JEE Main Permutations and Combinations: Weightage, Key Concepts and Study Plan
Permutations and Combinations in JEE Main: 144 questions across 2022–2026, rank #11 of 14 in Maths, stable momentum. Year-wise data, key concepts and a study plan.
Edurack
October 21, 2026
Permutations and Combinations is a lighter-weight chapter in JEE Main Maths: it ranks #11 of 14, so it adds a few questions rather than a block of them. Here is what five years of JEE Main questions say about it, and how to prepare.
At a glance
- 144 questions across 2022–2026, all shifts
- 4.5% of Maths over five years and 5.0% in 2024–2026
- Rank #11 of 14 Maths chapters by recent weight
- Momentum: Stable
- Asked in 5 of 5 years; busiest year 2024 with 46 questions
- 21 questions in the 2026 papers
Year-wise questions
| Year | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 28 | 28 | 46 | 21 | 21 | 144 |
How Permutations and Combinations compares inside Maths
| Rank | Chapter | Total Qs | 2024–26 share | Momentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Statistics and Probability | 204 | 6.4% | Stable |
| 10 | Vector Algebra | 174 | 6.1% | Gaining |
| 11 | Permutations and Combinations | 144 | 5.0% | Stable |
| 12 | Trigonometry | 177 | 4.6% | Fading |
| 13 | Differential Equations | 160 | 4.6% | Stable |
Concepts that repeat
These specific ideas came back most often inside Permutations and Combinations.
| Concept | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application of Permutations | 11 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 24 |
| Introduction to Combinations | 2 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 3 | 21 |
Start your practice with these. Each one has appeared in every one of the five years, so it is worth knowing the question styles.
What the syllabus covers
Fundamental principle of counting, permutations and combinations, P(n, r) and C(n, r), simple applications.
A checklist to tick off:
- Fundamental principle of counting
- Permutations and combinations
- P(n, r) and C(n, r)
- Simple applications
What to focus on
Counting with restrictions, arrangements with repetition and distribution problems.
A study plan for this chapter
Treat it as a dependable source of marks and keep it in your regular revision cycle. If you divide your Maths time in proportion to recent weightage, this chapter earns about 5% of it.
- Day 1–2: a fast pass over theory and the standard results.
- Day 3: chapter-wise PYQs, then log the mistakes.
- Ongoing: a quick look before each mock test.
Keep reading
- The full ranking: JEE Main Maths chapter-wise weightage
- Next chapter by weight: Trigonometry
- A heavier neighbour: Vector Algebra
See Permutations and Combinations on the weightage page →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions has Permutations and Combinations had in JEE Main?
144 questions across 2022–2026, counting every shift: 2022: 28, 2023: 28, 2024: 46, 2025: 21, 2026: 21.
Is Permutations and Combinations important for JEE Main Maths?
It ranks #11 of 14 Maths chapters by recent weight, which puts it in tier 3 of 3 for preparation. Its momentum is labelled Stable.
How should I start Permutations and Combinations?
Counting with restrictions, arrangements with repetition and distribution problems. Then solve chapter-wise previous-year questions.