What is the difficulty level of JEE Main?

JEE Main difficulty level is similar to class 12 board exams. Syllabus of JEE Main is similar to class 11 and 12 syllabus. The questions asked in exam are tricky and need an in-depth understanding of subjects. They need to have conceptual understanding of every topic to score well in exam. Those who study NCERT can get a decent score in JEE Mains.

What type of questions are asked in JEE Main?

There are two question types in JEE Main exam. Multiple choice questions and numerical ability questions. In MCQ, every question has 4 options with only 1 correct answer. Select the correct option. In numerical ability question type, no options are there. Solve them and write answer using keyword and mouse.

How can I crack JEE Main 2026?

Students who are preparing for JEE Main 2026 must start their preparation by studying NCERT books. It will help in building strong foundation of concepts. Study chapters that have high weightage in JEE Mains and also topics that have been asked in recent years. In the last month before exam, solve mock tests and previous year papers.

Where can I get previous year JEE Main question papers?

Students can download JEE Main previous year question paper from Shiksha page. Candidates are provided JEE Main previous year question papers from the year 2014 to 2025. The papers can be downloaded as PDF and can be practised to prepare for the exam. JEE Main previous year question paper also helps in understanding the difficulty level of the exam and chapter-wise weightage of questions. Solving JEE Main question papers will help in analysing the preparation level of the exam.

What should be the frequency of taking JEE Main mock tests?

Candidates should take JEE Main mock tests at least once a week. However, in the last month before exam, frequency should be increased to 3 to 4 mock exam per week.

Can I complete JEE Main syllabus in 6 months?

JEE Mains syllabus can be completed in 6 months considering that almost every topic of JEE syllabus is similar to class 11 and 12 syllabus. However, completing the syllabus does not mean that candidates will get a good score. JEE Main exam tests your conceptual and analytical understanding of topics. To get a good score, you need to have good understanding of core concepts and also use to of applying them in solving numerical questions.

How to crack JEE Mains in first attempt?

Clearing the JEE Main exam in first attempt is not a difficult task. Several students clear JEE Main while in class 12. One thing that makes it easy to clear JEE Main with class 12 is that students are in regular touch of most JEE syllabus. To score good marks in JEE Main in the first attempt, it is advised that you study class 11 and 12 topics thoroughly, clear all the concepts and solve mock test papers. Also, NCERT books which you study in class 11 and 12 are the best books for JEE Main preparation. Students must study NCERT properly and solve all the questions in the book and do not memorize the concepts as some students do rather understand the concepts.

What topics are mostly asked in JEE Main exam

Questions in JEE Mains exam is a blend of all the topics covered in the syllabus. However, there are some topics that are very much important and should be paid extra attentions while preparing for the exam. The list of important JEE Main topics are Mathematics 3D Geometry Vector Applications of Derivatives Definite Integrals Limit, Cnntinuity and Differentiability Physics Heat and Thermodynamics Electromagnetic Waves Ray & Wave Optics Kinematics Current Electricity Magnetism Chemistry Electrochemistry Chemical Kinetics Thermodynamics p-block elements Chemical Bonding

What are the best books for JEE Main preparation for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics?

Do your research to choose the best book for JEE Main preparation. You can talk to your teachers before you decide. Some books recommended for your preparation are given below: Subjects Books Physics NCERT Class 11 and 12 Concepts of Physics (Vol.1 & 2) by H.C. Verma Problems and Solutions of Physics by Sashi Bhusan Tiwari Chemistry NCERT Class 11 and 12 Concepts of Physical Chemistry by P. Bahadur Organic Chemistry by O.P. Tandon Mathematics NCERT Class 11 and 12 Differential & Integral Calculus by Amit Aggarwal Trigonometry and Coordinate Geometry by S.L. Loney

How many months are required to prepare for JEE Mains exam?

