Best Books for JEE

The first question which pops up in every JEE aspirants mind-Which books to solve? Quite a naive question(you will realize it after you give the exam :p). Don't worry, I am here to guide you all ; )

You might wanna check out individual subject posts as well : )

The answer is subjective and varies from person to person. But let me tell you, that basically, all good and highly valued books in the market are good(there are some bullshit books too, and stay away from them).

The structure of the post will be Subject-Must have books-Book sets for additional practice(but choose only one set of them)-Books for those aiming for very good ranks or Olympiads.

I will be mentioning many books. Don't get overwhelmed on seeing it. Most people don't study them all. Some books are good for theory, some for problems and some books are used for specific topics. I'll mention alternatives to books. You can buy them too. I'll provide pros and cons wherever possible. 

I have extensively searched the web for the latest and best editions of the books. To ease out things for you guys, I have included links to the books too, so that you can directly buy the books instead of wasting time searching for them(time is precious!). Just click on the link, and you will see the correct edition.

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PHYSICS-

Must have books-

1. HC Verma- God book of JEE Physics. Must do for all. Read theory and solve questions. As many as possible. If you are buying one book, this is it.

2. NCERT- Another must have. Reading NCERT will help you answer the theoretical problems asked in the paper, and will help you with JEE(Main). It will give you a heads up for boards too. Also, see the links below for all four books(read both parts of classes 11th and 12th).

3.Previous papers questions- Must solve each and everyone of them.


    


For more practice(and must have for those who don't go for any coaching)-

1.Arihant Physics Series- Its an awesome resource for quality problems and must have for self-study students who are serious. It will help you clear all the concepts which are taught in coaching. Coaching guys can use it as extra practice. This is must solve for self-study guys if you wanna crack JEE(Advanced). It has really nice problems and theory.

    

2. Cengage Series- This is an equally good series. I haven't used it personally, but I heard it is good. You can use it as an alternative to Arihant(avoid using both, it will confuse you), if you r teachers/ friends discuss it, or you like it. As you wish.

     


Books for problem practice-

You can do Coaching sheet+must have books+ Problem books as a complete package(I did this too). Include the books above(in point 2) if you don't go to coaching.

1. DC Pandey-Awesome numericals.

2. D. Mukherjee- Awesome book for theoretical questions. Simple, and very conceptual book.

  

Books for a high rank/Olympiads-

1. I.E. Irodov- Must solve this if you are aiming for top 100/Olympiads(shown above).

2. Resnick Halliday Krane- Mainly for Olympiads, but it has great theory and problems. A notch above HCV.


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MATHEMATICS-

Fortunately, I find that mathematics doesn't need many books, so I'll list them directly instead of categorizing. So, the must-have book for coaching student is just NCERT and past papers. To be honest, NCERT isn't needed much in Mathematics, but you can read it for JEE(Main) specific topics or boards. Just solve your coaching stuff really well(or follow the next point if you are not satisfied, or aspire for more).

  


So, you can choose between Arihant Skills in Mathematics or Cengage series by G. Tewani. Both have good questions, but I found Arihant to be good. I solved them and they have really good questions.

Arihant-

     

Cengage-

     


For Extra practice, you can go for A Das Gupta (specially for class 11 students). You can go to my Olympiads page for books related to Olympiads.




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CHEMISTRY-

Again, like mathematics, Chemistry is best taught by Coaching classes. It would be best if you try to get your hands on them. Still, for self-study guys, I would suggest you to go for popular books on the subject, like the ones given below, for theory. There is no good book of Physical Chemistry for theory known to me, but you can go for P. Bahadur for problems. I have mentioned few more books below, which I heard are good(I mostly studied foreign author books and my coaching sheets. You can again follow Cengage or Arihant series if you are studying on your own. But I feel that students with access to good coaching material should avoid books for theory.

Also, NCERT is very important for chemistry section. Study NCERT really well. It is highly important. Remember everything in NCERT.

NCERT-

   

Some good books-

      

Cengage(I treid my best, but Inorganic Chemistry part 1 is not available as latest edition on Amazon)

    


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There are countless books available out there. But not all books are good. I recommended only books I personally found good or heard from a credible person about their quality. I missed many good books like RC Mukherjee and all, mainly because I don't want to confuse you guys. It is easy to get confused. Read the description I mentioned before buying. Too many books are bad too. 

Comment anything, and follow the blog for more!

I hope it helps.

All the best!

Also see: Organic Chemistry, Mechanics, Algebra, Motivation

Strategy to solve I.E. Irodov

You can refer this answer for a discussion on Irodov, my pattern to solve it, and how you should solve it.

You can find the solutions to Irodov in these books. These are in the latest edition, so you can order them from here-



These are the solutions I consulted, and they are really clear and crsip. Note that the second book might get out of stock soon, so you can use the kindle edition. It's economical, and environment friendly. Also, you must try a question on your own until you really need the solution.

