8 Powerful Strategies to Prepare for IIT JEE Mains and Advanced Together!

Alright. So you’re trying to crack JEE Mains and Advanced together?

Welcome to the chaos.

I’ve been there—sitting on a pile of Physics books, feeling both smart and completely dumb at the same time.

There’s too much to do, too little time, and everyone around you either seems overconfident or overwhelmed.

So let’s cut the noise.

Here are eight real strategies to prepare for IIT JEE Mains and Advanced together—stuff that works if you’re serious but also human.

Top 8 Strategies to Prepare for IIT JEE Mains and Advanced Together

1. First, Just Understand What You’re Preparing For

Seems obvious, but most people skip this part.

JEE Mains = more questions, quicker answers, speed matters.

JEE Advanced = fewer questions, deeper logic, more traps.

You can’t treat them the same, but you also don’t need two separate study plans.

One solid plan. Two types of practice. That’s it.

2. Don’t Underestimate NCERT. Seriously

I ignored NCERT in the beginning. Thought it was too basic. Big mistake.

Especially for Chemistry—read every single line. Sometimes, the main questions come straight from it, word for word.

Like, literally. Just… lifted from NCERT.

Once that’s done, then move on to better stuff:

1. Physics: H.C. Verma (for basics), Irodov (if you enjoy pain).
2. Chemistry: MS Chauhan, JD Lee (for Inorganic, if you’re ready).
3. Maths: Cengage or whichever your coach suggests.

But again, only after you’ve got your NCERT nailed.

3. Mix Up Your Tests (Don’t Just Solve for Fun)

This is a game-changer.

1. Do Mains-style tests weekly. Time-bound. Objective. Push for speed.
2. Then, do Advanced-style tests—maybe every other week. Those tests show how deep your understanding is.

You’ll notice something weird: you might score better in the tough ones.

Why? Because Advanced gives you time to think. It’s not just fast button-clicking.

After each test, don’t skip the analysis.

Go question by question:

Why did I mess up here? Was it a silly mistake, or did I not know the concept?

Keep a notebook, just for mistakes. Read it before every test.

4. Pick Coaching That Gets Both Exams

If you’re from Nagpur, you already know—there are a lot of coaching classes.

Some are good. Some are… kinda just for show.

Don’t go by ads. Or ranks. Ask real questions like:

1. Do they prepare you for both Mains and Advanced equally?
2. Are there weekly tests for both formats?
3. Do teachers explain things or just run through slides?

I’ve seen students switch coaching halfway because they were only being prepped for Mains.

You don’t want to waste months like that.

Some of the best JEE classes in Nagpur help you balance both exams if you talk to the right teachers and ask the right questions.

5. Understand First, Solve Later

You don’t have to solve 100 questions a day to feel productive.

Let me say that again.

You. Don’t. Have. To. Solve. 100. Questions. A. Day.

Let’s say you’re doing Mechanics today.

Don’t just jump into problems because you saw your friend already solving PYQs.

1. First, read the theory properly.
2. Then, solve 10–15 problems. Take your time.
3. Focus more on understanding why the answer is right rather than just getting it right.

That one question made you think for 20 minutes? It’s probably more valuable than 30 regular ones.

6. Have a Weekly System (Not Just a Massive Goal List)

The syllabus is scary. No denying that. But instead of panicking, break it down.

1. Pick 3 topics to cover in a week—one from each subject.
2. Break that into daily chunks.
3. Leave space for revision and tests.

Your brain isn’t a robot. If you overload it, you’ll burn out.

I used to study in three blocks:

1. Morning: Learn new stuff (brain is fresh)
2. Afternoon: Solve MCQs (quick practice)
3. Evening: Tough questions (Advanced prep)

Some days were smooth. Others were messy. That’s okay. Just show up again the next day.

7. Old Papers Are Not Optional

PYQs are where the real prep happens.

For JEE Mains:

1. Do papers from the last 5 years.
2. Focus on patterns. Some question types repeat like clockwork.

For Advanced:

1. Go back at least 7–10 years.
2. Don’t just solve—understand the thinking behind them.

The more you solve real papers, the less scary the actual exam feels.

Mock tests help too. But don’t stress about the marks. Focus on what you’re learning from them.

And yes, log your silly mistakes. You’ll be shocked how often you repeat the same ones.

8. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect. Just Consistent.

This is the part no one tells you.

Some days you’ll feel like a genius. Other days you’ll feel like quitting.

Both are normal.

You don’t need motivation every day. You need a system you can follow, even when you feel off.

1. Take short breaks.
2. Talk to your friends (not just about JEE).
3. Watch something funny.
4. Go for a walk.

You’re allowed to be a person. You’re not a prep machine.

I had weeks where I barely got anything done. But then the next week, I bounced back. That’s how this goes.

If You’re in Nagpur…

You’re in a good place, honestly. Lots of solid coaching options and fewer distractions compared to bigger cities.

Some of the best JEE classes in Nagpur are doing a great job prepping kids for both Mains and Advanced together. But don’t just go with what’s popular.

Visit. Talk. Ask what kind of tests they conduct. Ask if the batch sizes are manageable.

Find a place where you feel seen, not just enrolled.

You don’t need to crack both exams perfectly. You just need to prepare smart.

You need a plan that respects both exams. You need to track your weak spots.

And most importantly, you need to give yourself a break sometimes.

This is a long race. But you don’t have to run it like everyone else.

Make it your own pace.

You got this.