For JEE ellipse problems: (1) Always identify a first — the larger denominator in $x^2$/A + $y^2$/B = 1 is $a^2$, regardless of which variable it's under. This determines axis orientation. (2) Use parametric form (acos(theta), bsin(theta)) for problems involving eccentric angles or optimization. (3) For tangent problems: choose point form when the point is on the ellipse, slope form when slope or parallel/perpendicular conditions are given, parametric when eccentric angle is known. (4) For eccentricity problems: exploit $b^2$ = $a^2$(1-$e^2$) to convert between a, b, c, e. (5) SP + SP' = 2a is the universal starting point for focal distance problems. (6) Director circle $x^2$ + $y^2$ = $a^2$ + $b^2$ appears in perpendicular tangent questions. (7) The product p1p2 = $b^2$ of focal perpendiculars to any tangent is a frequent one-liner. (8) The tangent condition $c^2$ = $a^2$$m^2$ + $b^2$ is the single most used formula. (9) T = S1 for chord with midpoint problems. (10) Check position of point (S1 sign) before tangent/normal problems.