Here is a list of problems from Irodov which are in JEE syllabus(sorry for the sideways orientation) :p.

Also see: Best books for JEE preparation, Organic Chemistry, Mechanics, Algebra, Motivation

Revision in class 12

Hi guys!!!

Many of you had been asking me for a post on revision. Especially students of class 12. At this moment class 11 students don't have much to revise, so this post is mainly for students of class 12. But I recommend everyone to read it(so that class 11 students can avoid common mistakes people usually commit).

So there would be two kinds of students-

1. Who studied well in class 11(i.e. all their concepts are clear, they didn't leave many topics, practiced a lot, remember all formulae, equations, reactions, etc.)
2. Those who didn't study very well(i.e. have many backlogs, have forgotten many concepts, or don't remember them very well, or just didn't prepare for the exam).

Both kinds of people need to revise well now. But the strategies would be different. Don't feel bad if you didn't study well in class 11, you can still do wonders. Just follow the below guidelines sincerely, and I assure you good revision.
Coming to those who have studied well in class 11. You might be students aiming at IITs, and are really serious about it. You might be aiming for a top 100 or 50 finish. You have studied well in 11th. Half the job done. Now, make sure you don't get relaxed now and study even more. Attend all classes in 12th and clear every doubt. Make sure you understand class 12th well too. Now coming to the revision part, you should take out a fixed amount of time everyday(or make a few big slots every week). Make a diary and list all the topics in which you feel the slightest of doubt. Then pick up few of them everyday and design a schedule as to when are you going to cover them(you can adjust on the basis of your coaching test schedule maybe). Read theory quickly first (short notes help in this, and I recommend you to make them if not done yet) and then practice some good quality questions. Try to cover all major types of questions so that you revise everything(marking important questions while solving a book/coaching module helps in this process, so do it now if you haven't done it before). Try to give regular tests so that you have an idea of your progress. Also, try to mark yourself after every revision session. Use a timer to time yourself. Make sure you analyze,e your mistakes during those sessions. This will improve both speed and accuracy.

Now coming to students who didn't study well/didn't study at all in class 11, you have lots of time left. 1 year is enough to score any range of marks in JEE. I mean it. Just be patient and follow these points-

First of all, sit-down, take a copy and note down all the reason which due to which you couldn't study. Was it lack of awareness? Lack of commitment? Lack of hard work? Lack of Intelligence(well trust me on this, JEE doesn't need intelligence. All the intelligence factors fades away if you work hard enough).

Try to remove that as much as possible. You have already wasted a year. If you can't focus now, I am sorry, you can't make it. But if you are ready to focus, it's not that tough.

Coming to the point, first list the topics into three categories- topics you are comfortable with, topics which you are okayish with, and topics you don't know at all. Now sit with a teacher and sort the list on the basis of their importance in class 12 topics (e.g.- Ionic Equilibrium is required for Electrochemistry). Now sort it such that the most important topics come at the top. Starting from the top, try to cover the ones which you don't know at all. Pick up a Sunday/holiday, sit for 10-12 hours and complete it. First read theory(class notes/NCERT/any standard book, go to Books post if you don't know about it). Then start with some easy questions(exercise 1 of coaching sheet or any good question bank). Slowly advance to the more tough questions. Try to decide topics of class 11 which you'll improve on a weekly basis. Like I'll revise chemical and ionic equilibrium this week, etc. If you follow this and work hard enough, I guess 2 months are enough to clear most backlogs. And then follow the rules I mentioned for the students who studied well in class 11. And try to do more tough questions once backlogs are clear.

I hope this will clear confusions. Comment anything which you wish to ask. Follow the blog for regular posts.

All the best!!!

Also check : Best books for JEE , Motivation, A complete JEE preparation guide, Organic Chemistry, Mechanics, Algebra,

Mechanics

Many of you would have started with mechanics by now(class 11 people I mean). New nightmare right? (:p) But trust me, this is an area which is hated by many by the time it starts and is loved by the time your course is about to get over. However, JEE has got a reputation for asking some really mind-boggling questions from Mechanics. But don't worry, I am here to guide you through a step by step analysis of Mechanics.

It starts with Kinematics. Be clear with Vectors and Basic Math, and you are done. Practice a lot at this stage because you would have an early practice of solving equations fast.

So, the next chapter is NLM. It might be seeming very tough to you, but don't worry, by the end of your course you would be really comfortable with it. Practice a lot of questions. I can't emphasize it more. Be thorough with concepts like friction, strings, and pulleys, Normal force, Circular Motion, etc. Practice till you are perfect.

