The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is one of the most important exams for students aspiring to pursue engineering in India. It serves as the gateway to prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other top engineering colleges. The exam is divided into two parts: JEE Mains and JEE Advanced. JEE Mains is the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, and it also helps students gain admission to NITs and other state and central engineering colleges. JEE Advanced, on the other hand, is required for those seeking admission to the IITs.
The role of NCERT books in JEE preparation cannot be overstated. These books form the foundation of the concepts tested in both JEE Mains and JEE Advanced. They cover the basics, provide a clear understanding of the subjects, and are a must-read for all JEE aspirants. While NCERT books are not sufficient on their own for cracking JEE Advanced, they are essential for building the fundamental concepts that are often tested in JEE Mains.
JEE Syllabus 2026
The JEE syllabus is vast and covers three major subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. To succeed in JEE, it is important to understand the detailed breakdown of the syllabus and the weightage of different topics.
JEE Mains Syllabus 2026
The JEE Mains syllabus covers a wide range of topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It’s designed to test your understanding of fundamental concepts and your ability to apply them to solve problems.
| JEE Main 2026 Maths Syllabus | JEE Main 2026 Physics Syllabus | JEE Main 2026 Chemistry Syllabus |
| Sets, Relations, and Functions | Physics and Measurement | Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry |
| Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations | Kinematics | Atomic Structure |
| Matrices and Determinants | Laws of Motion | Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure |
| Permutation and Combination | Work, Energy and Power | Chemical Thermodynamics |
| Binomial Theorem and Its Applications | Rotational Motion | Solutions |
| Sequence and Series | Gravitation | Equilibrium |
| Limit, Continuity, and Differentiability | Properties of Solids and Liquids | Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry |
| Integral Calculus | Thermodynamics | Chemical Kinetics |
| Differential Equations | Kinetic Theory of Gases | Classification of Elements and Periodicity |
| Coordinate Geometry | Oscillation and Waves | p-block elements |
| Three-Dimensional Geometry | Electrostatics | d- and f-block elements |
| Vector Algebra | Current Electricity | Coordination Compounds |
| Statistics and Probability | Magnetic Effect of Current and Magnetism | Purification and Characterisation of Organic Compounds |
| Trigonometry | Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current | Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry |
| Electromagnetic Waves | Hydrocarbons | |
| Optics | Organic Compounds containing Halogen | |
| Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation | Organic Compounds containing Oxygen | |
| Atoms and Nuclei | Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen | |
| Electronic Devices | Biomolecules | |
| Experiment Skills | Principles Related to Practical Chemistry |
Now that you know the syllabus, let’s talk about the best books to use for your preparation.
NCERT Books for JEE
NCERT books are considered the bible for JEE preparation, especially for JEE Mains. They provide a strong foundation for understanding the basics of each subject.
NCERT Books for JEE Mains
For JEE Mains, the following NCERT textbooks are recommended:
Physics:
Class 11: Part 1 (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?keph1=0-7) & Part 2 (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?keph2=0-7)
- Mechanics (Motion, Work, Energy, Power, Rotational Motion, Gravitation)
- Thermodynamics
- Oscillations and Waves
Class 12: Part 1 (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?leph1=0-8) & Part 2 (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?leph2=0-6)
- Electrostatics
- Current Electricity
- Magnetism and Matter
- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
- Optics
- Modern Physics
Chemistry:
Class 11: Part 1 (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?kech1=0-6) & Part 2 (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?kech2=0-3)
- Physical Chemistry (States of Matter, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions)
- Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Classification of Elements, Chemical Bonding)
- Organic Chemistry (Basic Concepts, Hydrocarbons)
Class 12: Part 1 (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?lech1=0-5) & Part 2 (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?lech2=0-5)
- Physical Chemistry (Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry)
- Inorganic Chemistry (Coordination Compounds, d-Block Elements, p-Block Elements)
- Organic Chemistry (Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids)Â Â Â
Mathematics:
Class 11: https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?kemh1=0-14
- Sets and Functions
- Algebra (Trigonometry, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem)
- Calculus (Limits, Derivatives)
Class 12: Part 1 (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?lemh1=0-6) & Part 2 (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?lemh2=0-7)
- Algebra (Matrices, Determinants)
- Calculus (Integrals, Applications of Integrals, Differential Equations)
- Vectors and 3D Geometry
NCERT books are known for their clarity of concepts, which is why they are perfect for building the fundamental knowledge required for JEE Mains. The language in these books is simple, and the topics are explained in a straightforward manner. For Chemistry in particular, NCERT books are indispensable as many questions in JEE Mains come directly from NCERT.
