The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a prestigious engineering entrance exam that thousands of students across India prepare for each year. It provides entry into top engineering institutions like the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and the esteemed Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). To make the JEE Main exam more aligned with current academic standards and evolving educational needs, changes have been introduced in the JEE Main 2024 syllabus, with several topics across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics being removed.
Purpose of Syllabus Update
The purpose of updating the syllabus is to align the JEE with current educational standards, focusing on the most relevant and foundational topics that students need to excel in engineering. Over time, advancements in science and technology, shifts in the engineering curriculum, and updates in school education necessitate adjustments to the JEE syllabus to ensure it remains relevant and challenging. Updating the syllabus also ensures that the topics are consistent with what students study in high school, minimising overlap with obsolete or less relevant content. This way, the syllabus reflects topics that are meaningful for students’ academic and professional growth.
Why Changes Occur: Relevance to Evolving Educational Standards
Changes in the JEE Main syllabus reflect adjustments in educational standards, ensuring that the content covered remains relevant to the current academic landscape. Many academic boards, including CBSE and various state boards, have recently streamlined their curricula to focus on essential skills and foundational knowledge. Consequently, JEE’s syllabus updates aim to reflect these changes by aligning with high school topics. By reducing the syllabus, the board ensures that JEE remains relevant to the evolving demands of modern engineering programs. This approach reduces the need for rote memorization and encourages students to focus on topics that will benefit them in future engineering studies.
Impact on Students: How Syllabus Reduction Aids Focused Study
The reduction in the syllabus benefits students by allowing them to direct their energy toward mastering the most important topics. With fewer topics to study, students can dedicate more time to developing a deep understanding of core concepts, focusing their efforts on topics that are more likely to appear in the exam. This not only improves their mastery but also reduces unnecessary academic stress. In addition, with a more focused syllabus, students can optimise their revision time, allowing for multiple revisions of the core topics and better retention of information. With a streamlined syllabus, students have the opportunity to better balance their time between school and competitive exam preparation, ultimately leading to improved performance.
Overview of the Deleted Topics for JEE Mains 2024
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has provided a list of topics removed from the JEE Main 2024 syllabus. These deletions cover topics across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Knowing which topics have been removed allows students to plan their study schedules more efficiently and focus on topics that will actually be tested.
Deleted Topics for JEE Mains 2024 Physics
Several topics in Physics that were previously part of the JEE Main syllabus have been removed, primarily those that were less directly relevant to core engineering concepts.
| Unit | Deleted Topics |
| Physics and Measurement | Physics, technology, and society, accuracy and precision of measuring instruments |
| Kinematics | zero vector |
| Gravitation | Geostationary satellites |
| Properties of Solids And Liquids | Reynolds number, Newton’s law of cooling. |
| Thermodynamics | Carnot engine and its efficiency |
| Oscillations and Waves | Free, forced and damped oscillations, resonance.Doppler Effect in sound. |
| Current Electricity | Resistances of different materials.Colour code for resistors; Potentiometer – principle and its applications. |
| Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism | Cyclotron, Earth’s magnetic field and magnetic elements. Magnetic susceptibility and permeability. Hysteresis. Electromagnets and permanent magnets. |
| Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents | Quality factor |
| Optics | Resolving power of microscopes and astronomical telescopes |
| Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation | Davisson-Germer experiment |
| Atoms and Nuclei | Isotopes, isobars: isotones. Radioactivity- alpha. beta and gamma particles/rays and their properties; radioactive decay law. |
| Communication Systems | The whole chapter is removed |
| Electronic Devices | Junction transistor, transistor action, characteristics of a transistor: transistor as an amplifier (common emitter configuration) and oscillator. Transistor as a switch. |
Deleted Topics for JEE Mains 2024 Chemistry
In Chemistry, topics from both Inorganic and Physical Chemistry have been removed, focusing the syllabus on core chemistry principles and eliminating topics that require memorization but have less application in engineering.
| Unit | Detailed Topics |
| Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry | Physical quantities and their measurements in Chemistry, precision, and accuracy, significant figures. S.I.Units, dimensional analysis |
| Atomic Structure | Thomson and Rutherford atomic models and their limitations; |
| States of Matter | The whole chapter is removed |
| Surface Chemistry | The whole chapter is removed |
| P- Block Elements | Groupwise study of the p – p-block elements Group -13 Preparation, properties, and uses of boron and aluminium; Structure, properties, and uses of borax, boric acid, diborane, boron trifluoride, aluminium chloride, and alums. Group -14 The tendency for catenation; Structure, properties, and uses of Allotropes and oxides of carbon, silicon tetrachloride, silicates, zeolites, and silicones. Group -15 Properties and uses of nitrogen and phosphorus; Allotrophic forms of phosphorus; Preparation, properties, structure, and uses of ammonia, nitric acid, phosphine, and phosphorus halides, (PCl3. PCl5); Structures of oxides and oxoacids of nitrogen and phosphorus. Group -16 Preparation, properties, structures, and uses of ozone: Allotropic forms of sulphur; Preparation, properties, structures, and uses of sulphuric acid (including its industrial preparation); Structures of oxoacids of sulphur. Group-17 Preparation, properties, and uses of hydrochloric acid; Trends in the acidic nature of hydrogen halides; Structures of Interhalogen compounds and oxides and oxoacids of halogens. Group-18 Occurrence and uses of noble gases; Structures of fluorides and oxides of xenon. |
| General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals | The whole chapter is removed |
| Hydrogen | |
| S -Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals) | |
| Environmental Chemistry | |
| Polymers | |
| Chemistry In Everyday Life |
Deleted Topics for JEE Mains 2024 Mathematics
Mathematics has seen reductions in topics that required rote learning rather than in-depth understanding. These changes make the syllabus more concept-focused.
