As per JEE Main chapter-wise analysis, the Wave chapter in Physics includes Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), Sound waves and wave optics.
In the JEE Main, Waves and Oscillations together contribute 1–2 questions (occasionally 3 in many shifts).
Although the Waves chapter in Physics is not among the top four high-weightage physics chapters (Electrostatics, Mechanics, Optics, and Current Electricity), it is a reliable topic for easy scoring.
Read More:
- JEE Main 2026 syllabus with chapter-wise weightage & deleted topics (PDF).
- What are the Physics high-weightage chapters for JEE Mains 2026?
Most Important Waves Topics for JEE Main 2026
- The must-do topics in the Waves chapter include the wave equation [y(x,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ)], standing waves in strings and pipes, Doppler’s effect, and beats.
- These sub-topics are simpler and can fetch you 4–8 marks in the JEE Main 2026 exam.
- In JEE Main 2026, the topic-wise weightage of the Waves chapter will vary between 10% and 25% across all shifts.
| Topic | Expected Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| Superposition of Waves & Beats | 20-25 |
| Standing Waves in Strings & Organ Pipes | 20-25 |
| Doppler Effect in Sound | 15-20 |
| Wave Motion & Speed of Wave | 10-15 |
| Sound Waves Intensity & Characteristics | 10-15 |
| Harmonics & Open/Closed Pipes | 10-15 |
Read Also: Is JEE Mains 2026 going to be the toughest ever?
Ques: Is the Waves chapter linked with other chapters in Physics?
Ans: Chapters like Oscillations and Sound are linked with the Waves chapter in Physics. Thus, you can study all together to attempt 2–4 questions in the JEE Mains 2026 exam.
Read More: Check the latest changes in the JEE Main Physics Exam Pattern
Waves Weightage Trend: Last 5 Years Analysis
In the last five years, the number of questions from the Waves chapter in the JEE Main exam has constituted 3%-7% (sometimes 6%-10%) of the total physics questions. The questions asked in this section are mostly formula-based and direct, and can often be solved using previous year's questions (PYQs).
| Year | Approx. Questions | % of Physics |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2-3 | 6-10% |
| 2022 | 1-2 | 3-7% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6-8% |
| 2024 | 1-2 | 3-7% |
| 2025 | 2 | 6-8% |
| Year | Question Paper PDF | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Download | Download |
| 2023 | Download | Download |
| 2022 | Download | Download |
| 2021 | Download | Download |
| 2020 | Download | Download |
Ques: What was the Waves' weightage in the JEE Main 2025 sessions (January and April)?
Ans: In the JEE Main exam, 1-2 questions are asked from the Waves chapter every year, and this trend has been consistent. In the JEE Main 2025 session:
| Session | Questions from Waves (January Session) | Questions from Waves (April Session) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Trend | 1–2 questions per shift (total ~8–12 across all shifts) | 1–2 questions per shift (total ~8–12 across all shifts) |
| Average per Paper | 1–2 | 1–2 |
Reddit & Student Insights: What Aspirants Say About Waves
- Waves is the easiest chapter, the pyqs are the simplest, and the whole chapter revolves around 2-3 concepts.
Source: Reddit
How to Prepare Waves for JEE Main 2026 (Expert Strategy)
| Strategy | Week | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Concept clarity first (NCERT reference) | Weeks 1-2 | Thoroughly read NCERT Class 11 Chapter 15 (Wave Motion) & Class 12 Chapter on Sound; focus on derivations of the wave equation, speed beats, and Doppler. |
| PYQs (minimum years to attempt) | Week 3-4 | Solve PYQs from the last 10-15 years (focus 2016-2025); use NTA archives or standard books. |
| Chapter-wise MCQ target (number) | Week 5-6 | Solve 300-400 MCQS (100easy, 200 medium, 100 hard) from coaching modules or books like HC Verma/DC Pandey. |
| Last week's revision approach | Week 7-8 | Revise formulas & derivations daily (20 mins); solve 50 mixed PYQs; focus weak areas like Doppler cases & standing waves; quick notes review; attempt 2 full mocks for timing. (65 words) |
Read More: How to score 80+ in the JEE Main Physics?
Ques: How much time should I give to the Waves chapter preparation for the JEE Mains 2026 exam?
Ans: The time (in hours) varies from beginner to advanced level for preparing the Waves chapter for the JEE Mains 2026 exam:
| Level | Recommended Time Investment | Suggested Timeline (before exam) |
| Beginner | 25–35 hours total or 4–6 weeks | 6–8 weeks before exam |
| Intermediate | 12–18 hours total or 2–4 weeks | 4–6 weeks before exam |
| Advanced | 6–10 hours total (focused revision only) | 2–4 weeks before exam |
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