JEE Main 2020 Preparation – Aspirants of the national level engineering entrance exam can check here the most recommended JEE Main preparation tips by toppers and experts. And since the exam pattern of JEE Main has gone through many changes, know how to prepare as per the new pattern. Alonwith the new exam pattern, also we have discussed here how to score 250+ in JEE Main and parallelly deal with stress and anxiety. Apart from that this article also features many useful JEE Main preparation resources like syllabus, notes, books, sample papers, previous years’ papers etc.
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Contents
JEE Main 2020 Preparation
The major thing to focus on JEE Main 2020 preparation is adapting to the new exam pattern. We have discussed the same below, but for better clarity, start with collecting the important JEE Main 2020 preparation resources. We have listed some of them below:
Be ready with these JEE Main preparation resources:
1. Syllabus of JEE Main – The syllabus is based on class 11 and 12 topics.
2. Sample Papers of JEE Main – Know what the new pattern holds.
3. Previous Year Question Papers – Practice questions and know the evolution of question paper over the years.
JEE Main 2020 New Exam Pattern
What are the changes in JEE Main Exam Pattern? Let us first analyse what the new pattern means and how it changes the preparation plan:
First, the number of questions is less but the time remains the same: This means you get more time per question.
Second, reduction in number of questions might mean higher difficulty level: Experts and toppers say that the level of difficulty of JEE Main has been dropping over the years. The introduction of the NATs and reducing the number of questions might indicate a rise in the level of difficulty of the papers. Thus preparation has to be stronger.
Description | Latest changed pattern | Old pattern |
Number of questions | B.E/B.Tech: 75 B.Arch: 77 B.Plan: 100 | Paper 1: 90 Paper 2: 82 |
Marks | B.E/B.Tech: 300 B.Arch: 400 B.Plan: 400 | Paper 1: 360 paper 2: 390 |
Number of papers | 3 | 2 |
Name of the papers | B.E/B.Tech B.Arch B.Plan | Paper 1: B.E/B.Tech Paper 2: B.Arch/B.Plan |
Third, no more guessing game: With the introduction of the NATs, the guessing of options has to stop. NATs cannot be guessed. With B.E/B.Tech paper having a weightage of 20% NATs, one cannot afford to guess and loose the 20% marks. This means losing a chance to crack JEE Main. Thus, your preparation must be concrete.
Description | Latest changed pattern | Old pattern |
Type of questions | MCQs and NATs | MCQs |
Marking scheme | Correct MCQ ans: +4 Wrong MCQ ans: -1 Multiple MCQ ans: -1 Correct NVT ans: +4 Wrong NVTs ans: 0 | Correct MCQ ans: +4 Wrong MCQ ans: -1 Multiple MCQ ans: -1 |
NATs: These are the numerical answer type questions. These questions have no options, however, you have to calculate the answer, then type them using the virtual keyboard. The answers are 1 digit or more than one digit integers / real numbers.
How to score above 250+ in JEE Main
Know the graph of JEE Main paper: In JEE Main the question paper is mostly made of the following levels of difficulty, as per the experts:
Hard questions: 20%
Moderate questions: 40%
Easy questions: 40%
If you are not well prepared for the 20% hard questions, make sure you are perfect in the rest of the 80%. Since, 200 marks out of the total 300 marks are 66.6%, if you cover the 80% part of the paper you can easily qualify for JEE Advanced.
Divide the revision plan: Here are the 4 categories you can divide your JEE Main revisions into:
Category 1: Revise the chapters that have high chances of coming in the exam and you can crack them with very little input.
Category 2: Next, revise the chapters that have high chances of coming in the exam and you need your maximum input to solve them.
Category 3: Then come to the chapters that have very low chances to come in the exam and require very fewer inputs of your time and effort.
Category 4: This is the last category which means the chapters that have negligible chances of appearing in the exam, but requires alot of time and effort to prepare / revise.
How to Prepare for JEE Main 2020
The candidates can check below the exam preparation tips from JEE Main:
Prepare for a new approach: Now that NATs are in the scene, forget the old approach of the exam that you have been preparing for. You need a new approach which means make sure you have this in your mind that you have to face such questions where no guessing or trick and tip can be applied. You have to get the correct answers and type it in.
Mock Tests: Practice the mock tests that are based on the new pattern of JEE Main. This gives you the confidence for the exam day to attempt the paper. Analyse your score after attempting each of the mock tests. Also, keep track of which section is taking more time or which section you find difficult to attempt.
Know the concept and know how to solve: The best way to crack the new pattern of the exam is to know how to solve the questions as fast as you can and with accuracy. For this, your concepts must be 100% clear and basic stronger than ever. This is how you can solve the NATs.
No negative marking in the NATs: As these questions have no negative marking make sure that you try to solve all of them accurately to gain marks. However, they can be a game-changer if not attempted correctly as you lose 4 marks per wrong answers in the NATs.
Previous years’ papers for the MCQs: Coming to the MCQ part, these are the old generations of the question in JEE Main. Thus solve the last few years’ papers. Questions in JEE Main for the MCQ part is set around similar concepts each year.
JEE Advanced for NATs: Do not go deep, but go through the previous years JEE Advanced NATs for an idea. Try to solve one or two of them to have a grasp of the concept. The level of the questions is not at par with JEE Advanced, however, this gives you a basic knowledge toe attempt the NATs.
Know the important chapters: The chapters that have high chances of coming in JEE Main and are thus the important ones, as per the experts, are as follows:
Physics:
- Rotational Motion
- Oscillations
- Waves And Sound
- Current Electricity
- Ray Optics
- Conservation Collision
- Electrostatics
- Semiconductors And Communication System
- Thermal Properties Of Matter
- Units And Dimensions
- Gravitation
- Magnetic Effects Of Current
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Calorimetry And Kinetic Theory Of Gases
- Properties Of Matter And Fluid Mechanics
- Center Of Mass And Momentum
- Properties Of Matter And Fluid Mechanics
- Photoelectric Effect
Mathematics:
- Matrices And Determinants
- Differential Equation
- Vector
- Limits
- Parabola
- Straight Line
- Vector 3D
- Circle
- Area Under Curves
- Probability
- Application Of Derivatives
- Functions
- Definite Integration
- Statistics
- Quadratic Equations
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Sequence And Series
- Indefinite Integration
- Binomial Theorem
- Complex Numbers
Chemistry:
- Biomolecules and Polymers
- Chemical Thermodynamics
- Amines And Diazonium Salts
- Solutions
- Hydrocarbons
- Aldehydes And Ketones
- General Organic Chemistry
- Alkyl Halide
- Coordination Compounds
- P Block Elements
- d and f block elements
- Metallurgy
- Haloarenes And Phenols
- Environmental Chemistry
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
- S Block Element And Hydrogen
- Atomic Structure
- Mole Concept
- Surface Chemistry
- Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure

