Every year, thousands of students dream of studying at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Getting into an IIT is not easy. You must clear two tough exams: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. These exams test your knowledge, speed, and accuracy. But with the right strategy, you can crack them.
Are you in Class 11 or 12 and wondering how to start your IIT journey? Or are you taking a drop year and looking for a focused study plan? This guide will help you understand both exams, eligibility, preparation tips, and the best materials to use.
We will also share a clear step-by-step plan to study smartly, not just harder. Whether you’re aiming for your first attempt or trying again, this article will give you practical help. Stay focused, stay consistent, and you can achieve your IIT goal. Let’s start with understanding the structure of the JEE exams.
Understanding the IIT JEE (Main + Advanced)
The IIT JEE consists of two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Both stages are designed to test students on their knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Let’s look at both stages in detail.
JEE Main: JEE Main is the first level of the exam. It includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The exam consists of two papers:
- Paper 1 is for students aiming for undergraduate engineering programs (B.Tech).
- Paper 2 is for those aiming for B.Arch and B.Planning programs.
The exam format is multiple choice questions (MCQs) and numerical-based questions. Each question carries 4 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Total Questions: 75 (25 questions from each subject)
- Marking Scheme: 4 marks for a correct answer, -1 for an incorrect answer, and 0 for an unattempted question.
JEE Advanced: JEE Advanced is the second level and is more challenging than JEE Main. It consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each lasting 3 hours. The papers test students on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with more complex and conceptual questions.
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Total Questions: Varies each year but generally 54 questions across both papers.
- Question Types: Includes MCQs, numerical answer type questions, and match the following questions.
Both papers are designed to evaluate the depth of understanding and application of concepts rather than speed.
Language and Mode of Exam
Both JEE Main and Advanced are conducted in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and regional languages like Telugu, Gujarati, and more. The mode of the exam is online (computer-based test) for JEE Main, while JEE Advanced is conducted in both online and offline formats.
Key Differences Between JEE Main and Advanced
Depth of Questions: One of the most significant differences between JEE Main and JEE Advanced is the depth of questions. JEE Main questions typically focus on testing the basic understanding of concepts, whereas JEE Advanced dives deeper into concepts and applications.
Emphasis on Concepts vs. Speed: JEE Main is more about speed and accuracy. It requires students to solve questions quickly while maintaining accuracy. On the other hand, JEE Advanced places more emphasis on understanding and applying core concepts, even though it’s still time-bound.
Eligibility to Appear for Advanced: Only students who clear JEE Main and are in the top 2,50,000 ranks are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. This makes the path to JEE Advanced more selective and competitive.
JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria (2025 Updates)
Class 12 Percentage Requirement: For JEE Main 2025, students must have passed their Class 12 exam or equivalent from a recognized board with at least 75% marks (65% for reserved categories).
Top 2,50,000 JEE Main Rank Criteria: To be eligible for JEE Advanced, students must secure a rank in the top 2,50,000 in JEE Main. This is a crucial criterion, as it filters out students who have not cleared the minimum required rank.
Age and Attempt Limits: For JEE Main, the candidate must be born on or after October 1, 2000 (with relaxation for reserved categories). Students can attempt JEE Main a maximum of three times. For JEE Advanced, the attempt limit is two times, and candidates must clear the exam in the same year or the next.
How to Study for IIT: Step-by-Step Preparation Strategy
Preparing for IIT JEE requires a clear plan and steady effort. You must build strong concepts and practice regularly. Whether you start in Class 11, 12, or during a drop year, you need to follow a proper strategy. Let’s break it down step by step.
1) Starting Early (Class 11 & 12 Students)
Most top rankers begin preparation in Class 11. This gives them two full years to cover the syllabus and practice well. The JEE syllabus includes Class 11 and 12 topics. If you start late, it becomes hard to manage school and JEE together. Starting early reduces stress.
Balancing school boards and JEE preparation
Board exams are important too. You should not ignore them. The good thing is that JEE and boards have overlapping topics. Use your board preparation to improve JEE basics. For example, NCERT books help in both. Set a daily routine that includes time for school homework and JEE studies.
How to build strong fundamentals
In Class 11, focus on understanding concepts. Don’t just memorize formulas. Ask why and how things happen. This habit helps in JEE Advanced, which has tricky questions. Practice solving problems step by step. Use NCERT and one extra book per subject for a start.
2) Study Plan for 1-Year & 2-Year Preparation
Your study plan depends on how much time you have. Let’s look at both plans.
