How to Study Physics for JEE Main?

Ever felt confident about a topic in Physics, but the numericals make you feel puzzled? This feeling is frustrating and one of the most common reasons why students do not feel confident about Physics for the JEE Main exam. Physics is not meant to be feared, and it can be a fun subject if studied in the right way.

At Matrix JEE Academy, our faculty are from prestigious IITs and NITs, who have come up with tried and tested smart strategies for achieving maximum marks in Physics. These strategies have helped students of Matrix Academy top Physics every year, leading to 23 subject-wise Physics toppers in JEE Main 2024 and 2 100%ilers in Physics for the year 2025. In this blog, we will discuss the strategy to study Physics in a way that it will turn into your most scoring subject. This can be done by applying study strategies that will make Physics easy to understand, along with common mistakes to avoid.

JEE Main Physics Overview

You cannot win a chess game without knowing how a knight moves. In the same way, a JEE aspirant must know the exam pattern before diving into physics preparation to ace the exam. Once the aspirant gets an idea about the number of questions, the marking scheme, and syllabus weightage, it becomes easy to build a study strategy. Let us decode the JEE Main paper pattern:

JEE Main Paper Pattern (NTA Updated)

JEE Main Paper Pattern	Key Details
Total Number of Questions in JEE Main	75 questions (25 questions for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics)
25 questions in Physics	20 MCQs and 5 Numericals
Total Marks in JEE Main paper	300 marks
Total number of marks (Physics section)	100 marks
Marks for correctly attempted questions	+4 marks (75*4 for Physics)
Negative Marking for incorrect MCQs	-1 marks
Duration of the exam	3 hours (for all Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics)

Class 11 and Class 12 Syllabus Weightage in JEE Main (Physics)

Physics contributes 33.3% of the total marks in JEE Main. Out of 25 Physics questions:

• 48% of questions come from Class 11 topics.
• 52% of questions come from Class 12 topics.

Refer to the complete detailed JEE Main 2025 syllabus to check the overlapping chapters of NCERT and JEE Main.

How NTA Sets Physics Questions (Difficulty-Wise Distribution)?

In earlier years (till 2018), the Physics section was lengthy and tricky, testing deep conceptual understanding. However, in recent years, NTA has shifted towards testing conceptual clarity and formula application, leading to simpler questions. Matrix teachers did a paper analysis of the past 5 years and have come up with the data on the distribution of questions based on difficulty. They found the following facts:

• 55% of questions were easy and direct formula-based.
• 30% were moderate-level and tested interlinked concepts.
• 15% were tough and required strong conceptual and analytical skills.

Once you know this distribution, you can plan how to allocate your effort across topics. For example, for easy and moderate questions, focus on lectures, NCERT, PYQs, and short notes. And for tougher problems, strengthen your practice using Matrix study modules and mock tests.

How to Study Physics for JEE Main?

At Matrix JEE Academy, we have cracked the code to study Physics for the JEE Main exam. From the start, Matrix has been consistently producing Physics 100%ilers year after year. This is proof that with the right strategy and guidance, aspirants can top the Physics section. After analysing the preparation patterns of Physics top percentilers, here is a winning strategy that aspirants can follow to score 80+ marks. Whether you are a class 11 or 12 student, or a dropper, this strategy applies to all aspirants targeting the JEE Main exam.

Building a Strong Foundation (Maths and Base Chapters)

1. Basic Maths skills needed before starting Physics preparation:
   Basic Maths is required to build a strong conceptual understanding of Physics. Why? The most common reason why students do not understand derivations and numericals is that basic Math concepts are unclear. To not feel lost during Physics lectures, get a grasp on the Maths concepts mentioned below:

