10 Common Silly Mistakes to Avoid in IIT JEE 2026

10 Common Silly Mistakes to Avoid in IIT JEE 2026

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Team Careers360Updated on 26 Nov 2025, 05:03 PM IST
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10 common silly mistakes to avoid in IIT JEE 2026 - Candidates who want to take admission in IIT JEE 2026 must avoid the common silly mistakes. Careers360 provides the details about the silly mistakes to be avoided during IIT JEE 2026 exam on this page. Aspirant have to clear both the exam to be eligibile for admission into IITs. The authority first conducts the JEE Main Exam in 2 sessions and then the JEE Advanced will be held. will be conducted first and then the JEE Advanced exam will be held. During preparation, it's common to make mistakes in both JEE Main and advanced exams, but recognising and learning from them early can make a big difference. Knowing the key do's & don'ts for JEE Mains and Advanced beforehand helps save time and boosts confidence as well.

10 Common Silly Mistakes to Avoid in IIT JEE 2026
10 Common Silly Mistakes to Avoid in IIT JEE - Dos & Don'ts for JEE Main

The session 1 of JEE Main exam 2026 will be conducted from January 21 to 30, 2026, while the session 2 will take place from April 2 to 9, 2026. The JEE Main 2026 admit card will be released on the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. In this article, candidates can find the 10 common silly mistakes to avoid in the IIT JEE Mains exam 2026.

10 common silly mistakes to avoid in IIT JEE Exam 2026

It is well known that JEE Main preparation is the most important phase for engineering students. The next important event that follows is the main examination. Both of them are crucial and there is no scope for haste in any. To help candidates preparing for these exams, here are the common mistakes made in JEE Main & Advanced and how to avoid them for better performance:

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  1. Lack of Study Plan for IIT JEE 2026 - The first and foremost task for candidates preparing for Engineering entrance examination is to prepare a study plan for JEE Main. Those aiming higher for JEE Advanced 2026 need to adjust their study hours and strategy accordingly, ensuring they achieve success in one attempt. If one thinks that they can not follow a long term routine, they can take it step by step one day at a time and make weekly plans thereby. This way, progress will be more obvious and candidates will not end up crashing over their time table.

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  1. Not Knowing Official Syllabus - The National Testing Agency as well as the IITs conducting JEE Advanced, announces the syllabus on the official website according to which the question paper is set. Also, JEE Main 2026 exam pattern and also the JEE Advanced exam pattern are most important which many students skip. All they focus on is to drown into books which is not a sensible practice.

  1. Practice Before Study - One of the 10 common silly mistakes to avoid in IIT JEE 2026 is to directly start with the question papers of JEE Main exam. It is like jumping towards the third stair while skipping the initial two. It enhances the chances of an unexpected fall. As per IIT JEE do's & don'ts, candidates should first know the concepts and then only go for self analysis.

  1. Losing Motivation - There are times when everyone loses their dedication and it is very much natural. But when you have a big task of JEE Main, more importantly, to crack JEE Advanced. In such a case, losing motivation should not at all be an option. At such times, they can take a break and think of new ways on how to change the strategy so that they can enhance their concentration and bring better JEE Main results at the same time.

  1. Dealing with Stress - Preparing and appearing for JEE Main exam 2026 is not a quick pick and the process is long and tiring. Even a totally determined candidate will at times be stressed out ending up making a lot of IIT JEE mistakes. The answer on how to avoid silly mistakes in JEE Mains 2026 is to retain your calm and find ways that keep you refreshed. It will depend upon what works best for you, be it music, sports, entertainment etc.

  1. Less Practice - There are students out there who think that being a bookworm is all you need in order to prepare for JEE Main and Advanced. They should know that testing self is the most important part of preparation. Practicing JEE Main question papers will help them understand the common silly mistakes to avoid in JEE Main 2026.

  1. Running after Certain Topics - Knowing the JEE Main weightage is important while preparing for the exam. Here, another example of JEE Main and Advanced common mistake that candidates make is putting a lot more focus on topics that are asked often. In this way, they sometimes end up skipping various short topics which end up holding more weightage in the finals. Rather than regretting in the end, candidates should not skip but distribute their attention in a sensible manner.

  2. Confidence to Avoid Negative Marking - While attempting, it is better to be aware of common JEE Mains 2026 exam mistakes so that candidates do not lose marks to negative marking. If a candidate is doubtful with an answer, look for the possibility of other options and analyze. If they can not get any conclusion, just skip that part and move on with another question. Having confidence in their decision is the most important tool while attempting the exam.

  3. Not Understanding the Question - Another example of one of the 10 common silly mistakes to avoid in IIT JEE 2026 is being too hasty. Candidates should be calm all the time and not at all in a hurry while attempting JEE Main and Advanced exams 2026. They should first understand the essence of a question and then only proceed with attempting such a question so that there is no scope for IIT JEE mistakes.

  4. Lack of Concentration - While attempting JEE Main or JEE Advanced, the complete focus should be on the computer screen and the questions put forward, regardless of what is happening in the surroundings. So should be the case during preparation as well. Because lack of concentration often results in attempting JEE Main and Advanced common mistakes.

Candidates should note that the pointers explained above are not conclusive but much more can be added. Because a process that goes on for months can not be summed up in 10 common silly mistakes to avoid in IIT JEE 2026. However, they should take care of all of them so as to ace the engineering entrance examination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will the JEE Main 2026 be conducted?
A:

The JEE Main 2026 exam for session 1 will be conducted from January 21 to 30, 2026, while for session 2 will be held from April 2 to 9, 2026. 

