JEE Main Maths Permutation and Combination for 2025

Permutation and Combination are important topics in the JEE Main syllabus for 2025. They focus on counting and arranging objects in different ways. The permutation is used when the order of objects matters, while the combination is used when the order doesn't matter. Understanding these concepts is crucial as they help solve problems related to probability and arrangements, which are often asked in the exam. By learning these topics, you’ll be able to handle questions that involve selecting or arranging items in various scenarios.

Here we will go through the definition, explanation and formulas of the permutation and combination. Then we will solve some of the examples and previous year's permutations and combinations questions for better understanding.

Important Topics of Permutation and Combination 

• Fundamental principle of counting 

• Permutations as an Arrangement

• Combinations as Selections

• Permutation and Combination of n items taken r at a time

• Application of Permutation and Combination

What is Permutation and Combination?

Permutation

A permutation is an act of placing all the members of a set into a sequence or order in mathematics. To put it another way, permuting is the process of rearranging the components of a previously sorted set. Permutations can be found in practically every branch of mathematics, with different degrees of importance. When different orderings on certain finite sets are explored, permutations commonly occur.

Combination

The combination is a method of selecting elements from a collection in which the order of selection is not important (unlike permutations). In smaller instances, the number of possible combinations can be counted. Combination refers to the combination of n number of things taken k at a time without repetition. Also, there are some combinations in which repetition is allowed, the terms k-selection or k-combination with repetition are often used. 

Permutations and Combinations Formulas

Permutation and combination concepts involve a lot of formulas. The two key formulas are as follows:

Permutation Formula

A permutation is the selection of r items from a collection of n items without replacement, with the order of the items being important.

nPr = (n!) / (n-r)!

Combination Formula

A combination is a selection of r items from a set of n items with no replacements and where order doesn't matter.

\[^{n}C_{r} = \frac {n!}{r!(n-r)!} = \frac {^{n}P_r}{r!}\]

Derivation of Permutations Formula

Since a permutation involves selecting r distinct items without replacement from n items and order is important, by the fundamental counting principle, we have

P (n, r) = n. (n-1) . (n-2) . (n-3)…… (n-(r-1)) ways.

This can be written as:

P (n, r) = n.(n-1).(n-2). (n-3) …. (n-r+1)---------------> (1)

Multiplying and Dividing (1) by (n-r) (n-r-1) (n-r-2)........... 3. 2. 1, we get

P (n, r) = $\dfrac{n.(n-1).(n-2).…. (n-r+1)[(n-r) (n-r-1) (n-r-2)... 3. 2. 1]}{[(n-r) (n-r-1) (n-r-2)....3. 2. 1]}$

P (n, r) = $\dfrac{n!}{(n-r)!}$

Derivation of Combinations Formula

Since combinations involve choosing r objects out of n objects where the order doesn't matter, we can determine that:

C(n,r) = the number of permutations /number of ways to arrange ‘r’ objects. $[$Since by the fundamental counting principle, we know that the number of ways to arrange ‘r’ objects in r ways = r!$]$

C(n,r) = P (n, r)/ r!

C(n,r) = $\dfrac{\dfrac{n!}{(n-r)!}}{r!}$

Thus we derive C(n,r) =$\dfrac{n!}{r!.(n - r)!}$

Difference Between Permutation and Combination

Permutations and Combinations Formulas List

Solved Permutations and Combinations Examples

Example 1: Find the number of permutations and combinations if the data given is n = 12 and r = 2.

Solution: Given,

n = 12

r = 2

Using the formula given above:

Permutation:

nPr = (n!) / (n-r)! =(12!) / (12-2)! = 12! / 10! = (12 x 11 x 10! )/ 10! = 132

Combination:

$\begin{array}{l}^{n}C_{r} = \frac{n1}{r!(n-r)!}\end{array} $

$\begin{array}{l}\frac{12!}{2!(12-2)!} = \frac{12!}{2!(10)!} = \frac{12\times 11\times 10!}{2!(10)!} = 66\end{array} $

Example 2: Determine how many ways a committee of 5 men and 3 women may be chosen from a group of 9 men and 12 women?

Solution:

Choose 5 men from the group of 9 men = 9C5 ways = 126 ways

Choose 3 women from the group of  12 women = 12C3 ways = 220 ways

The committee was formed in 27720 ways.

