Most scoring topics in JEE Main Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry

By Aman Goel

Maths is one such subject that haunts pretty much every JEE aspirant. There are many topics covered in JEE Main from Maths as the syllabus is huge. On top of it, there are slight differences in the syllabus of JEE Main, JEE Advanced and board exams. As a result, it becomes extremely challenging for students to prepare an effective study plan for this subject.

However, this doesn’t mean that one cannot overcome these challenges. The strategy to score high in mathematics, or for that matter, in any subject, in any exam, is to study smartly. One should prioritise the topics to study after going through their importance and JEE Main exam pattern. The most obvious order is to focus on topics that are scoring and prepare easy topics in Maths for JEE Mains first to get going easily. However, students should focus on all chapters equally and should not stick to easy chapters in Maths for JEE Mains.

JEE Mathematics roughly comprises of 30 chapters that are divided across 6 units - Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, and Vectors. These seemingly different units are quite inter-related. Many units are heavily dependent on each other. For instance, a large number of calculus questions can only be solved with a sound knowledge of trigonometry. In this blog, we will look at the most scoring topics in JEE Mathematics. The idea is fairly simple - the easiest topic in each of these units is the most scoring topic.

• Algebra: Quadratic Equations has been popularly known as one of the favourite topics of JEE paper setters. Not only does it have a good weightage in JEE, but also it is quite an easy chapter. As a result, this is one such chapter where you should spend a lot of time. The rewards for the efforts are quite high. The problems from this chapter are quite standard and with some practice, it is easy to increase the score in JEE by nailing this chapter. Arihant Coordinate Geometry is arguably the best book for studying quadratic equations.
• Trigonometry: Pure trigonometry questions are rarely asked in JEE. However, one topic that often appears is that of inverse trigonometry. This chapter is infamous for causing fear among JEE aspirants because of a large number of formulae involved. However, once mastered, this chapter can boost your score because problems asked are fairly standard. Trigonometry for JEE Main & Advanced by Arihant Publications is the recommended book.
• Analytical Geometry: The chapter on circles is the easiest chapter under analytical geometry. The best part about this chapter is that there aren’t many formulae involved. The questions asked are generally based on ground fundamentals and so, students who have a good understanding of concepts can score high in this chapter. Also, most students are quite well versed in the concepts and nuances of this chapter because it is also a part of the class 10th syllabus. As a result, students should not miss out on scoring high on the problems of this chapter. Coordinate Geometry by SK Goyal is the best book for this.
• Differential Calculus: Limits are the easiest and most scoring chapter under Differential Calculus. The chapter involves just 1 formula - L’Hopital’s rule and so, it is extremely easy to master this chapter. All you need is a sheer amount of practice. Differential Calculus by Amit Agarwal is the best book for calculus and is widely used by toppers.
• Integral Calculus: Integration always freaks out JEE aspirants because of a large number of formulae involved. However, it is one of the most interesting chapters because it involves a lot of “brain game”. The most scoring topic under integral calculus is arguably the chapter on definite integrals. It involves a minimal set of formulae which if mastered can give excellent results in JEE. Integral Calculus by Amit Agarwal is an excellent book with a good balance of theory and problems.
• Vectors: This whole unit is known to be quite easy and students generally happen to score higher in the problems from this topic as compared to other topics. In particular, the chapter on planes is quite easy and high scoring. The problems are relatively simple. Also, this chapter is largely an extension of the chapter on coordinate geometry. As a result, it is quite easy to crack the problems of this chapter. Vectors and 3D Geometry by Arihant Publications is a good book for this unit.

Also read: Best Books for JEE Main 2024 Preparation

Students should note that if a topic is most scoring, then that does not necessarily mean that it is the easiest topic. For instance, definite integrals may be a highly scoring topic, but it is not at all easy to master. The idea is that students should aim for those topics for which reward to effort ratio is high. These are the topics that will give you the highest score for the lowest amount of effort. Also, these are the topics that will help you get an edge over the competitors.

To make sure that students are well versed with these chapters, students should spend considerable time in reading theory from at least 1 reliable source. Post theory, students should practice as many problems as possible from lots of different sources. This will help you to capture as many varieties of problems as possible. Moreover, this is sure to improve your thought process and help you optimize your score.

About the Author:

Aman Goel is a co-founder at a Tech Start-up. He holds a BTech in Computer Science Engineering from IIT Bombay with a JEE Advanced AIR 33 (Year 2013).

During his free time, he enjoys writing articles/blogs. He is an Entrepreneur, Coder, Speed-cuber, gamer, and fan of Air crash investigation!

Read more:

• Trigonometry for JEE Advanced Exam Preparation
• Calculus for JEE Advanced Exam Preparation
• Analytical Geometry for JEE Advanced Exam Preparation
• Best Books for JEE Advanced Chemistry: A Comparison
• Algebra for JEE Advanced Exam Preparation
• Best books for JEE Advanced Physics: A Comparison
• Best books for JEE Advanced Mathematics: A comparison
• Most scoring topics in JEE Physics
• Most scoring topics in JEE Chemistry
• How To Handle Tough Topics in JEE Physics
• How To Handle Tough Topics in JEE Mathematics
• How To Handle Tough Topics in JEE Chemistry