As of December 9, 2025, the National Testing Agency has finalized the JEE Main 2026 exam schedule, with the first session set for January 21 to 30, 2026. For candidates preparing for the JEE Main 2026, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks remain a foundational resource. These textbooks are designed to align closely with the official JEE Main Syllabus and are widely recommended by subject experts and coaching institutes. This article outlines how aspirants can use NCERT books efficiently for JEE Main 2026, highlighting which chapters and topics are essential and which can be skipped or given less priority.
Importance of NCERT Books for JEE Main 2026
The NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are considered the gold standard for building a strong conceptual foundation for competitive exams like JEE Main. The National Testing Agency bases much of the JEE Main Syllabus on the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12. Using NCERT books ensures that aspirants cover the core concepts and fundamental principles required for the exam. Additionally, many direct questions in previous years’ JEE Main papers have been based on NCERT content, making these textbooks indispensable for effective preparation.
What To Read in NCERT for JEE Main 2026?
For JEE Main 2026, NCERT textbooks are essential for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Focus on the listed high-priority chapters to build strong fundamentals, master formulas, understand derivations, and practice NCERT-based numericals and concepts frequently tested in the exam.
Physics
For JEE Main 2026, aspirants should thoroughly read the following chapters from the NCERT Physics textbooks:
- Physical World and Measurement
- Kinematics
- Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy, and Power
- Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body
- Gravitation
- Properties of Bulk Matter
- Thermodynamics
- Kinetic Theory of Gases
- Oscillations and Waves
- Electrostatics
- Current Electricity
- Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Optics
- Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
- Atoms and Nuclei
- Electronic Devices
- Communication Systems
These chapters provide the essential theory, derivations, and solved examples that are frequently tested in JEE Main. Special attention should be paid to numerical problems and conceptual questions in each chapter.
Also Check: How to Analyse and Improve from JEE Main Mock Tests 2026?
Chemistry
The NCERT Chemistry textbooks for Classes 11 and 12 cover all three branches—Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. The most important chapters for JEE Main 2026 are:
- Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
- Structure of Atom
- Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
- Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- States of Matter: Gases and Liquids
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Redox Reactions
- Hydrogen
- s-Block Elements
- p-Block Elements
- Organic Chemistry: Some Basic Principles and Techniques
- Hydrocarbons
- Environmental Chemistry
- Solid State
- Solutions
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
- Surface Chemistry
- General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
- p-Block Elements (Class 12)
- d- and f-Block Elements
- Coordination Compounds
- Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
- Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
- Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
- Amines
- Biomolecules
- Polymers
- Chemistry in Everyday Life
These chapters are critical for building conceptual clarity and for practising the types of questions that appear in JEE Main.
Mathematics
The NCERT Mathematics textbooks for Classes 11 and 12 are vital for mastering the JEE Main syllabus. The most important chapters include:
- Sets
- Relations and Functions
- Trigonometric Functions
- Principle of Mathematical Induction
- Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations
- Linear Inequalities
- Permutations and Combinations
- Binomial Theorem
- Sequences and Series
- Straight Lines
- Conic Sections
- Introduction to Three-Dimensional Geometry
- Limits and Derivatives
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Statistics
- Probability
- Matrices
- Determinants
- Continuity and Differentiability
- Application of Derivatives
- Integrals
- Application of Integrals
- Differential Equations
- Vector Algebra
- Three-Dimensional Geometry
- Linear Programming
- Probability
These chapters provide a strong base for tackling both objective and numerical problems in JEE Main.
Also Check: How to Analyse and Improve from JEE Main Mock Tests 2026?
What to Skip in NCERT for JEE Main 2026?
While NCERT books are comprehensive, not every topic is equally important for JEE Main 2026. Some chapters or sections can be given less priority if time is limited. For example:
- In Physics, topics like “Semiconductors” and “Communication Systems” are less frequently tested and can be covered briefly.
- In Chemistry, “Environmental Chemistry” and “Chemistry in Everyday Life” are generally less emphasised and can be revised quickly.
- In Mathematics, “Mathematical Reasoning” and “Statistics” are less critical and can be covered towards the end.
However, skipping these topics entirely is not recommended, as questions from these areas may appear occasionally.
Also Check: How to Balance Practice, Revision, and Rest for JEE Main 2026?
How to Use NCERT Books for Maximum Benefit for JEE Main 2026
To use NCERT books effectively for JEE Main 2026, aspirants should:
- Read each chapter carefully, focusing on theory, derivations, and solved examples.
- Practice all in-text and exercise questions, as these often form the basis of JEE Main questions.
- Use NCERT books as a starting point and supplement them with advanced-level reference books for a deeper understanding.
- Revise regularly and make concise notes for quick review before the exam.
- Analyse previous years’ JEE Main papers to identify frequently asked topics from NCERT.
Conclusion
The NCERT textbooks are a cornerstone of JEE Main 2026 preparation. By focusing on the essential chapters and topics, and strategically skipping or revising less important sections, aspirants can optimise their study time and build a strong foundation for success. Regular practice and revision using NCERT content will significantly improve conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills, increasing the chances of scoring well in JEE Main 2026.