| Unit | Deleted Topics |
| Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations | Square root of a complex number, triangle inequality |
| Matrices and Determinants | Properties of determinants, elementary transformations |
| Binomial Theorem and Its Simple Applications | Properties of Binomial coefficients |
| Sequence and Series | Sum up to n terms of special series; Sn, Sn2, Sn3. Arithmetico-Geometric progression |
| Limit, Continuity, and Differentiability | Rolle’s and Lagrange’s Mean value Theorems |
| Integral Calculus | Integral as the limit of a sum |
| Co-Ordinate Geometry | Translation of axes, Straight line: equations of internal and external by sectors of angles between two lines . Equation of the family of lines passing through the point of intersection of two lines.Circle, conic sections: Condition for a line to be tangent to a circle, equation of the tangent. condition for Y = mx +c to be a tangent and point (s) of tangency. |
| Three Dimensional Geometry | Equations of a line and a plane in different forms, the intersection of a line and a plane, coplanar lines |
| Vector Algebra | Scalar and vector triple product |
| Statistics and Probability | Bernoulli trials, and binomial distribution |
| Trigonometry | Heights, and distance |
| Mathematical Inductions | The whole chapter is removed |
| Mathematical Reasoning | The whole chapter is removed |
By understanding these deletions, students can focus their study plans on the core topics, minimising time spent on content that is no longer relevant.
Impact of Deleted Syllabus on Preparation Strategy
The updated syllabus affects students’ preparation strategies, requiring them to shift focus toward topics that are now emphasised. With a reduced syllabus, students can reallocate time to core areas, enhance the depth of their studies, and align their preparation with both JEE Main and JEE Advanced requirements.
Focus on Core Areas: Reallocated Time for Remaining Topics
With fewer topics to cover, students can concentrate their efforts on key areas that are central to both JEE Main and Advanced. For example, in Physics, students can now devote more time to fundamental concepts like Mechanics and Electromagnetism. In Chemistry, core areas like Organic Chemistry and Chemical Bonding require more focus. In Mathematics, attention can be given to calculus and algebra, which form the basis for a variety of problems. By reallocating study time to these core topics, students can deepen their understanding, which increases their chances of scoring higher.
Reduced Content: How Less Content Affects Study Depth and Revision
With the reduction in syllabus content, students can study each topic in greater detail, which is especially helpful for complex concepts. JEE Main often includes questions that require in-depth understanding, so students can now afford to spend more time mastering core concepts. Additionally, with fewer topics, students have more time for revision. Regular and thorough revision is key to retaining information and performing well in JEE Main. Students can also allocate time to practise solving problems, allowing them to improve their problem-solving speed and accuracy.
Students preparing for JEE Advanced, however, should be mindful of the differences in syllabus and cover topics that might appear in JEE Advanced but not in JEE Main. For example, Electrochemistry and Thermal Physics are significant for JEE Advanced and should not be ignored even if they are de-emphasized in JEE Main.
Alignment with JEE Advanced: Checking for Overlap or Divergence
JEE Main and JEE Advanced share many core topics, but JEE Advanced has a more comprehensive and challenging syllabus. As students prepare, they should cross-reference the topics that overlap between the two exams. Where there is overlap, students can confidently prepare knowing they are covering content for both exams. However, for topics that are exclusive to JEE Advanced, students aiming for IITs should still prepare these additional topics to ensure they are ready for both exams.
For instance, JEE Advanced includes topics that require more in-depth study of Mechanics and Organic Chemistry. Students should identify these areas early on and ensure they are covered in their study plan.
Updated Study Plan Recommendations
With the changes in the syllabus, students can adapt their study plans to focus on the remaining topics and strengthen their preparation for JEE Main 2024. Here are detailed recommendations for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, tailored to the updated syllabus.
Physics
Physics preparation should emphasise core topics that remain highly relevant. Here’s a breakdown of recommended focus areas and study techniques.
Mechanics:
Topics like kinematics, Newton’s laws, rotational dynamics, and work-energy principles form the foundation of Physics. Mastering these areas is essential, as they are fundamental to many engineering concepts.
Study Tip: Break down each topic into basic principles and solve a variety of problems to apply these concepts practically.
