JEE Main 2026 Physics — Hot Topics Analysis based on 2021–2025 paper trends. Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) Physics section: 30 questions, 100 marks (20 MCQs + 5 compulsory NVQs with +4/–1 marking). Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Modern Physics account for ~75% of the Physics section. Master these 20 chapters first.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1: Jan 21–29, 2026. Session 2: Apr 2–8, 2026. On-screen calculator available for the first time in 2026.
Subject Distribution (2025 Paper Analysis)
- Mechanics: 35.0%
- Electromagnetism: 26.9%
- Modern Physics: 17.1%
- Optics: 8.8%
- Heat & Thermodynamics: 6.9%
Hot Topics Ranked by Weightage (2021–2025)
Current Electricity — 6.57% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, Wheatstone bridge, meter bridge, drift velocity, RC circuits
Question pattern: 2-3 questions, often numerical. Complex circuit analysis, equivalent resistance.
Ray Optics and Optical Instruments — 5.04% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: Refraction, lens/mirror formula, prism, TIR, fiber optics, microscope, telescope
Question pattern: 2 questions. Lens-mirror combinations, magnification numericals.
Semiconductor Electronics — 4.75% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: p-n junction, diode characteristics, rectifier, zener, transistor, logic gates
Question pattern: 2 questions. Output waveforms, logic gate combinations.
Gravitation — 4.49% weightage (Class 11)
Key concepts: Kepler’s laws, GPE, escape/orbital velocity, satellites, variation of g
Question pattern: 2 questions. Orbital mechanics, geostationary satellite.
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance — 4.49% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: Potential, equipotential surfaces, capacitors, dielectrics, energy stored
Question pattern: 2 questions. Capacitor networks, charge redistribution.
Rotational Motion — 4.31% weightage (Class 11)
Key concepts: Torque, angular momentum, moment of inertia, rolling motion, centre of mass
Question pattern: 2 questions. MI calculations, rolling on inclines.
Units and Measurements — 4.24% weightage (Class 11)
Key concepts: Dimensional analysis, error analysis, significant figures, vernier/screw gauge
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. Dimensional formulae, error propagation.
Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter — 4.05% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: Photoelectric effect, de Broglie hypothesis, Einstein’s equation, Davisson-Germer
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. Threshold, stopping potential, wavelength.
Alternating Current — 3.73% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: LCR circuits, resonance, Q-factor, power, transformer, phasor diagrams
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. Impedance, resonance frequency, power factor.
Oscillations — 3.25% weightage (Class 11)
Key concepts: SHM, pendulum, spring-mass, energy in SHM, damped/forced oscillations
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. Time period derivations, energy conservation.
Moving Charges and Magnetism — 3.2% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: Biot-Savart, Ampere’s law, solenoid, cyclotron, force on current-carrying wire
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. Field from loops/solenoids, magnetic force.
Thermodynamics — 3.1% weightage (Class 11)
Key concepts: Laws of thermodynamics, PV diagrams, Carnot cycle, efficiency, entropy
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. PV work, efficiency calculations.
Electromagnetic Induction — 3.0% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: Faraday’s, Lenz’s law, self/mutual induction, motional EMF, eddy currents
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. EMF in rods, inductor transients.
Work, Energy and Power — 2.9% weightage (Class 11)
Key concepts: Work-energy theorem, conservative forces, collisions, power, spring energy
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. 1D/2D collisions, circular motion.
Kinematics (Motion in Straight Line + Plane) — 2.8% weightage (Class 11)
Key concepts: Equations of motion, projectile motion, relative velocity, graphs
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. Projectile range, river-boat problems.
Wave Optics — 2.7% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: Huygens, interference (YDSE), diffraction, polarisation, Brewster’s angle
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. Fringe width, intensity, polarisation.
Atoms and Nuclei — 2.7% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: Bohr model, hydrogen spectrum, binding energy, radioactivity, nuclear reactions
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. Energy levels, half-life, Q-value.
Laws of Motion — 2.5% weightage (Class 11)
Key concepts: Newton’s laws, friction, circular motion, constraint motion
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. Inclines with friction, pulley systems.
Waves — 2.5% weightage (Class 11)
Key concepts: Transverse/longitudinal waves, superposition, beats, Doppler effect, stationary waves
Question pattern: 1-2 questions. Doppler shift, harmonic frequencies.
Electromagnetic Waves — 2.0% weightage (Class 12)
Key concepts: EM spectrum, displacement current, properties of EM waves
Question pattern: 1 question. Wavelength/frequency ranges, properties.
How to Use This Page
Every topic has a unique anchor link. Our JEE 2026 prediction papers deep-link directly to these sections.