Call Now
1800-102-2727For every engineering aspirant, understanding the JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus 2026 is crucial for effective preparation. Chemistry is a scoring subject in JEE Main, and having a clear roadmap of topics helps students focus on both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
The official JEE Main Chemistry syllabus by NTA includes chapters from both Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT textbooks. It covers Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, designed to test analytical thinking, numerical ability, and application-based knowledge.
The updated syllabus of JEE Main Chemistry focuses on high-yield topics like Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Solutions, Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Aldehydes & Ketones, Coordination Compounds, and more. It helps aspirants concentrate on essential chapters that frequently appear in the exam.
|
Section |
Unit |
Topics Covered |
|
Physical Chemistry |
Unit 1: Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry |
Matter and its nature, Dalton's atomic theory, atom, molecule, element & compound, laws of chemical combination, atomic & molecular masses, mole concept, molar mass, percentage composition, empirical & molecular formulae, chemical equations & stoichiometry |
|
Unit 2: Atomic Structure |
Electromagnetic radiation, photoelectric effect, hydrogen atom spectrum, Bohr model, quantum mechanics basics, atomic orbitals, quantum numbers, electron configurations, stability of half-filled & filled orbitals |
|
|
Unit 3: Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure |
Ionic & covalent bonding, lattice enthalpy, electronegativity, Fajan’s rule, dipole moment, VSEPR theory, hybridization, resonance, Molecular Orbital Theory, metallic & hydrogen bonding |
|
|
Unit 4: Chemical Thermodynamics |
System & surroundings, first & second law of thermodynamics, enthalpy, Hess’s law, Gibbs energy, spontaneity, equilibrium constant |
|
|
Unit 5: Solutions |
Concentration units, Raoult’s law, ideal & non-ideal solutions, colligative properties, van’t Hoff factor |
|
|
Unit 6: Equilibrium |
Dynamic equilibrium, chemical & ionic equilibrium, acid-base theories, solubility product, buffer solutions, pH |
|
|
Unit 7: Redox & Electrochemistry |
Oxidation-reduction concepts, redox reactions, electrode potential, Nernst equation, electrochemical cells, fuel cells |
|
|
Unit 8: Chemical Kinetics |
Reaction rate, factors affecting rate, order & molecularity, zero & first-order reactions, Arrhenius theory, activation energy, collision theory |
|
|
Inorganic Chemistry |
Unit 9: Classification & Periodicity |
Modern periodic law, periodic table, s, p, d, f-block elements, trends in properties |
|
Unit 10: p-Block Elements |
Groups 13–18: electronic configuration, trends in properties, special behavior of first element in group |
|
|
Unit 11: d & f Block Elements |
Transition & inner transition elements, electronic configuration, oxidation states, properties, lanthanoid contraction |
|
|
Unit 12: Coordination Compounds |
Werner’s theory, ligands, coordination number, chelation, bonding, isomerism, crystal field theory, applications |
|
|
Organic Chemistry |
Unit 13: Purification & Characterisation |
Crystallization, sublimation, distillation, chromatography, qualitative & quantitative analysis |
|
Unit 14: Basic Principles |
Tetravalency of carbon, hybridization, functional groups, isomerism, nomenclature, covalent bond fission, electronic effects, types of reactions |
|
|
Unit 15: Hydrocarbons |
Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Aromatic hydrocarbons – preparation, properties, reactions, mechanism, conformations |
|
|
Unit 16: Organic Compounds Containing Halogens |
Preparation, properties, reactions, environmental effects |
|
|
Unit 17: Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen |
Alcohols, phenols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids – preparation, properties, reactions, chemical tests |
|
|
Unit 18: Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen |
Amines, diazonium salts – preparation, properties, reactions, synthetic importance |
|
|
Unit 19: Biomolecules |
Carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, nucleic acids, hormones – structure, classification, functions |
Students can download the JEE Main Chemistry syllabus PDF from the NTA official website. The PDF provides a detailed, chapter-wise breakdown, enabling aspirants to plan their preparation efficiently and track progress systematically.
