The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is one of the most competitive exams for aspiring engineers in India. Success in JEE requires a firm grasp of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), but many students wonder which subject deserves the most attention.
While all three subjects are crucial, their relative importance may vary depending on individual strengths, the exam pattern, and scoring trends. A strategic approach that balances conceptual understanding and problem-solving efficiency can significantly improve performance.
In this article, let us explore in more detail which subject needs more focus, important topics and chapters, and some top effective tips to ace the JEE exams.
Table Of Contents:
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a highly competitive national-level exam for admission to undergraduate engineering programmes in top engineering colleges in India, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other prestigious institutions.
There are two main phases of the exam:
1. JEE Main
JEE Main is a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced and provides direct admission to NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges.
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Conducted by: |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
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Frequency: |
Held twice a year (January and April) |
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Eligibility: |
Candidates must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. |
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Subjects: |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
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Mode of Exam: |
Computer-based test (CBT) |
Paper Pattern: |
Paper 1 (for B.E/B.Tech): Objective-type questions (MCQs and numerical-based) |
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Paper 2 (for B.Arch): Includes Mathematics, Aptitude Test, and Drawing Test. |
JEE Advanced
JEE Advanced is the gateway to admission to IITs and other prestigious institutes. It has a highly challenging paper structure.
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Conducted by: |
One of the IITs (rotates each year) |
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Frequency: |
Held once a year (typically in May) |
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Eligibility: |
Only candidates who qualify for JEE Main can appear for JEE Advanced. |
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Subjects: |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
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Mode of Exam: |
Computer-based test (CBT) |
Paper Pattern: |
Two papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) Each contains multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical-based questions. |
JEE is one of the most competitive exams, and cracking it opens doors to top-tier engineering institutions in India. A structured preparation strategy with consistency and focus is essential for success. Whether aiming for JEE Main or JEE Advanced, understanding the exam format and preparing strategically will improve the chances of getting into prestigious engineering colleges like IITs and NITs.
Also Read: JEE Mains vs JEE Advanced: Key Differences You Need to Know
All three subjects—physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—are equally important for JEE Main and Advanced. However, their weightage, difficulty level, and preparation strategies differ, requiring a balanced yet strategic approach.
JEE Main: Subject-Wise Focus
Mathematics (High Focus)
Physics (Moderate Focus)
Chemistry (Easiest to Score)
Overall,
Physics is a subject that requires strong conceptual understanding, consistent practice, and problem-solving abilities.
Physics plays a significant role in both JEE Main and JEE Advanced, and mastering key topics can significantly affect the score.
Focus on mastering key topics like Mechanics, Electricity and magnetism, Modern Physics, and Optics, as they carry significant weight in both JEE Main and Advanced.
Here are some of the high- weightage chapters in Physics:
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High weightage chapters in JEE Main: |
High weightage chapters in JEE Advanced: |
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Mechanics:
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Mechanics:
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Electrodynamics :
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Electromagnetism:
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Modern Physics
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Modern Physics
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Optics & Wave Optics
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Thermodynamics & Heat
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Thermodynamics
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Preparation Tips:
A strategic approach focusing on these high-scoring topics will help candidates boost their JEE Main & Advanced scores.
Chemistry is essential for JEE Main and JEE Advanced, and a strong understanding of key topics will ensure to score well.
Chemistry is divided into three sections: Physical, Organic, and Inorganic. Each is important in both exams.
Chemistry in JEE Main & Advanced can be challenging but highly scored with the right approach.
By focusing on essential chapters in each section, candidates can ensure they are well-prepared for the challenges posed by both JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Here are some of the High weightage chapters in Chemistry
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High weightage chapters in JEE Main: |
High weightage chapters in JEE Advanced: |
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Physical Chemistry:
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Physical Chemistry:
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Organic Chemistry:
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Organic Chemistry:
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Inorganic Chemistry:
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Inorganic Chemistry:
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Preparation Tips:
Students can maximise their scores and strengthen their JEE Chemistry preparation by prioritising high-weightage chapters.
Mathematics is critical for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced, and mastering the key topics will help in achieving top scores. The chapters range from Algebra to Calculus and Coordinate Geometry, and each has varying importance and weightage in both exams. Here's a breakdown of the most important chapters and topics.
To succeed, ensure to have a strong understanding of fundamentals and focus on problem-solving techniques. Practice regularly and analyse the mistakes to improve. A well-balanced approach to all chapters will help in scoring high in both exams.
