The JEE Main 2026 exam for engineering admission will begin on January 21, 2026 . Students preparing for this important exam can now get a clear guide on key Chemistry topics. Chemistry is often seen as a section where students can score high marks easily. Knowing which topics are most important helps in better study planning.
This article provides details on the most expected topics and the number of questions students can anticipate in the JEE Main 2026 Chemistry paper, especially for the shifts on January 21 . This information is based on trends from previous years.
The Chemistry syllabus for JEE Main is divided into three main parts: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. Based on past exams, Physical Chemistry usually carries the most weight, accounting for about 35% to 38% of the questions. Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry each make up a significant portion, roughly 30% to 35% of the total Chemistry questions.
It is important to remember that most questions in the Chemistry paper are based directly on the NCERT textbooks . Students should focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly from these books.
Expected Questions from Chemistry Topics (January 21, 2026)
Here is a detailed look at the average number of questions expected from different Chemistry topics in each shift, based on past trends:
| Important Topics | Expected Questions In Shift - 1 | Expected Questions In Shift - 2 |
| Physical Chemistry | ||
| Thermodynamics and Energetics | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Mole Concept & Redox | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Structure of Atom | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Chemical Kinetics | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Electrochemistry | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Organic Chemistry | ||
| GOC and Reaction Techniques | 3-4 | 3-4 |
| Hydrocarbons | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Haloalkanes and Haloarenes | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Compound Containing Nitrogen | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Biomolecules | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Coordination Compounds | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| d and f-Block Elements | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Periodic Table & Periodicity | 1-2 | 1-2 |
Understanding these numbers helps students plan their study time well. For example, topics like Thermodynamics and Energetics from Physical Chemistry are consistently important, often carrying 2-3 questions . Concepts like Mole Concept, Structure of Atom, Chemical Kinetics, and Electrochemistry typically contribute 1-2 questions each. These topics require a strong grasp of formulas and problem-solving techniques.
In Organic Chemistry, General Organic Chemistry (GOC) and Reaction Techniques are very important. They often contribute 3-4 questions . GOC forms the basic understanding for many organic reactions. Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, and Compounds Containing Nitrogen are also common topics, each expected to have 1-2 or 2-3 questions . Students should practice these areas well to master reaction mechanisms and naming conventions.
For Inorganic Chemistry, Coordination Compounds show a high weightage, with 2-3 questions expected in one shift. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure also carry good weight, often yielding 1-2 or 2-3 questions . Topics like d and f-Block Elements and Periodic Table & Periodicity are also crucial. Questions from Inorganic Chemistry are often theory-based and come directly from the NCERT textbooks .
Students can try to complete these theory-based questions first in the exam to save time. This extra time can then be used for more numerical or problem-solving questions, especially from Organic Chemistry. A strong understanding of GOC is critical because it forms the basis for many reaction-based questions in the Organic section.
By focusing on these expected topics and practicing thoroughly from NCERT books, students can improve their chances of scoring well in the JEE Main 2026 Chemistry paper. A balanced study approach covering all three sections—Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry—is key to success. Remember to revise all important formulas and reaction mechanisms before the exam day.
