Education Times Article on IIT-JEE

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The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology is one of the most competitive exams in India, with nearly 2.5 lakh aspirants appearing for it. However, only about 5000 students are selected. Here are a few tips that can help you make the cut if you’re planning on appearing for the JEE in 2010. 
 

Format of the Exam

The format of JEE papers keeps changing. However, for the last three years, the format has included two separate papers, each of a threehour duration. Each of these two papers includes three sections on physics, chemistry and mathematics. The questions in these papers are of the senior-secondary academic level expected at the stage. Each section includes questions under different headings.
 

Master Mathematics

To score in mathematics, you need to have the ability to solve simple, stereotypical questions, as well as challenging and complex problems that you might have to face unexpectedly. 

Before you solve a problem, it is important that you: (a) Identify exactly what needs to be answered (b) Identify the data and conditions that will guide you to the answer (c) Visualise the problem mentally, and if needed, draw a sketch or a diagram from the given data and write the appropriate symbols and equations. 1.While attempting questions, do not make any one problem a prestige issue. If you are unable to solve the problem within a reasonable amount of time, skip the question and move on. There might be simple problems awaiting you. 2. Don’t be tempted to guess the answer to a question. It may prove costly if there is negative marking. 3. Always attempt some mock question papers in a simulated environment. There are many online tests that provide mock practice tests for students. One such website is www.testmate.in. 

Problem Solving Skills Step 1

Read and understand the problem clearly - (a) What am I supposed to find? (b) What am I solving for? (c) What data and conditions have been provided? Step 2:Develop and carry out a plan of action - (a) Have I ever solved a similar problem? (b) What strategy should be followed? (c) How do I apply the skills needed to implement a strategy? Step 3: Find the answer and check it - (a) Does the proposed solution seem to be reasonable? (b) Does the proposed solution need to be checked? In multiple choice questions or multiple-answer questions, try to identify the choices that cannot be correct or choices that immediately follow from the other choices. 
- Dr Ravi Prakash is a reader in mathematics at Rajdhani College, University of Delhi, and has co-authored Tata McGraw-Hill's book on the subject 

Prep for Phyiscs

The format of the physics section in the JEE question paper is changing every year. Subjective problems, which involve detailed solutions, have been dispensed with. For the first time, in JEE-2007, questions based on paragraph, assertionreason type questions and questions on matrix matching were included. In JEE -2008, MCQs with more than one correct choice were included in the paper. Studying tips 1. Learn the definitions and formulae in each chapter first. It is essential to understand the assumptions involved in deriving a formula. The technique and mathematical tools and logic used must be clearly recognised and understood. 
2. Write down important formulae in a separate notebook. Also, make a note of special techniques used in solving some problems in the chapter. These notes should be made for all the chapters. They will be useful before the exam, when you have limited time. 
3. Carefully review chapters and recall the formulae, laws and techniques in the chapters. If you are unable to recall them, refer to your notes. 

Identification of Problem Areas 

In each chapter, identify the problem areas, which need closer study. Prepare a note of the questions you failed to solve in the first attempt. Write down the correct solutions in a separate notebook. If you are unable to solve a problem, consult your teacher. 
In physics, checking the given choice for dimensional consistency is often very helpful.

• Questions based on experiments 

In the physics paper, there is at least one question based on an experiment. You must learn how to determine the least count of measuring instruments such as vernier calipers, micrometer screw and spherometer, and to use them in making measurements. The rules of determining the significant figures in the result of a calculation must be clearly understood. 

Books recommended for 
physics 
1. Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnick and Walker 
2. Advanced Level Physics by Nelkon and Parker 
3. Physics of class XI and XII by NCERT 
    - Dr N K Bajaj was formerly 
    Head of Physics Department, 
    St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, and is the author of Tata McGraw-Hill’s 
    book on the subject 

Crack Chemistry
The three branches of chemistry are evenly represented in both the papers in the JEE. The chemistry paper in the year 2008 was in the following format in both Paper I and Paper II: 
Straight-objective type: This involves questions with four alternative answers, of which only one is correct. 

• Multiple-correct answer type: 

This involves questions with four alternative answers, of which more than one answer is correct. Reasoning type: Here, each question involves two statements, which have to be correlated with each other. Only one answer is correct.

Linked Comprehension Type

This is a paragraph stating certain facts, from which a set of three questions is framed with four alternative answers, of which only one is correct. 

Physical Chemistry 

The subject matter in physical chemistry involves topics with well-focused principles. Their application to different problems is straightforward. You should pay more attention to this branch of chemistry so can solve problems related to it more comfortably. Be thoroughly prepared with: Bohr’s theory of atomic structure, quantum numbers and orbitals MO approach to diatomic molecules, hybridisation/ VSEPR theory Vander Waals equation of state and application to behaviour of real gases Crystal systems, packing of atoms, ionic solids and density of crystals Colligative properties of nonelectrolytic and electrolytic solutions Electrolysis, conductance and galvanic cells Differential and integrated rate laws, effect of catalyst and temperature on the rate of reaction Determination of PH of acids, bases and salt solutions (including hydrolysis) and solubility product Le-Chatelier Principle, relation between Kp and Kc Stability of nuclei Thermo-chemical calculations and criterion of spontaneity The subject matter in inorganic and organic chemistry is more diverse. However, be prepared with:

Inorganic Chemistry 

Boron and its compounds Silicates and silicones Oxoacids of phosphorus, sulphur and halogens Inter halogens and compounds of noble gases Important compounds such as H₂O₂, NAHCO₃, NA₂CO₃, KMnO₄, K₂Cr₂O₇ Transition elements, lanthanides and coordination compounds Quantitative analysis of salts.
 

Organic Chemistry

Isomerism, with optical isomerism Inductive and resonance effects on acidity and basicity of acids and bases Factors affecting SN₁/ SN₂ reactions Reactions involving rearrangement Bromination and hydrogenerations of cis-andtrans-alkenes; debromination of different isomers of 2, 3-dibromobutane Reimer-Tiemann reaction Characteristic reactions of ketorres, aldehydes and carboxylic-acid derivatives Reactions with Grignar reagent and those of diazonium salt Carbohydrates and polymers Qualitative analysis of organic compounds 
- Dr K L Kapoor is a retired reader in chemistry from the Hindu College, University of Delhi, and is the author of Tata McGraw-Hill’s book in the subject