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How To Prepare For JEE: A Guide (2024)

how prepare JEE
Table of Contents

Cracking the JEE exams is a big challenge. You need to have a strong understanding of physics, chemistry, and maths. Long study hours and difficult concepts can be very tiring. We want to help. 

This guide has tips and tricks that will make your JEE preparation easier. You will also learn how to make a good study plan and manage your time well. This article is for you if you want to do well in JEE.

Understanding the JEE Exam

Before you start studying, it’s important to know what the JEE exam is all about. We’ll look at the types of questions, the subjects covered, and how the exam is scored.

JEE Main Structure

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts JEE Main for admission to undergraduate engineering programs at NITs, IIITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). It consists of two papers:

  • Paper 1: For admission to B.E./B.Tech programs
  • Paper 2A: For admission to B.Arch programs
  • Paper 2B: For admission to B.Planning programs

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) has a total of 90 questions divided into three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject has 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in Section A and 10 numerical-based questions in Section B. Candidates must attempt all questions in Section A and any 5 out of 10 questions in Section B for each subject. The exam duration is 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates). The marking scheme is +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer, and 0 for unattempted questions.

Paper 2A (B.Arch) consists of 82 questions, with only 77 questions to be attempted. The exam is held in online and offline modes. The Aptitude and Mathematics test is conducted online, while the Drawing test is held offline. 

Paper 2B (B.Planning) has 105 questions, with all to be attempted. The exam duration for both Paper 2A and 2B is 3 hours.

JEE Advanced Structure

JEE Advanced is conducted by one of the seven zonal IITs for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each of 3 hours duration. The exam is held in online mode. The syllabus covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at an advanced level compared to JEE Main.

Changes in Recent Years

In 2021, the JEE Main exam was conducted four times, and the best of the four scores was considered for ranking. In 2022, the exam was conducted twice, and in 2023, it was conducted three times. The number of attempts may vary in the future based on the decision of the NTA.

JEE Syllabus

Physics Syllabus

UnitTopics
Unit 1Physics and Measurement
Unit 2Kinematics
Unit 3Laws of Motion
Unit 4Work and Energy
Unit 5Rotational Motion
Unit 6Gravitation
Unit 7Properties of Solids and Liquids
Unit 8Thermodynamics
Unit 9Kinetic Theory of Gases
Unit 10Oscillations
Unit 11Waves
Unit 12Electrostatics
Unit 13Current Electricity
Unit 14Magnetic Effects of Current
Unit 15Electromagnetic Induction
Unit 16Alternating Current
Unit 17Electromagnetic Waves
Unit 18Optics
Unit 19Dual Nature of Matter
Unit 20Atoms
Unit 21Nuclei
Unit 22Semiconductor Electronics
Unit 23Communication Systems

Chemistry Syllabus

UnitTopics
Unit 1Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
Unit 2Structure of Atom
Unit 3Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
Unit 4Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Unit 5States of Matter
Unit 6Thermodynamics
Unit 7Equilibrium
Unit 8Redox Reactions
Unit 9Hydrogen
Unit 10s-Block Elements
Unit 11p-Block Elements
Unit 12Organic Chemistry: Some Basic Principles and Techniques
Unit 13Hydrocarbons
Unit 14Environmental Chemistry

Mathematics Syllabus

UnitTopics
Unit 1Sets, Relations and Functions
Unit 2Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations
Unit 3Matrices and Determinants
Unit 4Permutations and Combinations
Unit 5Binomial Theorem and its Simple Applications
Unit 6Sequence and Series
Unit 7Limit, Continuity and Differentiability
Unit 8Integral Calculus
Unit 9Differential Equations
Unit 10Coordinate Geometry
Unit 11Three-dimensional Geometry
Unit 12Vector Algebra
Unit 13Statistics and Probability
Unit 14Mathematical Reasoning

The JEE Main syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12. However, the concepts are taught at a higher level, and candidates require strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

You now have a good idea of what to expect on the JEE exam. Next, we’ll talk about making a study plan that works for you.

Creating a JEE Study Plan

A study plan is like a map to help you reach your goal of passing the JEE. We’ll show you how to make a study plan that fits your schedule and helps you learn best.