While the Chemistry syllabus for JEE Main is aligned with NCERT concepts, it emphasizes numerical problems, reaction mechanisms, and conceptual clarity over rote memorization. Focusing on the JEE Main Chemistry syllabus 2026 ensures students cover all relevant topics and avoid missing important chapters.
By strictly following the official JEE Main Chemistry syllabus by NTA, aspirants can prioritize high-weightage topics, strengthen fundamentals, and approach the exam with confidence. Proper planning and regular practice make mastering JEE Main Chemistry achievable.
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Subtopics |
|
UNIT 1
|
Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry
|
Matter and its nature |
| Dalton's atomic theory | ||
| Concept of atom | ||
| Concept of molecule | ||
| Concept of element | ||
| Concept of compound | ||
| Laws of chemical combination | ||
| Atomic masses | ||
| Molecular masses | ||
| Mole concept | ||
| Molar mass | ||
| Percentage composition | ||
| Empirical formula | ||
| Molecular formula | ||
| Chemical equations | ||
| Stoichiometry | ||
|
UNIT 2
|
Atomic Structure
|
Nature of electromagnetic radiation |
| Photoelectric effect | ||
| Spectrum of the hydrogen atom | ||
| Bohr model of a hydrogen atom – its postulates | ||
|
Derivation of the relations for the energy of the electron
|
||
|
Derivation of the relations for radii of the different orbits
|
||
| Limitations of Bohr's model | ||
| Dual nature of matter | ||
| de Broglie's relationship | ||
| Heisenberg uncertainty principle | ||
| Elementary ideas of quantum mechanics | ||
| Quantum mechanical model of the atom | ||
|
Important features of quantum mechanical model of atom
|
||
|
Concept of atomic orbitals as one-electron wave functions
|
||
| Variation of Ψ with r for 1s orbital | ||
| Variation of Ψ² with r for 1s orbital | ||
| Variation of Ψ with r for 2s orbital | ||
| Variation of Ψ² with r for 2s orbital | ||
| Principal quantum number | ||
| Angular momentum quantum number | ||
| Magnetic quantum number | ||
| Significance of principal quantum number | ||
|
Significance of angular momentum quantum number
|
||
| Significance of magnetic quantum number | ||
| Shapes of s orbitals | ||
| Shapes of p orbitals | ||
| Shapes of d orbitals | ||
| Electron spin | ||
| Spin quantum number | ||
| Aufbau principle | ||
| Pauli’s exclusion principle | ||
| Hund’s rule | ||
| Electronic configuration of elements | ||
| Extra stability of half-filled orbitals | ||
| Extra stability of completely filled orbitals | ||
|
UNIT 3
|
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
|
Kossel-Lewis approach to chemical bond formation
|
| Concept of ionic bonds | ||
| Concept of covalent bonds | ||
| Formation of ionic bonds | ||
| Factors affecting the formation of ionic bonds | ||
| Calculation of lattice enthalpy | ||
| Concept of electronegativity | ||
| Fajan’s rule | ||
| Dipole moment | ||
| Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory | ||
| Shapes of simple molecules | ||
| Valence Bond Theory – Important features | ||
| Concept of hybridization involving s, p and d orbitals | ||
| Resonance | ||
| Molecular Orbital Theory – Important features | ||
| Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO) | ||
|
Types of molecular orbitals – bonding and antibonding
|
||
| Sigma and pi-bonds | ||
|
Molecular orbital electronic configurations of homonuclear diatomic molecules
|
||
| Concept of bond order | ||
| Bond length | ||
| Bond energy | ||
| Elementary idea of metallic bonding | ||
| Hydrogen bonding and its applications | ||
|
UNIT 4
