Which Subject Has the Highest Weightage in JEE Main?

Jan 14, 2026, 18:24 IST

This article explores which subject carries the most weightage in the JEE Main examination. Understanding subject importance is crucial for effective preparation and maximizing scores. It guides aspirants on strategic study planning to focus on high-scoring areas, ultimately enhancing their chances of success in this competitive engineering entrance exam.

Which Subject Has the Highest Weightage in JEE Main?
Which Subject Has the Highest Weightage in JEE Main?

Key Points

  • All subjects (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) have equal 100 marks weightage in JEE Main 2026.
  • Chemistry is considered high weightage due to scoring potential and NCERT alignment.
  • Focus on Calculus/Algebra (Maths), Modern Physics/Mechanics (Physics), Organic/Inorganic (Chem).

In the JEE Main Examinations, Maths, physics and chemistry carries equal weightage in terms of total marks. Each of the three subjects is worth 100 marks, contributing to the overall total score of 300. In each of the sections, students are required to attempt at least 25 questions out of 30 questions. However, the concept of "weightage" can also be interpreted based on the scoring potential and the density of the curriculum. 

Scoring Potential: Chemistry as the HIGHEST Weightage Subject

Despite the equal marks distribution, chemistry is often regarded as the subject with the highest weightage in practical terms for improving one’s rank, primarily because it's the most scoring section. 

  • Efficiency: Chemistry questions, particularly those from inorganic and organic chemistry segments, are typically direct and based in theory. This allows candidates to complete the sections efficiently, often in 30-40 minutes. 

  • Predictability: Significant portion of the chemistry curriculum aligns directly with NCERT material, making it more predictable. Thai contrasts with Physics, which is application-based and maths, which demands lengthy calculations. 

Check: JEE Main 2026 Exam Calendar

Check: JEE Main 2026: Sample Papers with Answer Keys

Chapter-Wise Weightage (High-Impact Areas)

Within each subject, certain units dominate the paper. If you are looking for where the "most questions" come from, focus on these:

Subject

Highest Weightage Units

Approx. Questions

Mathematics

Calculus & Algebra (specifically Matrices, Determinants, Vectors, and 3D Geometry).

12–15 questions

Physics

Modern Physics & Mechanics (followed by Electrostatics and Current Electricity).

10–12 questions

Chemistry

Organic Chemistry (followed by Chemical Bonding and Coordination Compounds).

10–12 questions

Also Read: JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Best Books for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics

Check: JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Check Total Questions, Marks, Marking Scheme Here

Subject-wise Breakdown for 2026

Based on recent trends and analysis for the 2026 session, here is a visual summary of high-yield topics:

Physics

Subject Area

Weightage/Frequency

Key Topics

Modern Physics

18-20%

Generally easy and highly formula-based.

Mechanics

Foundation

Kinematics and Laws of Motion are essential.

Electrodynamics

Consistent 2–3 questions per shift

Current Electricity

Chemistry

Subject

Topics/Section

Weightage/Note

Organic Chemistry

GOC → Hydrocarbons → Haloalkanes (Sequential Learning)

30-35%

Inorganic Chemistry

Coordination Compounds, $p$-block elements

High-yield

Physical Chemistry

N/A

Often appears in the Numerical Value section (Section B)

Mathematics

Topic

Weightage (Approx.)

Key Points

Calculus

25-30%

Limits, Continuity, and Integrals are the backbone of the paper.

Vectors & 3D Geometry

15%

High weightage and relatively easier to score compared to complex Calculus.

Matrices & Determinants

2 Questions (Guaranteed)

Almost guaranteed to have 2 questions.

While all three subjects—Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry—carry an equal weight of 100 marks in the JEE Main, Chemistry is widely considered the highest weightage subject in terms of scoring potential and rank improvement. Its direct, NCERT-aligned nature allows for faster and more reliable attempts compared to the more application-heavy Physics and calculation-intensive Mathematics. For optimal preparation, candidates should prioritize high-yield areas like Calculus and Algebra in Maths, Modern Physics and Mechanics in Physics, and Organic and Inorganic Chemistry.

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Anisha Mishra

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