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By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 7 Oct 2025, 14:56 IST
JEE Main Physics Syllabus: The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the JEE Main Physics syllabus for the January and April 2026 sessions. The Physics syllabus for JEE Main 2026 includes topics from the CBSE Class 11 and Class 12 Physics syllabus, aligned with the distribution ratios specified by the NTA. The overall JEE Main exam syllabus 2026 is divided into three subjects—Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics—and it is crucial for aspirants to understand each section to perform well in the upcoming exam.
In this blog, we guide you through the detailed JEE Physics syllabus in a clear, easy-to-understand manner, highlighting what to study and how to prioritize. Aspirants are encouraged to visit the official NTA website for the latest updates and to download the JEE Mains Physics syllabus PDF, including any revisions or changes announced for the exam.
Here's the complete breakdown of the JEE Main Physics syllabus 2026 as prescribed by the NTA. The syllabus is logically divided into two sections, covering all the essential units from the Class 11 and 12 Physics curriculum. The tables below outline every important topic you need to master for the exam.
The Class 11 portion of the syllabus builds the fundamental concepts of mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Mastering these topics is crucial as they form the bedrock for many advanced concepts in the Class 12 syllabus.
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Important Topics Covered |
| 1 | Physics and Measurement | Units of measurements, System of Units (SI Units), fundamental and derived units, errors in measurement, significant figures, dimensions of physical quantities, and dimensional analysis. |
| 2 | Kinematics | Frame of reference, motion in a straight line (position-time graph, speed, and velocity), uniformly accelerated motion, relative velocity, motion in a plane, projectile motion, and uniform circular motion. |
| 3 | Laws of Motion | Newton's first, second, and third laws of motion; momentum and impulse; law of conservation of linear momentum; equilibrium of concurrent forces; static and kinetic friction; and dynamics of uniform circular motion. |
| 4 | Work, Energy, and Power | Work done by constant and variable forces, kinetic and potential energies, work-energy theorem, power, potential energy of a spring, conservation of mechanical energy, and elastic & inelastic collisions. |
| 5 | Rotational Motion | Centre of mass, torque, angular momentum and its conservation, moment of inertia and radius of gyration, theorems of parallel and perpendicular axes, and equations of rotational motion. |
| 6 | Gravitation | The universal law of gravitation, acceleration due to gravity ( |
| 7 | Properties of Solids and Liquids | Elastic behavior, Stress-strain relationship, Hooke's Law, Young's modulus, Pascal's law, viscosity, Stokes' law, Bernoulli's principle, surface tension, and capillary rise. |
| 8 | Thermodynamics | Thermal equilibrium, zeroth, first, and second laws of thermodynamics, heat, work, and internal energy, isothermal and adiabatic processes, and the Carnot engine. |
| 9 | Kinetic Theory of Gases | Equation of state of a perfect gas, kinetic theory assumptions, concept of pressure, RMS speed of gas molecules, degrees of freedom, and the law of equipartition of energy. |
| 10 | Oscillations and Waves | Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M.), periodic and oscillatory motions, longitudinal and transverse waves, principle of superposition of waves, reflection of waves, and the Doppler effect. |
The Class 12 syllabus covers advanced and high-weightage topics like electrodynamics, optics, and modern physics. A strong command of these units is often the deciding factor for a high score in the JEE Main Physics section.
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Important Topics Covered |
| 1 | Electrostatics | Electric charges and their conservation, Coulomb's law, electric field, electric flux, Gauss's theorem and its applications, electric potential, capacitors and capacitance, and energy stored in a capacitor. |
| 2 | Current Electricity | Electric current, Ohm's law, V-I characteristics, electrical resistance and resistivity, combination of resistors, Kirchhoff's laws, Wheatstone bridge, and metre bridge. |
| 3 | Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism | Biot-Savart law, Ampere's law, force on a moving charge in uniform magnetic and electric fields, force between parallel currents, torque on a current loop, and moving coil galvanometer. |
| 4 | Electromagnetic Induction & Alternating Currents | Faraday's law, induced EMF and current, Lenz's Law, self and mutual inductance, alternating currents (peak and RMS value), reactance, impedance, LCR series circuit, resonance, and AC generator. |
| 5 | Electromagnetic Waves | Characteristics of electromagnetic waves, their transverse nature, and the electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays). |
| 6 | Optics | Reflection and refraction of light, spherical mirrors, lenses (thin lens formula & lens-maker's formula), prism, total internal reflection, Huygens' principle, interference, Young's double-slit experiment, and diffraction. |
| 7 | Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation | Photoelectric effect, Einstein's photoelectric equation, particle nature of light (photons), and de Broglie relation (wave nature of particles). |
| 8 | Atoms and Nuclei | Rutherford's model of atom, Bohr model, energy levels, hydrogen spectrum, composition and size of nucleus, radioactivity, mass-energy relation, nuclear fission, and fusion. |
| 9 | Electronic Devices | Energy bands in solids, semiconductors, P-N junction diode, diode as a rectifier, Zener diode, transistors and their characteristics, transistor as an amplifier, and Logic gates (OR, AND, NOT, NAND, NOR). |
Understanding the JEE Main Physics chapter-wise weightage helps you allocate time strategically. While every topic matters, past papers show some chapters tend to carry more questions. Use the analysis below to fine-tune your JEE Main 2026 study plan.