The time period required to complete the JEE Main preparation depends mainly on the students. Every student has their own pace of study. Ideally, 6-month time is good enough to complete the JEE Main preparation. Students who have started preparing from class 11 or 12 can easily prepare for JEE Main in 6 months considering the topics of JEE syllabus have already been studied in classes 11 and 12. JEE Main preparation is most effective with classes 11 and 12 as almost 90-95 percent of topics are similar in both exams. This way students can easily complete the entire JEE Main syllabus as well as the syllabus of classes 11 and 12. After the board exams, students get 1-2 months' time where they can focus entirely on JEE Main. Students who have started late for the JEE Main exam can make a 6-month plan where in the first three months they have to focus on revising the syllabus studied in classes 11 and 12. In the next two months focus on solving questions of JEE Main and analyzing the mistakes being made, if any. The last month should be focused on solving mock tests and JEE Main previous year question papers.

How do I balance school studies with JEE Main preparation?

Students who are in class 12 and would also be appearing in JEE Mains 2026 exam mostly find it difficult to manage both their class/school and JEE studies. However, all these students have an advantage over others/droppers aspirants as there are many common topics in class 12 and JEE. To benefit, they must identify all the topics that are common and study those first. Secondly, cover the topics that have more weightage in class 12 and complete them. Before a few days of JEE Mains, study specifically for JEE. This way, they can manage both class 12 and JEE efficiently.

Is it enough to learn from NCERT textbook to clear JEE Main?

While NCERT books are good to begin the JEE Mains preparation, students should not study only NCERT. As JEE Mains exam is known to test candidates conceptual and analytical skills, and to have all the knowledge that would help in achieving a good score, candidates must also refer other study materials as recommended by teachers to prepae for the exam.

Is one month sufficient for JEE Main preparation?

One month is not sufficient for JEE Main preparation if a student has not started preparing or have not studied earlier for the exam. As the syllabus of JEE Main is vast, studying all the topics and remembering them take a lot of effort. However, class 12 student can get a decent score in JEE Main if time after the bard exam is devoted exclusively for the JEE preparation. Since most topics of JEE Main and class 12 are similar, students need to revise all the topics and solve previous year JEE Main question papers. Start solving JEE Main mock test papers at last 3-4 days before the exam to make yourself comfortable with the exam.

How to prepare for JEE Main from Class 11th and 12th?

Starting the JEE Main preparation from class 11 or 12 is the best time. As JEE Main syllabus consists of topics from class 11 and 12, students can easily cover all the topics along with school. Students can begin by checking the topics that is covered in both school and JEE Main and give special attention to them. For all three subjects, study NCERT and also take help from reference books. Understand the concepts thoroughly and solve numerical problems. To crack JEE Main along with class 12, students should devote at least 2-3 hours for JEE beside class 12 studies. Regularly solve JEE Main mock test and solve previous year question papers to evaluate the performance.

How to crack JEE Mains in first attempt?

To crack JEE Mains on the first attempt, candidates need to start preparation as soon as possible. Get hold of conceptual clarity, consistent speed, and smart time management.

How much is 120 marks in JEE Mains percentile?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will declare the JEE Mains result 2026 in the form of percentile scores. Candidates can check here the previous year JEE Main marks vs percentile data to understand how much is 120 marks in JEE Main percentile. As per the last year JEE Main marks vs percentile analysis, 120 marks would be around 95 to 97 percentile. However, the exact JEE Main 2025 percentile marks 120 would vary depending upon the highest number scored by the candidate in a particula shift and the total number candidates appeared in that particular shift.

Which topics are most important in JEE Main Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics?

Students who are preparing for JEE Main exam are advised to first cover the entire JEE Main syllabus. Covering only the high weightage chapters would decrease their chances of getting full/high score in JEE Main exam. Only after covering the entire syllabus, students can check most important chapters for JEE Mains .

Where can I find important study materials for JEE Mains preparation?

Students can check details about JEE Main important chapter and topics from this page. While it is necessary that students pay special attention to chapters with high weightage, it is highly advised that they cover the full JEE Mains syllabus. The question paper of JEE Main is prepared by considering the entire JEE syllabus which consists of topics from Physics Chemistry and Mathematics from class 11 and 12. Important study material for JEE Main like books or short notes can be checked online. Students who are taking coaching can get the study materials from the coaching institutes.

How should I prepare for JEE Mains and Advanced together?

