The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) exam. JEE Main is one of the biggest competitive exams across all over India and if you are planning to give JEE Mains 2026 to get admission in a top technology and engineering college and preparing for JEE Main 2026 feels overwhelming, especially with the flood of reference books, coaching materials, and online resources available today.
The exam tests your understanding of topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, drawn from both Class 11 and 12 NCERT books are well-aligned with the JEE Main 2026 syllabus. Core topics for all three subjects include Thermodynamics, Kinematics, Electrochemistry, Organic Reactions, Calculus, and 3D Geometry, among others. Many students feel lost in the ocean of study materials, but the smartest strategy is to begin with NCERT textbooks, especially for Chemistry, before moving on to advanced reference books for deeper concept clarity and practice.
JEE Mains 2026: NCERT Books
For every JEE aspirant it is important to understand the power of NCERT textbooks. These are not just school books, they form the very base of the JEE Main exam before picking up thick reference books aspirants should go through NCERT. In fact, a large chunk of the JEE Main questions, especially in Chemistry, come directly from or are inspired by NCERT.
NCERT books are designed by experts who follow the exact syllabus outlined by the NTA, the government body that conducts JEE Main. They are written in simple, clear language, covering fundamental concepts in the most precise way. For subjects like Inorganic Chemistry, NCERT is non-negotiable; questions are often lifted word-for-word from the textbook for every JEE Mains aspirant who must follow NCERT. Even in Physics and Mathematics, NCERT helps build a strong base before moving to more advanced problem-solving.
Talking about toppers of JEE Mains who swear by NCERT as their “first and final” book for revision. It’s easy to revise, to-the-point, and aligned with what is actually asked in the exam. Skipping NCERT in favor of only reference books is a common mistake many regret later.
JEE Mains 2026: Books for reference
After you’ve studied through NCERT, it’s time to level up.Pick one or two good books per subject and stick with them. Toppers don’t study 10 books per subject. They study smart. Here’s a list of trusted books used by JEE Main toppers and coaching institutes:
For the subject Physics, most toppers rely on Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma (both Volumes 1 and 2). It’s widely respected for its balanced approach which offers both clear explanations and a solid set of questions that range from basics to difficult. Aspirants can also go through the Understanding Physics series by D.C. Pandey (Arihant Publications) is extremely helpful. Each volume focuses on a specific area like Mechanics, Optics, Thermodynamics, and so on which allows students to go deeper chapter by chapter. For those aiming to really stretch themselves and have more time can go through the Problems in General Physics by I.E. Irodov is a legendary book. Though it’s more commonly used for JEE Advanced, solving selected questions from it can sharpen your thinking and strengthen fundamentals.
For the subject Chemistry, it is often viewed as memory based but deeply logical, book selection should match the nature of its three branches. For Physical Chemistry, P. Bahadur’s numerical driven approach is perfect for mastering calculations and understanding concepts like mole concepts, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics. For Organic Chemistry, Morrison and Boyd is the go to choice for understanding mechanisms and reaction logic as it reads more like a story than a textbook, which helps many students retain concepts better. When it comes to Inorganic Chemistry, J.D. Lee offers in depth theory, but it’s important to stick to NCERT for direct exam questions. If you want a one stop reference written by Indian authors, OP Tandon’s books (GRB Publications) cover all three branches with clear explanations and lots of solved examples.
Moving on to Mathematics, clarity and consistent practice are key. For basics and school level strengthening, R.D. Sharma’s Objective Mathematics is a great place to begin. Once you’re confident, the Cengage series which is topic-wise and deeply aligned with JEE patterns is highly recommended for structured learning. For building strength in specific areas, S.L. Loney’s books on Trigonometry and Algebra remain classics even today, helping students break down tough problems into manageable steps. For Calculus, I.A. Maron’s Problems in Calculus of One Variable is both challenging and rewarding, often pushing students to develop a deeper intuition for functions, limits, and integrals.
Together, this created list of books covers everything a serious aspirant needs from fundamentals to advanced level practice. The key, however, is not just collecting these books but using them wisely, stick to a few, understand them thoroughly, and revise often.
Best Books for JEE Main Physics Paper
| Book Title | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| H.C. Verma | Builds deep understanding through logical problems | Lacks enough objective-type MCQs for JEE practice |
| D.C. Pandey | Topic-wise practice and JEE-style questions | Can be heavy for beginners, may feel lengthy |
| I.E. Irodov | Ideal for Olympiad-level and concept application | Very tough for JEE Main level; use after basics only |
Best Books for JEE Main Chemistry Paper
| Book Title | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| OP Tandon | Covers Physical, Organic, Inorganic well | Sometimes lengthy and extra for JEE Main |
| P. Bahadur | Great for numerical problems in Physical Chemistry | Theory section not very strong |
| Morrison & Boyd | Strong on reaction mechanisms and theory | Not exam-focused; best for learning concepts |
| J.D. Lee | Excellent for Inorganic basics | Too detailed for JEE Main; read selectively |
Best Books for JEE Main Chemistry Paper
| Book Title | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| R.D. Sharma | Great for concept clarity and beginners | Lacks advanced-level problems |
| Cengage | Covers syllabus well with JEE-type questions | Lengthy; needs consistent practice |
| S.L. Loney | Excellent for Algebra and Trigonometry | Slightly old-school format |
| I.A. Maron | Good for Calculus practice | Fewer examples, more practice-driven |
JEE Main 2026 Online Study Material
Candidates who are planning to crack JEE Main 2026 can also study online. Many toppers try to study for JEE Main 2026 through online study material instead of just depending on coaching centres or heavy textbooks. From video lessons and live doubt-solving to digital notes and practice papers, everything is just a click away. It all makes it easy for any student to study easily and also they are very useful. These online platforms are designed to match the JEE Main 2026 syllabus and are easy to follow. Whether it’s understanding a tricky concept in Physics or going over equations in Chemistry, students can now learn at their own pace anytime, from anywhere.
Several platforms are gaining popularity among JEE aspirants. The NTA Abhyas App, launched by the government which offers free mock tests that feel just like the real exam. Other Apps like Physics Wallah, Unacademy, Vedantu, BYJU’S, and Khan Academy provide chapter-wise lessons, short quizzes, revision courses, and regular practice questions. Every student likes the flexibility of pausing a video, revisiting a topic, or even learning late at night or according to their timetable. Some platforms also give personal guidance, which helps students stay on track. Many of these resources are either free or much cheaper than regular coaching, making them helpful for students from all backgrounds. The best part is much of this is high quality content that is either free or available at an affordable price making online study not just convenient, but also accessible.