Please note that the following data is an analysis based on trends from previous years' JEE Main question papers. The National Testing Agency (NTA) does not release an official chapter-wise weightage, and the distribution for the JEE Main 2026 exam may vary. This table should be used as a strategic guide, not an absolute rule.
| Chapter/Unit Name | Expected No. of Questions | Weightage (%) |
| Modern Physics | 4 - 5 | ~16% |
| Heat & Thermodynamics | 3 - 4 | ~12% |
| Current Electricity | 3 | ~10% |
| Electrostatics | 2 - 3 | ~9% |
| Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism | 2 - 3 | ~9% |
| Optics (Ray & Wave) | 2 - 3 | ~9% |
| Electromagnetic Induction & AC | 2 | ~7% |
| Rotational Motion | 2 | ~7% |
| Kinematics | 1 - 2 | ~5% |
| Work, Power, and Energy | 1 - 2 | ~5% |
| Oscillations and Waves | 1 - 2 | ~5% |
| Laws of Motion & Friction | 1 | ~4% |
| Gravitation | 1 | ~4% |
| Properties of Solids and Liquids | 1 | ~4% |
| Electronic Devices (Semiconductors) | 1 | ~4% |
| Physics and Measurement (Units & Dimensions) | 1 | ~3% |
| Electromagnetic Waves | 1 | ~3% |
As per the JEE Main Physics syllabus 2024, several topics from Class 11 and Class 12 were removed. For JEE Main 2026, candidates should treat the list below as a practical guide until the official syllabus is released by NTA. Always verify with the latest NTA notification before finalizing your study plan.
| Physics and Measurement | Physics, technology and society; Accuracy and precision of measuring instruments |
| Kinematics | Zero vector |
| Gravitation | Orbital velocity of a satellite; Geostationary satellites |
| Properties of Solids and Liquids | Reynolds number; Newton’s law of cooling |
| Thermodynamics | Carnot engine and its efficiency |
| Kinetic Theory of Gases | Kinetic energy and temperature |
| Oscillations and Waves | Free, forced and damped oscillations; Resonance; Doppler effect in sound |
| Current Electricity | Resistances of different materials; Color code for resistors; Electric cell & potentiometer—principle and applications |
| Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism | Cyclotron; Magnetic elements; Magnetic susceptibility & permeability; Hysteresis; Electromagnets and permanent magnets |
| Electromagnetic Induction & AC | Quality factor |
| Optics | Deviation and dispersion by a prism; Lens formula; Resolving power of microscopes and astronomical telescopes |
| Dual Nature of Matter & Radiation | Davisson–Germer experiment |
| Atoms and Nuclei | Isotopes, isobars, isotones; Radioactivity (α, β, γ) and their properties; Radioactive decay law |
| Electronic Devices | Junction transistor; Transistor action & characteristics; Transistor as amplifier (CE) and oscillator; Transistor as a switch |
| Communication Systems | Entire chapter deleted |
To perform well in the Physics section of the JEE Main 2026 exam, it is important for candidates to focus on the topics that carry higher weightage and are comparatively easier to score. Based on the analysis of previous year question papers, the following chapters are considered the most important and high scoring topics in the JEE Main Physics syllabus. Preparing these chapters thoroughly can significantly improve your overall score.
Modern Physics is one of the most scoring topics in the JEE Main exam. Around 4–5 questions are usually asked from this unit, making it a high weightage section. The questions are mostly formula based and direct in nature. Important topics include the Photoelectric Effect, Bohr’s Model, de Broglie Wavelength, and Radioactivity. A strong conceptual understanding of these areas can help candidates secure quick marks.
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Thermodynamics is a consistently high weightage chapter that combines both theory and numerical problems. Candidates can expect questions from topics such as the Laws of Thermodynamics, Calorimetry, Kinetic Theory of Gases (KTG), and different thermodynamic processes like Isothermal and Adiabatic processes. Questions related to the Carnot Engine are also commonly asked.
Current Electricity is a crucial chapter in the JEE Main Physics syllabus. This unit frequently appears in the exam and involves both conceptual and numerical questions. Students should focus on Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws (KCL and KVL), Wheatstone Bridge, Potentiometer, and Meter Bridge. Practicing circuit based problems can help build accuracy and speed.
