As the JEE Mains 2026 January session approaches, mastering Ray Optics and Optical Instruments can easily fetch you 8-12 marks. Completing this chapter doesn't just mean memorising formulas, but also understanding how light travels, bends, and forms images on a screen.
- Ray optics and optical instruments are a high-scoring section in the JEE Main paper, accounting for approximately 10% of the physics syllabus.
- This chapter typically features 2-3 questions, covering essential topics such as Reflection, Refraction, and Optical Instruments in the exam.
- JEE Main 2026 syllabus with chapter-wise weightage & deleted topics (PDF)
- Take the December Mock Test for JEE Main to improve your score before the session 1 exam
Most Important Ray Optics and Optical Instruments Topics for JEE Main 2026
- With only two months left for the JEE Main Session 1 exam, toppers advise focusing on high-weightage topics and taking at least 15-20 full-length mock tests.
- Important topics in this chapter include refraction, lens/mirror formulas, image formation, and optical instruments.
- In both sessions of JEE Main 2025 (January and April), two questions were asked from the Optics chapter in Physics.
| Topic | Expected % Weightage |
|---|---|
| Reflection of Light by Spherical Mirrors | 8-10% |
| Refraction of Light and Lens Formula | 10-12% |
| Total Internal Reflection and Prisms | 8-10% |
| Lens Maker's Formula and Combinations | 10-12% |
| Optical Instruments (Microscope, Telescope) | 10-12% |
| Refraction through Spherical Surfaces | 6-8% |
| Image Formation and Ray Diagrams | 8-10% |
Read Also: Check the most asked questions on Optics in JEE Mains exam
Ques: What is the difficulty level of Ray optics questions in the JEE Main exam?
Ans: The difficulty level of the questions in this section ranges from easy to medium, but topics like silvered lenses can sometimes increase the difficulty. The types of questions include:
- Formula-based questions: Mirror/lens and magnification formulas, ray diagrams
- Application-based questions: Optical instruments, prisms, and total internal reflection
- Conceptual questions: Apparent depth and deviation in prisms
Read More: Take the JEE Main test series on Optics for last-minute formula revision
Ray Optics and Optical Instruments Weightage Trend: Last 5 Years Analysis
Over the past five years (2021–2025), the weightage of the Ray Optics and Optical Instruments chapter in JEE Main has remained consistent at 5% to 10%. You can expect 2–3 questions from this section, which can be solved with practice of ray diagrams and numerical problems.
| Year | Approx. Questions | % of Physics |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2-3 | 6-10% |
| 2022 | 2-3 | 6-8% |
| 2023 | 2 | 5-7% |
| 2024 | 2-3 | 6-8% |
| 2025 | 2-3 | 6-10% |
| Year | Question Paper PDF | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Download | Download |
| 2023 | Download | Download |
| 2022 | Download | Download |
| 2021 | Download | Download |
| 2020 | Download | Download |
Ques: How many questions were there from the Optics chapter in the JEE Main January 2025 session?
Ans: Based on memory-based analysis and the question papers from all shifts, the questions asked from Optics were as follows:
| Topic | Number of Questions (Approx.) | Question Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Optics & Optical Instruments | ~2 per shift (across multiple shifts) | MCQ + Numerical (both types observed) |
| Wave Optics (Interference/Diffraction) | Included in some shifts | MCQ / conceptual type |
| Lens-based numerical | Included in some shifts | Mostly numerical |
| Refraction through media/prism problems | Included in some shifts | MCQ (concept/formula) |
Reddit & Student Insights: What Aspirants Say About Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
For some students, the ray optics chapter in physics is confusing, and the questions are mostly based on calculations. They shared their experience on Reddit, saying:
- “I’ve studied the whole of physics, and honestly, ray optics was the worst one. Modern physics was obviously easy and even magnetism ain‘t that hard as compared to ray optics(for me).”
Source: Reddit
- “12th is scoring if 11th is strong. EMI + Optics = 6–8 easy Qs. Revise in Jan.”
Source: Topper Tip: (AIR 7, r/JEE)
| Ray Optics and Optical Instruments JEE Main PYQ - 1 Mock Test | Ray Optics and Optical Instruments JEE Main PYQ - 2 Mock Test | Ray Optics and Optical Instruments JEE Main PYQ - 3 Mock Test |
How to prepare Ray Optics and Optical Instructions for JEE Main 2026 (Expert Strategy)
| Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Concept Clarity First | Thoroughly read Class 12 NCERT Ch. 9 (Ray Optics & Optical Instruments). |
| Formula Revision | Prepare one-page sheet: Mirror/lens formula, lens maker’s, prism deviation, magnification (m = v/u), power (P =1/f). |
| Previous Year Questions | Solve the last 10-15 years PYQs and prioritize 2020-2025 for recent trends. |
| Last Week’s Revision Approach | Revise the formula sheet daily and practice 50 PYQs + ray diagrams. |
Read More: Secure 10-15 marks in JEE Main 2026 by focusing on the easy chapters in Physics
Ques: By when should I complete the entire JEE syllabus before the first attempt at JEE Mains?
Ans: As per experts and toppers (Air 1-50) of 2023 to 2025, JEE Main 2026 aspirants should anyhow complete at least 61% of the entire syllabus by December 2025.
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