How to Prepare for JEE Advanced 2026: Strategy, Study Plan, Syllabus and Topper Tips

The exam dates are out, and every serious aspirant is dominated by one thought, which is how to prepare for JEE Advanced 2026. Compared to JEE Main, JEE Advanced consists of two compulsory papers, making it challenging. As the pressure has increased, the need for the right preparation strategy has become crucial at this stage. The JEE Advanced exam rewards speed, accuracy and conceptual depth. This is how they choose the top candidates to secure a seat in the IITs.

This blog is prepared by Matrix JEE faculty based on insights observed from the JEE Advanced preparation strategy followed by toppers. In 2025, 74 students from Matrix JEE Academy secured a rank under 5000 in JEE Advanced 2025, proving that the strategy is effective. In this blog, we break down the syllabus, a detailed JEE Advanced preparation strategy, along with matrix topper tips.

Importance of JEE Advanced 2026 Exam

The JEE Advanced 2026 is not just an exam but a crucial step to get admission into the top IITs of India. Under the Joint Admission Board, JEE Advanced 2026 will be conducted by IIT Roorkee this year. Every year, 2.5 lakh students are filtered out to sit in the JEE Advanced exam. The exam is structured in a way to filter out the top candidates by keeping the paper pattern unpredictable. Hence, it is one of the toughest entrance exams for undergraduate engineering admissions.

Before starting JEE Advanced preparation, build a strong foundation through the JEE Main class 11 preparation strategy.

JEE Advanced 2026 Preparation Strategy (Matrix Faculty Recommended)

To crack the unpredictable nature of the JEE Advanced exam, students should focus on building conceptual depth and developing the natural habit of finding connections between topics. We will discuss a detailed JEE Advanced preparation strategy followed by toppers and recommended by Matrix JEE expert faculty.

1. Planning the Preparation Strategy

Before building an exam strategy, set the right target. Because the path can be drawn only when the goal is clear. Advice from toppers is to set a percentage target instead of targeting specific marks. For instance, a safe target is to solve 50% of the paper with accuracy.

When to Start JEE Advanced Preparation?

The most common confusion among JEE aspirants revolves around when to start the JEE Advanced preparation. The gap between JEE Main and JEE Advanced is usually one month or more after the JEE Main session 2 exam. The Matrix faculty advises that starting the preparation early will yield stronger results.

• The ideal time to start JEE Advanced preparation is usually when a candidate is well prepared with JEE Main concepts. Class 11 makes the ideal time to start JEE Advanced preparation.

Understanding the Syllabus (Class 11 and Class 12)
The syllabus of JEE Advanced is like a menu, and the right strategy is to order the right items instead of all. The most crucial step before starting JEE Advanced preparation is to thoroughly understand the syllabus and filter out the necessary concepts. Getting clarity on what to study will save time and remove confusion. Here is the complete JEE Advanced syllabus:

• Physics syllabus:

Topic	Key Sub-Topics
General Physics	Units, measurements, and experimental skills.
Mechanics	Kinematics, Newton’s laws, work-energy, rotational motion, and gravitation.
Thermal Physics	Expansion, calorimetry, thermodynamics, and kinetic theory.
Electricity & Magnetism	Electrostatics, current, magnetism, EMI, AC.
Optics & Modern Physics	Ray/wave optics, atoms, nuclei, semiconductors.

• Chemistry syllabus:

Topic	Key Sub-Topics
Physical chemistry	States of matter, thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, and electrochemistry.
Inorganic chemistry	Periodic table, bonding, coordination compounds, p/d/f-block elements.
Organic chemistry	Hydrocarbons, functional groups, biomolecules, polymers.

• Mathematics syllabus:

Topic	Key Sub-Topics
Algebra	Complex numbers, quadratics, sequences, matrices, binomial theorem
Calculus	Limits, derivatives, integrals, differential equations
Analytical geometry	Straight lines, conics, 3D geometry
Vectors and trigonometry	Straight lines, conics, 3D geometry

Strategic Selection of Syllabus (High-Weightage Chapters):

While preparing for JEE Main, many aspirants focus on completing the entire syllabus. But when it comes to JEE Advanced, a slightly different approach is needed.

