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NEET and JEE – Which is Best for Your Career?

by PW Gulf
December 8, 2023
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NEET vs JEE which is best? This is the most common question among Class 12 students. Both are national entrance exams conducted by NTA, but NEET is for medical courses like MBBS while JEE is for engineering programs like B.Tech at IITs and NITs. But what is NEET and JEE exactly? NEET tests your knowledge in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry for medical careers, while JEE focuses on Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry for engineering paths.

What is NEET?

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is India’s national-level medical entrance exam for admission to undergraduate courses like MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and veterinary programs. NEET exam is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), 

NEET tests students on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology based on the NCERT syllabus for Classes 11 and 12. It is mandatory for entry into most government and private medical colleges, including prestigious institutes like AIIMS and JIPMER. The exam is conducted once a year in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.

What is JEE?

JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is a national-level engineering entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to B.E./B.Tech courses in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutes. It has two stages:

  • JEE Main: Covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and serves as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced.

  • JEE Advanced: Conducted by the IITs for admission into Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Both exams follow the NCERT syllabus for Classes 11 and 12 and are highly competitive with millions of candidates every year.

Also Know: What is NEET, Full Form, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus and Tips

NEET 2026 vs JEE 2026 Key Differences

NEET and JEE are two major national-level entrance exams conducted by the NTA for admission into medical and engineering courses respectively.  These exams differ in eligibility, exam pattern, subjects, and career options. Understanding these key differences helps students decide which exam suits their goals and strengths.

Key Differences Between NEET 2026 and JEE 2026

Feature

NEET 2026

JEE 2026

Purpose

Admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and medical courses

Admission to B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch, and engineering programs

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

National Testing Agency (NTA)

Subjects Tested

Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Exam Mode

Offline (Pen-and-paper)

Online (Computer-based)

Eligibility Criteria

10+2 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), minimum 17 years age

10+2 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), no age limit

Number of Attempts

Once a year

Twice a year (January & April sessions)

Total Marks

720

300 (JEE Main Paper 1)

Negative Marking

Yes

Yes

Career Path

Medical, Dental, Veterinary, AYUSH

Engineering, Architecture, Planning

Official Website

neet.nta.nic.in

jeemain.nta.nic.in

Also Know: How Many Attempts for NEET 2026 are Allowed?

NEET vs JEE Eligibility Criteria

NEET and JEE are both national exams conducted by the NTA, but their eligibility rules differ in subjects, age, and marks required. Understanding these differences helps students know if they qualify for either exam.

NEET vs JEE- Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

NEET 2026

JEE Main 2026

Educational Qualification

Passed or appearing in Class 12 in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English

Passed/appearing Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics

Minimum Marks Required

General: 50% OBC/SC/ST: 40% PwD: 45% in PCB subjects

No minimum marks to appear; 75% or top 20 percentile required for admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs

Age Limit

Minimum 17 years as of December 31, 2026; no upper age limit as per latest update

There is no age limit to appear for JEE Main exam

Number of Attempts

Once a year

Twice a year (January and April sessions)

Nationality

Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, Foreign Nationals

Same as NEET

NEET vs JEE Exam Pattern

NEET and JEE have different exam patterns, subjects, and formats. NEET is a single paper test focusing on Biology for medical courses, while JEE Main is a computer-based test with a focus on Mathematics for engineering courses. Knowing these differences helps students prepare well.

NEET vs JEE- Exam Pattern

Exam Pattern

NEET 2026

JEE Main 2026

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

MCQs and Numerical Value Questions

Exam Duration

3 hours (180 minutes)

3 hours per paper

Mode of Exam

Offline (Pen-and-Paper OMR-based)

Online (Computer-Based Test)

Total Questions

180 questions (45 each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology)

75 questions (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)

Subjects Covered

Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Languages Offered

13 languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu

English, Hindi, and regional languages

Marking Scheme

+4 for correct, -1 for wrong

+4 for correct, -1 for wrong

Also Know: NEET Exam Pattern 2026, Marking Scheme, Section Wise Exam Format

NEET Syllabus vs JEE Syllabus

Both NEET and JEE use the NCERT syllabus for Classes 11 and 12, but their focus is different. NEET mainly tests Biology along with Physics and Chemistry, while JEE focuses more on Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry with deeper problem-solving. Knowing these syllabus differences helps students prepare well for medical or engineering careers.

NEET Syllabus vs JEE Syllabus

Subject

NEET 2026 Syllabus

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus

Physics

NCERT Class 11 & 12, conceptual questions

NCERT Class 11 & 12, numerical and application-based

Chemistry

Physical, Organic, Inorganic Chemistry (NCERT)

Physical, Organic, Inorganic Chemistry with applications

Biology

Detailed NCERT Class 11 & 12 topics (Human, Plants)

Not included

Mathematics

Not included

Complete NCERT Class 11 & 12, including advanced topics

Weightage

Biology 50%, Physics 25%, Chemistry 25%

Equal weightage to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

Also Know: NEET Syllabus 2026, Subject Wise Syllabus, PDF Download, Tips

NEET vs JEE: Which is More Difficult to Crack?

The difficulty level of NEET and JEE depends on subjects, competition and style of examination. NEET focus is more on Biology, fair portions Physics and Chemistry and requires correct answers because many students compete to get few medical seats. Over 20 lakhs students make an application, but less than 1 lakh MBBS seats are available, making NEET very competitive.

JEE tests strong problem-solving skills in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. JEE Advanced is especially hard with tough questions and complex patterns. Though fewer students take JEE Advanced (around 2.5 lakh), it is conceptually very challenging.

NEET vs JEE FAQs

Q1. Which is harder, NEET or JEE?

Ans: JEE Advanced is more difficult in terms of concepts and problem-solving, whereas NEET is more competitive in terms of the number of medical seats. It depends on whether you are interested in math or biology.

Q2. Who earns more, IIT or NEET students?

Ans: IIT graduates often get high-paying jobs in tech early on, while MBBS doctors earn steadily and grow more with specialization. Salary depends on the field you choose.

Q3. Is MBBS harder than JEE?

Ans: JEE is tough to crack due to its exam level, but MBBS is harder to complete as it needs years of study, training, and practical work.

Q4. NEET vs JEE – Which is Better?

Ans: NEET is better if you want to become a doctor; JEE is better for those who love technology and engineering. Choose based on your passion.

Q5. Which is best NEET or JEE for girls?

Ans: Both are equally good for girls. Choose based on your interest - doctor or engineer.

Q6: Can I take NEET exam for engineering?

Ans: No, NEET is only for medical courses. Engineering requires JEE.

Q7. What is the full form of NEET and JEE?

Ans: NEET = National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. JEE = Joint Entrance Examination.

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