Students can prepare for both Mains and Advanced together but it is not a wise idea to prepare together as both exams have different syllabus, exam pattern and difficulty level. The difficulty level of JEE Advanced exam is much higher than JEE Mains. If preparing together for both the exams, make a list of topics that are asked in JEE Main as well as Advanced. Solve questions from these topics from NCERT as well as additional books. For JEE Mains, students can stick to NCERT but for JEE Advanced students need to take help from books like HC Verma.

JEE Main Preparation 2026: Study Plan, Time Table, Best Books, Toppers Guide, Notes by Teachers

Updated on Jun 2, 2026 22:47 IST

By Mamona Majumder, Assistant Manager

Overview

JEE Main 2026 Preparation: This article will solve students' queries like how to prepare for JEE Main 2026, preparation plan, and other similar doubts students might have in their minds. Before students begin their JEE Main 2026 preparation, students must understand the JEE Mains syllabus and know which topics are covered in exam. Also, it is vital to get the right set of books, mock test and previous year question paper. With all these materials in hand and the right mindset, students can easily crack JEE Main. Students are also provided here JEE Main preparation tips from previous year's toppers which will help in getting a good score. One advice is that every student must study the NCERT books and solve the NCERT exemplar and JEE Main previous year questions.

Table of contents

JEE Mains 2026 Exam Preparation Overview
Subject wise JEE Main Preparation Strategy
Best Books for JEE Main 2026 Preparation
JEE Main 2026 Mock Test
JEE Mains Previous Year Question Paper PDF Download
JEE Main 2026 Preparation FAQs

JEE Mains 2026 Exam Preparation Overview

Every candidate who is starting their preparation for JEE Main exam must start with two things in mind:

You have to be consistent
You have to be disciplined

After setting you your temperament, you have to decide your goal:

Do you want to just get a good rank in JEE Main to get a good IIT and course? or
Do you want to qualify the JEE Main cutoff for the JEE Advanced exam for IIT admissions?

Once you have set your goal, the next step will be to understand the JEE Main exam. Candidates should know the following things about the exam before they dive into preparation:

What is the competition
How vast is the syllabus of the exam
What is the exam pattern
How to collect the study materials for the exam
What book to refer to
Do I need coaching

After you have dealt with all the above processes, you are ready to begin the JEE Main exam preparation.

JEE Main Application Form 2026	JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates
JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026	JEE Main Question Papers with Solutions

Subject wise JEE Main Preparation Strategy

JEE Main question paper is divided into three sections – Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. All three sections are equally important and therefore, aspirants should ensure that they cover the syllabus for all three sections. Given below are some section-wise tips on how to prepare for JEE Mains 2026.

JEE Main Physics Preparation Tips

Physics is all about concepts and logic. Sometimes the subject can get tougher especially when the questions start getting more conceptual. It is a subject that is feared by a lot of JEE Main aspirants and most of them give up on physics very soon. For the same reason, it is really important to know the difficulty level and weightage of various topics.

Top 10 Most Important Chapters for JEE Main 2026 Physics

Chapters	Weightage
Alternating Current	6.6%
Kinetic Theory of Gases & Thermodynamics	6.6%
Kinematics	6.6%
Work, Energy, and Power	6.6%
Laws of Motion	6.6%
Centre Of Mass	6.6%
Rotational Dynamics	6.6%
Modern Physics	6.6%
Wave Optics	6.6%
Current Electricity	9.9%

JEE Main Chemistry Preparation Tips

Chemistry is a subject that is generally ignored by JEE aspirants because it involves a lot of memorization. However, if studied in the right manner, most of the concepts in chemistry are quite intuitive and logical. Chemistry is divided into three units – Physical chemistry, Organic chemistry, and Inorganic chemistry.

Questions in chemistry require a balance of analytical and memorization skills. For instance, questions in physical chemistry are purely analytical, inorganic chemistry has questions that require memorization while organic chemistry has questions that often form a balance between the two.

JEE Main Mathematics Preparation Tips

Mathematics for JEE is said to have an exhaustive syllabus because of the countless number of topics. Also, the mathematics syllabus differs for JEE Main 2026, Advanced, and board exams. As a result, it becomes extremely challenging for aspirants to manage the subject altogether. To overcome this challenge, aspirants have to play smart and try to focus more on topics that are most scoring.