Timeline:

  • How long should you prepare? Most students prepare for 1 or 2 years. But, the best time depends on you. If you start early, you’ll have more time to learn.
  • Set goals: Decide what you want to achieve. Do you want to get a top rank? Or do you just want to pass? Once you know your goal, break it into smaller steps. This will help you stay on track.
  • Set deadlines: Give yourself deadlines for each step. This will help you stay focused and motivated.

Daily/Weekly Schedule:

  • Balance school and JEE: It’s important to balance your school studies with your JEE preparation. Don’t neglect either one.
  • Time for each subject: Give enough time to each subject. Physics, Chemistry, and Math are all important.
  • Revision time: Make sure you have time for revision. This will help you remember what you’ve learned.
  • Practice tests: Take practice tests regularly. This will help you get used to the exam format and identify your weak areas.

Study Techniques:

  • Active learning: Don’t just read your textbooks. Try to actively engage with the material. Take notes, summarise what you’ve learned, and teach it to someone else. This will help you understand it better.
  • The Pomodoro Technique: This is a time management technique that can help you stay focused. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a task. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle four times, then take a longer break of 20-30 minutes.
  • Timeboxing: This is another time management technique. Decide how much time you want to spend on a task and set a timer. When the timer goes off, stop working on the task, even if you haven’t finished it. This will help you avoid spending too much time on one thing.

With a good study plan in place, you’re ready to find the right study materials.

Choosing the Right Study Materials for JEE

There are a lot of JEE study materials out there. We’ll help you choose the books, online resources, and other materials that are right for you.

NCERT Textbooks

NCERT textbooks are essential for JEE preparation. They provide a strong foundation in the fundamental concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The content in these books aligns closely with the JEE syllabus. Many questions in JEE Main and Advanced exams are directly derived from NCERT textbooks. Therefore, students must thoroughly understand these books before moving on to more advanced materials.

NCERT books are known for their clear explanations and simple language. This makes them accessible to students from various backgrounds. The structured approach of these textbooks helps students grasp complex concepts easily. Additionally, each chapter includes summaries and practice problems, which are beneficial for revision and self-assessment.

Tips for effective utilisation

To make the most of NCERT textbooks, students should follow these tips:

  • Read Thoroughly: Go through each chapter multiple times. This helps reinforce concepts and improves retention.
  • Take Notes: While reading, jot down important points and formulas. This will aid in quick revisions later.
  • Practice Problems: Solve all the exercises at the end of each chapter. This enhances problem-solving skills and prepares students for exam-type questions.
  • Use Summaries: Review the summary sections at the end of each chapter for quick revisions before exams.
  • Revisit Weak Areas: If certain concepts are unclear, revisit those chapters. Understanding the basics is crucial for tackling advanced problems.

By following these strategies, students can effectively utilise NCERT textbooks as their primary study resource.

Reference Books

While NCERT textbooks are vital, reference books can further enhance understanding and problem-solving skills. Here are some recommended books for each subject:

Physics:

  • Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma: This book is excellent for understanding concepts and includes numerous problems for practice.
  • Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker: This book covers a wide range of topics and is great for both theory and problem-solving.

Chemistry:

  • Physical Chemistry by O.P. Tandon: It provides a clear understanding of physical chemistry concepts and includes practice problems.
  • Organic Chemistry by Morrison and Boyd: This book is well-regarded for its comprehensive coverage of organic chemistry.

Mathematics:

  • Objective Mathematics by R.D. Sharma: This book covers a variety of topics and offers numerous problems for practice.
  • Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight: This book is excellent for mastering algebra concepts.

Students should choose reference books based on their individual strengths and weaknesses in each subject.

Importance of not overloading with too many books

It is important for students not to overload themselves with too many reference books. Having too many books can lead to confusion and overwhelm. Instead, students should choose a few high-quality reference books for each subject. This allows for deeper understanding and more focused practice.

Focusing on a limited number of books helps students track their progress better. They can identify areas where they need more practice and concentrate their efforts accordingly. Quality over quantity is key in choosing study materials for JEE preparation.

You’ve got your study materials. Now, let’s look at how to master each subject on the JEE exam.