Maths Concept	What to Learn?	Where is it useful in Physics?
Basics of Algebra	Linear and quadratic equations, factorisation, inequalities, logarithms, exponents, and simplifying expressions.	Algebra is used in almost all Physics chapters, especially in kinematics, gravitation, modern Physics, and Newton’s law of motion.
Trigonometry	Ratios and identities, inverse trigonometric functions, and angle transformation with product-sum formulas.	Trigonometry will be needed in chapters like projectile motion, simple harmonic motion, waves, optics, and alternating current.
Basic Calculus – Limits, Differentiation, and Integration	Derivatives of standard functions, chain rule, rate of change, maxima-minima, basic limits, basic differentiation, and basic integration.	Useful in Physics chapters, kinematics, current electricity, magnetism, and thermodynamics.
Vectors	Vector addition & subtraction, dot product, cross product, unit vectors, direction cosines, and resolving a vector into components.	Vectors will be needed in Physics chapters, kinematics (2D & 3D), Newton’s Laws of Motion, work & Energy, Torque & Rotational Motion, Electric Field & Magnetic Field, and Electromagnetic Induction.
Graphs and functions	Interpreting x–y graphs, Slope & area concepts, Standard graphs (linear, parabolic, exponential), Domain & range, Relation between variables.	Motion Graphs (x–t, v–t, a–t), Thermodynamics (PV graphs → area = work), Semiconductors (I–V graphs), Oscillations (sinusoidal graphs), Electromagnetism (B–I, Φ–t graphs).

2. Base Chapters for Physics to Master
   Once the basics of Maths are clear, start studying the base chapters of Physics. This is the approach we use at Matrix JEE Academy. Usually, the chapters in class 11 are all base chapters. Focus on them. These chapters are:

• Units & Dimensions
• Motion in 1D and 2D
• Newton’s Laws
• Work, Energy & Power
• Gravitation
• Simple Harmonic Motion
• Waves

Aspirants should focus on getting these concepts clear before solving numericals. Focus on the logic behind every formula and theory. At Matrix, teachers focus on quality rather than quantity. Hence, important chapters are covered first.

Matrix Mentor Tip: One Physics tip is to do one easy chapter and one difficult chapter. This way, motivation and momentum do not get hampered.

Physics Weightage-Wise Questions

Knowing the distribution of chapters in the Physics section will help you study efficiently. Optimise your study time using the data below. All the Physics chapters are divided by weightage percentage based on the frequency of questions asked each year.

70% weightage – High-weightage Physics chapters

• Thermodynamics
• Kinetic Theory of Gases
• Modern Physics
• Electrostatistics
• Current electricity
• Magnetic effects of electric current
• Ray optics
• Gravitation
• Work, power, and energy
• Laws of motion
• Rotational motion

25% weightage of Physics chapters in JEE Main

• Kinematics
• Centre of mass (comm) and collision
• Potential and capacitance
• Electromagnetic induction
• Magnetism and matter
• Wave and optics
• Alternating current

 5% weightage of Physics chapters in JEE Main

• Fluids
• Sound waves
• Heat transfer
• Simple harmonic motion

Matrix faculty use these insights in the physics curriculum. Different batches are allotted to students at Matrix. And study strategies are used accordingly. In the top batches, students who already have a strong base in physics are added. In such batches, Matrix physics faculty start with high-weightage chapters and advanced physics. Students who are studying physics from scratch are added to a different batch. A layered approach is used to teach physics. This way, students can master physics for JEE. 

JEE aspirants can follow the above-discussed method while preparing for physics. By following these strategies, toppers maintain a calm demeanour throughout their physics study journey. Students can also go through the Matrix JEE 2025 topper’s strategies, who shares insights on how to study for physics and other secrets to cracking JEE Main subjects.

How to Make Physics Notes for JEE Main (Matrix Strategy)

Making notes the right way is important. How to make Physics notes that are actually useful in JEE preparation?

• Firstly, listen to the lectures attentively. Do not rush to jot down the points. For example, understand the derivation first and then note it down. Try to understand the points first and then note them down on your own. This helps in bringing clarity to concepts.
• After making notes for one topic, solve relevant examples in the notes. Also, add the same topic questions from previous year papers.
• Divide your notes into theory notes, formula notes, and mistake notes.
• Use the colour coding method to highlight different points.
• Try to write the points in short and crisp sentences rather than long explanations.

Note-taking is a crucial but time-consuming process. Some aspirants make long notes and short notes. To save time, Matrix JEE Academy provides study materials in note form. We advise students to highlight points in the detailed notes instead of making new notes.

