JEE Main Oscillations and Waves: Weightage, Key Concepts and Study Plan
Oscillations and Waves in JEE Main: 156 questions across 2022–2026, rank #11 of 20 in Physics, fading momentum. Year-wise data, key concepts and a study plan.
Edurack
October 21, 2026
Oscillations and Waves sits in the middle of JEE Main Physics by weight, and it has been losing share: 6.4% in 2022–23 against 4.7% in 2024–26. Here is what five years of JEE Main questions say about it, and how to prepare.
At a glance
- 156 questions across 2022–2026, all shifts
- 5.4% of Physics over five years and 4.6% in 2024–2026
- Rank #11 of 20 Physics chapters by recent weight
- Momentum: Fading
- Asked in 5 of 5 years; busiest year 2023 with 47 questions
- 24 questions in the 2026 papers
Year-wise questions
| Year | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 37 | 47 | 27 | 21 | 24 | 156 |
How Oscillations and Waves compares inside Physics
| Rank | Chapter | Total Qs | 2024–26 share | Momentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Kinematics | 171 | 5.4% | Stable |
| 10 | Physics and Measurement | 116 | 5.3% | Gaining |
| 11 | Oscillations and Waves | 156 | 4.6% | Fading |
| 12 | Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation | 108 | 3.9% | Stable |
| 13 | Electronic Devices | 108 | 3.7% | Stable |
Concepts that repeat
These specific ideas came back most often inside Oscillations and Waves.
| Concept | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equations of Motion of SHM | 11 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
Start your practice with these. Each one has appeared in several different years, so it is worth knowing the question styles.
What the syllabus covers
Periodic motion, simple harmonic motion and its equation, phase, spring oscillations, energy in SHM, simple pendulum, wave motion, superposition, standing waves in strings and organ pipes, beats.
A checklist to tick off:
- Periodic motion
- Simple harmonic motion and its equation
- Phase
- Spring oscillations
- Energy in SHM
- Simple pendulum
- Wave motion
- Superposition
- Standing waves in strings and organ pipes
- Beats
What to focus on
SHM energy and time-period relations for spring and pendulum systems, standing waves in strings and pipes, and beat frequency.
A study plan for this chapter
Because its share has been shrinking, give it a compact, focused pass and avoid over-investing, but do not skip it. If you divide your Physics time in proportion to recent weightage, this chapter earns about 5% of it.
- Days 1–4: theory and solved examples.
- Days 5–9: chapter-wise PYQs and error log.
- Ongoing: a short revision every ten days.
Keep reading
- The full ranking: JEE Main Physics chapter-wise weightage
- Next chapter by weight: Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
- A heavier neighbour: Physics and Measurement
See Oscillations and Waves on the weightage page →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions has Oscillations and Waves had in JEE Main?
156 questions across 2022–2026, counting every shift: 2022: 37, 2023: 47, 2024: 27, 2025: 21, 2026: 24.
Is Oscillations and Waves important for JEE Main Physics?
It ranks #11 of 20 Physics chapters by recent weight, which puts it in tier 2 of 3 for preparation. Its momentum is labelled Fading.
How should I start Oscillations and Waves?
SHM energy and time-period relations for spring and pendulum systems, standing waves in strings and pipes, and beat frequency. Then solve chapter-wise previous-year questions.