The JEE Advanced 2025 Paper 1 was held on May 18, 2025, in a single session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Conducted by IIT Kanpur, the exam was a 3-hour computer-based test (CBT) featuring three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each section comprised a mix of question types – single-answer and multiple-answer MCQs, integer-type (numeric) questions, and matching sets – designed to test problem-solving, reasoning, and analytical ability. Some questions carried negative marks for incorrect answers.
According to the official pattern, Paper 1 contained roughly 17 questions per subject (51 total), divided into four parts (3–4 questions per part). For example, Section 1 had single-correct MCQs (+3 for correct, 1 for wrong), while Section 4 had integer-answer questions (+4 for correct, 0 for no attempt). Overall, each paper was out of 180 marks (60 per subject). Official sources confirm the structure: “Each question paper will consist of three separate sections — physics, chemistry, and mathematics”, with negative marking for some options.
Candidates had to carry their admit card and a valid ID; the exam centre opened at 7 AM. Paper 1 timing was strictly 9 AM–12 PM, with Paper 2 scheduled later that day (2:30 PM–5:30 PM).
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Section-wise Analysis
Physics
The Physics section (17 questions, ~60 marks) covered core topics from both Class 11 and 12 syllabi. Based on student reports, questions spanned Mechanics (kinematics, rotation, energy), Electrodynamics (circuits, magnetism), Optics, and Modern Physics (photoelectric effect, atomic models). A mix of conceptual problems and numerical calculations was observed. For example, students noted questions involving gravitational binding energy, electrostatics, and simple harmonic motion.
Overall difficulty: Moderate. Most students found the Physics section fair, not overly lengthy, but requiring careful reasoning. A few questions were time-consuming (e.g., multi-step problems), but nothing unexpected. Many coaching experts also flagged that Physics followed the expected pattern, with no surprise, even the tricky topics.
Sample feedback: “Physics was balanced – some lengthy calculations, but formula-based. The majority of questions were from well-known chapters like rotation and optics.” Many said the section was doable if prepared, reflecting a moderate difficulty level.
Chemistry
The Chemistry section (17 questions) proved to be the easiest among the three. It covered the three branches fairly equally: Physical (thermodynamics, equilibrium), Organic (reaction mechanisms, functional groups), and Inorganic (periodic table, coordination compounds). Aakash and Allen’s analyses noted that many questions were straightforward and NCERT-based. There were factual questions in inorganic (e.g., periodic trends, compound properties) and typical calculation problems in physical chemistry (like chemical kinetics and equilibrium).
Difficulty: Easy. Students reported high confidence in Chemistry answers. Common feedback: “Chemistry was quick-scoring. Most questions were direct or involved simple concepts from organic reactions and inorganic theory.” Coaches agreed that, compared to Physics/Math, Chemistry was comparatively light on lengthy calculations, making it the scoring section of Paper 1.
Mathematics
The Mathematics section (17 questions) included questions on Algebra (matrices, complex numbers, probability), Calculus (integration, differential equations, sequences), and Geometry (3D geometry, conics). The paper featured multi-concept problems – for example, combining calculus with algebra – and some lengthy integration and vector questions that required careful steps.
Overall difficulty: Moderate. Many students felt Math was “typical JEE Advanced level” – not full of surprises, but consisting of involved calculations. “Mathematics was time-consuming,” said several candidates; solving each calculus problem took time, although the concepts were standard. Some multi-correct MCQs and integer-answer problems in math were described as challenging yet doable with practice. Coaching experts noted that the Math questions tested depth of understanding (e.g., multi-step algebra problems) but were largely similar to past years’ types.
Sample feedback: “Math was the trickiest section in terms of calculation time. Standard topics like definite integrals and 3D geometry appeared.” The mix of questions required good time management, but no extremely unconventional questions were reported.
Overall Difficulty Level and Year-on-Year Comparison
According to multiple reports, JEE Advanced 2025 Paper 1 was generally moderate in difficulty and easier than the 2024 paper. Indian Express live updates noted: “Various news reports suggest that the exam was easier than the 2024 paper, with Chemistry easiest, physics and math moderate.”. In other words, while Physics and Math posed a fair challenge, they were on par or slightly simpler compared to last year’s session, and Chemistry felt quite straightforward.
For context, the 2024 Paper 1 was also described as moderate overall, but Physics had been relatively tougher than. In 2025, the shift was that Physics eased a bit. Thus, on a difficulty scale, 2025 Paper 1 ranks around moderate (with Chemistry leaning toward easy). Coaches and experts highlighted that no section was extremely difficult; in fact, many students felt that moderate questions dominated.
Compared to past years:
- 2023 & 2024: Paper 1 was also largely moderate; 2025 followed this trend.
