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:
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JEE Main: Covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and serves as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced.
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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.
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Key Differences Between NEET 2026 and JEE 2026 |
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Feature |
NEET 2026 |
JEE 2026 |
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Purpose |
Admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and medical courses |
Admission to B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch, and engineering programs |
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Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
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Subjects Tested |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
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Exam Mode |
Offline (Pen-and-paper) |
Online (Computer-based) |
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Eligibility Criteria |
10+2 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), minimum 17 years age |
10+2 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), no age limit |
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Number of Attempts |
Once a year |
Twice a year (January & April sessions) |
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Total Marks |
720 |
300 (JEE Main Paper 1) |
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Negative Marking |
Yes |
Yes |
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Career Path |
Medical, Dental, Veterinary, AYUSH |
Engineering, Architecture, Planning |
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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.
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NEET vs JEE- Eligibility Criteria |
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Criteria |
NEET 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 |
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Educational Qualification |
Passed or appearing in Class 12 in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English |
Passed/appearing Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics |
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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 |
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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 |
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Number of Attempts |
Once a year |
Twice a year (January and April sessions) |
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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.
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NEET vs JEE- Exam Pattern |
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Exam Pattern |
NEET 2026 |
JEE Main 2026 |
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Type of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
MCQs and Numerical Value Questions |
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Exam Duration |
3 hours (180 minutes) |
3 hours per paper |
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Mode of Exam |
Offline (Pen-and-Paper OMR-based) |
Online (Computer-Based Test) |
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Total Questions |
180 questions (45 each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology) |
75 questions (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) |
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Subjects Covered |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
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Languages Offered |
13 languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu |
English, Hindi, and regional languages |
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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.
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NEET Syllabus vs JEE Syllabus |
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Subject |
NEET 2026 Syllabus |
JEE Main 2026 Syllabus |
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Physics |
NCERT Class 11 & 12, conceptual questions |
NCERT Class 11 & 12, numerical and application-based |
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Chemistry |
Physical, Organic, Inorganic Chemistry (NCERT) |
Physical, Organic, Inorganic Chemistry with applications |
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Biology |
Detailed NCERT Class 11 & 12 topics (Human, Plants) |
Not included |
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Mathematics |
Not included |
Complete NCERT Class 11 & 12, including advanced topics |
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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.
