Tips and Tricks to secure best ranking in Jee Mains 2014

The JEE (Mains) 2014 final merit list used for admission to various Undergraduate Engineering Programmes is based on 40% of marks scored in School Boards and 60% weightage is given to marks scored in JEE (Mains) . As exams approach its time to study smart so you can perform your best at the JEE Mains examination in April 2014. Here are some tips!

Paper 1
B. E/ B. Tech aspirants are required to attempt Paper 1, which consists of objective-type questions divided equally amongst Maths, Physics and Chemistry. The exam may be attempted through computer based testing or pen and paper based testing.

Paper 2 
B.Arch. /B. Planning aspirants are required to attempt Paper 2 which can only be attempted by pen and paper based testing. The exam is based on Maths (objective-type questions), Aptitude Test and a Drawing Test. 

Candidates interested in applying for both B. E/ B. Tech and B.Arch./B. Planning can attempt both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

TIPS:
- Do not neglect your school studies as they will help prepare a foundation for your JEE Mains preparation.
- Focus on understanding basic concepts and avoid memorizing blindly.
- Prepare for the Aptitude and Drawing exams by increasing your observation skills and practicing drawing. 
- To for 3D/2D topic questions and other technical questions Engineering Drawing notes will be helpful.
- Break down the syllabus month wise and then weekly. Set reasonable goals but be sure to meet them. 
- As individual topic mark distribution hasn't been given, spend enough time on each topic to understand the concept and be able to answer questions then move on to the next topic.
- Don't study from too many reference books as it's likely to get confusing, it's best to focus on NCERT for concepts and use previous year question banks and sample papers. 
- If there are any doubts its essential to clear them as soon as possible. 
- Try to study a few topics from each subject each day, for example 2 topics each from Maths, Physics and Chemistry. This helps your mind prepare for answering questions from all three subjects.
- Create separate quick revision notes for each subject. Your quick revision notes should contain important formulae, important concepts and points you feel you are likely to forget. Go through the quick revision notes as often as possible. 
- For remembering definitions try studying from flash cards. 
- To remember detailed notes try using mnemonics.
- Practice previous year papers/ sample papers to be able to identify trends and to find out your weaknesses. 
- Keep the last 2 months for revision.
- Focus on studying topics that are your weak points and continue practicing sample papers/previous year papers.
- In the last month practice the exam papers during the same timings as the official exam, this will help you get into the habit of remembering and writing answers at that time. 
- If group studies suit you try discussing physics concepts, quiz each other on chemistry topics and attempt Maths quizzes together.
- Keep reading your quick revision notes. 


Subject-wise SYLLABUS:
1. Maths: Sets, Relations and Functions; Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations; Matrices and Determinants; Permutations and Combinations; Mathematical Induction; Binomial Theorem and its Simple Applications; Sequences and Series; Limit, Continuity and Differentiability; Integral Calculus; Differential Equations; Co-ordinate Geometry; Three Dimensional Geometry; Vector Algebra; Statistics and Probability; Trigonometry and Mathematical Reasoning. 
2. Physics: Physics and Measurement; Kinematics; Laws of Motion; Work, Energy and Power; Rotational Motion; Gravitation; Properties of Solids and Liquids; Thermodynamics; Kinetic Theory of Gases; Oscillations and Waves; Electrostatics; Current Electricity; Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism; Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents; Electromagnetic Waves; Optics; Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation; Atoms and Nuclei; Electronic Devices and Communication Systems.
3. Chemistry
- Section A - Physical Chemistry: Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry; States of Matter; Atomic Structure; Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure; Chemical Thermodynamics; Solutions; Equilibrium; Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry; Chemical Kinetics and Surface Chemistry
- Section B - Inorganic Chemistry: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties; General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals; Hydrogen; S-Block Elements; P-Block Elements; D and F Block Elements; Coordination Compounds and Environmental Chemistry
- Section C - Organic Chemistry: Purification and Characterization of Organic Compounds; Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry; Hydrocarbons; Organic Compounds Containing Halogens; Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen; Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen; Polymers; Biomolecules; Chemistry in Everyday Life and Principles Related to Practical Chemistry
4. Aptitude Test: Awareness (of persons, places, building, materials), Objects, Texture related to Architecture and build-environment. Visualizing 3 dimensional objects from 2 dimensional drawings. Visualizing different sides of 3 dimensional objects. Analytical reasoning and mental ability (visual, numerical and verbal). 
5. Drawing Test: 3 dimensional perception: Understanding and appreciation of scale and proportion of objects, building forms and elements, color texture, harmony and contrast. Design and drawing of geometrical or abstract shapes and patterns in pencil. Transformation of forms both 2D and 3D union, subtraction, rotation, development of surfaces and volumes, generation of plan, elevations and 3D views of objects. Creating 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional compositions using given shapes and forms. Sketching of scenes and activities from memory of urbanscape (public space, market, festivals, street scenes, monuments, recreational spaces etc), landscape (river fronts, jungles, gardens, trees, plants etc) and rural life. 

The best way to prepare would be to prepare for your School boards together with JEE Mains as the basic concepts are similar. Although format of tests is different you can still utilize the knowledge gained for the board exams for JEE Mains preparation.