Algebra for JEE Advanced Preparation: Check important tips to prepare
Joint Entrance Exam - Advanced 2026 ( JEE Advanced )
Read the article below to check important tips for effective preparation of Algebra from JEE Advanced point of view.
Algebra is one of the most important topics of Mathematics in JEE. In fact, in the preparation of JEE, this is the starting point. Algebra like most of the other topics in Math doesn’t involve as much theory as application. There are very few formulae and definitions that you need to know, and won’t take much time in knowing either. But after that, your prowess on the topic depends on how much you practice it. By doing this, you will develop fluency in the topic and will get to know all the tricks and loopholes thoroughly.
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Let us first note what all algebra covers:
Complex Number, Quadratic Equations, Series and Progressions (Includes Arithmetic, Geometric, Harmonic and Miscellaneous Series), Logarithms, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Matrices and Determinants, Probability.
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From the above topics, Quadratic Equations, Matrices, and Determinants, Probability have heavy weightage. So, you should definitely focus on these chapters as they will be very helpful in getting you more marks. The rest of the chapters are relatively easy and you won’t face many problems in understanding.
You can prepare for all entrance tests at same time. It is a tough task but not impossible. For this a proper strategy is required. Here are some important tips.
- Compare the syllabus: All engineering entrance exams have almost the same syllabus. There might be some additional topics in some exams. The aspirant must study the syllabus for all exams and find out the topics that are extra, and prepare those separately. Almost 90% of the topics will be common for all entrance exams, and hence, syllabus completion for one exam will lead to completion of the syllabus for all the exams.
- Prepare for JEE Mains and incorporate the preparation for all other exams: Apart from JEE Advanced, all the exams are pretty straightforward for a well-prepared candidate. JEE Advanced require a higher level of preparation as the questions are multi-conceptual. However, the state-level entrance exams, and exams like BITSAT, VITEEE, etc., have direct questions. Most of the questions in JEE Mains are also direct and require the application of basic concepts. Hence, the candidates must prepare for one exam, like JEE Mains, that will cover their preparation for all other exams.
- JEE Advanced needs extra effort: For JEE Advanced candidates must focus on time management and building exam day temperament. Learn how to apply multiple concepts to a question.
The bottom line is to prepare for JEE Mains to cover the preparation for all other CETs and exams like BITSAT and VITEEE. For JEE Advanced, work on sharpening your skills of time management, stress handling, multiple concept application, speed and accuracy.
So far no student has ever scored full marks in JEE Advanced signifies exam's difficulty level. Highest marks one has achieved to date in JEE Advanced are 355 marks out of 360. Ved Lahoti scored these marks in 2024.
Algebra is the most diverse topic. You have to learn each topic very efficiently and practice a lot of problems in order to perform well in Algebra.
Now, coming to the chapter-wise analysis:
Quadratic Equations
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Quadratic equations fetch direct questions too and are also easy to grasp. Make sure you know all the concepts. This would be easy if you practice past years’ problems well. Beware of getting negative square roots. Learn the properties of inequality well. This can be tricky when multiple-choice questions are asked. So, practice few questions and be careful during exams. Make sure you understand how to make graphs of quadratic equations as it will be very helpful to determine signs of the roots.
Series and Progressions
Series and Progressions is another section that is mixed with other concepts and then asked in the examination. This is one of the easiest topics to understand but questions can be a bit tricky. You should understand the series properties carefully. Make sure you practice a variety of problems. Learn how to solve an series problems. If you are stuck on a question, try to think out of the box and apply various methods. Remember the standard GP, HP formulas as students tend to forget them quickly.
There is no seperate rank list released for JEE Advanced. The rank of the candidates in All India category and in the respective category of the candidate is meantioned on the result itslef.
As per the analysis of the previous year data, the candidates belonging to general category must aim to score around 180 marks out of 360 to qualify the exam. However, note that this marks will not get you a good rank and hence tier 1 IITs (IIT B, IIT M, IIT D) and courses will be out of reach.
Logarithms
This chapter is the simplest one but the base change formula is important. Direct questions are asked rarely but they can test you in say a different way but integrating this chapter with other chapters of algebra. Don’t get afraid by seeing large terms, they are actually the easiest ones.
Permutations and Combinations / Probability
Permutations and Combinations along with Probability is the most important section in Algebra. JEE Advanced exam fetches a lot of questions on them. These chapters are rank deciders for those who aim for a very good rank in JEE Advanced.
A permutation is an ordered arrangement of the numbers, terms, etc., of a set of specified groups. A combination is also a way of selecting certain things out of a larger group. But here order does not matter, unlike permutation.
This is one of the most difficult chapters for JEE. Make sure you practice a lot of problems and learn the standard tricks.
