JEE Main is the entrance exam for getting into the top engineering colleges like NITs, IIITs, and other government institutes. It’s a competitive exam that checks students’ knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Maths. But a common question among students is, are 5 subjects required to appear for JEE Main? Let’s clear the confusion and understand what’s really needed.
How Many Subjects Are Required for JEE Main?
A student must have studied five subjects in Class 12 to be eligible for JEE Main. Out of these, three are compulsory, and two can be additional subjects offered by the school. Here's the breakdown:
Compulsory Subjects
-
Physics
-
Mathematics
-
One of the following: Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational Subject.
Additional Subjects (any two)
-
English
-
Physical Education
-
Computer Science
-
Economics
-
Language subjects
-
Business Studies (for students with PCM + Commerce background in some boards)
Five subjects in total are necessary to meet eligibility requirements, though JEE Main only tests Physics, Chemistry, and Maths. Students must pass all five subjects in Class 12 to qualify for the exam.
Read More: Which books help you improve problem-solving skills for JEE Mains?
Subjects Tested in JEE Main Exam
The JEE Main paper tests only these three:
-
Physics
-
Chemistry
-
Mathematics
Students must pass English or other additional subjects; however, there are no questions asked from such subjects in the examination.
Why Choosing the Right Books Matters
One of the best strategies is to focus on chapterwise practice, as preparing smartly can make a big difference in JEE results. A JEE Main Chapterwise Book can help students focus on each topic one by one instead of moving over random questions.
Solving previous years’ papers is also very beneficial. A good JEE Mains PYQ book provides the actual exam questions from past years, which helps in understanding the type of questions, difficulty level, and repeated patterns.
A detailed Chemistry book for JEE Mains helps the students with their conceptual understanding. Even tough concepts like Organic or Physical Chemistry can become easier to understand.
Point to Remember
Here’s what you should remember:
-
Five subjects are required in class 12 for eligibility perspective.
-
In the actual exam for JEE Main exam, only three subjects (PCM) are tested.
-
Additional subjects like English, Physical Education, or Computer Science are not part of the test but must be passed.
-
Use the right books—chapterwise practice, PYQ collections, and focused subject books make a big difference.
Stay focused and revise regularly. Smart preparation is the way to cracking JEE Main.
Practice Comprehensively with Oswaal360 Online Courses for JEE Main Exams
Practice Now with Free Oswaal360 Online Mock Test for JEE Main Exams
FAQs
1. Can I give the JEE Main if I had Computer Science instead of Chemistry?
If you had Computer Science and not Chemistry, you're not eligible for JEE Main unless your third subject is Biology, Biotechnology, or a technical vocational subject. Chemistry is not compulsory, but one science subject is needed along with Physics and Maths.
2. Is English a compulsory subject for JEE Main?
No, English is not tested in the JEE Main exam. However, it is usually part of the 5 subjects needed in Class 12, so you still need to pass it for eligibility.
3. Do marks in additional subjects matter for JEE Main?
JEE Main doesn’t consider individual subject marks, but you must pass all 5 subjects in Class 12 to meet the eligibility rules.
4. Can I choose Biology instead of Chemistry in Class 12 and still give JEE Main?
Yes, Biology can be your third subject along with Physics and Maths, as per the eligibility rules. But Chemistry is part of the JEE Main exam, so self-study may be needed.