Then comes Work, Power Energy, and Gravitation. Practice conservation of Energy a lot. It is very important in Physics. Gravitation is linked to this. Again, look out for Energy conservation and Kepler's law when solving Gravitation questions. Work-Energy Theorem is another important concept. Make yourself comfortable with the topic.

Coming to Centre of Mass, and Momentum. One of the toughest chapters after Rotation. Tough nut to crack. Step one could be trying to remember all concepts and equations. It helps a lot. Be thorough with vectors. Momentum conservation relies a lot on it. Collisions has some interesting problems. Be thorough with the main formulae. Conservation of Momentum and Energy are central here. Remember positions of COM of various objects. It will be very helpful in future. Remember some basic cases in collisions(small object, heavy object, same masses, etc.) Spring questions are common. Be aware of springs in parallel/series, and basic equations.

Rotation is a real tough nut, and JEE asks some really awesome questions from this section. This is tough and has got a good weightage. You must give a good amount of time to it. It begins with Moment of Inertia. Learn the MI of various standards objects, and be thorough with the derivations. It will help you in case some questions based on calculating MI comes in JEE. Then there is a discussion of angular velocity, rotational Kinematics, etc. Pretty easy if thorough with basic trigonometry and Kinematics. Then comes torque, angular momentum, etc. This seems tough, but it will come naturally to you with time if you are clear with NLM. Remember there are only few equation, T=I(alpha), and L=Iw. Try to remember these using a correlation with NLM. Conservation of Angular momentum is very important. Lots of questions are asked from this topic. Be clear with the axis of rotation and the point about which you are trying to conserve it. Massive problem solving will help.

Then comes SHM. Another basic and important topic. Remember the derivation and equations of SHM. Remember the Time Period formulae. It will save a lot of time on the final day. Questions involving finding the Time Period of any mechanical system are common. Be thorough with them.

Fluid Dynamics and Elasticity- Not very important but few easy questions come for sure. You don't wanna miss them. Continuity equation, variation of pressure with depth, and Bernoulli equation are important. Try to do some questions of Surface Tension too(JEE has asked some really tough questions from this topics). Elasticity has a graph of Stress vs Strain. Remember it well. These chapters have a bunch of long equations. Try to remember them. There might be a few questions at least in JEE(Main) where you would need to evaluate the expression.

So, this was the chapter Synopsis. Coming to the preparation strategy, first of all listen to your coaching lecture/online lecture and do homework, and discuss in class if you are in a coaching. This will help you clear Mechanics.

Coming to books(and hence the self-study guys too) HCV is the god-book for Mechanics. Read every line(irrespective of whether you are in a coaching or not), understand everything and solve each question. Solutions are available somewhere on the Internet I guess(don't know if they are copyrighted or something, so beware). Discuss with teachers. If you sincerely solve all questions of Mechanics then no one can stop you from being a Master of Mechanics. I also recommend reading NCERT. It gives a wonderful insight into the subject and will prepare you for JEE(Main) and Boards too. If you need more objective practice, go for DC Pandey Problems book. Deb Mukherjee's book is really good for conceptual questions. And then comes the GOD- I.E. Irodov. This will prepare you for Olympiads, and for facing any question in JEE(Advanced). Solve this only if you have time and are done with the above stuff. Better do it during Holidays. But trust me, Irodov will give you an upper edge if you are aiming for a top 100 rank or so.

You can buy the books at a cheap rate from these links -

1. HC Verma                                             
2. DC Pandey Problems book
3. DCP Mechanics Part 1
4. DCP Mechanics Part 2
5. Irodov
               
    


This was Mechanics. I'll cover more things with time. Feel free to comment any doubt/suggestions.

All the best!!!

P.S.- Guys, do follow the blog(using the option of the left) for regular updates. I'll be adding a lot of information in my summer vacations.

Also see: Best books for JEE , Electromagnetism,Motivation, A complete JEE preparation guide, Organic Chemistry, Algebra,

Some Quora answers for exams

Motivation:

A motivational answer and must read, cause it means a lot to me.

My JEE story

For those who think of themselves as 'weak' students

How to stop being average

Perks of being at an IIT

Increasing productivity

Motivating yourself to study

Life at IITB

Some advices for students in class 9-10



Strategies:

Avoiding Social Media

Must have skills for any competitive examination

My schedule during JEE preparations

The best way to prepare for JEE

Some common mistakes during JEE preparations

Making a timetable

Some study hacks

Clear every exam in one click



Tests:

Must avoid mistakes during any exam(read a day before the exam too)

Analyzing test papers

If you are in Class 11:

For students at in the beginning of class 11.

Read it if you are are about to start class 11 or 12th exams

A year and a half left for JEE

For class 12 students:

JEE(Main) with just NCERT

Read it if you are are about to start class 11 or 12th exams

For students in the beginning of class 12.