Q: What is the JEE Main 2026 admit card release date?
A:

The admit card of JEE Main 2026 will be released tentatively 5 to 7 days before the exam date.

Q: Will there be negative marking in the JEE Main 2026 exam?
A:

Yes, there will be negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.

Q: What is the right time to reach the exam centre?
A:

Candidates are advised to reach the JEE Main 2026 exam centre an hour before the commencement of the exam. 

Q: How to prepare for IIT 2026?
A:

Build a solid foundation in subjects like Physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

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Questions related to JEE Main

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to JEE Main ?

Hello

If you want to get admission in IIT Delhi, then you will score well in JEE Advanced. Only the JEE Mains score is not sufficient to get admission in the IIT Delhi. You need to score 250+ marks for the general category in CSE. For the reservation category, you also need to score much higher marks and give your best performance. If you score quite well in JEE Advanced, then you will have a chance to get admission through JOSAA counselling.

Thank you

To score good marks in JEE Mains, you need a strong plan, consistent study habits and smart practice. First, finish the entire JEE syllabus from NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks, because these are the foundation for questions asked in the exam. After completing the basics, choose good quality reference books for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics to build problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding. Make a weekly study plan where each day is divided into theory study, problem practice and revision of earlier topics.

Regularly solve previous years’ JEE Main papers and take timed mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Analyse every test you take, understand your mistakes and work on weak areas instead of only doing new questions. In subjects like Physics and Mathematics, practising a variety of numerical problems is important, while in Chemistry focus on concepts and reactions that are frequently asked. Revision is crucial, so dedicate time every week to revisit older topics and short notes that you make while preparing.

Stay consistent, avoid last-minute cramming, and maintain good health with adequate sleep and breaks during study. With disciplined planning, regular practice and careful revision, you can significantly improve your JEE Main score. All the best.

Achieving a JEE Rank of below 100 in JEE Main and Advanced 2027 requires a disciplined, two-year preparation strategy starting from Class 11. Your study plan must integrate competitive exam preparation with your school academics:

Phase 1: Class 11 (Foundation Building and Conceptual Clarity)

  • Syllabus Completion: Dedicate this year to rigorously completing the entire Class 11 NCERT syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Focus heavily on fundamental topics like Mechanics (Physics), General Organic Chemistry (GOC) and Chemical Bonding (Chemistry), and Calculus basics (Maths).

  • Concept Mastery: Do not rush. Master concepts thoroughly before moving to problems. Use standard JEE reference books and ensure you solve all NCERT examples and exercises first.

  • Practice: Allocate 60% of your study time to concept building and 40% to problem-solving. Practice JEE Main Previous Year Questions (PYQs) immediately after completing a chapter to gauge the exam pattern.

Phase 2: Class 12 (Advanced Problem Solving and Revision)

  • Advanced Topics: Complete the Class 12 syllabus by November 2026, focusing on high-weightage topics like Electrostatics, Modern Physics, and Electrochemistry.

  • Revision & Mocks: Reserve the period from December 2026 to January 2027 solely for mock tests and revision. Start taking full-length JEE Main mock tests (3 per week) under strict timed conditions. Analyze each mock test thoroughly to eliminate repeated errors.

  • Target JEE Advanced: After the JEE Main attempts in early 2027, shift focus entirely to JEE Advanced PYQs and challenging, multi-concept problems, taking at least 2 JEE Advanced mock tests per week.

A detailed subject-wise study plan and additional tips on effective JEE preparation starting from Class 11 can be found here: https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-preparation-from-class-11

The last 30 days before the JEE Main exam should be dedicated entirely to revision, practice, and error analysis, shifting focus away from learning new concepts.

Here is a concise, 30-day study plan to maximize your score:

1. Revision Strategy (Weeks 1-3)

  • Prioritize High-Weightage Topics: Spend 70% of your revision time reviewing the most scoring and frequently tested chapters (e.g., Modern Physics, Chemical Kinetics, p-Block elements, Vectors & 3D Geometry). Use your short notes and flashcards for quick review, focusing on formulas, key mechanisms, and definitions.

  • Physics & Maths: Master all formulas and derivations. Practice at least 20 numerical problems daily, emphasizing speed and calculation accuracy.

  • Chemistry: Dedicate 50% of your Chemistry time to Inorganic (NCERT-based) and Organic (name reactions, reagents, mechanisms) concepts.

2. Mock Tests & Analysis (Daily)

  • Daily Mock Test: Solve one full-length JEE Main Mock Test every day (3 hours) under strict exam conditions (9 AM–12 PM or 3 PM–6 PM).

  • Error Analysis (Crucial): Immediately after the test, spend 2-3 hours analyzing your performance:

    • Identify every incorrect or unattempted question.

    • Determine the reason for the error (Conceptual mistake, calculation error, or time pressure).

    • Revisit the concept from your notes/NCERT text to correct the mistake permanently.

3. Final Week Focus (Last 7 Days)

  • Stop Learning New Topics: Absolutely avoid picking up new, complex chapters.

  • PYQ Sprint: Revisit only the last 3 years' JEE Main Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Mark any previously incorrect questions and solve them again.

  • Mindset: Focus on maintaining confidence, getting proper sleep, and using the revision breaks for physical activity to keep your mind fresh.

You can find more detailed subject-wise tips and psychological strategies here: https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-main-preparation-tips

The most effective way to prepare for JEE Main 2026 is by focusing on the most important Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs), which highlight high-weightage and frequently repeated questions across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Since the exam strongly tests NCERT concepts, mastering these PYQs is essential for predicting the question pattern and improving your time management. https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-mains-chapterwise-pyq-previous-year-questions-solutions-pdf