Common mistakes you should avoid in JEE Main 2026 Exam to Score High Marks

Common mistakes you should avoid in JEE Main 2026 Exam to Score High Marks

Team Careers360Updated on 26 Nov 2025, 12:10 PM IST

Common mistakes you should avoid in JEE Main 2026 exam - Candidates can find a list of common mistakes to avoid in the JEE Main exam on this page. Aspirants preparing for JEE Advanced 2026, a critical step toward securing admission to B.Tech programs at IITs, must navigate its high-stakes and competitive nature with precision. A common mistake students make during the exam is shifting from one question to another without fully solving the previous one. Other frequent error include skipping NCERT basics, neglecting previous year's, solving too few numericals, improper time management, and over-reading theory without practice. The authority will conduct the JEE Main 2026 exam from January 21 to 30, 2026.

This Story also Contains

  1. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Appearing for JEE Advanced 2026
  2. Common Mistakes to Avoid During JEE Advanced 2026 Preparation
  3. Additional Tips to Stay on Track During Preparations
Common mistakes you should avoid in JEE Main 2026 Exam to Score High Marks
Common mistakes you should avoid in JEE Main 2026 exam

In collaboration with experts, we've created a streamlined guide to help candidates sidestep these pitfalls during JEE Advanced 2026 preparation and exam day. By addressing mistakes like poor time management, neglecting syllabus depth, or succumbing to stress, this guide offers practical strategies to enhance preparation efficiency. With a focus on targeted practice, error analysis, and maintaining composure, candidates can optimize their performance for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Also read: Best Books for JEE Advanced 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Appearing for JEE Advanced 2026

  1. Guessing Answers: Candidates often guess or select options closest to their calculations to save time, but JEE Advanced’s negative marking scheme penalizes such guesses, significantly reducing the final score and impacting rank.

  2. Not Solving Questions on Paper: Attempting to solve complex problems mentally or partially without paper calculations frequently leads to errors, resulting in negative marks, especially in numerical or multi-step questions.

  3. Misreading Questions: Rushing through questions causes candidates to overlook critical details like units or keywords, leading to incorrect answers despite understanding the underlying concepts.

  4. Wasting Time on Difficult Questions: Spending excessive time (e.g., 5–6 minutes) on a single tough question reduces time for solvable ones, disrupting the exam strategy and lowering overall performance.

  5. Experimenting with Unknown Questions: Attempting unfamiliar questions instead of focusing on known or solvable ones wastes valuable time and risks negative marks, derailing a well-planned exam approach.
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Also read: JEE Advanced Exam Criteria

Common Mistakes to Avoid During JEE Advanced 2026 Preparation

  1. Neglecting the Full Syllabus: Focusing only on high-weightage or favorite topics like Mechanics or Calculus while ignoring areas like Thermal Physics or Inorganic Chemistry leaves gaps in preparation, risking unexpected questions in the exam.

  2. Overloading with Study Resources: Using too many books or online materials simultaneously causes confusion, incomplete coverage, and inefficiency, diluting focus and overwhelming the preparation process.

  3. Inadequate Practice with Past Papers: Not solving enough JEE Advanced past papers (10–15 years) or skipping mock test results in unfamiliarity with the exam’s complex question patterns and time constraints.

  4. Ignoring Error Analysis: Failing to analyze mistakes from mock tests or practice sessions leads to repeated errors, such as conceptual misunderstandings or calculation mistakes, hindering progress.

  5. Poor Time Management in Study Schedule: Studying without a structured plan or spending excessive time on one subject/topic disrupts balanced preparation, leading to burnout or insufficient revision for all subjects.

JEE Main 2026: Preparation Tips & Study Plan
Download the JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips PDF to boost your exam strategy. Get expert insights on managing study material, focusing on key topics and high-weightage chapters.
Download EBook

Additional Tips to Stay on Track During Preparations

1. Create a Strategic Yet Flexible Study Plan

Prepare a realistic timetable that divides your day into focused study blocks for each subject, including dedicated slots for revision, problem-solving, and mock tests. While having structure is crucial, allow flexibility to accommodate tough topics or unexpected delays. A balanced plan helps prevent burnout and ensures complete syllabus coverage with buffer time for deep dives.

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2. Focus on Conceptual Understanding, Not Just Problem Quantity

Rather than rushing through hundreds of problems, ensure you deeply understand the theory behind each concept. JEE Advanced tests the application of multiple concepts in a single question, so train your mind to ask “why” and “how” every time you solve something. Build your ability to derive formulas, visualize problems, and solve from first principles.

3. Simulate the Exam Environment Regularly

Take full-length mock tests at least once a week under strict exam conditions (3 hours, no breaks, no distractions). Analyze your performance after every test, review your mistakes, identify weak concepts, and track your progress over time. Simulating the pressure of the actual exam will sharpen your decision-making, stamina, and accuracy.

