15 Tips to Cheat at MCQs in IIT

JEE: Guessing Your Way to the IITs

As we know, JEE is the toughest
entrance test in India. But how
many of you know the tricks to
mark correct answers for MCQs in
JEE Main and JEE Advanced? I
know a few.
In JEE, all questions are objective.
The

Multiple

Choice

Questions

(MCQs) has four answers, out of

which sometimes only one and at
times two options are correct.
Students need to circle the correct option for every question and earn marks.
It is usually seen that candidates consider objective questions easy as compared
to subjective. Despite of the wide spread liking towards MCQs and IIT JEE paper
pattern, multiple choice questions could be difficult to tackle. At times, the
choices may appear similar and therefore you might get confused. In order to
answer the questions correctly, students need to have deeper insight of every
topic in the syllabus. Students can use the below mentioned tricks for both
online and offline exams:
Be Calm Candidates should make sure they are stress free and calm before
writing IIT JEE test. Since, due to tension you may lose concentration and might
mark a wrong answer. Understand the questionIdentify the important part of
the question and apply your logic. Understand what the question is before
marking the answer. Tick the answer only when you are sure. Choosing correct
answer is really important, since every wrong answer might result in deduction
of marks (due to negative marking in the exam).
// ]]>
Example: From a tower of height H, a particle is thrown vertically upwards with
a speed u, then the time taken by the particle to hit the ground, is n times

taken by it to reach the highest point of its path.

(IIT-JEE Mains 2014)
(a) 2gH=n u
2

(b) gH = (n-2)2u2

(c) 2gH =nu2(n-2)

(d) gH = (n-2)u2

Immediately, identity the topic and apply concept related to it (Projectile motion
in this case). Make the diagrams for better understanding to make sure you land
up to the right answer choice.

Check the Dimensions This technique is very handy in Physics paper, where
we can filter options by looking at their dimension. Lets say, we are to find the
speed, then we can safely filter out options whose dimension does not equals
m/sec. Believe me, it will save a lot of your time.
// ]]>
Example: A highly rigid cubical block A of small mass M and side L is fixed
rigidly onto another cubical block B of the same dimensions and of low modulus
of rigidity such that the lower face of A completely covers the upper face of B.
The lower face of B is rigidly held on a horizontal surface. A small force F is
applied perpendicular to one of the side faces of A. After the force is withdrawn,
block A executes a small oscillation. The time period of oscillation is:
(IIT JEE 1992)
(a)2 ML

(b) 2 M/L

(c) 2 ML/

(d) 2 M/L

Sol: Dimensional formula of = [MLT^-2]/ [L] [L] = [ML^-1 T^-2]

Now check for the dimension of Time period in each option. Let us take the first
option. The final dimensional formula of that answer comes to be [MT^-1].
Option (b) comes out to be [ML^-1 T^-1]
Option (c) comes out to be [LT]

Now check option (d). Its [M]/ [] [L]

= [M]/ [ML^-1 T^-2] [L] = [T]
Dont be in hurry during JEE Giving the right answer is very crucial in IIT JEE
therefore mark the answer carefully. Dont guess the answer too soon! Take
some time to think and make necessary calculations. Stop and read the question
and options carefully.
Method of Assumption This is another important method. In some of the
questions, some unknown quantities will be given. Here, we assign some values
to these quantities without changing the conditions given. This is almost similar
to the method of substitution.
Example: If a(n) denotes the nth term in an Arithmetic Progression. Then
1/a(1)a(2) +1/a(2)a(3) ++1/a(n-1)a(n)=
(a) n-1/a (1) a (n)
(c)n-2/a(1)a(n-1)

(b) n/a(1)a(n+1)
(d) n/a(1)a(n)

Sol: Take a simple AP=1, 2, 3, 4..let us take n=3.

Therefore our questions comes to be:1/1*2 +1/2*3 =4/6 =2/3= n-1/a(1)a(n).
Hence the correct option is (a).
Choose technically correct option and Generalize Questions It is often
seen that people tend to ignore options like all of the above and none of the
above thinking such options are never correct. In reality, these options tend to
be right more often. Also, dont jump into any option abruptly.
Questions like ax+by+cz= k, can we solved by using general values like a=1,
b=1, c=1 to see if it solves our purpose.

Do a little guess work Even though guess work is not always the best
practice, it might work at times. If you are not sure of an answer, make a guess!
Delete some options which you think are in correct and try to relate the leftovers
with the questions to check what answer you get. Remember, guess work is not
always beneficial. So try to avoid it!
Example: When a rubber-band is stretched by a distance x, it exerts a restoring
force of magnitude F = ax + bx 2 where a and b are constants. The work done in
stretching the unstretched rubber-band by L is:
(a) aL2 + bL3

(b) (aL2 + bL3) / 2

(c) aL2 / 2 + bL3 / 3

(d) aL2 / 4 + bL3 / 6

As we can observe from the question that a and b are with different powers of x
and hence there the answer is most unlikely to have same coefficients. Hence
options a and b can be eliminated and even with a little amount of knowledge,
we can chose among c and d.
Dont

change

your

answer Avoid

changing

your

answers

frequently.