1-Year Plan (Droppers / Class 12 Students)
If you have one year, you must follow a tight schedule. Divide your preparation into three phases:
Phase 1: Concept Building (Months 1–4)
- Focus on weak areas first.
- Revise Class 11 and 12 concepts.
- Use NCERT for Chemistry, H.C. Verma for Physics, and standard books for Maths.
- Make short notes of important formulas and tricks.
- Solve easy to moderate problems to gain confidence.
Phase 2: Problem Solving & Speed (Months 5–8)
- Start solving tough problems now.
- Increase your speed and accuracy.
- Join a test series like Phodu Club JEE Main Test Series.
- Start giving chapter-wise and subject-wise tests.
- Learn from your mistakes in each test.
Phase 3: Full-Length Mocks & Revision (Months 9–12)
- Give full syllabus mock tests every 3–4 days.
- Revise your notes and mistake book regularly.
- Solve JEE Main and Advanced previous year papers.
- Focus on exam strategy, time management, and keeping calm during the paper.
2-Year Plan (Class 11 Students)
If you are in Class 11, you have more time. Use it wisely to prepare both school and JEE topics.
Year 1: Strong Foundation + NCERT Focus
- Start with NCERT and build your base.
- Focus more on Class 11 topics like mechanics, algebra, and basic chemistry.
- Don’t rush. Understand every topic fully.
- Start solving basic JEE-level problems after reading theory.
- Practice regularly to avoid forgetting old topics.
Year 2: Advanced Problem Solving + Test Series
- Increase the level of questions.
- Join a coaching or online test series.
- Give tests regularly to check your speed.
- Focus on Class 12 topics and also revise Class 11.
- Solve at least 10 full JEE Advanced papers by the end.
3) Daily & Weekly Study Routine
Ideal daily study hours (6–8 hours for serious aspirants)
You should study 6–8 hours a day seriously. This includes coaching, self-study, and revision. Avoid distractions. Use your time wisely.Split your day into three parts:
- Physics – 2 to 2.5 hours
- Chemistry – 2 to 2.5 hours
- Mathematics – 2 to 2.5 hours
Start with your weak subject. Give extra time to topics that confuse you. Don’t avoid them.
Importance of breaks and consistency
Study in 90-minute slots and take 10–15 minute breaks. Stretch, walk, or relax your mind. Short breaks help you stay fresh and focused. Don’t skip study days. Even light revision helps you stay in the zone.
4) Choosing the Right Study Material
Using the right books can make a big difference. Here are the recommended ones:
Recommended Books for JEE Mains Physics
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication | Why the Books are the Best for JEE Mains Physics |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT | It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice. |
| Concepts of physics (Vol. 1 and 2) | HC Verma | They provide the best exercises along with the basic concepts. |
| Fundamentals of Physics | Halliday, Resnick, & walker | This book helps in clearing all the concepts of Physics important for JEE Mains. |
| Understanding PhysicsIt’s a set of the following books:Electricity & Magnetism Mechanics (Vol. 1 & 2) Optics & Modern Physics Waves & Thermodynamics | D C Pandey – Arihant Publications | This set of books is very popular among the students and one of the best books for JEE Mains. This explains the concepts, derives the formula, and provides a number of solved examples and exercises to solve. |
| Understanding Physics | Freedman and Young | This book explains all the concepts in detail and provides exercises for practice. |
| Problems in Physics | SS Krotov | This book is popular for its exercise questions. |
| Physics Vol-1 and Vol-2 by for Theory and Non-Trivial Problems | Resnick Halliday | Book for understanding concepts and practising questions. |
| Problems on General Physics | I E Irodov | A lot of questions are provided for practising. |
Recommended Books for JEE Mains Chemistry
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication | Why the Book is the Best for JEE Mains Chemistry |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT | It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice. |
| Modern Approach to Chemical Calculations | R C Mukherjee | Physical Chemistry Numericals are the best in this book. |
| Organic Chemistry | O P Tandon | Each and every topic is well explained in this book. |
| Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J. D. Lee | This is the best book for the concepts of Inorganic Chemistry. |
| Concept of Physical Chemistry | P Bahadur | Along with the concepts, there are many exercises to solve. |
| Physical Chemistry | P.W. Atkins | This book is best for extra exercises. |
| Organic Chemistry | Morrison & Boyd | This book is best for extra exercises. |
| Numerical Chemistry 22/e | P Bahadur | This is one of the best books for JEE Mains recommended by toppers. |
Recommended Books for JEE Mains Mathematics
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication | Why the Book is the Best Maths Book for JEE Mains |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT | It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice. |
| Objective Mathematics | RD Sharma | This book explains the concepts very well. They also have a lot of exercise questions. |
| Plane Trigonometry | S L Loney | This book is best for Trigonometry. |
| Algebra | Dr S K Goyal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for Algebra. |
| Differential Calculus | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for understanding the concepts of Calculus. |
| Integral Calculus | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for understanding the concepts of Calculus. |
| The Elements of Coordinate Geometry | S L Loney | This book is best for understanding the concepts of Coordinate Geometry and practising questions on Coordinate Geometry. |
| Play with Graphs | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for practising graphs. |
| Complete Mathematics for JEE Main | Tata McGraw Hill | This is the best book for overall preparation. |
| New Pattern Mathematics for JEE Main | Arihant Publications | You will get a lot of exercises. |
Stick to limited books. Don’t use too many at once. Solve one book completely before jumping to another.
Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers
Mock tests are essential for every JEE aspirant. They simulate the real exam environment and help you get used to the pattern, pressure, and time limitations of JEE Main and Advanced. When you regularly take mock tests, you improve your speed and accuracy. They also boost your confidence and reduce exam-day anxiety.
Mock tests also help in building stamina. JEE Advanced is a long exam, and staying focused for hours is not easy. Taking full-length mock tests trains your brain to concentrate for extended periods.
Another key benefit is getting used to switching between Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics without losing focus.
Lastly, mock tests help you understand your preparation level. They give you a reality check and show whether your revision is effective or not. This is why mock tests should be a fixed part of your weekly study plan, especially in the last three to six months before the exam.
How to Analyze Mock Test Performance
Taking a mock test is not enough. What you do after the test matters even more. Always review the entire paper once you are done. Focus on the questions you got wrong and try to understand why you made those mistakes. Was it a silly calculation error? Did you misunderstand the concept? Or did you guess blindly?
Sort the mistakes into categories. For example:
- Conceptual errors
- Calculation errors
- Time management issues
- Misreading the question
Then, take action. Revise the topics where you made conceptual errors. If you made calculation mistakes, practice similar questions with more care. This kind of analysis will slowly remove your weak points and make your preparation solid.
Also, track your scores over time. See if you are improving. If your score stays the same over 3–4 tests, change your approach. Maybe revise more, or focus more on weak subjects.
Time Management Strategies During Exams
Time management can make or break your JEE score. Here’s how to practice it effectively:
- Use mock tests to practice managing time — Set a timer and take the test seriously.
- Scan the entire paper in the first few minutes — Mark easy questions and solve them first.
- Do not get stuck — If a question takes more than 2–3 minutes, move on.
- Keep buffer time — Reserve 15–20 minutes at the end to revisit skipped or doubtful questions.
- Prioritize accuracy — It’s better to solve 60 questions with 90% accuracy than attempt all 90 with low accuracy.
Time management can only be mastered by practice, and the Phodu Club test series helps you build that skill with well-structured mocks and realistic time pressure.
Conclusion
Cracking the IIT JEE is not just about hard work. It is about smart planning, the right materials, and consistent effort. Whether you are starting in Class 11 or taking a drop year, you need a clear plan. Focus on understanding concepts, solving problems, and taking mock tests regularly.
JEE Main and Advanced may seem tough, but thousands of students clear them every year. You can too. Follow a balanced routine, revise often, and don’t ignore your health. Small steps every day lead to big results. Use the best books, solve past year papers, and keep improving your mock test scores. Trust the process. Stay motivated and never give up, even if things get hard. Success in JEE is possible if you stay patient and focused.
Remember, IIT is not just a goal. It’s a journey that shapes your thinking. Start strong and finish stronger. You’ve got this.
FAQs
1) Can I crack IIT without coaching?
Yes, it’s possible to crack IIT without coaching, provided you have the right resources and a disciplined study routine.
2) Is NCERT enough for Chemistry?
NCERT is a good starting point for Chemistry, especially for Class 11 and Class 12 topics. However, for advanced preparation, refer to additional books like O.P. Tandon.
3) How many hours should I study?
6-8 hours of focused study every day is recommended. However, quality is more important than quantity.
4) Should I focus more on JEE Main or Advanced?
JEE Main is the first step, so focus on mastering it before transitioning to JEE Advanced. Both exams require a similar foundation, but JEE Advanced requires deeper knowledge.
5) How do I improve my rank in mock tests?
Identify your weaknesses and work on them. Consistent practice and analysis of previous test performances will help improve your rank.
