The Best Order to Attempt Sections: Physics, Chemistry, or Maths First?
Solve the biggest exam-hall dilemma. Discover personalized strategies to maximize your JEE score based on your unique strengths.
Why Section Order Matters in JEE
The order in which you attempt Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics can impact your final score by 15-25%. This isn't about working harder, but working smarter by leveraging your psychological and academic strengths.
🎯 The Mental Game
Starting with your strongest subject builds confidence and momentum, while saving the toughest for later prevents early frustration and time wastage. The right order can be the difference between a good score and a great one.
🚀 Find Your Strategy
1. Analyze Your Strength Profile
Identify Your Subject Personality
Physics Profile
- Strong in conceptual understanding
- Good at problem visualization
- Comfortable with lengthy calculations
- Time-consuming but high-scoring
Chemistry Profile
- Strong memory and recall
- Good at factual knowledge
- Quick problem solving
- Less time-consuming
Mathematics Profile
- Strong analytical skills
- Good at pattern recognition
- Comfortable with abstractions
- Variable time requirements
Subject Characteristics Analysis
| Subject | Average Time/Question | Score Potential | Mental Load | Best For Starting When... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 3-4 minutes | High (if conceptual clarity) | High | You're fresh and focused |
| Chemistry | 1-2 minutes | Consistent | Medium | You need quick confidence boost |
| Mathematics | 2-5 minutes | Variable | Very High | You have time and mental energy |
2. Choose Your Battle Plan
Strategy A: The Confidence Builder
👑 For Students Strong in Chemistry
Recommended Order: Chemistry → Physics → Mathematics
Why This Works:
- Quick start: Chemistry questions are faster to solve, giving you early momentum
- Confidence boost: Securing 25-30 questions quickly builds psychological advantage
- Energy management: Tackle Physics when still fresh, save Maths for last
- Time optimization: Chemistry's predictability helps with time allocation
✅ Ideal For:
Students who are strong in Organic Chemistry and can quickly recall Inorganic facts. Perfect if you tend to get nervous at the start.
Strategy B: The Momentum Creator
⚡ For Students Strong in Mathematics
Recommended Order: Mathematics → Chemistry → Physics
Why This Works:
- Peak performance: Attack toughest subject when mental energy is highest
- Time buffer: Complete time-consuming Maths early, creating time cushion
- Stress reduction: Getting Maths out of the way reduces overall pressure
- Progressive ease: Move from complex (Maths) to moderate (Chemistry) to manageable (Physics)
✅ Ideal For:
Students with strong analytical skills who don't get stuck easily. Best for those who want to tackle the biggest challenge first.
Strategy C: The Steady Performer
🎯 For Balanced Students
Recommended Order: Physics → Chemistry → Mathematics
Why This Works:
- Conceptual start: Physics requires fresh mind for complex concepts
- Natural progression: Move from calculation-heavy to memory-based to analytical
- Risk management: Don't put all difficult subjects together
- Energy conservation: Moderate start prevents early burnout
✅ Ideal For:
Students with consistent performance across subjects. Perfect for those who want a balanced approach without extreme peaks and valleys.
3. Master Time Allocation
Smart Time Distribution
Buffer Time: Always keep 5-10 minutes for review and attempting skipped questions. Never allocate all 90 minutes initially.
The 2-Pass System
First Pass (60-65 minutes)
- Attempt all sure-shot questions
- Skip moderately difficult ones
- Mark questions you're unsure about
- Maintain steady pace - don't get stuck
Second Pass (20-25 minutes)
- Return to marked questions
- Attempt moderate difficulty ones
- Make educated guesses if needed
- Review all answers in last 5 minutes
⏰ Golden Time Rules
- 2-minute rule: If stuck for 2 minutes, mark and move on
- Section timer: Set mental deadlines for each section
- Buffer principle: Always finish section 5 minutes early
- Review mandatory: Never submit without final review
4. Find Your Perfect Strategy
Quick Self-Assessment
1. Which subject gives you the most confidence during mock tests?
2. Where do you typically lose the most time?
3. How do you usually feel in the first 15 minutes of an exam?
Your Recommended Strategy
Complete the assessment above to see your personalized strategy...
🎯 Final Pro Tips
During Preparation
- Practice your chosen order in every mock test
- Time each section to understand your pace
- Identify your 2-minute questions in each subject
- Create a mental trigger for section switching
Exam Day Execution
- Stick to your practiced order - no last-minute changes
- Use the first minute to scan all sections quickly
- Trust your preparation and avoid overthinking
- Maintain positive self-talk throughout the exam
⚠️ Avoid These Common Mistakes
Stick to your practiced order unless there's a major paper pattern change
Don't spend disproportionate time on one question - maintain overall balance
Complete your planned section before moving, unless absolutely stuck
Set mental checkpoints and respect them strictly
Ready to Optimize Your JEE Strategy?
Practice your chosen strategy in our simulated mock tests with detailed analytics