Solved Previous year Questions 

1.  Prove that if each of the ‘m’ points in one straight line is joined to each of the n points on the other straight line, excluding the points on the given two lines. The number of points of intersection of these lines is $\begin{array}{l}\frac{1}{4}\end{array} $ mn(m-1)(n-1).

Solution:

Two points on the first line and two points on the second line are required to obtain one point of intersection. These can be chosen from a set of n points in nC2 ways or from a set of m points in mC2 ways.

Therefore, the required number = mC2 × nC2 = (m(m-1))/2!  x  (n(n-1))/2! =$\begin{array}{l}\frac{1}{4}\end{array}$

mn(m – 1)(n – 1)

Question 2. Number of divisors of n = 38808 (except 1 and n) is _____.

Solution:

Since, 38808 = 8 × 4851

= 8 × 9 × 539

= 8 × 9 × 7 × 7 × 11

= 23 × 32 × 72 × 11

So, the number of divisors = (3 + 1) (2 + 1) (2 + 1) (1 + 1) = 72.

This includes two divisors 1 and 38808.

Hence, the number of divisors required is = 72 – 2 = 70.

Question 3. A five-digit number divisible by 3 has to be formed using the numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 without repetition. The total number of ways in which this can be done is ________.

Solution:

We know that a five-digit number is divisible by 3 if and only if the sum of its digits (= 15), hence we should avoid using 0 or 3 while creating five-digit numbers.

Now,

(i) So, in the first case, we do not use 0; the five-digit number can be formed (from the digit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) in 5P5 ways.

(ii) And, in the second case, we do not use 3; the five-digit number can be formed (from the digit 0, 1, 2, 4, 5) in 6 ! −5! × 2 = 480 ways.

The total number of such 5 digit number = 5P5 + (5P5 − 4P4)

= 120 + 96

= 216.

Practise Question 

1. In how many ways can a committee of 5 be made out of 6 men and 4 women containing at least one woman?

(A) 246 

(B) 222 

(C) 186 

(D) None of these

2. How many numbers greater than 10 lakhs can be formed from 2, 3,0, 3,4,2,3?

(A) 420 

(B) 360

(C) 400 

(D) 300

Answer: 1-(A), 2-(B)

Applications of Permutations and Combinations in Maths

• Permutations are used when the order of things matters, like arranging books on a shelf.

• Combinations are used when the order doesn’t matter, like choosing a team from a group of people.

• They are used to solve problems in probability, like figuring out the chances of certain outcomes.

• Permutations help when you want to see how many ways things can be ordered, like in a race or ranking.

• Combinations are useful when you need to select a group from a larger set, like choosing a committee.

• These concepts are used in real life, such as in planning, organizing, and making decisions.

Tips to learn Permutations and Combinations in a Simple Way

• Clearly know when to use permutation (when the order matters, like arranging books) and when to use combination (when the order doesn’t matter, like choosing a team). This basic understanding is crucial to solving problems correctly.

• Begin with easy problems that are straightforward to solve. This helps you get comfortable with the basic concepts, and once you're confident, move on to more complex questions.

• There are specific formulas for permutations and combinations. Make sure you understand them and know when to apply each one, but focus on the logic behind the formula, not just memorizing it.

• The more problems you solve, the better you'll get at recognizing patterns and applying the correct formulas. Regular practice builds confidence and sharpens your skills.

• When facing harder problems, break them into smaller, easier steps. Solving parts of the problem step by step makes it less overwhelming and more manageable.

Study Materials for Permutation and Combination

These study materials will aid you in comprehending Permutation and Combination, ensuring a solid foundation for further mathematical pursuits.

JEE Main Maths Chapter-wise Solutions 2025

JEE Main Maths Study and Practice Materials

Explore an array of resources in the JEE Main Maths Study and Practice Materials section. Our practice materials offer a wide variety of questions, comprehensive solutions, and a realistic test experience to elevate your preparation for the JEE Main exam. These tools are indispensable for self-assessment, boosting confidence, and refining problem-solving abilities, guaranteeing your readiness for the test. Explore the links below to enrich your Maths preparation.

Conclusion

Permutation and combination are explained elaborately in this article, along with the difference between them. We have discussed both the topics here with their formulas,  examples and solved questions. With this students will be able when to use permutations and when to use combination formulas in a question. Students can also work on Permutations and Combinations of different questions to enhance their knowledge and understanding of this chapter.

Important Links for JEE Main and Advanced 2025

Access a curated collection of study materials and tips to excel in JEE Main and Advanced 2025, helping you prepare effectively for these prestigious engineering entrance exams.