JEE Main 2026 Maths: Most Important Chapters & Exact Priority List

As JEE Main 2026 approaches, anxiety and confusion naturally rise, especially around one question every aspirant asks: “Which are the most important topics?” Students fall into different categories some have strong chapters, some have backlogs, and others feel they know almost nothing in maths. This guide breaks everything down clearly, based entirely on previous year data, so you can plan your preparation with the right priority.

This article explains the most important Class 11 and 12 chapters, a clear Part A–B–C–D preference order, and preparation plans for beginners, backlog students, and advanced students. It also offers a topic-wise method for those who are short on time. Everything here comes directly from the analysis of the last five years of JEE Main papers, and the same trend generally continues each year. You should write this preference list on an A4 sheet and keep it near your study table until both attempts of JEE Main 2026 are over. Once you complete a chapter, simply tick it off.

The Data-Based Approach

This prioritisation comes purely from analysing how many questions were asked from each chapter across previous JEE Main papers. The ranking is based on the average number of questions and consistency.

PART A — The Most Important Block (Highest Priority)

These chapters have an almost 100% question frequency and are extremely reliable. You will definitely see questions from these in your shift.
In Class 12, the top Part A chapters are Vectors Algebra, 3D Geometry, Matrices and Determinants.
In Class 11, Part A includes Sequence and Series, Straight Lines, Binomial Theorem, and Permutation and Combination.
This block should be your highest and immediate priority.

PART B — Second Priority Chapters

The second most important category consists of chapters that also appear frequently.
From Class 12, these include Differential Equation, Definite Integration with Area under the Curve, Relations and Functions, and Application of Derivatives.
From Class 11, the key Part B chapters are Circle, Quadratic Equations, Complex Numbers and Statistics.

Within Class 12, the preferred order based on weightage remains: Vectors and 3D first, Matrices–Determinants next, followed by Differential Equation and Definite Integration/Area under Curve, then Relations and Functions, and finally Application of Derivatives.

PART C — Third Priority Chapters

These chapters carry medium but consistent weightage.
In Class 12, Probability, Limits and Continuity & Differentiability fall into this category.
In Class 11, Part C includes Ellipse, Hyperbola, Parabola and Trigonometric Equations. Even though Trigonometric Equations was officially removed from the syllabus, questions were still asked in 2024 and 2025, so it should not be ignored. Ellipse and Hyperbola are grouped together because many formulas and concepts overlap.

PART D — Supporting but Necessary Chapters (Fourth Priority)

These topics are supporting but important and cannot be skipped.
In Class 12, they include Methods of Differentiation, Indefinite Integration and Inverse Trigonometric Functions.
In Class 11, Part D contains Trigonometric Ratios and Identities, Properties of Triangles and Basic Mathematics with Logarithm.
Basic Mathematics and Logarithms are usually revised first because their tools—especially inequalities and log properties—appear indirectly in many other chapters even though the number of direct questions is lower.

How to Decide If a Chapter Is “Covered”

There is no fixed limit to consider a chapter complete. You must first locate yourself honestly.

Category 1: “Sir, I know nothing.” (Maths weakest)

If you feel you barely know one or two chapters with confidence, the best method is topic-wise preparation rather than full chapters. For example, from 3D you can learn Shortest Distance Between Two Skew Lines; from Determinants, System of Linear Equations and adjoint properties; from S&S, focus on AP–GP basics and AGP; in P&C concentrate on rank-of-word and committee formation; and in Binomial handle remainder problems.
For everything you pick, learn the concept and formula properly and solve at least 20 PYQs of that exact topic. You do not have time for full chapters, so this is the safest approach. Your aim should be 8–12 correct questions, which is enough for a decent score.

Category 2: “Some chapters done, some backlog.” (50–50 students)

If half your syllabus is done and half is pending, complete backlog chapters using one-shot lectures such as the Manzil series. For chapters that are already done, revise using your notes and PYQs. Try to solve 50–70 PYQs per chapter. Use PYQ PDFs freely available online or on the PW App Library. PYQs must become your main source of practice.

Category 3: “Everything is fine, just revision needed.” (Strong students)

If you're already strong in maths, do not leave anything. Solve at least 70 PYQs per chapter and attempt more papers because maths is naturally lengthy and stamina plays a major role. Keep an error log for mistakes and practise difficult papers like JEE 2022 to strengthen accuracy under pressure. If vectors or 3D is weak for you, fix it immediately as these topics are too important to compromise.

For Students Who Fear Maths

If maths is your weakest subject, do not target 20–25 correct questions. Aim for 8–12 accurate answers. Your main scoring should come from Physics and Chemistry. Try to finish those two subjects in 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes and give the remaining time fully to maths. If you don’t do this, your attempt count will fall and your rank will suffer.

Closing Advice

Every student is capable. Your rank will depend on how honestly you identify your category, how strictly you follow the priority order, how consistently you solve PYQs and how well you reduce errors.
Write the Part A–B–C–D list, stick it near your table and tick topics as you finish them. Follow the plan exactly as explained.