How to Avoid Negative Marking in JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam - Best Tips

How to Avoid Negative Marking in JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam - Best Tips

Team Careers360Updated on 06 Nov 2025, 10:14 AM IST

How to Avoid Negative Marking in JEE Main 2026? - The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains is not just about getting the correct answers; it also involves dealing with negative marking, which can significantly impact your overall score. Candidates can know about how to avoid negative marking in JEE Main 2026 from this article. The JEE Mains 2026 exam has a negative marking scheme. This requires candidates to be careful even while choosing the questions to attempt in JEE Main 2026. Hence, aspirants need to build the right strategy for the JEE Mains exam. The authority will conduct session 1 JEE Main from January 21 to 30, 2026, while session 2 will be conducted from April 2 to 9, 2026. The last date tor register for session 1 is November 27, 2025.
Also Check: JEE Main 2026 Registration I JEE Main 2026 exam date

This Story also Contains

  1. How to Avoid Negative Marking in JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam?
  2. Tips to Attempt JEE Main 2026 questions to Avoid Negative Marking?
  3. Explore New Exam Pattern for JEE Main 2026
How to Avoid Negative Marking in JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam - Best Tips
How to attempt JEE Main 2026 and avoid negative marking?

Many aspirants look for concrete answers to how they should attempt the JEE Mains exam to avoid negative markings. Candidates should first thoroughly understand the JEE Main exam pattern to understand how negative marking works.

How to Avoid Negative Marking in JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam?

Understand JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern

The JEE Main 2026 will consist of two sections. Section A will have 20 multiple-choice questions, while Section B will consist of 10 Numerical value-type questions. For section B, candidates will have a choice to attempt any five questions out of 10. The exam duration is 3 hours with a total mark of 300. There will be a negative marking in both sections A and B. That’s why the students need to avoid negative marking in the real exam.

Here we provide a link to a detailed video, which may help candidates clear their basic doubts regarding the JEE Main exam.

Tips to Attempt JEE Main 2026 questions to Avoid Negative Marking?

According to Toppers, the strategy of attempting the JEE Main question paper should be smart enough. One should always jump upon direct, easy, and memory-based questions whose single reading makes a clear picture of the solution in the candidate's brain. One should read the questions using the old practice of ‘stop, look, and go’. Such easy questions should be attempted with patience while having complete control so that the candidate does not get over-excited and mark the incorrect option. Candidates should avoid expecting a certain concept to repeat in the questions and not lose their presence of mind. For questions where some sort of confusion remains and the exact answer is unknown, aspirants should apply the ‘option elimination theory’.

In addition to the above, aspirants should always take up the JEE Main examination afresh, regardless of how many attempts they might have given and how many previous year papers they have practiced. They should analyze it the first time and then attempt the paper. This is because many times, students assumed that they would not be able to score well because they were not fully prepared or that they did not score well in the mocks. They should always have a positive attitude towards the JEE Main question paper. Not being able to answer two consecutive questions should not let that student think that he or she is not going to qualify.

Time Management for attempting JEE Main 2026

JEE Main exam is conducted for 3 hours, and a total of 90 questions are asked in the exam. So the best strategy for attempting JEE Main is time management, wherein the whole time is divided for each question so that candidates do not devote more than the time allotted to that question. They should keep in mind that all the questions hold the same number of marks and thus, should mark the time-consuming questions for the last minutes to be attempted if they still have some time.

Explore New Exam Pattern for JEE Main 2026

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains, which is one of the most difficult examinations in the country and is among the most sought-after entrance tests, is also conducted in an online computer-based format. The exam consists of three core subjects: The three common Subjects include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The Mathematics section is usually the most unpopular among many candidates since its curriculum is extensive, and the level of understanding of concepts is profound.

The exam is divided into two main sections:

Section A: The quizzes contained in this section are 20 MCQs for each course. What the MCQ requires is four options, and only one of them is the right answer.

Section B: This section has 5 numerical value questions for each of the subject areas, and the candidate only has to answer all five of these. These numerical value questions have to be answered accurately, sometimes to the second decimal place.

How to avoid negative marking in JEE Main 2026?

While practicing, candidates should focus on the JEE Main paper-solving strategy and the silly mistakes that take place due to hurry or lack of concentration. They should also understand how to deal with the questions, or better to, avoid those which they are unable to understand. Also, one should not attempt memory-based questions in a hurry but should go through the provided options and then click on the most appropriate one out of the options available.

How to reduce negative marking in JEE Mains 2026?

The very formula to avoid negative marking in JEE Main is to analyze one's mistakes while practicing with JEE Main mock tests, so that one knows what mistakes are repeating and why. As the Indian educational system is, students are made to focus on what is the right answer, but exams like JEE Main are conducted to ensure who understands the concepts better with their open and focused minds. That is why statements like ‘Which of the following is incorrect’ rather than ‘Which of the following is correct’ are introduced to create a sense of confusion and test the alertness and smartness of the aspirants. Those students who read the question thoroughly and calmly will not make any mistakes in such questions.

How to attempt the JEE Mains Paper?

Many students are too afraid of Physics and sometimes get nervous while dealing with the subject questions. As teachers suggest, one of the most effective JEE Main paper-solving strategies is to carefully read and understand the question provided and get into the essence of what exactly is being asked. The words using which the question is framed in itself carry the solution, and thus, all one has to do is frame a diagram in their mind as to what exactly is being asked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are mock tests important to qualify JEE Main exam?
A:

Yes, solving mock tests play an important role in qualifying the JEE Main 2026 exam. 

Q: What will be the duration of JEE Main 2026 ?
A:

JEE Main exam will be conducted for 3 hours.

Q: What will the expected JEE Main exam date 2026 ?
A:

JEE Main 2026 is held twice a year so, the expected date will be in January and April. 

Q: How to reduce negative marking in JEE Mains 2026 ?
A:

To avoid negative markings in JEE Main, candidates are advised to attempt mock tests and sample papers without seeing the solution first. This will help them analyze their mistakes that can be avoided during the entrance exam.

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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