“Are AIEEE and JEE the same?” We have come across some students searching for the differences and similarities between the AIEEE exam and JEE. A mere glance at the popular search engine results shows that this thought crosses the minds of class 12 PCM students at least once. And why not? These exams are the keys to fulfill their engineering dreams. 

Differences and Similarities B/w AIEEE and JEE

While a lot of searches are about the distinction between the two exams, the funny part is that they are quite similar to one another. AIEEE is JEE Main. Since this query confuses a lot of people, we have decided to provide our readers with an in-depth guide to understand AIEEE and JEE better. Let us get started with it. 

What Is the AIEEE Exam? 

The AIEEE full form – All India Engineering Entrance Examination, shows that this exam was a popular engineering entrance exam. It began around 2002, and the exam’s main focus was on evaluating the candidate’s skills and knowledge of engineering. This exam was for the aspirants who wanted to get into NITs and other participating engineering colleges of the country.  

However, in 2013, the IIT JEE main exam took its place. To help you fully understand this, we will tell you all about how AIEEE merged into JEE main. Before that, let us quickly see what the IIT JEE exam is. 

What is IIT JEE? 

Today, every student who opts for non-medical in class 12 knows what IIT JEE is. If you do not, fret not! Let us revise it quickly for you. The IIT JEE main exam is the most prestigious and the only exam in the country that could take aspirants a step forward to fulfill their IIT dream. Not only this, all NITs, GFTIs, and various other prestigious engineering colleges accept this exam. 

Now, what you may not know about IIT JEE is that earlier, it was a separate exam that was meant only for the IITs. For the students wanting to get into NITs and other engineering colleges, there was a different exam – AIEEE. 

The Purpose of AIEEE Exam 

Earlier, IIT JEE was not the only test for engineering aspirants. Back in 2002, there came a famous test – AIEEE. The introduction of this test was done by CBSE. Its sole purpose was to evaluate aspirants wanting to get into undergraduate architecture and engineering programs in various prestigious institutions other than the IITs.  

There were nearly 30 NITs, and 5 IIITs students could get into depending on their score in the exam. During 2010, there were plans to replace this exam, and the MHRD finally did this in 2013 with JEE main. For the IITs, there was a new test now – JEE Advanced, and the mains exam became a qualifying criterion to appear in this. 

So, today, students who wish to join NITs and IIITs must take the IIT JEE Main exam instead of the AIEEE exam. All of this may raise a question in the minds of many about IT, IIT, and IIIT. Let us clear it up for you. 

IT, IIT, and IIIT – Clearing the Terms 

  • IT 

It is merely short for Information Technology. We are confident, as an engineering aspirant, you may know it is a field of study taught in prestigious engineering institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs. 

  • IIT 

It stands for– Indian Institute of Technology. The Government of India funds this public technical university. One of the significant contributors from the GOI is the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). 

  • IIIT 

This term stands for the Indian Institute of Information Technology. In this institute, you can find various disciplines related to science and technology. Out of the 18 campuses, MHRD funds 5 of them. 

Is the AIEEE still conducted? 

From the information earlier in the blog post, it is clear that there is no AIEEE now. Presently, it is a part of the IIT JEE main exam. The National Testing Agency conducts it twice a year. As for this year, the exam will take place four times owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The IIT JEE Advanced exam, on the other hand, is technically the IIT-JEE exam – that was earlier an examination only for the IITs 

Similarity Between JEE Main and AIEEE – The Reconstruction of AIEEE Exam 

In 2013, the AIEEE exam ceased to exist. If you are wondering what students did in such a case to get into the NITs and GFTIs, the exam did take place. The only difference is that it was now in the form of a Joint Entrance Examination. In simpler words, AIEEE became a part of JEE main – the exams are the same. 

This effort was to optimize the aspirant’s professional and academic experiences. And true to the expectations, there was less pressure for the aspirants due to the elimination of multiple examinations. After the main exam, aspirants who wish to get into IITs will have to take the JEE advanced exam. The rest of them can get into NITs and other popular engineering colleges. 

AIEEE and JEE Main – How Are They Different? 

Now that you know how similar AIEEE and IIT JEE main are, you may have come to know that there is no difference between the two. AIEEE and JEE Main are structurally the same, and now, AIEEE is a part of the IIT-JEE exam. However, this similarity between the exam gives rise to another question – “How do students benefit from the merging of the popular engineering exam?” 

Well, we would say that the change has undoubtedly been beneficial to all the engineering aspirants in India. It certainly fulfills its purpose. Let us tell you how: 

  • Lessened Burden on Students 

Earlier, there were various entrances for engineering aspirants. All of them were tough to crack, and the students had to put in all their efforts to prepare for them. Further, there was a fee to appear for each of those exams. With the cutting down of these to just a single IIT JEE exam, this is not an issue anymore. The merging of AIEEE and IIT-JEE has proven beneficial for students in terms of academic, mental, and financial pressure. 

  • Ample Time to Prepare 

With the boards in the picture, it was quite tiring for students to prepare for IIT JEE and AIEEE. However, with the new system in place, candidates have to prepare for JEE main first. It is comparatively easy and gives IIT aspirants more time to prepare for JEE Advanced.  

  • Plenty of Opportunities 

As you may know, candidates can give IIT JEE for three consecutive years. Now, since this exam occurs two times a year, the number of attempts a student can give is 6. Further, this year, the exam will take place four times a year, making these attempts 12. This way, students of diverse backgrounds – financial or otherwise, can give the exam at their ease. 

Parting Thoughts 

When preparing to appear for the NTA JEE main 2021, do not confuse yourself about the similarities and differences between AIEEE and JEE. Remember that the AIEEE exam and IIT JEE main are the same. After reading this article all your doubts would be clear.   

Prepare well for it, and try getting into the college of your dreams. Only hard work and dedicated studies will take you closer to your goal. We wish you all the best in your engineering journey! Good luck and work hard!