Preparing for Joint Entrance Examination is one of the most daunting tasks, especially when you are running out of time. In this phase of the year, when JEE Main 2018 is just a few months away, having strong basics in physics, math and chemistry can open up a lot of avenues for the aspirants.

Here, the time left for preparation must be used as a tool and not as a crutch. Therefore, strategic planning or subject-wise preparation is the need of the hour. Out of three major subjects, chemistry is the most scoring one, especially, if it is prepared with proper planning and committed study hours. Unlike physics and mathematics, this subject is less about applications and concepts and more about planning.

To make the most of the scoring subject, it is essential to understand the fundamental concepts clearly. Having a good conceptual foundation will enable you to solve the subject problems. Physical chemistry plays a vital role in evolving underlying principles of chemistry, which is more like mathematics and physics. It spots and explicates the properties of the matter. At JEE level, physical chemistry begins from basics of mole concept, quantities at atomic level and goes to energy, thermodynamics and kinetics which forms the basis of how reactions occur.

Other topics like concentration of solutions, chemical equilibrium, atomic structure, thermodynamics or chemical energetic serve as a pillar of chemistry in JEE. Problems of physical chemistry are a bit complex and hence, require lots of training. However, if concepts are at your fingertips, then solving the physical chemistry part becomes a lot easier.

Therefore, it is advised to practice each and every chapter carefully and understand the concepts thoroughly. Physical chemistry has the weightage of 30 to 40 per cent in the JEE chemistry paper and hence it is the most important among the physical, organic and inorganic chemistry. Topics like solid state, gaseous state, chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics and equilibrium should be on top of your preparation list.

The second most important part is the organic chemistry, which is based on the compounds of carbon. Although it is relatively vast but at JEE level, it goes with general organic chemistry. It begins with the concept of resonance, nomenclature, hybridisation, isomerism, hyper conjugation, etc. Apart from these, stereoisomerism also proves to be the most critical part which acts like a stumbling block for most of the students.

Topics like halides, hydrocarbons, alcohols and phenols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, etc, must be pinned in the mind of every student. Inorganic chemistry is all about chemical reactions in the most primitive method. Here, the study is based on Mendeleev’s Periodic Table as the elements are divided according to their groups. The other scoring part of inorganic chemistry is the co-ordination compounds followed by analytical chemistry and chemical reactions and metallurgy. The chemistry paper contains questions which are direct in nature and based on direct application of concepts. If you are well versed with the basic concepts then answering these questions can be a second’s job for you.

To make the entire preparation process of preparing chemistry simpler and fruitful, here are a few guidelines as a study strategy:

• Focus on clearing concepts, application skills and completing the syllabus on time.
• Chemistry demands practice. Numerical in Chemistry may appear simpler, but require lots of practice to ensure no errors are made. Pay attention to each and every detail mentioned in the question.
• The key to emerge victorious in Organic Chemistry is the Patience. Give ample time to topics like general organic chemistry, stereochemistry, etc.
• Chemistry is highly scoring in every section. If you find yourself bit behind in any one of the topics, focus on improving the other two sections.
• Attempt theoretical questions first followed by numerical questions.
• Must solve at least 10 to15 previous years’ question papers before appearing in JEE. This will help you get the right temperament of the exam.

Consistent study is the key to success. So, whether it is about chemistry, physics or math, the vital part in every section is unswerving preparation and regular revision of concepts. With only few months left for the JEE 2018, pulling up the socks and setting yourself on a course to reach your goal is the call of the hour.

The writer is an FIITJEE expert