Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes in the JEE Main Exam Hall

We all make mistakes. In fact, we learn from them. But if you’re someone preparing for IIT JEE, with your exams just a few weeks or months away, there are some mistakes you simply can’t afford to make. Some mistakes cost you nothing. Others can cost you years of preparation, lakhs of rupees in coaching, and even your mental peace.

Maybe your preparation is going well right now, maybe you’re expecting to crack the exam and get into a great college. But these are a few things to avoid in the JEE Main exam before everything could fall apart, before you realise it. Learn from them, so you don’t repeat the same ones.

First, you might think, what should I carry to the JEE Main exam hall? a printed copy of your JEE Main admit card, a valid photo ID (like an Aadhaar card or passport), a passport-size photograph to be pasted on the attendance sheet, and a ballpoint pen (blue or black). Don’t wear any electronics like smart watches or any other metal items. Let’s go through a few mistakes that toppers always avoid, and you should too.

1. Don’t Guess & Think Before You Click

Many students try to attempt every single question, thinking that more attempts mean more marks. But that’s a trap. Some legends end up attempting 10–12 extra questions in greed, and that’s exactly where negative marking hits the hardest. If you’re not sure about an answer, skip it. Don’t guess, JEE Advanced is not a lucky draw. Even one wrong click can cost you your hard-earned rank.

And remember, get at least 6 hours of sleep before exam day. You need a sharp brain, not sleepy eyes. This is how you can avoid silly mistakes in JEE Main.

2. Don’t Solve in Your Head

Some questions look easy, and you feel, “I can do this mentally.” But that’s where small calculation slips happen. Always use your rough sheet properly and write neatly. Because when you scribble in a hurry, sometimes two solutions mix up, and you end up reading the wrong one.

A small trick for JEE Main do’s and don’ts: keep your rough work sectioned and clean, like one box per question. It’ll save you panic later.

3. Manage Your Time 

We all have that one question that looks solvable, and we keep trying and trying. But spending 10–20 minutes on one question is a blunder. Ideally, spend 2–3 minutes per question. If it doesn’t click in the first 40–50 seconds, mark it, move on, and come back later if time allows.

This is how topper’s JEE Main exam day strategy will be. They don’t wrestle with one question; they collect marks from all the solvable ones first. Also, don’t let unnecessary distractions break your rhythm. Some students use the toilet 2–3 times during the test; every time they go, they lose focus and time. Try to go once before entering the hall and then stay seated. Once your flow breaks, it’s hard to get it back.

4. Stay Calm and Keep Your Focus

Read the JEE Main exam hall guidelines carefully. Sometimes, under pressure, even strong students mark the wrong options. For example, the correct answer is A and B, but they click A and C by mistake. That’s not a lack of knowledge, it’s a lack of calmness. Take a deep breath, recheck your selected options, and stay steady.

Also, remember, the computer screen can strain your eyes if you’re not used to it.
If you notice tears or discomfort, it’s normal, but you can prevent this by practising mock tests on a screen regularly before the exam. It helps you stay comfortable on the final day.

5. Take Care of Yourself Between the Two Papers

Paper 2 is where many students lose marks, not because it’s harder, but because they feel sleepy after lunch. Avoid eating heavy food between the two papers. It makes you sluggish. If you usually feel drowsy, build a habit of taking a 15-minute nap during that break in your practice days. It’ll refresh you and keep your mind alert for Paper 2.

And one more thing, during the test, play to your strengths. If Physics is your strong zone, make sure you give it enough time. Don’t waste precious minutes struggling in topics you’ve always found weak. You’ll get more marks by maximising your strengths, not fixing weaknesses mid-exam.

Conclusion: 

Don’t experiment with your exam. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be planned. Get enough rest, keep calm, and remember: one smart decision can make all the difference between missing the cutoff and making it to your dream IIT. These are the Best last-minute JEE Main exam tips that many of our Resonites at Resonance College are advised to by top faculty before the JEE Mains Exam. 

FAQ:

1. Can I use a pen or pencil in JEE Main 2026?

2. How to handle exam stress during JEE Main?

3. What time should I reach for JEE Main 2026?

4. What happens if I make a mistake on my OMR or computer screen in JEE Main?

5. How to make sure it’s your exam computer? 

A. On the computer screen, in the top-right corner, your two photos will appear side by side. One from your application form, and one taken on the exam day. Then, read carefully all the JEE Main exam rules and instructions given on screen.