How to score really well in JEE(Main)

Last days(after board exams):

3 weeks before JEE(Main)

10 days before JEE(Main)

Strategy after your JEE(Main) is over(40 days before JEE(Advanced))


Also check : Best books for JEE , A complete JEE preparation guide, Organic Chemistry, Mechanics, Algebra, Motivation

Last minute tips for JEE(Advanced)

It's all (almost) over. Around one week left for JEE(Advanced).

Time to add the finishing touches.

Nothing much can be done now for the study part. I would recommend seeing your formula book/ revise notes of all chapters. Don't try to study anything new. You can try learning chemistry for sure though. Inorganic Chemistry can be revised completely, and trust me, you MUST do it because final week revision is very important for Inorganic. Read the notes/book and try to recall everything(and maybe solve a few questions). You should also go for revising Organic Reactions and important mechanisms.

You must try to give at least 3 full-length tests in the last week if your syllabus is over. And in the same duration. Below are few things(many of them follow from the JEE(Main) article I wrote, cause they are used here too) which I feel must be followed on the exam day-

1. Before entering the exam hall:

• Make sure you bring all your documents, admit card, etc and reach before time.
• Drink enough water, have adequate food(not too much), stop studying by 8 P.M. or so on a day before the exam(have at least 7–8 hours of sleep).
• Go to the washroom before entering if you feel the need(you don’t want to go during the paper)
• .Many students study outside the exam hall. I don’t recommend that, and I also recommend ignoring such people if you aren’t one of them.
• Talk to your parents/guardian/teachers if they are present. Avoid talking to your ‘friends’. I remember my physics teacher saying that I should not worry, as he was pretty confident that I would go beyond expectations. These things ease out pressure.
• Be positive.

2. In the hall before the paper is distributed:

• You would be given an OMR sheet. You don’t want to mess with it. Fill all the details(please forgive me if the exam is online, just click the bubble in that case).
• DON’T FILL THE DETAILS(SPECIALLY ROLL NUMBER) WRONG.
• Do not mess with the invigilators in any way.
• Make sure you have filled everything correctly. You would still have around 30 minutes before paper commencements.(don’t remember the sequence, it might be before OMR distribution).
• Now, avoid talking to people around you. They would be unknown mostly. A self-talk helps at this time(I was pretty good at it).
• Relax and take a heavy breath(and all that kind of shit), but don’t sleep.

3. After Paper-1 is distributed:

• Don’t dive straight into the paper. Spend some time(5 minutes or so) looking at the questions. Try to get an idea as to what is tough and easy.
• Based on what is easy and what is your best subject, decide where to start.
• Attempt only a few easy questions in the beginning. Attempt 3-4 very easy questions from all the subjects first instead of attempting 15 questions from, say physics. This is where a lot of people go wrong. This builds confidence, as well as makes sure you attempt more.
• Don’t get stuck on a question for long. You can always do it later. This is a huge pitfall. JEE(Advanced) is meant to be tough(usually), and you must learn to move ahead if you get stuck.
• Fill the OMR section carefully and don’t keep it pending for the end. That sheet shows years of hard work. If you fill it wrong or you could not fill it(i.e. the exam gets over it before you fill it), then it would be really bad.
• Don’t answer without knowing(fluke).Choose the best option when in confusion. Don’t rely on ‘bonuses’.
• Use rough space wisely. It comes less in quantity(maybe they would provide some rough sheets, be careful whatever happens).
• Solve fast, but don’t solve things wrong. Cross check quickly before bubbling, if its possible. Use objective approach whenever possible(specially in mathematics). Differentiating options, considering equilateral triangle, eliminating options should be used as much as possible.

4. After Paper-1 and before Paper-2:

• Make sure you DON'T discuss the paper with anyone. Better stay away from everyone. Go to your parents/guardian/teachers. 
• Have some LIGHT food. Don't eat too much, else you'll feel sleepy(and don't stay hungry as well). Take some rest in a car or something if possible, and don't fall asleep. Do something relaxing(meditation,etc.). Stay energetic, and use this time to recover your energy.
• Don't get affected by performance in Paper 1 in any way. You might get overconfident or underconfident. Avoid it under all circumstances.
• Go back to the exam hall before the allotted time(30 minutes or as instructed).

5. During Paper 2:

• All points mentioned in Paper 1.
• Be energetic and unyielding irrespective of what happened in paper 1.

6. After the paper is over:

• Head straight home, and enjoy. You have been studying so hard for all these years. Time to chill!!!

You all must realize that JEE(Advanced) is one of the toughest exams out there, and you should respect that. Leave a question for later if you don't know/can't do it. Make the best out of those 6 hours. This is your last fight(for some time, of course), give your best shot.

It’s your moment, squeeze it and make it golden.

All the best!!!