|
Chemical Thermodynamics
|
Fundamentals of thermodynamics |
| System and surroundings | ||
| Extensive and intensive properties | ||
| State functions | ||
| Entropy | ||
| Types of processes | ||
| First law of thermodynamics | ||
| Concept of work | ||
| Concept of heat | ||
| Internal energy | ||
| Enthalpy | ||
| Heat capacity | ||
| Molar heat capacity | ||
| Hess’s law of constant heat summation | ||
| Enthalpy of bond dissociation | ||
| Enthalpy of combustion | ||
| Enthalpy of formation | ||
| Enthalpy of atomization | ||
| Enthalpy of sublimation | ||
| Enthalpy of phase transition | ||
| Enthalpy of hydration | ||
| Enthalpy of ionization | ||
| Enthalpy of solution | ||
| Second law of thermodynamics | ||
| Spontaneity of processes | ||
| ΔS of the universe | ||
| ΔG (Gibbs Free Energy) | ||
|
UNIT 5
|
Solutions
|
Molality |
| Molarity | ||
| Mole Fraction | ||
| Percentage by Volume | ||
| Percentage by Mass | ||
| Raoult’s Law | ||
| Vapour Pressure of Ideal Solutions | ||
| Vapour Pressure of Non-Ideal Solutions | ||
| Deviations from Raoult’s Law | ||
| Positive Deviation | ||
| Negative Deviation | ||
| Azeotropes | ||
| Relative Lowering of Vapour Pressure | ||
| Depression of Freezing Point | ||
| Elevation of Boiling Point | ||
| Osmotic Pressure | ||
| Using Depression of Freezing Point | ||
| Using Elevation of Boiling Point | ||
| Using Osmotic Pressure | ||
| Concept of Abnormal Molar Mass | ||
| Calculations of Abnormal Molar Mass | ||
| Definition of van’t Hoff Factor | ||
| Formula of van’t Hoff Factor | ||
| Association Cases | ||
| Dissociation Cases | ||
| Concentration of Solutions | ||
| Vapour Pressure of Solutions | ||
| Ideal and Non-Ideal Solutions | ||
| Colligative Properties of Dilute Solutions | ||
| Determination of Molecular Mass | ||
| Abnormal Molar Mass | ||
| van’t Hoff Factor | ||
|
UNIT 6
|
Equilibrium
|
Meaning of Equilibrium |
| Dynamic Nature of Equilibrium | ||
| Solid-Liquid Equilibrium | ||
| Liquid-Gas Equilibrium | ||
| Gas-Gas Equilibrium | ||
| Solid-Gas Equilibrium | ||
| Statement of Henry’s Law | ||
| Applications of Henry’s Law | ||
| Carbonated Drinks | ||
| Deep Sea Diving | ||
| Law of Chemical Equilibrium | ||
| Expression of Equilibrium Constant | ||
| Kp and Kc | ||
| Relationship between Kp and Kc | ||
| ΔG in Chemical Equilibrium | ||
| ΔG° in Chemical Equilibrium | ||
| Change in Concentration | ||
| Change in Pressure | ||
| Change in Temperature | ||
| Use of Catalyst | ||
| Application of Le Chatelier’s Principle | ||
| Effect of Changing Conditions | ||
| Strong Electrolytes | ||
| Weak Electrolytes | ||
| Degree of Ionization | ||
| Arrhenius Concept | ||
| Bronsted-Lowry Concept | ||
| Lewis Concept | ||
| Ionization Constants of Acids | ||
| Ionization Constants of Bases | ||
| Multistage Ionization | ||
| Ionic Product of Water (Kw) | ||
| Calculation of H⁺ and OH⁻ | ||
| pH Scale | ||
| pOH | ||
| Calculation of pH and pOH | ||
| Application of Common Ion Effect | ||
| Acidic Salts | ||
| Basic Salts | ||
| Neutral Salts | ||
| Hydrolysis of Salts | ||
| Solubility Product (Ksp) | ||
| Factors Affecting Solubility | ||
| Calculations involving Ksp | ||
| Definition of Buffer | ||
| pH Calculation of Buffer | ||
| Henderson’s Equation | ||
| Applications in Biology | ||
| Applications in Industry | ||
| Introduction to Equilibrium | ||
| Physical Equilibrium | ||
| Henry’s Law | ||
| Chemical Equilibrium | ||
| Thermodynamics and Equilibrium | ||
| Factors Affecting Equilibrium | ||
| Le Chatelier’s Principle | ||
| Ionic Equilibrium | ||
| Acid-Base Concepts | ||
