You need to adopt an analytical approach and practise on some of the tips listed here before you get cracking.

The JEE (Advanced) is the annual college entrance examination of the IITs in India. It is also one of the toughest engineering entrance exams in the world. Around 1.5 lakh students short-listed from JEE (Main) will appear for the JEE (Advanced) 2013 on June 2, 2013. A serious aspirant must have ideally completed the syllabus by now.

Exam pattern and syllabus

There will be two question papers, each of three-hours’ duration. Both the question papers will consist of three separate sections on chemistry, physics and mathematics. They will be of objective type, designed to test comprehension, reasoning and analytical ability of candidates.

All the questions will be Multiple Choice Type (MCQ).

Negative marking scheme will be followed in the examinations.

The candidate can opt for the question paper in any of the languages, viz. English or Hindi.

The JEE syllabus of Class XI and XII contributes 45 per cent and 55 per cent of IIT-JEE question-papers, respectively.


1. Previous JEE papers suggest that more attention should be paid to topics such as vectors and 3-D geometry than probability or indefinite integration, as vectors and 3-D geometry offer less scope to the examiner, as far as variety in problem is concerned. One more topic is complex numbers; every year two-three problems on complex numbers are asked. Hence mastering complex numbers, vectors, 3-D geometry and definite integral must be top on priority.

2. 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 zeros of functions and other specific values can be calculated in much less time using these techniques.

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

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

5. Permutation-combination and probability are very important topics 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.

6. Matrices can be related to equations, hence a 3x3 matrix can actually be visualised as being three-planes in 3-D geometry. Determinants have some very nice properties which may be used. For instance, the ability to break them into two using a common summand from a row/column.

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

8. Coordinate geometry requires 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.

9. Finally, practise problems keeping in mind the pattern of questions in previous years’ JEE papers.


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

2. Practise the most relevant numericals daily to develop speed. Pay special attention to topics such as mole concept, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry.

3. Take a careful and patient approach for organic chemistry giving particular attention to topics such as stereochemistry, GOC (General Organic Chemistry) and functional group analysis.

4. In inorganic chemistry most of the questions which are asked are conceptual, concerned with structures, processes and applications. Special attention is a must in topics such as chemical bonding and coordination chemistry.


1. Mechanics is one topic in physics that is considered difficult to score in by many experts. This is also the topic that forms the major portion of JEE (Advanced) in terms of marks. So this topic cannot be neglected.

2. One must also try to concentrate on other topics that are easier to score in to ensure a better performance like optics, electricity and magnetism.

3. Kinematics and particle dynamics are important topics of mechanics that make regular appearances in the JEE papers.

5. According to the general trends, mechanics and electricity and magnetism are the most important topics in terms of the number of questions asked in JEE in previous years.

6. In 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


Heat and thermodynamics, and waves and sound

Measurement and errors

7. Thermodynamics is important in both physics and chemistry.

8. It is wise to cover wave optics first in ‘Optics’ topic. The reason is that the portion is smaller than ray optics, thus it can be covered quickly.

Final tips

Stay focussed and maintain a positive attitude.

Develop speed. Refer to reputed mock-test series to build a winning exam temperament. Solve the previous year IIT-JEE papers. Focus on your weak areas and improve upon 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 take short breaks between every one-two hours of serious study. Completely relax when you take a break. Practise 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 to four days before IIT-JEE to keep you physically and mentally fit. While short naps may help you 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. Adopt an analytical approach to the paper, and believe in your preparation.

The author is a FIITJEE expert