Here are some of the High weightage chapters in Mathematics:
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High weightage chapters in JEE Main: |
High weightage chapters in JEE Advanced: |
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Algebra:
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Algebra
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Calculus:
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Calculus
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Coordinate Geometry
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Coordinate Geometry
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Trigonometry
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Modern Mathematics
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Vectors & 3D Geometry
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Vectors & 3D Geometry
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Statistics & Mathematical Reasoning
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Preparation Tips:
Following a subject-wise strategy and staying consistent with preparation will maximise the chances of success in both JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
1. Physics
Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
Optics & Waves – Ray Optics, Wave Optics, Doppler Effect
Electrodynamics – Current Electricity, Electrostatics, Magnetism
Modern Physics – Dual Nature of Matter, Atomic & Nuclear Physics
Mechanics – Laws of Motion, Rotational Motion, Work, Energy & Power
Solve a Variety of Problems:
Solve Previous Year Papers (PYQs) to understand exam patterns.
Numericals are key – Practice a mix of theoretical and application-based questions.
Mock Tests & Time Management:
Learn shortcut techniques for quick problem-solving.
Take full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
2. Chemistry
NCERT is the Best Friend:
Especially for Inorganic Chemistry, JEE directly picks questions from NCERT books.
Subject-Wise Approach:
Inorganic Chemistry – Periodic Table, Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding
Physical Chemistry – Thermodynamics, Chemical & Ionic Equilibrium, Electrochemistry
Organic Chemistry – General Organic Chemistry (GOC), Reaction Mechanisms, Biomolecules
3. Mathematics
Build Conceptual Clarity First
Mathematics is not about memorisation—understanding the logic behind formulas.
Build a strong foundation and focus on speed and accuracy with regular practice.
High-Weightage Topics to Prioritise
Trigonometry – Identities, Heights & Distances
Coordinate Geometry – Straight Lines, Circles, Conic Sections
Algebra – Matrices, Determinants, Probability, Complex Numbers
Calculus – Limits, Differentiation, Definite & Indefinite Integrals
Daily Practice & Problem-Solving
Solve PYQs to familiarise with JEE question styles.
Set a target of solving 30-40 problems daily to build speed.
Master Time Management
Take full-length mock tests to simulate actual exam conditions.
Avoid lengthy calculations – use shortcuts and approximation techniques.
General JEE preparation Tips for all three subjects:
By following this subject-wise strategy, along with consistent practice and smart time management, students can boost their JEE Main & Advanced performance and secure a top rank.
Students should focus on all three subjects to excel in JEE while prioritising their weaker areas. Mathematics often requires rigorous practice, Physics demands conceptual clarity and application, and Chemistry benefits from memorisation and logical understanding.
A well-balanced study plan, regular mock tests, and innovative time management can help maximise scores.
Ultimately, the proper focus depends on personal strengths and weaknesses, and consistent effort and strategic preparation are key to success in JEE.
All the Best!
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All three subjects—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—are equally important as they contribute equally to the overall score. However, the weightage may vary between JEE Main and JEE Advanced. It’s essential to identify the strengths and weaknesses and allocate time accordingly.
Mathematics is high-scoring if you practice regularly and master concepts. However, it is also time-consuming, so efficient problem-solving techniques are crucial. Balance is key—neglecting Physics or Chemistry can impact the overall score.
A balanced study plan should ideally distribute time based on the comfort level with each subject:
Yes, Chemistry is often considered the easiest to score because it includes factual concepts (Inorganic Chemistry) and formula-based questions (Physical Chemistry). A strong hold on NCERT textbooks can help maximise marks in Chemistry.
Physics needs deep conceptual clarity and application skills Chemistry requires memorisation but can be learned efficiently through NCERT-based study Mathematics requires the most practice due to lengthy calculations and diverse problem-solving approaches.
No, since JEE scores are based on all three subjects, ignoring one subject can significantly reduce the score/rank and chances of qualifying. It’s important to maintain a balance and ensure at least decent performance in all three subjects.
Yes, a well-balanced approach ensures a higher overall score and increases the chances of securing a top rank. Instead of focusing on just one subject, a structured plan covering all three subjects strategically will be more effective.
NCERT is crucial, especially for Chemistry. Many JEE questions are directly based on improve weak subjects for JEE.
Here are some easy steps to be followed to improve weak subjects for JEE Main/ Advanced:
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