| Acid-Base Equilibria | ||
| Ionization of Water | ||
| pH and Common Ion Effect | ||
| Salt Hydrolysis and pH of Salts | ||
| Solubility Equilibrium | ||
| Buffer Solutions | ||
|
UNIT 7
|
Redox reactions & ElectroChemistry
|
Electronic concepts of oxidation and reduction |
| Redox reactions | ||
| Oxidation number | ||
| Rules for assigning oxidation number | ||
| Balancing of redox reactions | ||
| Electrolytic conduction | ||
| Metallic conduction | ||
| Conductance in electrolytic solutions | ||
| Molar conductivities | ||
|
Variation of molar conductivities with concentration
|
||
| Kohlrausch’s Law | ||
| Applications of Kohlrausch’s Law | ||
| Electrochemical cells | ||
| Electrolytic cells | ||
| Galvanic cells | ||
| Different types of electrodes | ||
| Electrode potentials | ||
| Standard electrode potential | ||
| Half-cell reactions | ||
| Cell reactions | ||
| EMF of a Galvanic cell and its measurement | ||
| Nernst Equation | ||
| Applications of Nernst Equation | ||
|
Relationship between cell potential and Gibbs' energy change
|
||
| Dry cell | ||
| Lead accumulator | ||
| Fuel cells | ||
|
UNIT 8
|
Chemical Kinetics
|
Rate of a chemical reaction |
| Factors affecting the rate of reactions | ||
| Concentration | ||
| Temperature | ||
| Pressure | ||
| Catalyst | ||
| Elementary reactions | ||
| Complex reactions | ||
| Order of reactions | ||
| Molecularity of reactions | ||
| Rate law | ||
| Rate constant and its units | ||
| Differential form of zero-order reactions | ||
| Differential form of first-order reactions | ||
| Integral form of zero-order reactions | ||
| Integral form of first-order reactions | ||
| Characteristics of zero and first-order reactions | ||
| Half-lives of zero and first-order reactions | ||
| Effect of temperature on rate of reactions | ||
| Arrhenius theory | ||
| Activation energy | ||
| Calculation of activation energy | ||
|
Collision theory of bi-molecular gaseous reactions
|
||
|
UNIT 9
|
Classification of Elements & Peridiocity of Properties
|
Modern periodic law |
| Present form of the periodic table | ||
| s-block elements | ||
| p-block elements | ||
| d-block elements | ||
| f-block elements | ||
| Periodic trends in atomic radii | ||
| Periodic trends in ionic radii | ||
| Periodic trends in ionization enthalpy | ||
| Periodic trends in electron gain enthalpy | ||
| Periodic trends in valence | ||
| Periodic trends in oxidation states | ||
| Periodic trends in chemical reactivity | ||
|
UNIT 10
|
P Block Elements [Group 13 to 18 Elements]
|
General Introduction |
| Electronic configuration of p-block elements | ||
|
General trends in physical properties across the periods
|
||
|
General trends in physical properties down the groups
|
||
|
General trends in chemical properties across the periods
|
||
|
General trends in chemical properties down the groups
|
||
|
Unique behaviour of the first element in each group
|
||
|
UNIT 11
|
D & F Block Elements
|
Transition Elements - General introduction |
| Electronic configuration of transition elements | ||
| Occurrence of transition elements | ||
| Characteristics of transition elements | ||
|
Physical properties of first-row transition elements
|
||
|
Ionization enthalpy of first-row transition elements
|
||
|
Oxidation states of first-row transition elements
|
||
| Atomic radii of first-row transition elements | ||
| Colour of first-row transition elements | ||
| Catalytic behaviour of transition elements | ||
| Magnetic properties of transition elements | ||
| Complex formation of transition elements | ||
| Interstitial compounds of transition elements | ||
