How to score in JEE advance 

The JEE Mains results are out. You’ve cleared the first hurdle, and that’s something to be proud of. But ahead lies the real challenge—JEE Advanced, a gateway to India’s most prestigious engineering institutes, the IITs. What you do now will decide not just your rank, but your future. This guide is your roadmap from here to the IITs.

From Mains to Advanced – What Changes?

JEE Mains and Advanced may test the same subjects, but the nature of the exams is drastically different. Mains checks your speed and accuracy with mostly single-concept, direct questions. In contrast, Advanced is about depth, interlinking of concepts, and the ability to think logically under pressure.In JEE Advanced, a question may seem simple but have a hidden twist, or require multiple concepts across chapters. You’ll encounter multiple correct options, match-the-column, and numerical value questions with no options at all. The exam doesn’t reward rote learning; it rewards clarity of thought, calmness, and creativity.

Reflect Before You Restart

Before jumping into preparation, take time to evaluate your JEE Mains performance. Identify the subjects and topics where you lost marks—not just due to lack of knowledge, but due to panic, silly mistakes, or time mismanagement. Was your weakness conceptual or strategic? This self-reflection is your starting point. Use your JEE Mains performance as a diagnostic tool. Your plan for Advanced should build on your existing strengths while repairing your weak spots.

The Right Approach – Quality Over Quantity

Now is not the time to open new books or dive into untouched chapters. JEE Advanced preparation is not about studying everything all over again; it’s about diving deeper. Go back to the core topics you’ve already covered and look at them from a new angle. Understand derivations, revisit foundational principles, and solve problems that stretch your thinking. Focus on inter-topic application. In Physics, for instance, combine Rotation and Gravitation, or Electrostatics and Mechanics. In Maths, try problems that merge Calculus and Probability. And in Chemistry, link concepts from Organic synthesis with reaction mechanisms and Physical Chemistry’s energetics.

Subject Strategy That Works

In Physics, don’t chase every book. Strengthen your basics with H.C. Verma, then go deeper with selected I.E. Irodov or DC Pandey problems. Prioritize conceptual clarity over formula memorization. Try to derive results on your own and ask “why” behind every formula you use. Practice problems that require thinking across multiple chapters—these are the kind JEE Advanced loves. In Chemistry, treat each branch differently. Physical Chemistry is about numericals and conceptual applications. Build speed and accuracy through daily problem-solving. For Organic Chemistry, understand mechanisms—not just name reactions. Work with MS Chauhan and create a visual roadmap of reactions and conversions. In Inorganic Chemistry, stick to NCERT but revise smartly. JEE Advanced often asks indirect, logic-based questions even in this section, so clarity is key. In Mathematics, the only way to succeed is by solving. But don’t just practice blindly. Every question should help you uncover patterns, improve speed, and sharpen logic. Focus on topics like Vectors, 3D Geometry, Definite Integration, Probability, and Complex Numbers. Analyze your approach after every practice session—could you have done it faster or with less effort?

Mock Tests – The Final Gear

Once your subject revision is underway, move into full-length mock tests. These are not just for performance measurement—they train your mind to stay calm and consistent for six long hours. Simulate the exam environment. Sit for both papers with minimal breaks, ideally at the same time as the actual exam. Don’t just check your marks. Review every error. Ask yourself: why did I get this wrong? Was it a misread, a conceptual gap, or panic under pressure? Maintain an error log and review it weekly. Over time, this will reduce repeated mistakes and boost confidence.

Staying Mentally and Physically Ready

JEE Advanced tests your endurance as much as your intelligence. It’s essential to take care of your body and mind. Sleep at least seven hours. Eat light, nutritious food. Stay hydrated. Take regular short breaks during study sessions. Walk, meditate, or simply sit quietly for 10 minutes to recharge. Avoid burnout in these crucial weeks. Don’t compare your progress with others or obsess over rank predictors. Stay focused on your own path and your own growth. It’s not about perfection—it’s about improvement.

The Last Week – Steady Wins the Race

The final week before JEE Advanced should be all about revision and confidence-building. Don’t start any new topic now. Stick to your short notes, flashcards, formula sheets, and error logs. Solve 1–2 mock tests just to stay in rhythm but avoid overloading your brain. Avoid heavy discussions or peer comparisons. This is the time to preserve your energy. A calm, well-rested brain will outperform a tired, over-stressed one any day.

Exam Day – It’s Just Another Practice

You’ve done the work. You’ve trained for this. Now it’s time to execute. On exam day, treat it like your final mock test. Don’t panic if the first paper feels difficult—it’s difficult for everyone. Focus on accuracy, time management, and decision-making. Skip tough questions early. Come back to them later if time allows. Remember, sometimes your Paper 1 may go average, but Paper 2 will bring you back. Stay calm. Trust your preparation.

In Closing – Believe in Your Effort

The path from JEE Mains to JEE Advanced is short, but intense. You don’t need to be a genius. You need to be focused, resilient, and smart with your preparation. You’ve already shown you can clear Mains—Advanced is your next milestone. IITs are not just looking for students who can solve equations. They’re looking for sharp, curious minds ready to take on real-world challenges. You’re already on that path. This is your moment. Make it count.

Helpful Resources

• 🎥 Watch expert strategies and concept revision videos: STEM with DK Swami on YouTube

• 📘 Join our final crash course and full mock test series: stemcourses.com