This is one of the easiest and most scoring topics in Physics. Questions are often directly derived from NCERT Class 12 Physics chapters, making it a must revise unit. Students should cover P–N Junction Diode, Zener Diode, Transistors, and Logic Gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR). A single question from this topic can fetch four easy marks if prepared well.
Optics is another high weightage topic that consistently appears in the JEE Main exam. Candidates should focus on Reflection, Refraction, Lenses, Prism, and Total Internal Reflection from Ray Optics, and Young’s Double Slit Experiment (YDSE) and Diffraction from Wave Optics. Most questions are conceptual, so understanding the theory behind each phenomenon is crucial.
Electrostatics forms the foundation of many Class 12 topics and is one of the most important areas in Physics. Questions are generally based on standard concepts such as Coulomb’s Law, Gauss’s Law, Electric Potential, and Capacitance. Practicing problems related to capacitors in series and parallel combinations is highly recommended.
This unit is highly important due to its recurring presence in the exam. Questions are frequently asked from Faraday’s Law, Lenz’s Law, Self and Mutual Induction, and Motional EMF. In Alternating Currents, focus on LCR Circuits, Resonance, and Power Factor. The questions are mostly numerical and can be solved easily with proper formula application.
Although Kinematics carries moderate weightage, it forms the base for several other chapters in mechanics. Key topics include Equations of Motion, Projectile Motion, Relative Velocity, and Graph based Questions. A clear understanding of motion under different conditions will strengthen problem-solving skills in other Physics topics.
Laws of Motion is one of the core chapters in mechanics and appears regularly in JEE Main. Candidates should concentrate on Newton’s Laws of Motion, Friction, Freebody Diagrams, and Circular Motion. This topic helps in understanding the fundamentals of dynamics and contributes to solving problems from connected chapters like Work, Energy, and Rotational Motion.
Gravitation is an easy and formula driven topic that usually carries one question in the exam. The important areas to focus on include Gravitational Force, Acceleration due to Gravity, Escape Velocity, and Orbital Velocity. Many of the concepts in Gravitation are analogous to those in Electrostatics, making it easier for students to understand and revise.
Scoring high in JEE Main Physics 2026 demands more than syllabus coverage. Leading coaching methods emphasize deep understanding, targeted practice, and exam execution. Use this 5-step plan to maximize your Physics score.
Many aspirants memorize formulas without grasping the why.
Optimize study time by focusing on historically high-yield units first.
Previous Year Questions reveal exam “DNA.”
Mocks convert knowledge into marks.
Keep essentials at your fingertips.
Choosing the right study material is crucial for success. This table categorizes the most recommended books to help you build a strong foundation in theory and master problem-solving.
| Category | Book Title | Author(s) | Key Focus / Why it's Important |
| Theory & Concepts | NCERT Class 11 & 12 Textbooks | NCERT | The absolute foundation. The official JEE syllabus is based on it. Direct questions are often asked, especially from theoretical chapters. |
| Theory & Concepts | Concepts of Physics (Vol 1 & 2) | H.C. Verma | Builds deep conceptual clarity. Excellent for understanding the "why" behind formulas. Objective questions are great for strengthening concepts. |
| Problem Solving | Understanding Physics Series | D.C. Pandey | Extensive problem practice. Contains a large volume of questions arranged by difficulty level, perfect for building application skills from basic to advanced. |
| Problem Solving | 40+ Years' Chapter-wise Previous Year Papers | Various Publishers | The most important practice tool. Helps you understand the exam pattern, question trends, and time management. Essential for realistic exam preparation. |
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No, as of now Oct 2025, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has not yet released the official syllabus for the JEE Main 2026 exam. Typically, the NTA publishes the official syllabus and information bulletin a few months before the first session (January attempt). For the 2026 exam, you can expect the official notification to be released in late 2025. Until then, you should base your preparation on the latest available syllabus (from 2025), as major changes are unlikely.
Whether the JEE Main 2026 syllabus will be reduced is unconfirmed until the NTA releases the official notification. While there was a syllabus reduction in 2024 and 2025, where certain topics were removed to align with the updated NCERT curriculum, any such changes for 2026 are purely speculative. The best strategy is to prepare using the most recent reduced syllabus and keep a close watch on the official NTA website for the final 2026 update.
NCERT is absolutely essential, but it is not sufficient on its own for a top score in JEE Main Physics.
While all chapters are important, some carry higher weightage or are fundamental for understanding other topics. The most important Class 11 chapters are:
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal study time depends on your individual learning pace. However, a good benchmark is 2-3 hours of focused Physics study every day.
More important than the number of hours is the quality of your study. This time should be a mix of learning new concepts, solving a variety of problems, and analyzing your mistakes. Consistency is key. A balanced daily schedule that gives adequate time to all three subjects is far more effective than studying one subject for long hours.