Mastering Each Subject in JEE

The JEE exam covers Physics, Chemistry, and Math. We’ll give you tips and tricks for understanding each subject and doing well on the exam.

Physics:

Conceptual clarity vs. problem-solving

Physics is not just about solving problems. It is about understanding the concepts behind them. Once you understand the concepts, solving problems becomes much easier. So, focus on building a strong foundation in concepts before you start solving problems.

Building strong fundamentals

Start with the basics. Make sure you have a good understanding of the fundamental concepts before moving on to more advanced topics. Read your textbooks carefully. Take notes. Attend lectures. Ask questions. Discuss concepts with your friends and teachers. The more you practise, the better you will get at it.

Recommended problem-solving books

  • “Concepts of Physics” by H. C. Verma
  • “Problems in General Physics” by I. E. Irodov
  • “Fundamentals of Physics” by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker

Chemistry:

Balancing theory and numerical practice

Chemistry is a balance of theory and numerical practice. You need to have a good understanding of the theory behind the concepts. You also need to be able to apply this theory to solve numerical problems. So, make sure you spend enough time on both.

Importance of memorising reactions and formulas

Chemistry involves a lot of memorization. You need to memorise reactions, formulas, and other important information. The best way to do this is to make flashcards and practice regularly. You can also try using mnemonics to help you remember information.

Mathematics:

Building problem-solving skills

Mathematics is all about problem-solving. The more you practise, the better you will get at it. So, make sure you spend enough time solving problems. Start with easy problems and gradually increase the difficulty level. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck.

Practice of various types of problems

Mathematics covers a wide range of topics. So, make sure you practise different types of problems. This will help you develop a well-rounded understanding of the subject. You should also practise solving problems under time pressure. This will help you prepare for the JEE exam.

You’re making great progress! Now, let’s focus on practice and revision.

Practice and Revision for JEE

Practice makes perfect, especially for the JEE. We’ll talk about how to practise solving problems, take mock tests, and review what you’ve learned.

1) Importance of Mock Tests

Mock tests are a key part of preparing for the JEE exam. They help you understand the exam format and improve your performance.

Simulating Exam Conditions

Taking mock tests helps simulate the real exam environment. When you practise under these conditions, you get used to the pressure and time limits of the actual exam. This practice reduces anxiety and boosts confidence. Our Phodu Club’s JEE Test Series offers a great way to experience this.

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Mock tests highlight your strengths and weaknesses. When you take these tests, you can see which subjects or topics you are good at and which ones require more work. This insight helps you focus your study time better and improves your overall performance.

Time Management Practice

Time management is crucial for the JEE exam. Mock tests help you practise managing your time effectively. By timing each section and question, you learn how to allocate your time properly during the actual exam. This practice ensures that you can complete all questions within the given time frame.

2) Analysing Mistakes

Analysing your mistakes is important for improving your performance. Understanding where you went wrong helps you avoid making the same errors again.

Learning from Errors

When you review your mock tests, pay close attention to the mistakes you made. Try to understand why you made them. Did you misread the question? Did you make a calculation error? Learning from these mistakes helps you correct your approach and improve your accuracy in future tests.

Maintaining an Error Log

Keeping an error log is a useful practice. Write down every mistake you make during your mock tests. Note the type of error and the correct solution. Regularly reviewing this log helps reinforce the correct methods and reduces the chances of repeating the same mistakes.

3) Regular Revision

Regular revision is essential for retaining what you have learned. It helps reinforce your knowledge and keeps important concepts fresh in your mind.

Creating Concise Notes

Make concise notes while studying. These notes should highlight key concepts, formulas, and important points. Use bullet points, diagrams, and charts to make them easy to review. Concise notes are easier to revise and help you quickly recall important information.

Revisiting Important Concepts

Set aside time each week to revisit important concepts. Regularly reviewing these concepts ensures that you remember them during the exam. Focus on areas where you feel less confident and use your concise notes for quick revisions.

Conclusion

Preparing for JEE is difficult, but it can be done. Remember, you are not alone. Many people have faced this test before you. They worked hard and found success. You can too. Study smart, not just hard. Take breaks and rest. Eat well and stay healthy. Ask for help if you need it. Trust yourself and keep going. Success will be yours if you do not give up. Good luck!

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