JEE Advanced: Prep tips for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry

By Ramesh Batlish

JEE Advanced is an annual engineering entrance examination conducted for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India. It is also one of the toughest engineering entrance exams in the world. 2.5 lakh students will be shortlisted from JEE Main 2020 to appear for the JEE Advanced on May 17, 2020. 

A serious aspirant ideally must have completed the syllabus by now. JEE Advanced Syllabus of Class XI & XII contributes about 45% and 55% of JEE question-papers respectively. While preparing all the chapters of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, based on our past experience, stress may be given in particular on the following topics:

Mathematics: Quadratic Equations & Expressions, Complex Numbers, Probability, Vectors & 3D Geometry, Matrices in Algebra; Circle, Parabola, Hyperbola in Coordinate Geometry; Functions, Limits, Continuity and Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, and Definite Integral in Calculus.

Physics: Mechanics, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics, Waves and Sound, Capacitors & Electrostatics, Magnetics, Electromagnetic Induction, Optics, and Modern Physics.

Chemistry: Qualitative Analysis, Coordination Chemistry & Chemical Bonding in Inorganic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibrium in Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Complete as topics.

Tips for JEE (Advanced): Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry

Maths

Previous year JEE Advanced papers suggest that more attention should be paid to topics like Vectors and 3-D than Probability or Indefinite integration as vectors and 3-D offers very less scope to the examiner, as far as variety in problems is concerned. One more chapter is Complex Number, every year 2-3 problems (of purely complex no) are asked. Hence mastering complex numbers, vectors, 3-D and Definite integral must be on top priority.

Algebra can be made easier if you have the ability to picture functions as graphs and are good at applying vertical and horizontal origin shifts carefully as zeroes of functions and other specific values can be done in much less time using these techniques.

Differential calculus again relates well to the roots of equations, especially if you use the Rolle’s and Lagrange’s theorems.

Complex numbers can be used to solve questions in co-ordinate geometry too. Trigonometric questions require applications of De Moivre’s theorem.

Permutation - Combination and Probability is another very important topic in algebra. You need to be thorough with the basics of Bayes theorem, derangements and various ways of distribution, taking care of cases where objects are identical and when they are not.

Matrices can be related to equations; hence a 3x3 matrix can actually be visualized as being three-planed in 3D geometry. Determinants have some very nice properties, for instance, the ability to break them into two using a common summand from a row/ column, which should be made use of in tougher questions. 

Integral calculus can be simplified using tricks and keeping in mind some basic varieties of integrable functions. Remembering the properties and applying them wisely saves a lot of time.

Coordinate geometry requires a good working knowledge of the parametric forms of various conic sections and an ability to convert the other, tougher ones to these basic forms and then interpret the solutions accordingly.

Finally, the only way to do well in Mathematics is to practice problems keeping in mind the pattern of questions in previous years’ JEE question papers.

Chemistry

Conceptual clarity, application skills and awareness of the prescribed syllabus should be the main focus.

Practice the most relevant numerical daily to develop speed. Pay special attention to topics like Mole concept, Chemical Equilibrium, and Electrochemistry.

Take a careful and patient approach for Organic chemistry giving particular attention to topics like Stereochemistry, GOC (General Organic Chemistry) and Functional Group Analysis.

In Inorganic Chemistry most of the questions which are asked are really conceptual, concerned with structures, processes, and applications. Special attention is a must to the topics like Chemical Bonding and Coordination Chemistry.

Physics

Mechanics is one topic of Physics that is considered less scoring by most experts. However, to add to the dilemma this is also the topic that forms the major portion of the JEE Advanced in terms of marks. So this topic cannot be neglected.

One must also try to concentrate on other scoring topics to ensure better performance. For example, Optics, Electricity, and magnetism, etc.

Kinematics and Particle dynamics are very important topics of Mechanics that make regular appearances in the JEE papers.

According to the general trends, Mechanics, Electricity, and Magnetism are the most important topics in terms of the number of questions asked in JEE of previous years.

In the decreasing order of the marks, they carry are listed different topics of Physics according to their appearance in the previous year’s papers.

• Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism (Equal importance)
• Modern Physics
• Optics
• Heat and Thermodynamics and Waves and Sound
• Measurement and errors

Thermodynamics is important from the terms of both Physics and Chemistry so

concentrate on that as well. It is wise to cover Wave Optics first under the ‘Optics’ topic. The reason is that the portion is smaller compared to Ray Optics thus quick to cover.

Cracking JEE (Advanced) 2020:

Stay focussed and maintain a positive attitude

Develop speed. Refer to the reputed mock-test series to build a winning exam temperament. Solve the past year’s IIT-JEE papers. Focus on your weak areas and improve upon your concepts.

Practising JEE level questions is necessary as it improves your reasoning and analytical ability.

Remember it is the quality of time spent and not the quantity alone. Hence give short breaks of 5 to 10 minutes every 1-2 hours of serious study. Completely relax when you take a break. Practice meditation to develop inner calm, poise, confidence, and power of concentration.

Don’t overstress yourself. Five to six hours of sleep every night is a must, especially three-four days before IIT-JEE to keep you physically and mentally fit. While short naps may help to regain freshness, avoid over-sleeping during the day.

Finally, don’t be nervous if you find the paper tough since it is the relative performance that counts. Put your best analytical mind to work, and believe in your preparation.