4. Maintain a Strong Error Log and Revision Cycle

Keep a dedicated notebook or digital tracker for mistakes, note down the concept, type of error (silly, conceptual, or misread), and the correct approach. Revisit this log weekly to prevent repetition of errors. Alongside, follow a structured revision plan to revisit older topics regularly so that they remain fresh until the exam.

5. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Well-being

Consistency thrives on energy and mental clarity, so prioritize sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. Avoid comparison with others and stay away from unnecessary distractions like excessive social media or study forum stress. Practice mindfulness techniques like journaling, meditation, or even short walks to clear your mind and recharge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will there any negative marking in JEE Main 2025?
A:

Yes, there is a negative marking in the JEE Mains exam.

Q: What is the question paper type of JEE Main?
A:

The JEE Main 2026 exam will have objective-type questions.

Q: How many questions will be there in JEE Main 2026 exam?
A:

There will be total 90 questions in JEE Main exam.

Q: How many sections will be there in JEE Main exam?
A:

There will be three sections in JEE Main exam namely, 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 aspirant,

If your syllabus is completed with theory , use the next 30 days only for smart revision . Make short notes and revise formulas daily for Physics , Chemistry and Maths . Solve previous year JEE Main questions topic-wise and then full mock tests every 3-4 days. Analyse mistakes properly and revise weak areas again . Avoid new topics and focus on accuracy , speed and confidence building during revision.

FOR REFERENCE : https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-main-revision-strategy

Hope the details will help you.

THANK YOU

Preparing for the JEE Main in just 30 days is a challenging but achievable task if you follow a highly disciplined and strategic approach. According to the Careers360 30-day study plan , the key is to shift your focus from learning everything to mastering high-weightage topics and practicing rigorously.

Phase 1: Week 1 & 2 – Focus on High-Weightage Chapters

During the first 15 days, prioritize topics that frequently appear in the exam.

  • Physics: Modern Physics, Heat & Thermodynamics, Optics, and Current Electricity.

  • Chemistry: GOC (General Organic Chemistry), Chemical Bonding, p-Block elements, and Solutions.

  • Maths: Matrices & Determinants, Sequences & Series, Coordinate Geometry, and Vector & 3D Geometry.

  • Study Strategy: Use NCERT for Chemistry and simplified notes for Physics/Maths. Spend 3-4 hours on each subject daily.

Phase 2: Week 3 – Revision and Formula Memorization

  • Short Notes: Go through the short notes you made during the first two weeks.

  • Flashcards: Use flashcards for inorganic chemistry reactions and physics formulas.

  • Mock Tests: Start giving one full-length mock test every alternate day. Analyze your mistakes immediately to avoid repeating them.

Phase 3: Final Week – Full Simulation and Relaxation

  • Previous Year Papers (PYQs): Solve the last 3-5 years of JEE Main papers in the actual exam time slot (9 AM–12 PM or 3 PM–6 PM) to sync your body clock.

  • No New Topics: Stop picking up new chapters. Focus solely on what you already know to build confidence.

  • Accuracy over Speed: Focus on getting the questions right rather than attempting all of them, as negative marking can significantly lower your percentile.

Downloadable Resources:

You can download the comprehensive day-by-day schedule, which includes specific topics to cover each morning and evening, by visiting the link : https://engineering.careers360.com/download/ebooks/jee-main-study-plan-30-days

Hello

I think your question sounds like this: "Can a candidate who passed Class 12 in 2025 and filled JEE Main Session 1 apply for Session 2 as 'Appearing' in 2026 as a fresh board candidate, and will both sessions have the same details? "

So yes, you can fill the JEE Main Session 2 as "Appearing". The information filled in Session 1 will remain exactly as it was and will not change.
Session 1 and Session 2 are treated as separate applications. There is no issue if the qualifying status is different in both sessions. During counselling, the board marks that meet the 75 rule will be considered.

Hello,

If you filled the JEE Main January form with Class 12 passed in 2025 and are planning to appear again for the Class 12 exam through HOS, there is usually no serious issue. You were eligible to apply since you had already passed Class 12. Reappearing through HOS for improvement or requalification is allowed, provided HOS is a recognized board. During counselling, your latest valid Class 12 result will be considered. Make sure you meet the 75% marks or top 20 percentile requirement where applicable. If a correction window opens, update details if needed.

Hope this has solved your query. Thank You.

Good Evening,

Yes, you are eligible for both JEE Mains and Advanced, as you completed your 12th with physics, chemistry and biology. Moreover, you passed mathematics in 2025, which makes you fit the eligibility criteria of both exams.

Aspirant, I would like to inform you that Careers360 recently launched a free mock test series for JEE students. The last date of registration is 8th January, 2026. Enroll and solve chapter wise question papers and improve you concept and assess your learning. The link to the mock test series is attached herewith. https://learn.careers360.com/test-series-jee-main-free-mock-test/

Best regards.