JEE Main Thermodynamics: Weightage, Key Concepts and Study Plan
Thermodynamics in JEE Main: 106 questions across 2022–2026, rank #14 of 20 in Physics, stable momentum. Year-wise data, key concepts and a study plan.
Edurack
October 21, 2026
Thermodynamics is a lighter-weight chapter in JEE Main Physics: it ranks #14 of 20, 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
- 106 questions across 2022–2026, all shifts
- 3.6% of Physics over five years and 3.7% in 2024–2026
- Rank #14 of 20 Physics chapters by recent weight
- Momentum: Stable
- Asked in 5 of 5 years; busiest year 2023 with 28 questions
- 18 questions in the 2026 papers
Year-wise questions
| Year | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 21 | 28 | 17 | 22 | 18 | 106 |
How Thermodynamics compares inside Physics
| Rank | Chapter | Total Qs | 2024–26 share | Momentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation | 108 | 3.9% | Stable |
| 13 | Electronic Devices | 108 | 3.7% | Stable |
| 14 | Thermodynamics | 106 | 3.7% | Stable |
| 15 | Laws of Motion | 121 | 3.5% | Fading |
| 16 | Work, Energy and Power | 110 | 3.5% | Stable |
Concepts that repeat
These specific ideas came back most often inside Thermodynamics.
| Concept | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adiabatic Process | 8 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 35 |
| Carnot Engine | 7 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 24 |
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
Thermal equilibrium, zeroth law, heat, work and internal energy, first law, isothermal and adiabatic processes, second law, reversible and irreversible processes.
A checklist to tick off:
- Thermal equilibrium
- Zeroth law
- Heat
- Work and internal energy
- First law
- Isothermal and adiabatic processes
- Second law
- Reversible and irreversible processes
What to focus on
The first law applied to isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric and isochoric processes, work from P-V graphs, and heat engine efficiency.
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 Physics time in proportion to recent weightage, this chapter earns about 4% 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 Physics chapter-wise weightage
- Next chapter by weight: Laws of Motion
- A heavier neighbour: Electronic Devices
See Thermodynamics on the weightage page →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions has Thermodynamics had in JEE Main?
106 questions across 2022–2026, counting every shift: 2022: 21, 2023: 28, 2024: 17, 2025: 22, 2026: 18.
Is Thermodynamics important for JEE Main Physics?
It ranks #14 of 20 Physics chapters by recent weight, which puts it in tier 3 of 3 for preparation. Its momentum is labelled Stable.
How should I start Thermodynamics?
The first law applied to isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric and isochoric processes, work from P-V graphs, and heat engine efficiency. Then solve chapter-wise previous-year questions.