For probability, I would recommend first solve problems from NCERT and then move to JEE problems. Generally, questions from probability are not that tough if you know which formula will be applied where. Practice questions on every theorem till you get comfortable. This chapter needs a lot of practice to be confident while giving JEE paper.
Binomial Theorem
Binomial Theorem is also a mark fetching topic as the questions on this topic are quite easy. The binomial theorem is used for expanding binomial expressions (a+b) raised to any given power without direct multiplication. Make sure you practice enough problems for having good speed and accuracy during exams.
Matrices and Determinants
Matrices and Determinants mostly give direct questions and you can solve them easily. Questions from determinants are quite simple and can be solved using their properties. Remember the properties. Be fast in expanding it (this will be achieved by practising), it will save your time during exams. However, if you are stuck somewhere, try its expansion. Sometimes, scary questions are the easiest ones. Few questions from matrices are a bit tricky. Learn the properties of matrices, their multiplication, and inverse properties well and solve a lot of questions from this to be comfortable.
Complex Number
Complex Numbers are also important as this fetches questions in JEE almost every year. As the name suggests, this chapter is a bit complex. Try to study this chapter after co-ordinate geometry and you will find it easy to visualize what is happening (real and imaginary number concepts). This chapter contains a large number of concepts. Solve a lot of problems just after learning any concept. Learn to apply the triangular inequality property well. Also, visualize any complex number by making quadrants. This will be helpful for knowing the tangent of the angle.
Algebra requires you to practice a lot of problems and if you are quick, then you will be benefited from exams. Remember the standard formulas and practice a lot. Since there is a very limited number of formulas in algebra, make a note of all the important ones in one place. Not the basic ones which you will remember obviously, but the ones which you always seem to forget uncannily. There are always a few. Keep updating your list and constantly revising. Algebra will have questions more often than not which involve several topics so fluency in all and application is crucial. All the best.
About the Author:
Aman Goel is a co-founder at a Tech Start-up. He holds a BTech in Computer Science Engineering from IIT Bombay with a JEE Advanced AIR 33 (Year 2013).
During his free time, he enjoys writing articles/blogs. He is an Entrepreneur, Coder, Speed-cuber, gamer, and fan of Air crash investigation!
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
Candidates should ideally try to solve at least 3 previous year JEE question papers per week. However, candidates can also increase the frequency of this to 5 to 6 papers per week, one month before the exam.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 weeks ago
Well, becoming a rocket scientist is a long-term commitment, and it depends on your education path and goals It takes almost 5 to 6 years with a bachelor's and 8 to 12 years if you want to study higher. Here below is how long it usually takes:
- Bachelor's degree: You have to study aeronautical enginee
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Beginner-Level 3
Answered 3 weeks ago
Who work on the rocket-propelled vehicles, they apply the principles of Mathematics, Physics, and Material Science to solve challenges related to these vehicles. Rocket Scientists are involved in the process of design and development of the vehicles such as small drones, satellites, and commercial a
L
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, this field is considered hard. It is complex and demands high precision. There can be extreme consequences for minor errors. The overall field is extremely challenging as it requires to apply the basic scientific principles to design and develop rockets. It requires sophisticated engineering wi
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Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 weeks ago
The following are the qualification which can help you to become a rocket scientist:
· Bachelor's Degree such as B.Tech/B.E can take up to four years to complete.
· You can do a two years Master's Degree M.Tech/M.E./M.S. after graduation.
· For advanced level study in this field, you
C
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 weeks ago
There can't be a straightforward answer to this question. The salary package differs as per the experience, location and employer. In India, one can expect somewhere between Rs 10 Lacs to Rs 43.5 Lacs annual salary. In US, it can range between $65,000 to $118,000.
Y
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 weeks ago
Well, that's great, as you are preparing for JEE Advanced Physics. From my research, I would like to recommend some of the books and resources that will help you learn the basics and understand the concept:
1. Concept of Physics (Vol 1 and 2) by H.C. Verma
2. Understanding Physics Series by D.C. Pande
M
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 2 months ago
- Candidates should have JEE Advanced rank.
- Candidates must have at least 75% aggregate marks in class 12 and SC, ST and PWD candidates must have atleast 65% marks.
- Candidates must be within the category wise top 25 percentile of successful candidates of their respective class 12 boards.
Y
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
No, your candidature will be rejected as you need to have minimum of 75% in class 12 to be eligible for admisison to the IITs, NIT, IIITs and GFTIs via the JoSAA counselling. Even if you pass JEE Advanced and JEE Main, of you do not have 75% minimum marks in class 12 boards you will no get admission
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Devdutta Majhi was the female topper in JEE Advanced 2025. She has scored 312 marks out of 360 marks and got anm all India rank of 16.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Preparation for JEE Advanced begins by knowing exam syllabus. Every student must follow syllabus. Once preparation is done then start solving previous year questions for self-assessment. This will give an overview of your preparation.