Thorough and smart preparation is certainly the key to excelling at the JEE Main. And then there is what you do in the exam hall. Yes, we are dividing this into two categories — the preparation and the exam hall. We will start with the preparation strategy and then explore the best way to attempt JEE Main paper and tips when attempting the JEE Main 2026 to improve your score and rank.
JEE Main 2026: Preparation Strategy to Improve Score
Understanding the JEE Main exam pattern, question types, and marking system should be the very first step. To improve your preparation and, therefore, your performance, keep these JEE Main 2026 preparation tips in mind:
Strengthen Core Concepts
- Conceptual understanding will build the foundation of your preparation.
- Refer to NCERT and other reliable sources.
- Take short notes and summaries as you go to make the revision period easier and more effective.
- For formulas and reactions, flashcards can be of great help.
Focus on High-Weightage Topics
Certain chapters carry more marks than others. Prioritising these high-weight topics will improve your chances of scoring higher.
Follow a Sound Revision Plan
- The last three months are typically advised for revisions.
- Do regular mock tests.
- Solve previous years’ question papers and evaluate your weaknesses using the answer key solutions.
- Work on weak areas.
By following this JEE Main 2026 preparation strategy for top rank, you can significantly improve your performance and gain confidence before the exam.
Attempting JEE Main 2026: Tips to Excel in the Exam Hall
You have done all your preparations, practised regularly, and the JEE Main 2026 exam dates are almost here. These are the JEE Main 2026 exam tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Read the Entire Paper Before You Start Answering
Do not start answering the moment you get the question paper. The excitement is understandable, but it is important to take 5 to 7 minutes and go through the entire paper. Why? This way, you will know which subject looks easier, which subject you can get done faster, and which subject needs more time than the rest.
This approach is part of a smart strategy for JEE Main 2026 and helps in planning your attempt more efficiently.
Manage Time Smartly: Subject-Wise Time Distribution
You have 180 minutes in your hand. Use it well, and you can cover all the topics and also have sufficient time left for revisions.
Thinking, “I should distribute my time equally among three subjects”? That might not be the right approach!
All three subjects have different syllabi and difficulty levels. Naturally, you need to attempt these three papers with three different approaches.
Here’s a popular subject-wise time distribution for JEE Main 2026:
- The first 40 to 50 minutes → Chemistry
- The next 55 to 60 minutes → Physics
- The next 70 to 75 minutes → Math
- The last 15 minutes → Revision
Why this approach? It is set based on the difficulty level and forms part of an effective JEE Main 2026 time management strategy.
Don’t Stay Stuck in Problems
It is not uncommon to get stuck on a problem. The best way to deal with this is not to waste too much time. If a problem seems difficult and you are unsure, move on to the next problem in a couple of minutes. You can always come back to it once you have answered all other questions.
This is an important part of learning how to handle difficult questions in JEE Main efficiently.
Choose Accuracy Over Attempt
Before explaining this strategy, take a look at the exam marking system.
| Particulars | Marking |
| Marks for Correct Answer | + 4 marks |
| Marks for Incorrect Answer | – 1 mark |
| Unattempted Question | 0 marks (no deduction) |
You need to prioritise answering the question correctly over answering all the questions. That is because marks are not deducted for the questions you don’t attempt, but every wrong answer will deduct 1 mark.
This balance between accuracy vs attempts in JEE Main 2026 can make a big difference to your score.
Bonus Tip – The Three Round Technique
How does it work?
- Round 1: Answer all the easy questions first. This way, you can start your exam quickly and with confidence. This helps set a nice pace for the exam, leaving more time for difficult questions that will require more attention.
- Round 2: Here, you solve questions with medium-level difficulty.
- Round 3: Now, you are free to answer the most difficult questions. You will not panic even if you sit with problems longer because you have already covered a significant portion of the exam.
This is one of the most effective JEE Main 2026 paper solving tips used by toppers who know how to score high in JEE Main 2026.
Conclusion
These are the technical strategies and smart tips to score and rank high in JEE Main 2026. Work on the questions you find easy to answer and then move to more difficult ones.
Another important thing to remember is this — you may have set a particular time for each subject. Ideally, you want to be able to stick to that, but in any case, if a subject ends up taking more time than you thought, do not panic. Try to complete it as fast as you can and then go to the next one. Do not waste time with problems where you are stuck.
These JEE Main 2026 exam hall tips will help you manage time, improve focus, and execute the best way to attempt JEE Main paper effectively.
FAQs
Which subject should I start with first?
Start with the subject you feel most confident in. You want to complete this subject as fast as you can so that you have enough time for the more difficult subject later. This is part of knowing how to manage time in JEE Main 2026.
What is the best way to handle difficult questions?
It is a good idea to solve easy questions first and then come to the difficult ones. This way, you will not be stuck with a single question for too long and miss out on answering the easy ones — an essential part of JEE Main 2026 exam strategy.
Is it necessary to attempt Chemistry first in the JEE Main exam?
No, not necessarily. The best approach is to attempt the subject you find easier than the rest. It sets you up for a great start, confidence and time-wise.