How to score above 200+ in JEE Main
Tip #1: Only read the useful materials, do not waste time on bulk preparation
Tip #2: Practice with a timer to know your speed and how you can improve the same.
Tip #3: A daily routine is to be followed to complete the entire syllabus on time.
Tip #4: Follow NCERTs thoroughly and make mock tests a habit.
Tip #5: Complete the syllabus with an ample amount of time for practice and revision.
How to Prepare for JEE Main 2020 without Coaching
The candidates who are preparing for JEE Main without any coaching here is what you must do:
Tip #1. Befriend the NCERT books
Teachers, parents and many others might have already told you to study from NCERT books. However, we advise you to be thorough with each and every topic and sub-topic given in Class 11 NCERT Books and Class 12 NCERT Books of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Not only should the theory be understood properly, but each question should be attempted at least once. Especially in the case of JEE Main Mathematics, a student who can easily solve NCERT Math book miscellaneous exercises can as easily score more than 90% in JEE Main maths.
Tip #2. Refer only a limited number of JEE Main reference books
There are too many books available in the market that claim “Quick course in JEE” or “Best book for JEE Main” and so on. You must identify one-two books only and stick to them. Using too many books for JEE Main preparation only confuses you and slows down your preparation.
Tip #3. Use one book for theory, one for practice.
It is best to refer a book by a good author to study and understand the concept and use another book to solve practice problems for JEE Main.
Always practice questions simultaneously. While studying, you may think you have understood everything perfectly, but only when you attempt questions can you analyze where your understanding is weak and needs to be done again. If you finish one chapter, the next day attempt at least 20-30 questions of that. If you can answer correctly at least 95% of all the questions you attempt, you can move on to the next chapter. If not, focus on the areas you are getting wrong.
Tip #4. Do not hide from the weak areas
Every student has at least 5-10 topics they feel are very tough and cannot be done at all. However, make sure to not let go of those topics and practice them from the initial days of your preparations. You can never be sure whether a question in JEE Main will come from that topic or not.
Tip #5. Focus on school and be regular
Skipping school is not an ideal deal. The candidates who are depending on self-study must be consistent at school and take notes on what is being taught. Also, it is wise to ask your teachers for help with your JEE Main preparation. Ask them doubts that you face in any question, they sure are more than happy to help you out!

JEE Main Preparation Books
Candidates can check below the important books for JEE Main preparations:
For the B.E/B.Tech paper
Book name | Buying link |
Differential Calculus | Buy now |
40 + 16 Years Chapterwise Solutions | Buy now |
Concepts of Physics Vol I and II | Buy now |
IIT JEE Chemistry | Buy now |
For the B.Arch / B.Plan paper
Book name | Buying link |
Study Guide for B.Arch 2020 by Arihant | Buy here |
B. Arch/NATA/JEE (Main) Offline Drawing Test | Buy here |
JEE MAIN (FOR B.ARCH/B.PLANNING APTITUDE TEST) | Buy here |
Architect’s Guidebook For Competitive Exams | Buy here |
How to deal with Anxiety and Stress while JEE Main Preparation
The candidates can check some tips to keep stress and anxiety at bay:
The candidates can check some tips to keep stress and anxiety at bay:
Prepare for the exam day: Plan out the exam day strategy so that you are not anxious about what to do and what not to do on the day of the exam.
Do not overburden self: You must not overwork your brain. A few days before the exam work on training your brain to remain active and not get tired. For this take enough sleep and eat healthily.
Surround your self with positive company: Make sure you have positive people around you. Discuss positive thoughts with them to keep your mood upbeat.

JEE Main Preparation Resources
- JEE Question Bank
- Syllabus
- Sample Papers
- Question Papers
- Mock Tests
- Most Important Chapters For JEE Main
- Video Lectures by IIT PAL
How to Prepare Articles for JEE Main
- How to prepare for JEE Main in two years
- How to prepare for JEE Main with almost 1 year in hand?
- Preparation for JEE Main 2020 in 6 months – Tips for JEE Main
- JEE (Main) and IIT JEE (Advanced) Last Minute Preparation
Books for JEE Main
JEE Main Preparation Tips
JEE Main
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is held twice a year for admission in BE/B.Tech, B.Arch and B.Plan courses in NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. The exam is held at a national level and CBT mode. 10+2 passed/appearing candidates can appear for the exam. Admission based on JEE Main score is done via a centralised counselling process called JoSAA.
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