— Nabin Kaarki
The journey toward success in competitive exams like NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is marked by rigorous preparation. Both exams — NEET for medical aspirants and JEE for engineering — demand meticulous planning and a structured approach. However, the strategies for subject-specific preparation in these exams have unique subtleties that are crucial for aspirants looking to succeed in these challenging tests.
Biology vs. Mathematics
NEET aspirants prioritise Biology, a substantial section of the exam (50 per cent), focusing on comprehensive understanding, memorisation, and interpretation of biological concepts, complemented by extensive reading of NCERT books. In contrast, JEE applicants delve deeply into mathematics, emphasising problem-solving skills and a profound understanding of complex mathematical concepts through various resources.
Serial No.
Important Chapters in NEET Biology
Important Chapters in JEE Main Mathematics
Important Chapters in JEE Advanced Mathematics
1
Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
Matrices and Determinants
Conic Sections
2
Molecular Basis of Inheritance
3-Dimensional Geometry
Integrals
3
Human Reproduction
Limits, Continuity &
Differentiability
Application
of Derivatives
4
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
Sequence & Series
Complex Number and
Quadratic Equations
5
Animal Kingdom
Definite Integrals
Trigonometric Functions
6
Principles of Inheritance and Variation
Vectors
Probability
7
Biomolecules
Binomial Theorems
Continuity and
Differentiability
8
Cell: The Unit of Life
Differential Equations
Vector Algebra
9
Evolution
Application of Derivatives
Three Dimensional
Geometry
10
Morphology of Flowering Plants
Permutations & Combinations
Sequences and Series
Chemistry
The Chemistry syllabi of NEET and JEE share many similarities. However, JEE poses complex questions that are more computation-oriented.
NEET-specific preparation:
Commence with a meticulous study of the NCERT book, as questions often mirror its content.
Memorise formulas and equations, creating a formula chart for easy reference.
Regularly practise solving numerical problems.
JEE-specific preparation:
Prioritise understanding Physical Chemistry formulas and their applications.
Practise rapid calculations for answering physical chemistry questions, optimising time management during the exam.
Excel in Organic Chemistry by mastering name reactions and crucial equations, concentrating on understanding reaction mechanisms.
Serial No.
Important Chapters in NEET Chemistry
Important Chapters in JEE Main Chemistry
Important Chapters in JEE Advanced Chemistry
1
Thermodynamics
Biomolecules, Polymers,
Chemistry in Everyday Life
The P-Block Elements
2
Equilibrium
The s-Block Elements,
Hydrogen
Aldehydes, Ketones
and Carboxylic Acids
3
Hydrocarbons
Aldehyde, Ketone and
Carboxylic Acid
Coordination Compounds
4
Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
Coordination Compounds
Thermodynamics
5
Chemical Kinetics
Electrochemistry, Redox Reactions
& Volumetric Analysis
Electrochemistry
6
Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
Organic Chemistry: Some Basic
Principles and Techniques
Hydrocarbons
7
The P-Block Elements
The p-Block Elements
(Group 13 to Group 18)
Organic Chemistry: Some Basic Principles & Techniques
8
Electrochemistry
Equilibrium
Chemical Kinetics
and Nuclear Chemistry
9
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Amines
Principles of Qualitative Analysis
10
Coordination Compounds
Chemical Bonding and
Molecular Structure
Amines
11
Biomolecules
12
Organic Chemistry Basic Principles and Techniques
Physics
Although the Physics syllabi of NEET and JEE share similarities, JEE questions, unlike NEET, often require multiple concepts in one question.
NEET-specific preparation:
Avoid consulting multiple books on a single topic, relying on trusted sources.
Mark crucial questions, particularly in Mechanics and Electromagnetism, for effective revision.
Grasp fundamental ideas and concepts before delving into formulas.
JEE-specific preparation:
Develop conceptual clarity for solving numerical problems.
After solving problems in NCERT and HC Verma’s books, tackle more advanced problems in Irodov’s book.
Utilise diagrams to solve problems efficiently. Practise putting data on a diagram for analysis and step minimisation.
Develop analytical skills for problem-solving without relying on memorisation.
Exposure to Olympiad exams enhances readiness for JEE Advanced.
Serial No.
Important Chapters in NEET Physics
Important Chapters in JEE Main Physics
Important Chapters in JEE Advanced Physics
1
Electromagnetism
Current Electricity
System of Particles
and Rotational Motion
2
Modern Physics
System of particles
and Rotational motion
Ray Optics And
Optical Instruments
3
Geometrical Optics
Semiconductors
Thermodynamics
4
Mechanics
Ray Optics
Current Electricity
5
Semiconductor Devices
Moving Charges and
Magnetism
Mechanical
Properties of Fluids
6
Work, Power and
Energy
Waves & Sound
7
Electric Potential &
Capacitance
Moving Charges
and Magnetism
8
Thermodynamics
Electric Charges
and Fields
9
Dual Nature of
Radiation and Matter
Work, Energy
and Power
10
Physical World & Units
and Measurement
Nuclei
Variance of Materials
NEET
JEE Main
JEE Advanced
Chemistry
NCERT books
NCERT – XI and XII (Part 1 & 2);Organic Chemistry by Morrison Boyd;Numerical Chemistry by P Bahadur;Concise Inorganic Chemistry by JD Lee;Organic and Inorganic Chemistry by OP Tandon
Physical Chemistry by Atkins;Organic Chemistry by Solomons;Concise Inorganic Chemistry by JD Lee;Basic Inorganic Chemistry by Cotton and Wilkinson
Physics
NCERT books and Concept of Physics by HC Verma (Vol. I & II)
NCERT Books (Vol. 1 & 2 of 11th & 12th);Concept of Physics (Vol. 1 & Vol. 2) by HC Verma;Fundamental Physics by David Halliday, Jearl Walker, and Robert Resnick;Problems in General Physics by IE Irodov
NCERT Books (Vol. 1 & 2 of 11th & 12th); Concept of Physics (Vol. 1 & Vol. 2) by HC Verma;
Problems in General Physics by IE Irodov;
Problems in Physics by SS Krotov;
Problems in Elementary Physics by Bukhovtsev & Shalnov;
While both NEET and JEE demand dedication, resilience, and a structured study approach, the key differences lie in the emphasis on specific subjects and the depth of knowledge required. NEET leans towards a more holistic understanding of concepts, focusing on memorisation and application, while JEE leans towards mathematical prowess, problem-solving, and an in-depth grasp of scientific principles.