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JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus 2026 has been released by NTA on the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in. The Chemistry syllabus covers Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry based on Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT textbooks. Chemistry is considered the most scoring subject in JEE Main as it contains more theoretical questions compared to Physics and Mathematics. NTA has not made any changes in the JEE Main Syllabus for Chemistry 2026.
Table of Contents
What is JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus Exam Pattern?
The JEE Main Chemistry section contains 25 questions carrying a total of 100 marks. The exam pattern includes 20 MCQs worth 80 marks and 5 Numerical Value Questions worth 20 marks. Each correct answer awards +4 marks while each incorrect answer deducts -1 mark. The negative marking applies to both MCQs and Numerical Value Questions from 2025 onwards.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 25 |
| MCQ Questions | 20 (80 marks) |
| Numerical Value Questions | 5 (20 marks) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect |
| Time Allotted | Part of 3-hour exam |
JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus: Section-wise
The JEE Main Chemistry syllabus is divided into three sections. Section A covers Physical Chemistry with 8 chapters. Section B covers Inorganic Chemistry with 4 chapters. Section C covers Organic Chemistry with 8 chapters. The total syllabus contains 20 units organized based on NCERT textbooks.
Physical Chemistry Syllabus for JEE Main 2026
Physical Chemistry requires concept clarity and problem-solving speed. This section contains formula-based numericals and predictable questions. Physical Chemistry contributes approximately 30-35% of the Chemistry paper.
| Unit | Topics Covered | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry | Mole concept, stoichiometry, limiting reagent, percentage composition, empirical and molecular formula | 4% |
| Atomic Structure | Bohr model, quantum numbers, electronic configuration, de Broglie equation, Heisenberg uncertainty principle | 4-8% |
| Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure | Ionic bonding, covalent bonding, VSEPR theory, hybridization, molecular orbital theory | 8-12% |
| Chemical Thermodynamics | Enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, Hess law, bond enthalpies | 8% |
| Solutions | Raoult law, colligative properties, molarity, molality, van't Hoff factor | 4% |
| Equilibrium | Law of mass action, Le Chatelier principle, ionic equilibrium, solubility product, pH calculations | 4-8% |
| Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry | Oxidation-reduction reactions, Nernst equation, electrolysis, conductance, electrochemical cells | 4-8% |
| Chemical Kinetics | Rate of reaction, order of reaction, Arrhenius equation, activation energy, rate constant | 4% |
Inorganic Chemistry Syllabus for JEE Main 2026
Inorganic Chemistry is NCERT-based and theory-oriented. Most questions come directly from NCERT textbooks. This section is the easiest to score full marks if studied properly. Inorganic Chemistry contributes approximately 30-35% of the Chemistry paper.
| Unit | Topics Covered | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Classification of Elements and Periodicity | Modern periodic law, periodic trends, ionization enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy, electronegativity | 4% |
| p-Block Elements | Group 13-18 elements, properties, compounds, chemical reactions, important applications | 8% |
| d and f Block Elements | Transition elements, electronic configuration, oxidation states, color, magnetic properties, lanthanoids, actinoids | 8% |
| Coordination Compounds | Werner theory, IUPAC nomenclature, isomerism, VBT, CFT, bonding, stability constants | 8-12% |
Organic Chemistry Syllabus for JEE Main 2026
Organic Chemistry involves logic, reaction mechanisms, and functional group interconversions. Understanding reaction mechanisms helps solve questions easily. Organic Chemistry contributes approximately 35-40% of the Chemistry paper, making it the highest-weightage section.
| Unit | Topics Covered | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Purification and Characterisation of Organic Compounds | Distillation, crystallization, chromatography, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis | 2-4% |
| Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry (GOC) | IUPAC nomenclature, electronic effects, reaction intermediates, types of reactions | 8-12% |
| Hydrocarbons | Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic hydrocarbons, reactions, preparation methods | 4% |
| Organic Compounds containing Halogens | Haloalkanes, haloarenes, preparation, reactions, SN1, SN2 mechanisms | 4% |
| Organic Compounds containing Oxygen | Alcohols, phenols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, reactions, preparations | 8-12% |
| Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen | Amines, diazonium salts, basic strength, preparation, reactions | 4% |
| Biomolecules | Carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, nucleic acids, vitamins, enzymes | 4% |
| Principles of Practical Chemistry | Salt analysis, qualitative tests, preparation of compounds, titrimetric exercises | 4% |
What is the Weightage for JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus 2026?