Strengths of NCERT Books for JEE Mains:
- Easy-to-understand explanations of complex topics.
- Simple and straightforward questions that help reinforce concepts.
- Best for building a strong foundation in Chemistry.
Limitations of NCERT Books for JEE Mains:
- Lack of advanced-level problems for Mathematics and Physics.
- Limited coverage of certain JEE-level topics in Physics.
NCERT Books for JEE Advanced
For JEE Advanced, NCERT books are still useful but need to be supplemented with other materials. The NCERT textbooks for Class 11 and Class 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are great for brushing up on the basics. However, since JEE Advanced tests a much deeper understanding, additional reference books are necessary.
Strengths of NCERT Books for JEE Advanced:
- Good for revising the basic concepts.
- Helpful in mastering Chemistry, especially Inorganic Chemistry.
Limitations of NCERT Books for JEE Advanced:
- Do not cover advanced-level problems in Mathematics and Physics.
- Not enough depth for Organic and Physical Chemistry to tackle JEE Advanced questions.
While NCERT books are helpful, you might also want to explore other books for a more in-depth understanding.
Best Books for JEE (Mains & Advanced) Preparation Other Than NCERTs
While NCERT books are fundamental, JEE aspirants must also rely on other books to strengthen their preparation. Here are some of the best books for JEE Mains and JEE Advanced preparation, beyond NCERT.
Physics
Halliday, Resnick, and Walker: This book offers a detailed explanation of fundamental concepts in Physics and is perfect for JEE Advanced-level preparation. It is particularly useful for understanding Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Electromagnetism.
Concepts of Physics by HC Verma: Widely regarded as one of the best books for JEE preparation, HC Verma’s book explains concepts in a simple manner and includes a variety of problems, ranging from basic to advanced.
DC Pandey: Known for its extensive collection of solved and unsolved problems, DC Pandey’s series is perfect for students looking to practise a wide variety of problems in Physics.
Chemistry
NCERT Exemplar Problems: A great supplement to the NCERT textbooks, this book includes higher-order thinking questions that are essential for JEE preparation.
Organic Chemistry by Morrison and Boyd: This book provides an in-depth explanation of Organic Chemistry concepts and reaction mechanisms. It is ideal for those preparing for JEE Advanced.
Inorganic Chemistry by JD Lee: JD Lee’s book is considered a must-read for Inorganic Chemistry. It offers detailed explanations and is especially helpful for JEE Advanced aspirants.
Mathematics
Cengage Mathematics: Cengage offers a comprehensive series of books for JEE preparation, covering all major topics like Algebra, Calculus, and Geometry. The books include detailed explanations and a variety of problems for practice.
Arihant Mathematics: Arihant’s series of Mathematics books are known for their problem sets and step-by-step solutions. They are ideal for students looking to strengthen their problem-solving skills.
G Tewani Mathematics: This book offers a good mix of theory and problems, making it ideal for students preparing for both JEE Mains and JEE Advanced.
Now that you know the best books, let’s discuss how to effectively use them to prepare for JEE.
How to Prepare for JEE
Preparing for JEE requires dedication, focus, and a well-structured study plan. Here are some effective tips and strategies for both JEE Mains and JEE Advanced.
Tips and Strategies for JEE Mains
Effective Time Management: Time management is crucial for JEE preparation. Create a daily study schedule and allocate time to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Regular Practice and Revision: Consistent practice is the key to success in JEE. Regularly solve practice papers and take mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern. Make sure to revise regularly to retain what you have learned.
Solving JEE Mains Questions Efficiently: While solving questions, focus on accuracy and speed. Practise previous years’ question papers to get a feel of the exam pattern and improve your time management skills.
Tips and Strategies for JEE Advanced
Developing Problem-Solving Skills: JEE Advanced tests your ability to solve complex problems. Focus on understanding the concepts and apply them to different types of problems. Practice solving questions in a time-bound manner.
Understanding the Pattern and Difficulty Level: JEE Advanced is known for its tricky and challenging questions. Familiarise yourself with the question pattern by practising previous year papers and mock tests.
Tackling Challenging Questions: For difficult questions, break them down into smaller parts and tackle each part one by one. Stay calm and avoid panicking during the exam.
Conclusion
JEE is one of the toughest engineering entrance exams in India, and proper preparation is key to cracking it. NCERT books provide a strong foundation, especially for JEE Mains, while additional reference books are essential for JEE Advanced. A well-structured study plan, regular practice, and a focused approach will help students succeed in both JEE Mains and JEE Advanced. With the right resources and strategies, achieving success in JEE is possible for every determined student.