| Alloy formation | ||
| Preparation of potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) | ||
| Properties of potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) | ||
| Uses of potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) | ||
| Preparation of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) | ||
|
Properties of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄)
|
||
| Uses of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) | ||
| Lanthanoids - Electronic configuration | ||
| Lanthanoids - Oxidation states | ||
| Lanthanoid contraction | ||
| Actinoids - Electronic configuration | ||
| Actinoids - Oxidation states | ||
|
UNIT 12
|
Coordination Compounds
|
Introduction to coordination compounds |
| Werner's theory | ||
| Ligands | ||
| Coordination number | ||
| Denticity | ||
| Chelation | ||
|
IUPAC nomenclature of mononuclear coordination compounds
|
||
| Isomerism in coordination compounds | ||
| Bonding: Valence bond approach | ||
| Basic ideas of Crystal field theory | ||
| Colour of coordination compounds | ||
|
Magnetic properties of coordination compounds
|
||
| Importance in qualitative analysis | ||
| Importance in extraction of metals | ||
| Importance in biological systems | ||
|
UNIT 13
|
Purification and Characteristics of Organic Compounds
|
Crystallization |
| Sublimation | ||
| Distillation | ||
| Differential extraction | ||
| Chromatography - principles and their applications | ||
| Detection of nitrogen | ||
| Detection of sulphur | ||
| Detection of phosphorus | ||
| Detection of halogens | ||
| Estimation of carbon | ||
| Estimation of hydrogen | ||
| Estimation of nitrogen | ||
| Estimation of halogens | ||
| Estimation of sulphur | ||
| Estimation of phosphorus | ||
| Calculations of empirical formulae | ||
| Calculations of molecular formulae | ||
|
Numerical problems in organic quantitative analysis
|
||
|
UNIT 14
|
Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry
|
Tetravalency of carbon |
| Shapes of simple molecules | ||
| Hybridization (s and p) | ||
|
Classification of organic compounds based on functional groups
|
||
| Organic compounds containing halogens | ||
| Organic compounds containing oxygen | ||
| Organic compounds containing nitrogen | ||
| Organic compounds containing sulphur | ||
| Homologous series | ||
| Isomerism | ||
| Structural isomerism | ||
| Stereoisomerism | ||
| Nomenclature (Trivial and IUPAC) | ||
|
Covalent bond fission - Homolytic and heterolytic
|
||
| Free radicals | ||
| Carbocations | ||
| Carbanions | ||
| Stability of carbocations | ||
| Stability of free radicals | ||
| Electrophiles | ||
| Nucleophiles | ||
| Inductive effect | ||
| Electromeric effect | ||
| Resonance | ||
| Hyperconjugation | ||
| Substitution reactions | ||
| Addition reactions | ||
| Elimination reactions | ||
| Rearrangement reactions | ||
|
UNIT 15
|
Hydrocarbons
|
Classification of hydrocarbons |
| Isomerism in hydrocarbons | ||
| IUPAC nomenclature of hydrocarbons | ||
| General methods of preparation | ||
| Properties and reactions | ||
| Conformations of alkanes | ||
| Sawhorse projection (ethane) | ||
| Newman projection (ethane) | ||
| Mechanism of halogenation of alkanes | ||
| Geometrical isomerism in alkenes | ||
| Mechanism of electrophilic addition | ||
| Addition of hydrogen | ||
| Addition of halogens | ||
| Addition of water | ||
| Addition of hydrogen halides | ||
| Markownikoff's rule | ||
| Peroxide effect (anti-Markownikoff's rule) | ||
| Ozonolysis | ||
| Polymerization | ||
| Acidic character of alkynes | ||
| Addition of hydrogen | ||
| Addition of halogens | ||