The weightage distribution across three sections remains almost equal. Physical Chemistry contributes 30-35% with 8-9 questions. Inorganic Chemistry contributes 27-30% with 7-8 questions. Organic Chemistry contributes 35-40% with 9-10 questions. The exact distribution may vary slightly across different shifts.
| Section | Expected Questions | Weightage | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | 8-9 | 30-35% | 32-36 |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 7-8 | 27-30% | 28-32 |
| Organic Chemistry | 9-10 | 35-40% | 36-40 |
High-Weightage Chapters for JEE Main Chemistry 2026 (Based on Last 5 Years' Trends)
Analysis of JEE Main papers from 2021 to 2025 reveals consistent patterns in question distribution. High-weightage chapters contribute over 50% of the Chemistry paper. Focusing on these chapters first maximizes scoring potential.
| Chapter | Section | Expected Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordination Compounds | Inorganic | 2-3 | 8-12% |
| Chemical Bonding | Physical/Inorganic | 2-3 | 8-12% |
| General Organic Chemistry (GOC) | Organic | 2-3 | 8-12% |
| Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids | Organic | 2 | 8% |
| Thermodynamics | Physical | 2 | 8% |
| p-Block Elements | Inorganic | 2 | 8% |
| d and f Block Elements | Inorganic | 2 | 8% |
| Electrochemistry | Physical | 1-2 | 4-8% |
JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus Section-Wise Trends Analysis
The section-wise distribution has remained stable over the past five years. Physical Chemistry questions are mostly formula-based and predictable. Inorganic Chemistry questions come directly from NCERT. Organic Chemistry focuses on reaction mechanisms and named reactions.
| Year | Physical Chemistry | Inorganic Chemistry | Organic Chemistry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8 questions | 8 questions | 9 questions |
| 2022 | 9 questions | 7 questions | 9 questions |
| 2023 | 8 questions | 8 questions | 9 questions |
| 2024 | 8 questions | 7 questions | 10 questions |
| 2025 | 8 questions | 8 questions | 9 questions |
Is Chemistry the Most Scoring Subject in JEE Mains 2026?
Chemistry is widely considered the most scoring subject in JEE Main. Several factors support this assessment. Chemistry requires less time in the exam compared to Physics and Mathematics. Many questions are direct and concept-based. NCERT textbooks dominate the paper, especially for Inorganic Chemistry. Questions follow predictable patterns across exam sessions.
Students who master NCERT content can solve most Chemistry questions quickly without lengthy calculations. Unlike Physics and Maths where tough problem-solving is needed, Chemistry rewards students who understand concepts and remember key points. Toppers consistently recommend prioritizing Chemistry for quick marks.
What are some easy scoring chapters in chemistry for the JEE Mains?
Several chapters offer high marks with relatively less effort. These chapters are NCERT-based and require good memorization rather than complex calculations.
| Easy Scoring Chapter | Why It's Easy | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Coordination Compounds | Direct NCERT questions, predictable patterns | 2-3 |
| Biomolecules | Theory-based, directly from NCERT diagrams | 1 |
| Periodic Table | Factual, NCERT trends | 1 |
| d and f Block Elements | Direct questions on properties | 2 |
| Structure of Atom | Formula-based, simple calculations | 1 |
| Chemical Bonding | Concept-based, predictable | 2-3 |
JEE Main Chemistry Marks vs Percentile (2021–2025)
Understanding marks vs percentile correlation helps set realistic targets. Chemistry percentile indicates performance relative to other candidates. Higher marks lead to better percentile and rank.
| Chemistry Marks (out of 100) | Expected Percentile Range |
|---|---|
| 80+ | 99.5-100 |
| 70-79 | 98-99.5 |
| 60-69 | 95-98 |
| 50-59 | 90-95 |
| 40-49 | 80-90 |
| 30-39 | 65-80 |
| 20-29 | 50-65 |
JEE Main Chemistry Books
Selecting the right books is crucial for effective preparation. NCERT textbooks form the foundation. Reference books provide additional practice and advanced concepts.
| Book Name | Author | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT Chemistry Class 11 and 12 | NCERT | Foundation, Inorganic Chemistry (mandatory) |
| Physical Chemistry | O.P. Tandon | Physical Chemistry concepts |
| Physical Chemistry | Narendra Awasthi | Numerical practice |
| Organic Chemistry | O.P. Tandon | Organic basics |
| Organic Chemistry | Morrison and Boyd | Reaction mechanisms |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry | M.S. Chouhan | Advanced problems |
| Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J.D. Lee | Advanced Inorganic |
JEE Main Chemistry Preparation Plan
A structured preparation plan ensures comprehensive coverage. The 60:30:10 rule applies to time allocation. Spend 60% time on high-weightage chapters, 30% on moderate-weightage topics, and 10% on low-weightage areas.
