JEE and other Test preparation strategies.

Engineering is always a fascinating and most preferred choice of this new generation. This is due the technological advancements, innovations and opportunities also

The first degree in technology is graduation.level. B.E/ B.S level..This is a four year course and even integrated 5 years leading to  post graduation or specialisation. The entry process is mostly through an Entrance test. 

This comprises of  three subjects ...math, physics and chemistry ..

The topics in math are divided in to major sections like Trigonometry, coordinate Geometry, calculus ( Differential & Integral) , vectors and 3 D geometry , probability &statistics and Algebra. 

Pre-requisites of starting preparation: 

These pre- requisites are basic identities of Algebra, factorisation, simplification techniques, and other school level mathematics involving basics in logarithm, surds, trigonometry , indices, exponents, mensuration, angles etc. Basics in physics , chemistry and chemical formulae and understanding.

Getting started:

Step 1:  The first step always with NCERT books . NCERT books deal with concept , practice questions and miscellaneous exercises. Grade these from topic point of view and follow illustrations. Learning mere by formula approach proves wrong in the long run. For example ,for  inverse trigonometric functions, learn for each function  with domain, range  along with  graph and conversion techniques from one to other ..and practice advanced problems by analysing through graphical approach . 

Similarly while solving problems in calculus, based on continuity, differentiability one should go to the basics and original concepts. Modulus function, step function, integral part function like additional things also are important. Rote learning proves disastrous. Sequences and infinite series, binomial theorem , determinants are very important and testing area now a days . Integration is to be learnt in detail ..Definite integral rules , areas , differential equations of first order also to be practiced in greater depth.

Probability concepts , permutations combinations and relations and functions involve much theoretical learning along with practice .Trigonometry, logarithmic, exponential functions are important tools in solving many problems. Complex numbers , de movier Theorem, heights & distances ( problems on more than one plane)  are also  important. One can expect some tough resting in coordinate geometry in conics, straight line , pair of lines and circles.

Step 2.

This level involved trying Questions from reputed books like for Math

SL Loney plane Trigonometry vol 1  (Miscellaneous questions are important)

SL loney coordinate Geometry

Calculus of one variable by IA maroon

Higher Algebra by Hall & knight

Vectors , probability by schaum 

series .

There are some additional books by Indian Authors from these exams point of view ( JEE and Engg entrances)

By Cengage publishers Tewani ( 5 volumes)

 Black book by Balaji publications 

For physics , the most important aspect is conceptual clarity and problem solving techniques. Conceptual learning , visulisation of problem and mathematical skills in differentiation, integration, logarithms and exponents like ..for example while learning projectile motion,student should understand the detailed trajectory, horizontal, vertical components and variation of height in detail mathematically. Circular motion, simple harmonic motion, problems on pulleys and friction , springs , rigid body dynamics containing centre of mass, moment of inertia..etc  such concepts play very important role in mechanics . Similarly Heat and thermo dynamics, fluid dynamics , wave motion, static and current electricity, circuit simplication techniques , Electromagnetic induction , Alternate current concepts and numericals  and various rules like flemings and Maxwell  ..(with directions of current and field etc) .  One should understand and should explain logically all these. While solving problems on these they should recognise and apply.principle behind it. In nut shell we can summarise as understanding concepts of physics , grasping of  mathematical model.or formulae and application of these while solving numericals.

Physics books..

Resnick and haliday vol 1 & 2

University physics by Sears and zeman sky 

Problems in physics by IRIDOV 

Arora's Physics Galaxy numericals

Optics by Ajay Ghatak

DC Pandey books ..

NCERT books including Exemplar books

CENGAGE PHYSICS volumes.

Chemistry 

This broadly is divided in to physical chemistry, in organic and organic chemistry.

Concepts play most important role in inorganic chemistry where as concepts supported numericals in physical chemistry.  Numericals on Electro chemistry, chemical 

kinetics, solutions, acids and bases, heat, Enthalpy and thermal equilibrium, mole concepts ,lattices crystal structures and such ..

Organic chemistry is vital for good scoring in chemistry. Based on understanding  Reactions , mechanisms behind it,  now a days some problem types in reactions of organic chemistry are also being given.

Chemistry books ( some out of many)

Narendra Avasthi  physical chemistry

Balaji publications

V K jaiswal inorganic chemistry 

Balaji publications

Inorganic chemistry JD Lee

University chemistry by Morrison and boyd

A guide book and mechanism in  organic chemistry by Peter skyes

Step 3:

Advanced preparation:

The last phase involves advanced preparation 

Periodic chapter tests and unit tests..

Previous question papers of JEE and equivalent exams

Various study materials in market like Fiit jee, Allen, Motion study Kota

General:

Students who have some initial zeal and trying attitude have better chances 

Minimum learning from faculties and maximum gain from individual practice, analysis is important. 

Time is the most precious thing in exams. Attempting sure questions reduce negative marks

Out of Box thinking approach  for solving few tricky but easy ones.

Some ready made results help in arriving for quick solutions. Though , in JEE the  paper setter tries to avoid such questions.

Hope JEE aspirants find this useful .. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

Sistla Srinivas.

Founder faculty 

Quest Education centre 

Bengaluru (India)

Disclaimer: The opinions/ choice  expressed by the author are his own and has no bias or tie up with above mentioned authors/ publishers/ organisations. This is purely for academic & guidance purpose only ..