• Toppers do not focus on completing the syllabus entirely but use the 60-70% rule to succeed in JEE Advanced. The goal is to finish 60-70% of the syllabus but with 90-100% accuracy.
• A smart approach is to identify the topics that can be skipped.
• Focus on the high-weightage topics and excelling them.

High-weightage topics in JEE Advanced:

Subject	Topic	Weightage
Physics	Mechanics (rotation, gravitation), Electrostatics, Modern Physics	30-40%
Chemistry	Coordinate Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Organic reactions (hydrocarbons, carbonyls)	25-35%
Mathematics	Calculus (limits, derivatives, integrals), Algebra (quadratics, matrices, complex numbers)	25-35%

Low-weightage topics in JEE Advanced:

Subject	Topic	Weightage
Physics	Units/Measurements, Thermal Properties, Kinetic Theory	5-10%
Chemistry	Surface Chemistry, Polymers/Biomolecules, Hydrogen/Environmental Chemistry	<5%
Mathematics	Sets/Relations/Functions, Statistics, Mathematical Induction	0-5%

2. Building a Strong Foundation

The first step towards JEE Advanced preparation is to build a strong foundation. Until the basics are strong and clear, it is difficult to master advanced-level concepts. How do toppers build a strong foundation to crack JEE Advanced?

Developing JEE Advanced-Level Conceptual Understanding

The JEE Advanced exam chooses only the top 1% of the aspirants. To be in the top 1% crowd, the right strategy is required. Dedicate 5-6 months to master the foundation concepts from NCERT and coaching materials. Instead of memorising formulas, understand the derivations behind them. This will build advanced-level conceptual understanding.

Choosing the Right Resources

NCERT, along with coaching materials from Matrix, will help master concepts for JEE Advanced. The right resources do not have to mean more books. Matrix toppers’ advice to stick to coaching materials and focus more on practising questions every day.

PYQs form the backbone of JEE Advanced preparation

As the exam is unpredictable and does not have a fixed pattern, it is advised to solve past 10-15 years PYQs. This will help understand how questions are framed. Integrate PYQs along with regular mocks. And keep a track of weak areas and errors. Download JEE Advanced previous year papers with solutions from 2015 to 2025 to level up your preparation.

3. Executing the Preparation Strategy

JEE Advanced has a minimum marks criterion for each subject. The target should be to score at least 12 marks in each subject, along with targeting 50% of the paper. (This analysis is based on previous year trends. Let us now discuss how to build a strategy for each subject.

Physics Strategy

Physics is also easy to score if followed the right approach to study this subject. Based on the previous paper analysis, some insights can be derived for the physics section.

• Questions are formed by combining 3-4 chapters.
• The most common physics questions are MCQs and numericals.
• Most of the questions are logic-based and not direct formula-based.
• Mastering basic NCERT is crucial.

JEE Advanced most important physics topics (Class 11)

• Laws of Motion
• Work, Energy & Power
• Centre of Mass & Rotational Motion
• Gravitation
• Thermodynamics
• Oscillations

JEE Advanced most important physics topics (Class 12)

• Electrostatics
• Current Electricity
• Capacitors
• Magnetic Effects of Current
• EMI & AC
• Ray Optics & Wave Optics
• Modern Physics (Photoelectric Effect, Atoms, Nuclei)

The approach to studying physics for JEE Advanced:

• Go through the entire NCERT again and build a strong base.
• Use the coaching material to brush up on all the concepts.
• Solve advanced-level problems.
• Solve PYQs after solving practice questions to find out where you stand and fill in the gaps wherever needed.

Mathematics Strategy

Mathematics is considered the toughest section of all three. Because this section is highly unpredictable. Based on previous year trends, our faculty can conclude that:

• The questions in the mathematics section are lengthy and time-consuming.
• It is safer to maintain higher accuracy rather than trying to attempt higher number of questions.
• Target to solve 30-35% of the questions in this section with 90% accuracy.
• NCERT does not play a crucial role, and students are advised to solve as many JEE advanced-level questions as possible. (Use Matrix coaching practice questions as the level is at par with JEE Advanced).

• As this section is unpredictable, the safe option is to solve as many PYQs as possible.
• Develop a selective question strategy by identifying your strong concepts beforehand.