Matrix Expert’s Strategy to Solve Numerical Problems in Physics

The most crucial thing a student needs before approaching physics numericals is the formula list. It is suggested to make a concise formula list that you can refer to while solving numerals. Matrix JEE provides handy topic-wise formula sheets in the physics modules, so that students can refer to them whenever needed. Let us find out how to approach a numerical question in Physics. Let us look at the research-based advice from Matrix teachers on solving Physics problems:

• Read the questions thoroughly. As experts say, half the question is solved by understanding it accurately.
• Identify the topic in the question.
• Write down all the given values.
• Since the topic is identified, it will be easy to identify which formula should be applied. This approach will make problem-solving easier.

Matrix experts advise solving previous year JEE question papers to get a better grasp on how and where to use physics formulas.

Daily Study Routine of a Matrix Physics Topper

Matrix Topper Jigyasa (JEE Main 2020, 99.21%ile) studied Physics in the morning and suggests the same to aspirants. The reasoning behind this is that physics is concept-heavy. According to her, the Matrix teaching pattern supports simplifying the study routine for Physics with DPPs( daily practice papers), weekly test series, and regular mocks.

Now that we have learnt what to focus on and what to study, let us learn how to devote time to studying Physics. Matrix Physics classes follow a daily study routine. Students can follow the same while self-studying after coaching. Based on the suggestions from Matrix toppers and mentors, here is a study routine for JEE Main Physics:

• 1 hour to learn a new topic.
• 1 hour to solve relevant numericals to that specific topic.
• Revision of the topic learned in coaching and school.
• Solve PYQs once a week.

Physics Revision Strategy of Matrix 100 Percentilers’

Revision is as important as building the right strategy to study. Matrix’s Physics 100%ilers have emphasised the importance of smart revision as it can be a game-changer. And they swear by these revision strategies:

• Revision must happen in periodic intervals. For example, if the topic is finished in class, and the coaching is provided. Students should revise it once within 24 hours, then within 72 hours, and then after 7 days. This way, the brain will retain whatever was learnt in the topic.
• During revision time, read class notes, notes given by coaching, solve practice modules, and the main focus should be on PYQs.

Error Analysis – Level up Your JEE Physics Preparation

Matrix Topper Rishabh Meel (AIR 70, JEE Advanced 2025) mentioned the importance of highlighting mistakes after every practice paper. This is called error analysis. It is basically noting down the topics and questions where mistakes were made. At Matrix Jee Academy, mistakes are divided into conceptual errors, formula errors, and silly mistakes. How do toppers do an error analysis? 

Let us walk through an example to understand this – if one question is wrong in the current electricity. For example, suppose you got a question wrong in Current Electricity. It might be because the student did not apply Ohm’s law correctly. How does a topper rectify this mistake? Firstly, the student will add the mistake to their “error notebook.” The approach will be to re-solve the question and check the derivation of the formula. And then solve 5 similar questions.

Read more about study strategies and revision tips from Matrix JEE topper success stories.

How Matrix JEE Academy Helps Students Study Physics?

Matrix JEE Academy follows a comprehensive approach to help students excel in Physics for JEE Main. The Physics faculty at Matrix are IIT/NIT alumni, and the teaching methodology used is aimed at making concepts clear. And then building advanced-level skills. 

Matrix Physics teachers Siddharth Gora Sir and Kuldeep Khichar plan Physics lectures, conduct problem-solving sessions, and guide students through different levels of Physics concepts. This teaching method has helped Matrix students excel in Physics and top the subject. If we look at the past results data, 3 students in the year 2022 scored 100%ile in Physics, and 23 Matrix toppers were 100%ilers in the year 2024.

Conclusion

Physics can be a scoring subject if learnt with clarity, depth in concepts, regular practice, and smart revision. Matrix JEE Academy has built its curriculum for Physics, which supports these pillars, so that students enjoy learning Physics. The above strategy to study Physics has been consistently used by Matrix toppers and has proved to give excellent results during the exam. Include these study tips and level up your JEE preparation.

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