The JEE was conducted for the first time in 1960, when it had four subjects including an English language paper. The examination has since evolved considerably from its initial pattern. The JEE was initially called as the Common Entrance Exam (CEE). The CEE coincides with the IIT Act of 1961, to later named as JEE.
In 1997, the JEE was conducted twice after the question paper was leaked in some centers.