Monthly Preparation Strategy
| Phase | Duration | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Phase | Months 1-3 | Complete NCERT, build concepts, solve NCERT exercises |
| Practice Phase | Months 4-6 | Reference books, topic-wise questions, formula sheets |
| Revision Phase | Months 7-8 | PYQs, mock tests, error analysis, weak area improvement |
| Final Phase | Last 30 days | Rapid revision, NCERT line-by-line, high-weightage chapters |
Weekly Time Allocation
| Section | Days Per Week | Daily Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | 3 days | 2-3 hours |
| Organic Chemistry | 2 days | 2-3 hours |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 2 days | 2 hours |
I'm a dropper for the JEE Main, and my chemistry is very weak. How much chemistry syllabus should I cover?
Droppers should cover 100% of the Chemistry syllabus. Chemistry offers the highest return on investment among all three subjects. A strategic approach maximizes scoring potential even with limited time.
Start with NCERT textbooks as they form the foundation. Focus on high-weightage chapters first. Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, and Thermodynamics consistently appear across all sessions. These chapters alone can fetch 20-25 marks. Complete Inorganic Chemistry entirely from NCERT as questions are directly lifted from the textbook.
For Organic Chemistry, master GOC and reaction mechanisms before memorizing individual reactions. Understanding why reactions occur helps retain information longer. Physical Chemistry requires formula practice and numerical solving. Maintain a separate formula notebook for quick revision.
Aim to score 65+ marks in Chemistry to achieve 99 percentile. This target is achievable with focused preparation over 4-6 months. Solve previous year questions daily and take weekly mock tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- NCERT is sufficient for Inorganic Chemistry where 80-90% questions come directly from the textbook. For Organic Chemistry, NCERT covers fundamental concepts but additional reference books help with reaction mechanisms. Physical Chemistry requires extra practice for numerical problems from books like Narendra Awasthi. Reddit users consistently recommend reading NCERT line-by-line at least 3-5 times.
- The 80/20 rule means approximately 80% of questions come from 20% of high-priority chapters. Chapters like Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, GOC, and Thermodynamics appear consistently. Focusing on these chapters first improves accuracy and reduces study load. Quora users suggest prioritizing these chapters during the final revision phase.
- Inorganic Chemistry is the easiest to score full marks. Questions come directly from NCERT lines, tables, and diagrams. Many Reddit threads confirm that students who memorize NCERT Inorganic Chemistry thoroughly score 90%+ in this section. The key is repeated revision rather than understanding complex mechanisms.
- Physical Chemistry contributes 8-9 questions. Inorganic Chemistry contributes 7-8 questions. Organic Chemistry contributes 9-10 questions. The distribution may vary slightly across different shifts but remains within this range.
- Deleted topics include Surface Chemistry, States of Matter, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals, s-block elements, Hydrogen, Environmental Chemistry, Alcohol Phenol and Ether (detailed portions), and Polymers. Students should focus only on the updated syllabus.
- Scoring 90+ marks in Chemistry within 2 months is achievable with focused preparation. Reddit users who scored 95+ percentile recommend completing NCERT revision in the first 20 days, practicing PYQs in the next 20 days, and taking mock tests in the final 20 days. Chemistry rewards consistent revision over extensive study.
- Scoring 70-80 marks in Chemistry typically results in 98-99.5 percentile. The exact correlation depends on overall paper difficulty and candidate performance. Aim for 65+ marks as a safe target for 99 percentile.
- Chemistry Percentile = 100 × (Number of candidates scoring equal to or less than your Chemistry score ÷ Total candidates in the session). NTA calculates percentile up to seven decimal places to avoid ties.
- Yes, Chemistry percentile is used as a tiebreaker. When total percentile scores are equal, the candidate with higher Chemistry percentile receives a better rank after Mathematics and Physics comparisons.
- Organic Chemistry has the highest weightage at 35-40%, contributing 9-10 questions. Physical Chemistry follows at 30-35% with 8-9 questions. Inorganic Chemistry contributes 27-30% with 7-8 questions.
- Weightage shifts slightly each year but high-weight chapters remain consistent. Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, and GOC have maintained high weightage for the past 10 years. Minor variations occur based on paper setters.
- Skipping chapters is not advisable. Questions can appear from any part of the syllabus. Use weightage to prioritize preparation, not to eliminate chapters. Low-weightage chapters often contain easy, direct questions worth securing.
