Top 25 JEE Main FAQs: Answered by Experts

  • ALLEN Overseas
  • November 24, 2025

Preparing for JEE Main can feel overwhelming. With changing guidelines, new exam patterns, and pressure to perform, students often struggle to find reliable answers to their most common doubts. To make your journey smoother, we have compiled the Top 25 Frequently Asked Questions About JEE Main—answered in simple and clear language by expert mentors.

JEE Main top 25 Frequently Asked Questions:

Whether you’re a first-time aspirant, a dropper, or still confused about strategy, this guide will help you get clarity, confidence, and direction.

1. What is JEE Main?

JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination – Main) is a national-level engineering entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the primary gateway for admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and acts as the qualifying examination for JEE Advanced, which leads to IIT admission.

2. Who is eligible to appear for JEE Main?

Students who have completed or are appearing in Class 12 (Science stream with PCM) are eligible. There is no minimum percentage required to appear, but certain marks may be needed for college admission.

3. Is there any age limit for JEE Main?

No — NTA has removed the age limit. Students must simply meet the educational qualification criteria.

4. How many attempts are allowed?

A candidate can appear in both sessions (January and April) in the same year. The best score will be considered for ranking and admission.

5. What is the exam pattern?

  • Mode: Online CBT
  • Sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
  • Total Questions: 90 (75 to be attempted)
  • Marks: 300
  • Question Types: MCQ + Numerical Value (Integer type)

6. What is the marking scheme?

Question Type Correct Answer Incorrect Answer Unattempted
MCQ +4 –1 0
Numerical Value +4 –0 (no negative) 0

7. Can I choose not to attempt both sessions?

Yes. Attempting both sessions is optional — but experts recommend attempting both to improve your percentile.

8. How is the JEE Main percentile calculated?

Percentile score reflects the relative performance of a student, not the raw marks. It indicates how many candidates scored below you.

9. What is a good score for NIT admission?

Generally:

Target College Safe Percentile
Top NITs (CSE) 98.5–99.8
Good NITs 96–98
Other NITs/GFTIs 92–96

Cut-offs vary every year based on difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability.

10. How should I start preparing?

Begin with a well-structured plan:

  • Strengthen fundamentals from NCERT
  • Solve PYQs
  • Attempt topic-wise tests
  • Join a coaching program for guidance (online or offline)

11. Is NCERT enough?

NCERT is excellent for Chemistry and basics, but for JEE-level problems, additional practice from reference books and mock tests is required.

12. Which Books Should I Use for JEE Main Preparation?

Selecting the right books is extremely important for effective JEE Main preparation. While there are many options available, using a balanced combination of concept-building books + practice books works best.
Below is a recommended book list, commonly used by successful JEE aspirants:

Subject Recommended Books Purpose
Physics Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma, DC Pandey Series Builds strong concepts and provides quality numerical practice
Chemistry NCERT (must-read), O.P. Tandon (Physical/Inorganic), MS Chauhan (Organic) NCERT forms the base, while reference books help with deeper understanding and question practice
Mathematics RD Sharma (Objective), Cengage Series Ideal for concept clarity, variety of problems, and exam-level question practice

Note: Students enrolled in ALLEN Overseas can prioritize the ALLEN study material, modules, and test series, as they already cover NCERT, past years’ questions, and exam-focused practice.

13. How important are mock tests?

Mock tests are extremely important. They help you improve:

  • Speed
  • Accuracy
  • Time management
  • Real exam temperament

14. How many mock tests should I take?

At least 1 full test per week, and in the final 2 months, increase to 3–4 tests per week.

15. How should I analyse mock tests?

Focus on:

  • Wrong attempts
  • Time taken per section
  • Repeated errors
  • Guesswork percentage

The goal is to reduce mistakes, not just complete tests.

16. Can droppers crack JEE Main?

Yes — many top rankers are droppers. With consistent revision, disciplined routine, and proper guidance, cracking JEE Main is absolutely achievable.

17. How should I divide study time between PCM?

Ideal approach:

  • More time to weak subjects
  • Daily touch to all three
  • Weekly revision and testing

18. How important is revision?

Revision is the heart of preparation. Without revision, retention drops and accuracy suffers.

19. Should I focus more on theory or problem-solving?

Both are important. Understand the concept first, then solve problems of varying difficulty to strengthen application.

20. How many hours should I study?

Quality matters more than time. On average:

  • Class 11–12 student: 4–5 hours/day
  • Droppers: 6–8 hours/day

21. How to stay motivated during preparation?

  • Track small progress
  • Practice gratitude
  • Study with discipline, not pressure
  • Take breaks when required

Consistency beats motivation.

22. What should I do one week before the exam?

  • Revise formulas and weak topics
  • Avoid new books
  • Practice full-length past papers
  • Maintain a healthy sleep routine

23. What should I carry on exam day?

  • Admit card
  • Valid ID proof
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Transparent water bottle
  • Basic stationery (if allowed)

Always check the official NTA guidelines before the exam.

24. What happens after the result?

Based on your percentile, you can:

  • Apply for JoSAA counselling
  • Attempt JEE Advanced if eligible
  • Explore state counselling and private universities

25. What should I do if I don’t score well?

A low score doesn’t define your potential. Analyse mistakes, improve weak areas, and prepare with renewed strategy for the next attempt.

The journey to JEE Main is challenging, but with the right guidance, consistent practice, and a calm mindset, success is within reach. Every doubt you clear and every step you take brings you closer to your engineering dream.

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