NTA Notification On Optional Questions Discontinued

In a significant change for JEE Main 2025, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced that the optional question format introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic will be removed. This update applies to all aspirants taking Paper 1 (BE/BTech), Paper 2A (BArch), and Paper 2B (B Planning) in the JEE Main exam.

Also Read: JEE Main 2025 Exam Hall Instructions

Overview of NTA’s Recent Update on Optional Questions

With the recent launch of the official portal for JEE Main 2025, NTA has confirmed a major update to the exam pattern. Starting this year, candidates will no longer have the choice to select specific questions in Section B of each subject. This choice was previously introduced during the pandemic to ease the strain on students by allowing them to pick any five out of ten numerical-type questions in Section B. Now, all candidates must answer all five questions in this section without any choice.

This update returns the JEE Main exam format to its pre-pandemic structure, emphasizing consistency and comprehensive evaluation.

Must Read: JEE Main 2025 Preparation Tips From Toppers

Reason Behind Removal of Optional Questions

After the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 no longer a global health emergency in May 2023, NTA decided to restore JEE Main to its original format. The flexibility in Section B was initially offered to support students facing unique challenges during the pandemic. Now that conditions are back to normal, NTA aims to maintain a standardized approach to testing, requiring students to attempt all questions in Section B.

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Key Implications of the New JEE Main Exam Structure

Without the option to choose questions, students preparing for JEE Main 2025 will need to be thorough in all topics and question types rather than focusing only on selected areas of strength. This new structure encourages a well-rounded preparation strategy, as students are expected to be prepared for every concept covered in the syllabus. Here’s how this might impact preparation:

• Thorough Topic Coverage: Students will need to strengthen their knowledge across all topics.
• Consistent Practice: With all questions in Section B being mandatory, consistent practice on numerical problems across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics will be crucial.
• Time Management: Practicing full-length tests to manage time effectively will be essential, as all questions now require attention.

Marking Scheme for JEE Main 2025

The marking scheme for JEE Main 2025 remains unchanged:

• Correct Answer: +4 marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
• Unanswered Questions: No deduction

This means that despite the removal of optional questions, the maximum score achievable remains at 300.

Also Check: Negative Marking In JEE Main 2025

Adapting to the New JEE Main 2025 Pattern

For students preparing for the upcoming exam, the removal of optional questions signals the importance of mastering each area of the syllabus. Unlike the flexibility during the pandemic, which allowed for selective study, the new format will require more comprehensive preparation.

In conclusion, as JEE Main 2025 moves back to its original structure, aspirants are advised to focus on understanding all concepts in detail. This change encourages balanced preparation, aiming to ensure that students are ready for every question presented in the exam. Best of luck to all future engineers preparing for JEE Main 2025!