Recommended Resources: Use NCERT textbooks for foundational understanding and supplement with advanced books like “Concepts of Physics” by H.C. Verma for in-depth problems.
Electromagnetism
This area includes topics such as electrostatics, current electricity, and magnetic fields, which are essential for both JEE Main and Advanced. Spending extra time on these concepts will help students build a strong base.
Study Tip: Practise visualising electric and magnetic fields to understand their interactions better. Diagrams and illustrative problems can help.
Recommended Resources: ALLEN or FIITJEE materials are useful for practice, along with coaching material specific to JEE Advanced.
Optics and Waves
Optics (both ray and wave optics) is important in Physics. Concepts like reflection, refraction, interference, and diffraction appear frequently in JEE exams.
Study Tip: Solve application-based questions that require an understanding of both wave and ray behaviour.
Recommended Resources: NCERT books and advanced questions from past JEE papers will be helpful.
Thermodynamics
Though Thermal Physics has seen some reductions, students should still have a solid understanding of thermodynamic principles, as it forms the basis for many engineering applications.
Study Tip: Focus on understanding the first and second laws of thermodynamics, as they are crucial for JEE Main and Advanced.
Recommended Resources: Use coaching materials or reference books like “Fundamentals of Physics” by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker.
Chemistry
Chemistry requires balanced preparation across Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Here’s a recommended approach for each section.
Organic Chemistry
Focus on reaction mechanisms, functional groups, and basic reactions like substitution and elimination. Important topics include aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.
Study Tip: Practise reaction mechanisms regularly, as understanding these processes can help solve complex problems efficiently.
Recommended Resources: Use books like “Organic Chemistry” by Morrison and Boyd and coaching materials for targeted practice.
Physical Chemistry:
Key areas include thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Mastering these topics is essential, as they often appear in calculation-based questions.
Study Tip: Regularly practise mathematical problems and use past questions to understand the pattern and difficulty level.
Recommended Resources: “Physical Chemistry” by P. Bahadur is a good choice for problem-solving practice.
Inorganic Chemistry
Focus on chemical bonding, periodic table trends, and coordination compounds. With Environmental Chemistry removed, more emphasis can be placed on mastering the remaining core concepts.
Study Tip: Focus on understanding periodic trends and bonding concepts as these are fundamental to many questions.
Recommended Resources: NCERT textbooks and “Concise Inorganic Chemistry” by J.D. Lee.
Mathematics
Mathematics preparation should focus on calculus, algebra, and coordinate geometry, as these areas are foundational for engineering entrance exams.
Calculus
Calculus topics include differential and integral calculus, which are essential for JEE Main and Advanced. Concepts like limits, derivatives, and integrals are crucial for problem-solving.
Study Tip: Practise solving differential equations and apply calculus concepts in physics-based problems.
Recommended Resources: “Problems in Calculus of One Variable” by I.A. Maron and NCERT textbooks.
Algebra
Topics like sequences, series, complex numbers, and quadratic equations are key in algebra. These areas are scoring and frequently tested in JEE.
Study Tip: Practice problems from each subtopic and use problem-solving strategies like substitution and pattern recognition.
Recommended Resources: R.D. Sharma and previous years’ JEE papers.
Coordinate Geometry
Key areas include straight lines, circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.
Study Tip: Use diagrams to visualise geometry problems, and solve application-based questions to build understanding.
Recommended Resources: Coordinate geometry chapters in standard textbooks like S.L. Loney’s “The Elements of Coordinate Geometry.”
Trigonometry and Probability
Though simplified, a basic understanding of trigonometry and probability is essential, as these topics support calculus and algebra problem-solving.
Study Tip: Memorise essential trigonometric identities and practice probability problems to build intuition.
Recommended Resources: Use standard reference books or coaching materials for practice.
FAQs on Syllabus Changes
1) Why were certain topics deleted from the syllabus?
Certain topics were removed to align the JEE syllabus with current CBSE and state board syllabi, focusing on the most critical and applicable concepts for engineering studies. This helps streamline the syllabus and make it more relevant to modern educational standards, emphasising core concepts and reducing rote memorization.
2) Will the deletions affect the exam pattern? Should students expect any changes in the exam format?
No, the exam pattern is expected to remain the same. JEE Main will continue to use a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical-based questions, with the same duration and marking scheme. The deletions only impact the topics covered, not the overall structure of the exam.
3) What should students do if they have already studied the topics that were removed? Any advice on how to re-strategize?
If students have already studied the deleted topics, they can consider these topics as optional knowledge for JEE Main and shift focus toward revising the remaining syllabus. Reviewing deleted topics occasionally may still be beneficial for JEE Advanced, where some of these areas might appear.
Conclusion
The syllabus changes in JEE Main 2024 streamline the content, helping students focus on core topics and allocate study time more efficiently. With fewer topics, students can enhance their understanding, practice effectively, and approach their studies with less stress. By adopting an updated study plan, dedicating more time to core subjects, and following strategic preparation, students can confidently prepare for JEE Main and aim for success in the exam.
