JEE Paper 3 — Exam Structure & Syllabus
Exam Structure & Question Distribution
JEE Main Paper 3 is a 3-hour Computer-Based Test (CBT) consisting of 105 questions, totaling 400 marks. The exam structure evaluates both scientific analytical thinking and specialized creative skills suited for urban planning.
Mathematics
30 Questions (20 MCQs + 10 Numerical Value questions, out of which 5 are to be attempted).
Aptitude Test
50 Questions (MCQs only). Tests 2D/3D visualization, mental capability, spatial reasoning, and architectural/planning history.
Planning Questions
25 Questions (MCQs only). Specialized questions based on urban development, environmental science, and policy awareness.
Marking Scheme:
Every correct answer yields +4 marks. Correct numerical value questions also get +4. Incorrect answers carry a penalty of -1 mark (both for MCQs and Numerical Value questions). Unattempted questions receive 0.
Part I: Mathematics Syllabus
This section is identical to the Mathematics section of JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch). The level of difficulty is high, requiring strong conceptual clarity in Class XI and XII mathematics.
High Weightage Topics
- Coordinate Geometry (Straight Lines, Circles, Conics)
- Calculus (Limits, Continuity, Derivatives, Definite Integrals)
- Vectors & Three-Dimensional Geometry
- Probability & Statistics
Algebra & Trigonometry
- Matrices and Determinants
- Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations
- Sequences and Series (AP, GP, HP)
- Trigonometric Equations and Identities
Part II: General Aptitude Syllabus
The Aptitude section tests visualization, design thinking, analytical abilities, and general knowledge.
1. Visual & Spatial Aptitude
Visualizing 3D views of objects from 2D orthographic projections. Counting surfaces, vertices, and edges of complex geometric models. Rotation, unfolding, and mirror-imaging of block designs.
2. Analytical Reasoning & Mental Ability
Pattern recognition, series completions, logical deductions, blood relation puzzles, coding-decoding, and Venn diagrams.
3. Architecture, Cities & History GK
Identifying famous national and international monuments, landmarks, and city shapes. Basic knowledge of architectural history, famous architects/planners, materials, and structural elements.
Part III: Planning-Based Questions (Specialized)
This section makes Paper 3 unique. It tests awareness of social, economic, and physical aspects of communities, cities, and national growth.
Government Schemes & Programs
Deep questions about Indian government flagship missions: Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana), PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana), and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Understand their launch years, target populations, and primary objectives.
Environmental Planning & Sustainability
Concepts of Green Buildings (GRIHA, LEED ratings), global warming, carbon footprint, solid waste management, water harvesting techniques, renewable energy sources, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Urban Geography & Scale Mapping
Reading maps, understanding topological signs, interpreting bar diagrams, reading scales (RF - Representative Fraction calculations), and basic demographic data metrics (population density, sex ratio, decadal growth rates).