputable source (if applicable).