Read more: Most scoring topics in Mathematics for JEE Main

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

Questions asked in the JEE Main exam are objective in nature (MCQs). Since there is a provision for negative marking, candidates need to ensure that they are 100 percent correct while marking answers. Guesswork might not work when solving the JEE Main question paper. Here’s a quick go through the JEE Main exam pattern 2026:

Particulars	Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E.)	Paper 2A (B.Arch)	Paper 2B (B.Plan)
Exam mode	Online	Online (Mathematics and Aptitude) and offline (Drawing test)	Online
Number of sections	Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics	Drawing, Mathematics and Aptitude	Mathematics, Aptitude and Planning
Duration of exam	3 hours (180 minutes)	3 hours (180 minutes)	3 hours (180 minutes)
Number of questions	75	77	100
Type of questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Questions with Numerical Value Answers	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Questions with Numerical Value Answers Drawing: Questions to test drawing and sketching skills	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Questions with Numerical Value Answers
Total Marks	300 marks	400 marks	400
Language of paper	Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu in addition to Hindi, English and Gujarati	Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu in addition to Hindi, English and Gujarati	Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu in addition to Hindi, English and Gujarati
JEE Main Marking scheme	+4 marks for the correct answer; -1 mark for the incorrect answer	+4 marks for the correct answer; -1 mark for an incorrect answer	+4 marks for the correct answer; -1 mark for an incorrect answer

Best Books for JEE Main 2026 Preparation

A student cannot perform well in JEE Mains without proper reference books. Additionally, JEE Main is a very difficult exam in which more than 10 lakh candidates take part. To study and practice numerous questions on various concepts, a well-structured book is required. NCERT textbooks are generally regarded as the best preparation tool for the JEE Main examination. However, a few other textbooks by various authors are recommended for students.

Books for Physics

Book	Author
Problems in General Physics	I.E. Irodov
Concepts of Physics - Part I and Part II	H.C. Verma
Physics for JEE (Main and Advanced)	Halliday/Resnick/Walker
Physics for JEE (Main and Advanced)	DC Pandey

Books for Maths

Book	Author
Mathematics for Class 11 and Class 12	R.D. Sharma
Objective Mathematics for JEE (Volume I and Volume II)	R.D. Sharma
Skills in Mathematics for JEE Main and JEE Advanced	Amit M. Agarwal
IIT Mathematics	M.L. Khanna/J.N. Sharma/S.K. Pundir

Books for Chemistry

Book	Author
GRD Numerical Chemistry	P. Bahadur
Modern Approach to Chemical Calculations	R.C.Mukherjee
A Textbook of Physical Chemistry for Competitions	O.P.Tandon/A.S. Singh
Concise Inorganic Chemistry	J.D. Lee
Organic Chemistry for JEE (Main and Advanced)	Solomons/ Fryhle/Snyder

JEE Main 2026 Mock Test

It is very much advised that students solve mock test regularly. Solving mock test will help in analyzing your preparation and also improve problem-solving habits. It is advised that students solve online mock test in a controlled environment of three hours duration. Candidates can opt for the NTA portal to solve JEE Main free mock test 2026 or any other website which provides mock test.

Benefits of Solving JEE Main Mock Test Papers:

Mock tests are very useful to understand the pattern of the exam, the marking scheme, and become familiar with the CBT exam mode.
Candidates can also learn how to manage their time in the exam through the mock tests.
JEE Main mock exams also help the candidates improve their speed and solve questions with accuracy.
Candidates can analyse the mock tests' performance to know where they lag and what can be improved.
Also, mock exams will help boost the confidence of the candidate on the exam day.

⇒ Solve JEE Main Mock Test Fee Online

JEE Mains Previous Year Question Paper PDF Download

JEE Main question papers play a very important role in the preparation of exams like JEE Main. Previous year JEE Main question papers will help in analysing the difficulty level of the exam, topics with weightage and important chapters. Also, solving the JEE Main previous year question papers will help evaluate the preparation level, strong and weak points and time management.

⇒ Check Previous Year JEE Main Question Papers