Generally, first answer is always correct. Regularly changing the answer might
prove wrong at the end. This also leads to confusion. Therefore, stick to one
answer regularly.
Reverse engineering Reverse engineering, taking step backward. Instead of
solving complete equation, we just apply value in the equation to see if it solves
it.
Example: The straight line (2+)X + (1+ )Y=5+ , for different values of
passes through the fixed point
(a) (2,9)

(b) (2, -9)

(c ) (-2,-9)

(d ) (-2, -9)

Move on Despite of so many attempts, if you are not getting the right answer,
switch to the next question. Sticking to just one question will waste your time.
Solve other questions and return to this one once you have done all the rest. You
can spend the remaining few minutes in solving this question. Later on once you

have done filtering, dimension check, you can apply law of probability (as per
option 1) and choose one option. Remember, probability is now on your side.
Discard highest and lowest outliers Outliers mean choices having extreme
values. If your test paper has any question which have answers in numerical
values, discard the extremes. In 60% cases, the highest and lowest values are
not right. So, be very careful while choosing the answer. They have high
probability of being wrong. So candidates can safely stay away from this
unfamiliar zone.
Example: Let A, B, C be three sets of complex number as defined below
A = {z: Imz 1} , B={z:|z 2 i| = 3} , C = {z: Re ((I j) z) = }. The number of
element in the set A B C is
(a) 0

(b) 1

(c) 2

(d)

Here the answer is 1. This is not generalized rule but again applicable at many
places.
Choose one among the two options If you have already checked out two
incorrect answers, choose one out of the remaining options. You can use the first
point to select the correct answer.
Attempt the no-negative marking questions At times, there are questions
like match the following in the IIT JEE test. These questions dont carry negative
marking therefore you are free to take chance. You should never leave such
questions un-attempted. You should read and know the marking scheme
correctly to attempt every question and earn marks. Usually exams marking
pattern is +4 for each correct answers and -1 for each negative. And, assuming
all options have an equal probability of being correct, student can at the leave
have a minimum score of 0.25*n out of n questions (0.25 n *4 0.75n*1) by
choosing only 1 option. In case, there is no negative marking, you can score 1*n.
Hence, never leave any question unanswered if there is no negative marking.

If we go via topics, we can summarize the following:

Memorize easiest topics to get good marks
1) Algebra can be made easier if you have the ability to picture functions as
graphs and are good at applying vertical and horizontal origin shifts carefully as
zeroes of functions and other specific values can be done in much less time
using these techniques.
2) Differential calculus again relates well to roots of equations, especially if
you use the Rolle's and Lagrange's theorems.
3) Complex numbers is very important chapter for JEE. It can be used to
solve questions in co-ordinate geometry too. Trigonometric questions require
applications of De Moivre's theorem. Every year, two to three problems (of
purely complex number) are asked. Hence mastering complex numbers, vectors,
3-D and Definite integral must be on top priority.
4) Permutation-Combination and Probability is another very important
topic in algebra. You need to be thorough with the basics of Bayes theorem,
derangements and various ways of distribution, taking care of cases where
objects are identical and when they are not.
5) Matrices can be related to equations, hence a 3x3 matrix can actually be
visualised as being three-planed in 3D geometry. Determinants have some very
nice properties, for instance, the ability to break them into two using a common
summand from a row/ column, which should be made use of in tougher
questions.
6) Integral calculus can be simplified using tricks and keeping in mind some
basic varieties of integrable functions. Remembering the properties and
applying them wisely saves lot of time.
7) Coordinate

geometry requires

good

working

knowledge

of

the

parametric forms of various conic sections and an ability to convert the other,
tougher ones to these basic forms and then interpret the solutions accordingly.
Finally the only one way to do well in Mathematics is to practice problems
keeping in mind the pattern of questions in the previous years' JEE papers.
Conceptual clarity, application skills and awareness to the prescribed syllabus
should be the main focus. Practice the most relevant numerical daily to develop
speed. Pay special attention to the topics like Mole concept, Chemical
Equilibrium and Electrochemistry.

8) Take a careful and patient approach for Organic Chemistry giving particular
attention to the topics like Stereochemistry, GOC (General Organic Chemistry)
and Functional Group Analysis.
9) In Inorganic chemistry, most of the questions which are asked are really
conceptual, concerned with structures, processes and applications and are very
direct.
10)

Special

attention

is

must

for

the

topics

like Chemical

Bonding and Coordination Chemistry.

11) Mechanics is one topic in Physics that is considered less scoring by most
experts. However to add to the dilemma, this is also the topic that forms the
major portion of the JEE (Advanced) in terms of marks. So this topic cannot be
neglected.
12) Modern Physics with its atoms, nuclei and radiations are some of the
topics, which cannot be ignored during IIT JEE Test. In fact, these topics will help
you earn about 20-25 marks in the exam. Also, it requires not more than a
couple of days to understand this topic. So, memorize easiest topics to score
well in the test.
13)

Kinematics and Particle dynamics are very important topics of

Mechanics that make regular appearance in the JEE papers.

14)

Thermodynamics is important from the terms of both Physics and

Chemistry so concentrate on that as well.

15) One must also try to concentrate on other scoring topics to ensure a better
performance, for example Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, etc.
Note: It is wise to cover Wave Optics first in 'Optics' topic. The reason is that the
portion is smaller compared to Ray Optics and thus, quick to cover.
OTHER KEY GENERAL POINTS

Stay focused and maintain a positive attitude.

Develop speed. Refer to reputed mock-test series to build a winning exam

temperament. Solve the past year's IIT-JEE papers. Focus on your weak
areas and improve upon your concepts.

Practice of JEE level questions is necessary as it improves your reasoning

and analytical ability.

Remember it is quality of time spent and not the quantity alone that
matters. Take short breaks of five to 10 minutes every one to two hours of
serious study. It is important to relax. Practice meditation to develop inner
calm, poise, confidence and power of concentration.

Don't overstress yourself. Five to six hours of sleep every night is a must,
especially three to four days before the main exam to keep you physically
and mentally fit. While short naps may help to regain freshness, avoid
over-sleeping during the day.

If you find the paper tough, don't be nervous. It is the relative performance that
counts. So put your best analytical mind to work, and believe in your
preparation. Good luck!