Common mistakes you should avoid in JEE Main 2026 exam -
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. Unlike JEE Main, JEE Advanced demands deeper conceptual understanding and analytical skills, making it essential to avoid common errors that can derail performance. Despite rigorous preparation with past papers and mock tests, candidates often falter due to nervousness or oversight, impacting their scores.
Last three years' NIT Trichy cut-offs for BTech civil engineering are as follows:
National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli | HS | Gender-Neutral | 31593 | 36104 | 33703 |
HS | Female-only (including Supernumerary) | 41075 | 43172 | 42452 | |
OS | Gender-Neutral | 17304 | 18965 | 20873 | |
OS | Female-only (including Supernumerary) | 26836 | 27581 | 28979 |
We, in collaboration with experts, have developed 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. The exam is said to be tentatively taking place in May or June 2026.
Also read: Best Books for JEE Advanced 2025
Also read: JEE Advanced Exam Criteria
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.
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.
Also read:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, there is a negative marking in the JEE Mains exam.
The JEE Main 2026 exam will have objective-type questions.
There will be total 90 questions in JEE Main exam.
There will be three sections in JEE Main exam namely, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
JEE Main exam is expected to happen in Jaunary (session 1) and April (session 2).
On Question asked by student community
Hey there,
Your OBC-NCL certificate will not be valid for the JEE Mains 2026 application as it is from June 2024. You can apply for a new one as soon as possible. For the JEE Mains, the OBC-NCL certificate should be issued on or after 1 April 2025.
And as for your Aadhar, the mistakes in your name and Date of Birth will be an issue during the document verification process. The details should match your 10th-class certificate. So you will also need to update it as soon as possible.
Hope it helps!!!
Hello Satyam,
Yes, your EWS certificate is valid.
In Bihar, the EWS certificate can be issued by the Circle Officer, BDO, SDO, or DM. So a certificate signed by the Circle Officer (Revenue Officer) is acceptable.
If the format of your certificate is the same as the Central Government EWS format, then it is valid for JEE Main registration and also for JoSAA counselling. The heading “Government of Bihar” does not create any problem.
Just remember one point:
For
JoSAA 2026
, you will need an EWS certificate issued on or after 1 April 2025. Even if your current certificate works for registration, you must update it before counselling.
Hope it helps !
Hello murali
No, your son is not eligible for OBC NCL for IIT JEE because you fall in the "creamy layer" occupational category, regardless of your current employment status or family income. Students whose family income is less than Rs. 8 lakhs annually and they are not belong to the "creamy layer".
Note -
Thank You
Hello,
You can fill the JEE Main form even if you are a private candidate
Write the
name of the school/board from where you are appearing as a private candidate
.
If your Class 12 admit card or registration slip shows a school/centre name, use that exactly.
If your board lists you as a “Private Candidate” under the board name , then write:
CBSE – Private Candidate
(or your board name – Private Candidate)
Use the pin code of the examination centre/school mentioned on your Class 12 private candidate admit card or registration details.
If your board does not give any school address and only shows the regional office address, then use the regional office address pin code given by your board.
Hope it helps !
Hello Aspirant
You should not leave the OBC-NCL certificate ID blank in the JEE Main form it can create problems later.
NTA wants the certificate details while filling the form, not just at counselling. If you can, apply for the OBC-NCL certificate immediately so you get the ID on time.
If you fail to submit the certificate during counselling, your category will shift to General. It’s safer to enter OBC-NCL only if you’re sure you’ll get the certificate before counselling.
Hope it will help you
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