JEE Advanced most important mathematics topics (Class 11)

• Limits & Continuity
• Quadratic Equations
• Sequences & Series
• Permutations & Combinations
• Binomial Theorem
• Straight Lines & Circles

JEE Advanced most important mathematics topics (Class 12)

• Functions
• Differentiation & Applications
• Indefinite & Definite Integrals
• Differential Equations
• Matrices & Determinants
• Vector Algebra & 3D Geometry

Matrix JEE faculty tip: Calculus and coordinate geometry dominate this section. Master these concepts to score better.

Master the most important JEE Main mathematics formulas to increase conceptual depth.

Chemistry Strategy

Chemistry is known to be a score booster. The reason being the questions are more solvable compared to the other two sections. 50% of the chemistry section is of medium difficulty, and 25% of easy level. Chemistry chapters to focus on:

• P-block elements (highly frequent)
• Organic chemistry (especially class 12) – almost 8-12 questions have organic chemistry concepts.
• Inorganic chemistry chemistry are mostly NCERT-based direct questions.

Organic Chemistry (Highest Impact)

• General Organic Chemistry (GOC)
• Isomerism (Structural + Stereo)
• Aromaticity
• Reaction Mechanism
• Carbonyl Compounds
• Amines

Inorganic Chemistry

• Chemical Bonding
• Coordination Compounds
• Periodic Table & Trends
• p-Block

Physical Chemistry

• Thermodynamics
• Chemical Equilibrium
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Kinetics
• Atomic Structure

Build a strong command over the most important chemistry formulas for JEE Advanced preparation.

4. Improving Problem-Solving Ability

An analysis was done by the Matrix JEE faculty on the past year’s JEE Advanced papers. It showed that we can divide the type of questions in JEE Advanced into two types:

• Questions with mixed concepts ( generally interlinking 5-6 concepts)
• Short, simple questions that are based on extreme conceptual depth.

How To Attempt A JEE Advanced Question? (Mind Mapping Technique)
To solve complex JEE Advanced problems, here is the approach that the Matrix faculty suggests:

• Getting the gist of the question. Read the question twice if needed.
• To attempt a complex problem, try to build a mental map of the steps to solve that question. It is crucial to find the connection between different concepts needed to solve that question.

One great tip from toppers is to observe how teachers solve questions in the class. Students should try to get a grasp of the problem-solving mindset that teachers use. This will help in finding logical solutions.

Daily Targets (Matrix Topper Strategy)
The basic concepts are mostly clear for a student who is eligible to sit for JEE Advanced. So, an aspirant is suggested to set a target of solving 50 advanced-level questions every day. And focus on training the mind to develop ideas instead of jumping to solutions and steps immediately. This is what will be helpful during the exam.

5. JEE Topper Mindset And Lifestyle

The right mindset and lifestyle can bring key changes during JEE Advanced preparation. Every aspirant builds a preparation strategy. But only making a strategy will not help. Discipline, consistency and a neutral mindset will make the strategy fruitful. Based on extensive observation, the matrix JEE faculty has identified common mindset traits seen among toppers.

Matrix Topper Mindset

An expert in anything was once a beginner. Toppers understand that advanced problem-solving skills are not inherited but built over time.

• Toppers advise not focus on the past but on the present. Past marks and scores should not affect the possibility of you scoring high in JEE Advanced 2026.
•  Immense hardwork is the only way to become a topper.
• During times of anxiety, toppers shift their mindset by studying more instead of thinking about the future.
• Many aspirants get intimidated by looking at the number of seats. Remember that all you need is one seat.

Matrix topper’s key to consistency and discipline

The key to discipline and consistency is being focused on following the routine. Irrespective of motivation, toppers get up every day and focus on finishing the tasks decided for that day. This habit will eventually train the mind to be disciplined and consistent with studying.

How Rishabh Meel (AIR 70) Prepared For JEE Advanced 2025?

Rishabh Meel is a student of Matrix JEE Academy. He delivered an exceptional result by securing AIR 70 in JEE Advanced 2025, opening the gates to top IITs. This was the strategy he followed to crack JEE Advanced:

• He avoided burnout by allocating time slots to every subject every day. For instance, physics in the morning slot and chemistry in the night slot.
• He suggests aspirants take mocks seriously and attempt the mock as if it were the real exam. Rishabh maintained an error log notebook to track every mistake from mocks and find ways to fix them.
• Rishabh focused on matrix coaching notes and did not prepare separate notes on his own to save time.
• He suggests following the coaching curriculum religiously as this will build consistency and confidence. 

