What is JEE and NEET? Complete Beginner Guide for Class 10 Students (2026)

JEE and NEET After Class 10: For Class 10 students eyeing careers in engineering or medicine, JEE and NEET are pivotal entrance exams. This beginner's guide to JEE and NEET After Class 10 provides fundamental information about both the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Understanding these exams early helps in making informed academic and career choices. This document covers essential details for students considering these competitive exams.

JEE and NEET Guide for Class 10 Students 2026: Complete Beginner Guide

Class 10 students cannot directly appear for JEE or NEET, as both require completing Class 12 with specific subjects and minimum marks. However, this is the ideal time to choose the Science stream (PCM for JEE, PCB for NEET) and start early preparation through coaching or self-study.

Here is the complete guide and all the information a student needs to know before proceeding to choose the right career. Go through the details given here. 

What is JEE?

JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is a national-level engineering entrance exam conducted for admission to IITs, NITs, and other engineering colleges in India. JEE consists of two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced.  JEE evaluates candidates' aptitude in core science subjects through a rigorous, multi-stage process, attracting over 10 lakh applicants each year. Success in JEE not only secures admission but also lays the foundation for careers in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable energy.

Types of JEE Exams

JEE operates in two sequential stages, each building on the previous one to filter top performers:

• JEE Main: The entry-level exam, held twice a year (January and April sessions) by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It qualifies students for NITs, IIITs, GFTIs and acts as the screening test for JEE Advanced. Paper 1 focuses on B.E./B. Tech, while Paper 2 covers B.Arch/B.Planning.

• JEE Advanced: Conducted by one of the IITs (rotating annually) for the top 2.5 lakh JEE Main qualifiers. This stage determines admission to IITs and tests deeper conceptual understanding with unpredictable question patterns.

Colleges Accepting JEE

JEE scores are accepted by over 1,000 engineering colleges nationwide. Key categories include:

What is NEET?

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is India's single-window entrance exam for undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, etc.), and veterinary courses. Organised by NTA once a year (May), it qualifies students for over 1 lakh seats in government and private colleges, including AIIMS and JIPMER. Around 20 lakh candidates appear, testing biology-heavy knowledge with a focus on application-based questions from the Class 11-12 syllabus.

Courses through NEET

NEET unlocks a wide array of healthcare programs, with seat allocation based on All India Rank (AIR):

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery): 5.5-year program including internship.

• BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery): 5-year dental training.

• BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery): Traditional Indian medicine.

• BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery): Homeopathy practice.

• Additional options: BUMS (Unani), BNYS (Naturopathy & Yoga), BVSc (Veterinary Science), B.Sc Nursing, Physiotherapy (BPT), and paramedical courses.

Difference Between JEE and NEET

A concise comparison highlighting the fundamental differences between JEE Vs NEET will be provided here.

Choose based on interest: tech innovation (JEE) or healthcare (NEET).

Who Should Choose JEE?

Students with a strong aptitude for mathematics, physics, and analytical problem-solving should prepare for JEE. Ideal candidates include those scoring above 90% in Class 10 science and maths, who enjoy logical reasoning, innovation, and building things, and who think future engineers, coders, or architects. However, it demands consistent effort (at least 8-10 hours daily study) and resilience for intense competition.

Potential career options post-JEE:

• Software Engineer (e.g., at Google, Microsoft)

• Mechanical Engineer (automotive, aerospace)

• Civil Engineer (infrastructure projects)

• Electrical Engineer (power systems, electronics)

• Others: Data Scientist, AI Specialist, Entrepreneur.

Who Should Choose NEET?

Aspire for NEET if you excel in biology (above 90% in Class 10), enjoy human anatomy, diseases, and helping others, perfect for future doctors, dentists, or pharmacists. It's suited for students with good memory, empathy, and stamina for long study hours (10-12 daily). Avoid if you dislike rote learning or prefer technology over patient care.

Career paths after NEET:

• Doctor (general physician, specialist via PG)

• Dentist (orthodontics, oral surgery)

• Surgeon (cardiac, neuro)

• Pharmacist (drug research, clinical)

• Veterinarian (animal health).

Eligibility Criteria for JEE and NEET

Both exams require Class 12 completion or equivalent from a recognized board. Key details:

JEE Eligibility:

• PCM subjects in Class 12 (minimum 75% aggregate for general; 65% for SC/ST).

• Age: Born on/after October 1, 2000 (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD).

• No minimum marks for Advanced, but top JEE Main ranks needed.

NEET Eligibility:

• PCB subjects in Class 12 (50% aggregate for general; 40% for SC/ST/OBC).

• Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31; maximum 25 (general), 30 (reserved).

• Maximum 3 attempts for general (unlimited for reserved).

Can Class 10 Students Start Preparing for JEE and NEET?

Yes, starting in Class 10 builds a strong foundation without overwhelming you. Dedicate 2-3 hours daily to NCERT science/maths/biology, focusing on concepts over rote. It prevents Class 11 backlog, improves board scores (key for eligibility), and lets you explore JEE/NEET aptitude early. Many toppers began here, balancing school with coaching foundations.

Benefits:

• Strong foundation in basics like algebra, mechanics, and cell biology.

• Ample time for revision, doubt-clearing, and skill-building.

• Improved ranks through consistent practice and reduced exam stress.

Best Stream After Class 10 for JEE and NEET

Post-Class 10 stream selection is pivotal, so opt for Science. 

• For JEE: PCM combination ensures eligibility and aligns with the syllabus.

• For NEET: PCB combination (Biology replaces Math); PCMB possible for flexibility.

Consult career counsellors and take aptitude tests before board exams.

JEE and NEET Preparation Roadmap for Class 10 Students

Physics Wallah advocates a phased, disciplined approach from Class 10 to 12.

• Step 1: Choose the Right Stream
  Align with goals: PCM for JEE/engineering; PCB for NEET/medicine.

• Step 2: Focus on NCERT
  These form 60-70% of both syllabi—master them first for conceptual clarity.

• Step 3: Create a Study Plan
  Aim for 2-4 hours daily in Class 10, scaling to 8-10 hours by Class 12. Include breaks, sleep (7-8 hours), and weekly reviews.

• Step 4: Solve Questions
  Begin with topic-wise problems, progressing to PYQs (previous year questions) and mocks.

JEE and NEET Preparation Timeline (Class 10 to 12)

Here is the JEE and NEET preparation timeline provided for the students so that they can follow a structured way of approaching the streams that suits their interest and understanding. 

Which is Easier: JEE or NEET?

For this question,  the answer is,  neither is termed as "easy",success rates hover at 1-2%. It all depends on how perfectly you have chosen your path i.e. going for JEE or NEET and how you are approaching the exams. 

JEE demands mathematical agility (e.g., calculus integration), while NEET requires memorizing 97 Biology chapters. Choose based on your strengths, usually the trends are math lovers pick JEE and  biology enthusiasts choose NEET.

Books for JEE and NEET Beginners

Here are some of the preferred combinations for the JEE aspirants and NEET aspirants - 

Books for JEE:

• NCERT (Class 11-12)

• Physics Wallah modules

• Standard Reference Books 

Books for NEET:

• NCERT (core for 90% questions)

• Physics Wallah Arjuna series.

• Standard Reference Books 

Mistakes Class 10 Students Must Avoid

Steer clear of these to optimize preparation:

• Delaying start until Class 11 misses foundation-building window.

• Neglecting NCERT for "advanced" books prematurely.

• Skipping a balanced study plan (e.g., ignoring health or over-relying on coaching).

• Avoiding regular practice PYQs and mocks are non-negotiable.

• Ignoring mental health burnout derails progress.