- 2025 vs 2024: Reports consistently indicate 2025’s Paper 1 was slightly easier overall. For example, Chemistry in 2025 was simpler than in 2024, reducing overall exam stress.
Overall, the difficulty level of JEE Advanced 2025 Paper 1 can be described as moderate, making it accessible to well-prepared students, but still competitive given the high stakes.
Expert Commentary and Student Reactions
Leading coaching institutes (Allen, Aakash, Resonance, FIITJEE, etc.) promptly released answer keys and review videos after the exam. Their analyses echoed the general feedback: “Paper 1 followed the expected pattern, with no major surprises”. Expert faculty noted that all core topics were covered, and the level of questions was as predicted. For instance, Allen’s faculty commented that physics questions were conceptually moderate, while math had a few lengthy problems. Aakash’s chemistry team pointed out that its section was “very NCERT and formula-oriented,” aligning with student sentiment that Chem was the easiest section.
Students on campus and social media largely agreed. In the live student reaction posts, many said: “Paper 1 was overall moderate”, with “Chemistry easy, Physics & Math moderate” being common phrases. Some students were relieved by the lack of unexpectedly hard questions. A few did mention that certain mathematics questions were lengthy, but none felt the exam was overwhelmingly difficult.
Key student takeaways:
- Time management was crucial (especially in Math).
- Chemistry questions boosted confidence early on.
- Most felt the difficulty level was fair, given the reputation of JEE Advanced.
Expert analysts also compared this to previous years. They noted the continuation of the new exam pattern (with integrated multi-step problems and diverse question types), but observed no additional twists beyond that.
Section-wise Difficulty & Feedback Summary
| Subject | No. of Questions | Question Types | Difficulty | Student Feedback |
| Physics | 17 | MCQs (single/multiple), integer | Moderate | Conceptual questions; moderately calculative; time-consuming in parts. |
| Chemistry | 17 | MCQs (single/multiple), integer | Easy | Direct and NCERT-based; quick to solve; good scoring. |
| Mathematics | 17 | MCQs (single/multiple), integer | Moderate | Lengthy algebra/calculus problems; challenging calculations. |
Notes: Each subject had roughly 17 questions (total ~51). All subjects included a mix of MCQs (single-correct and multiple-correct) and integer-answer questions. Chemistry’s ease and Physics/Math’s moderate level are based on initial analysis and student reactions.
Expected Cut-offs (Based on Paper 1 Difficulty)
Given the moderate-to-easy nature of Paper 1, experts anticipate that cut-offs (qualifying marks) may be slightly higher than last year. An easier exam generally pushes up the marks needed to secure top ranks. For example, if a score that ranked around 5,000th place last year was ~200/360, this year the same rank might require a few more marks. Category-wise, qualifying percentiles (for admission cut-offs) could edge up by a small margin.
Get the advanced answer for Competitive Exam Preparation
It’s too early for exact numbers, but based on the Paper 1 performance:
- The Joint Admission Board (JAB) may set minimum marks (qualifying cutoffs) at or above last year’s levels, especially for the General category.
- Top ranks (IIT admission cutoffs) may see slightly higher marks required due to more students scoring well in Chemistry and moderate sections.
Coaching institute analysts will release detailed cutoff predictions after both papers. Students should remember that final seat allocations depend on combined performance in Papers 1 and 2. At this stage, the takeaway is that strong scorers in Paper 1 will likely still need a good Paper 2 to secure admission, but the eased difficulty suggests a competitive cutoff threshold overall.
Looking Ahead: Paper 2 Preview & Next Steps
With Paper 1 behind them, students now turn their focus to Paper 2 (held May 18, 2:30–5:30 PM). Paper 2 will have a similar structure (3 sections, mix of question types) and is expected to test comparable topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Math. Historically, Paper 2 often balances difficulty across subjects, so students should be prepared for another moderately challenging exam. Key strategies for Paper 2 include time management, starting with one’s strongest subject, and careful selection of questions in multi-answer sections.
Next steps for students:
- Relax and recharge: Take a short break after Paper 1 to refresh.
- Review basics: Glance over formula sheets or concepts that often appear.
- Stay calm and confident: Remember that 2025 has followed familiar patterns.
After both papers, official answer keys will be released (typically within a few days), and students can calculate their expected scores. The combined results will determine ranks and IIT cutoffs. Meanwhile, students should ensure they have their admit card and ID ready for Paper 2 and follow exam-day guidelines (e.g., reporting time, dress code).In summary, the JEE Advanced 2025 Paper 1 review suggests a fair, moderate exam with an easy Chemistry section. Coaching experts and students alike found the difficulty consistent with expectations. Now, candidates should gear up for Paper 2 with confidence, aiming for accuracy and speed. After both papers, they can analyze their performance against predictions and prepare for the next phase of admissions (counseling and counseling).