Who is Eligible to Give JEE Advanced 2026?

The official eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced 2026 have been released on the official website on 6th December, 2025. As per the official notification, these are the eligibility criteria:

• Candidates must have cleared the JEE Main 2026 exam, and they should be among the top 2,50,000 candidates (all categories) in B.E/B.Tech. paper.
• Candidates must be born on or after October 1, 2001. 5 years of age relaxation for SC/ST/PwD (born on or after October 1, 1996).
• Maximum attempts are 2 times in 2 consecutive years.
• Candidates should have appeared for the Class 12 exam (an eligible recognised board) in 2025 or 2026 and must have compulsory subjects mathematics, physics and chemistry.

JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Dates (NTA Official)

JEE Advanced Event	Expected tentative date
Registration form release	April 2026
JEE Advanced 2026 Admit Card Release	May 2026 (expected second week)
JEE Advanced 2026 Exam	Sunday, May 17, 2026(Paper 1: 9 am to 12 pm)(Paper 2: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm)
Response sheet release	May 2026 (expected 3rd week)
Provisional answer key	May 2026
JEE Advanced 2026 Results	June 2026 (expected first week)

JEE Advanced 2026 Paper Pattern and Marks

The first step aspirants usually take is to set a realistic goal that they can achieve. Understanding the paper pattern and marks distribution will help make a better JEE Advanced preparation strategy, as well as set a target. The JEE Advanced exam is unpredictable in nature. There is no fixed pattern, and the type of questions, marking scheme and other factors vary year by year.

The JEE Advanced exam is divided into 2 compulsory papers held in two shifts on the same day. It is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode. The expected types of questions are MCQs, match the following (matrix pattern), paragraph questions and numericals.

Paper	Subjects	Number of questions	Time duration
Paper 1	Physics, chemistry and mathematics	51-54 questions (rough estimate)	3 hours
Paper 2	Physics, chemistry and mathematics	51-54 questions (rough estimate)	3 hours

Why a Different Preparation Strategy is Required for JEE Main and JEE Advanced?

JEE Main is a qualifying exam for IITs, NITs, GFTIs and other top engineering colleges. JEE Advanced is the next qualifying exam after JEE Main for admission in IITs. The JEE Main paper focuses on basic conceptual clarity (NCERT-focused) and has direct formula-based questions. Whereas JEE Advanced focuses on higher conceptual depth and logical reasoning. Hence, the preparation strategy differs for JEE Advanced.

• The questions framed in JEE Advanced are multi-conceptual based and require deep conceptual knowledge to answer them.
• The paper pattern is unpredictable. Hence, a different preparation strategy should be used.

Myths about JEE Advanced 2026

1. A student needs 80-90% in JEE Advanced to secure a seat in the top IITs.
   This is a common misconception among students. As per previous year papers, solving 50% of the paper will lead to an under 2000 rank.
2. A higher total score will secure a seat.
   Another confusion among students is that the total score matters in JEE Advanced. But most are not aware that section-wise cut-offs exist for the JEE Advanced exam.
3. Doing PYQs in the end.
   Since the paper is unpredictable in nature, the best bet is to solve PYQs at the start of the preparation. Many students believe PYQs are meant to be solved at the end stage of preparation.
4. Cover the entire syllabus.
   Another common myth is to cover the entire syllabus to score high.
5. NCERT is not important as the exam is of an advanced level.
   Another big misconception with respect to JEE Advanced is that NCERT is not required. But on the contrary, toppers believe NCERT to be the most important building block while preparing for JEE Advanced.

Conclusion

The JEE Advanced exam is all about mastering the important concepts. The exam is challenging in nature, but consistent discipline, along with conceptual depth, is the only way to crack it. The exam is structured to test the candidate’s confidence, accuracy, and thinking ability under pressure. Hence, even completing 50% of the questions with accuracy can secure a seat in the top IITs.

Keeping these pointers in mind, the JEE Advanced preparation at At Matrix JEE Academy is structured to build confidence and help aspirants perform under pressure. Regular mocks are conducted with intense practice sessions to reduce anxiety during the exam.

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