IIT - JAM Chemistry

Begin with basic concepts from NCERT books, then move to advanced topics using standard reference books. Solve past year papers and take mock tests regularly.

• Physical Chemistry: P.W. Atkins, Peter Sykes, Puri Sharma
• Organic Chemistry: Morrison & Boyd, Solomons, Clayden
• Inorganic Chemistry: J.D. Lee, Cotton & Wilkinson

Approximately 6.8 months of dedicated preparation with a daily study duration of about 5.6 hours is ideal.

Not mandatory, but coaching can help in structured learning and doubt solving.

At least the last 10 years’ papers to understand question patterns and difficulty levels.

Follow a well-structured study plan, set daily and weekly goals, and allocate time for revision and mock tests.

Mock tests assist in time management, self-assessment, and understanding exam patterns. Aim for at least 10 full-length mock tests before the exam.

Both are equally important. First, understand the theory, then practice problem-solving for better retention.

Practice calculations daily, memorize key formulas, and attempt a variety of numerical problems.

Avoid guessing, attempt only those questions you are confident about, and double-check your answers before submission.

• Ideal Gas Law: PV = nRT
• Arrhenius Equation: k = A e^(-Ea/RT)
• Nernst Equation: E = E° - (RT/nF) lnQ

Focus on rate equations and reaction mechanisms; practice problems on first-order and second-order kinetics.

Understand Schrödinger’s equation and wave functions; solve problems on quantum numbers and atomic orbitals.

• Reaction Mechanisms
• Stereochemistry
• Named Reactions
• Spectroscopy (NMR, IR, UV)

Use flashcards and reaction maps; understand reaction mechanisms rather than rote learning.

Focus on Aldol Condensation, Cannizzaro Reaction, Friedel–Crafts Reaction, and Perkin Reaction.

Learn how to interpret NMR, IR, and UV spectra; solve problems based on molecular structures.

Use molecular models to visualize chiral molecules; solve problems on R/S nomenclature and E/Z notation for geometrical isomerism.

. Coordination Chemistry . Main Group Elements . Chemical Bonding . Bioinorganic Chemistry

. Learn Crystal Field Theory and Ligand Field Theory . Solve questions on hybridization and geometry

. Periodic Trends (Ionization Energy, Electronegativity, Atomic Radius) . Group Properties and Anomalies

. Coordination Chemistry . Organometallic Compounds . Chemical Bonding

. Focus on revision . Solve previous year papers . Take full-length mock tests

. Set small goals and track progress . Take breaks and avoid burnout

. Revise daily for 2-3 hours . Solve 30-40 questions per topic

. Most students clear in 1st or 2nd attempt . Keep improving weak areas if reattempting

. Time yourself while solving problems. Focus on conceptual clarity

. Use online resources and standard books . Make a study schedule and practice regularly

. Ideally, start preparation 10-12 months before the exam

. Utilize weekends and free time for focused study

. At least 5-6 hours of study with topic-wise practice

. Use short points, diagrams, and highlight important formulas

. Revise key concepts and practice problems instead of reading theory

. NPTEL, MIT OCW, and free YouTube lectures

. At least 10-15 full-length mock tests

. Focus on fundamental principles and solve application-based questions

. Read questions carefully, avoid careless errors, and double-check calculations

. It determines the spontaneity of a chemical reaction

. Use the equilibrium constant (K) and Le Chatelier’s principle

. Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Quantum Chemistry, and Spectroscopy

. It describes the wave-like behavior of electrons in an atom

. Understand Nernst equation, cell potential, and concentration effects

. Study types of spectra (IR, UV, NMR) and their applications

. Adsorption, Catalysis, and Colloids

. Memorize formulas and practice a variety of numerical problems

. Understand partition functions and Boltzmann distribution

. Skipping derivations and not practicing enough numerical problems

. Focus on electron movement and intermediate stability; refer to Reaction Mechanisms for detailed study.

. Named Reactions, Spectroscopy, Stereochemistry, and Reaction Mechanisms.

. Learn Hückel’s rule and resonance stability.

. Create a summary sheet with reactants, reagents, and mechanisms; refer to Named Reactions for examples.

. Practice spectral interpretation for NMR, IR, and UV.

. Wittig Reaction, Aldol Condensation, Cannizzaro Reaction.

. Solve reaction-based and mechanism-based questions regularly.

. Many questions are based on optical isomerism and geometrical isomerism.

. Work backward from the product to determine possible synthetic routes; see Retrosynthesis.

. Avoid rote memorization and focus on underlying concepts.

. Coordination Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, and Main Group Chemistry.

. Learn Crystal Field Theory, Ligand Field Theory, and Isomerism.

. It explains bonding and the stability of molecules; refer to Molecular Orbital Theory.

. Memorize trends using mnemonics and periodic table patterns; see Periodic Trends for reference.

. 18-electron rule, Metal–carbonyl bonding, and Catalysis.

. Use Lewis, Arrhenius, and Bronsted–Lowry definitions.

. Chemical Bonding, Coordination Compounds, and Bioinorganic Chemistry.

. Learn how d-orbitals split in octahedral and tetrahedral fields; refer again to Crystal Field Theory.

. Use visual aids like charts and color-coded notes to differentiate concepts.

. Oxidation–reduction, Ligand exchange, and Acid–base reactions.

. Carry your admit card (from the official IIT JAM website), valid ID proof, and essential stationery.

. Practice mindfulness and deep breathing techniques.

. Start with easy questions, manage time wisely, and avoid negative marking.

. Allocate fixed time for each section and avoid getting stuck on one question.

. Not reading questions properly and making calculation errors.

. Practice solving previous years’ papers under timed conditions.

. It varies each year based on difficulty level and competition.