| Addition of water | ||
| Addition of hydrogen halides | ||
| Polymerization | ||
| Nomenclature of aromatic hydrocarbons | ||
| Benzene: structure and aromaticity | ||
| Mechanism of electrophilic substitution | ||
| Halogenation | ||
| Nitration | ||
| Friedel–Craft's alkylation | ||
| Friedel–Craft's acylation | ||
|
Directive influence of functional group in mono-substituted benzene
|
||
| Classification & Basics | ||
| Alkanes | ||
| Alkene | ||
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | ||
|
UNIT 16
|
Organic Compounds Containing Halogens
|
General methods of preparation |
| Properties and reactions | ||
| Nature of C–X bond | ||
| Mechanisms of substitution reactions | ||
| Uses of haloalkanes and haloarenes | ||
| Environmental effects of chloroform | ||
| Environmental effects of iodoform | ||
| Environmental effects of freons | ||
| Environmental effects of DDT | ||
| General Concepts | ||
| Applications & Environment | ||
|
UNIT 17
|
Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen
|
General methods of preparation |
| Properties | ||
| Reactions | ||
| Uses | ||
| Identification of primary alcohols | ||
| Identification of secondary alcohols | ||
| Identification of tertiary alcohols | ||
| Mechanism of dehydration | ||
| Acidic nature of phenols | ||
| Electrophilic substitution reactions in phenols | ||
| Halogenation | ||
| Nitration | ||
| Sulphonation | ||
| Reimer–Tiemann reaction | ||
| Structure of ethers | ||
| Nature of carbonyl group | ||
| Nucleophilic addition to >C=O group | ||
| Relative reactivities of aldehydes and ketones | ||
| Addition of HCN | ||
| Addition of NH₃ and its derivatives | ||
| Reaction with Grignard reagent | ||
| Oxidation | ||
| Reduction (Wolff–Kishner reduction) | ||
| Reduction (Clemmensen reduction) | ||
| Acidity of α-hydrogen | ||
| Aldol condensation | ||
| Cannizzaro reaction | ||
| Haloform reaction | ||
|
Chemical tests to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones
|
||
| Acidic strength | ||
| Factors affecting acidity | ||
| General Concepts | ||
| Alcohols | ||
| Phenols | ||
| Ethers | ||
| Aldehydes and Ketones | ||
| Carboxylic Acids | ||
|
UNIT 18
|
Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen
|
General methods of preparation |
| Properties | ||
| Reactions | ||
| Uses | ||
| Nomenclature | ||
| Classification | ||
| Structure | ||
| Basic character | ||
| Identification of primary amines | ||
| Identification of secondary amines | ||
| Identification of tertiary amines | ||
| Importance in synthetic organic chemistry | ||
| Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen | ||
| Amines | ||
| Diazonium Salts | ||
|
UNIT 19
|
Biomolecules
|
General introduction |
| Importance of biomolecules | ||
| Classification | ||
| Aldoses | ||
| Ketoses | ||
| Monosaccharides - Glucose | ||
| Monosaccharides - Fructose | ||
| Constituent monosaccharides of sucrose | ||
| Constituent monosaccharides of lactose | ||
| Constituent monosaccharides of maltose | ||
| Elementary idea of α-amino acids | ||
| Peptide bond | ||
| Polypeptides | ||
| Proteins: Primary structure | ||
| Proteins: Secondary structure | ||
| Proteins: Tertiary structure | ||
| Proteins: Quaternary structure | ||
| Denaturation of proteins | ||
| Enzymes | ||
| Classification of vitamins | ||
| Functions of vitamins | ||
| Chemical constitution of DNA | ||
| Chemical constitution of RNA | ||
| Biological functions of nucleic acids | ||
| General introduction | ||
| Biomolecules | ||
| Carbohydrates | ||
| Proteins | ||
| Vitamins | ||
| Nucleic Acids | ||
| Hormones |
Talk To Our Experts