How to Improve Mock Test Marks in JEE 2026 If You Are Scoring Below 150

For many JEE Main 2026 aspirants, mock tests are a source of anxiety rather than a tool for improvement. If your scores are stagnating below the 150-mark threshold, it is a clear indicator that your preparation strategy needs a fundamental shift.

This guide will help you how to improve mock test marks in JEE 2026 and consolidate your knowledge before the exam day.

1. The "150-Mark Rule": Back to the Basics

If you are scoring less than 50% in your mock tests, the problem isn't usually your IQ or the difficulty of the paper—it is retention.

• The Power of Notes: Expert analysis shows that over 50-60% of JEE Main questions are derived directly from standard concepts and patterns found in classroom notes.

• The Revision Mandate: If you aren't hitting the 150 mark, stop solving new, complex problems. Open your notes and spend your entire day revisiting them. You need formulas, shortcuts, and reaction mechanisms on your tips.

2. Managing the "Spread" (The 'Rayta' Theory)

Students often struggle with "syllabus spread"—having too many chapters started but none mastered.

3. To Skip or Not to Skip: The Complex Numbers Case

A common question among aspirants is whether to skip heavy topics like Complex Numbers.

• The Reality: In JEE Main, Complex Numbers questions are often straightforward. In JEE Advanced, however, they can be highly intricate, sometimes appearing in multiples (up to 3 questions).

• The Advice: If you are overwhelmed and struggling to revise what you already know, do not open a new, challenging chapter. It is better to master 80% of the syllabus perfectly than to have 100% of the syllabus "sort of" covered. You can always catch up on skipped topics during the April session.

4. Action Plan for Low Mock Scores

1. Stop the Bleeding: If you are confused and "the mess is spreading," stop. Take a seat, take a breath, and start "cleaning up" by revising old chapters.

2. Pattern Recognition: Use mock tests to identify the patterns of questions you consistently miss. Are they formula-based? If yes, your revision is lacking.

3. Reinforcement: Don't look for "permission" to skip topics. Assess your own standing. If your "plate is full," prioritize quality over quantity.

4. The "Khichdi" Phase: If your preparation feels like a mix of everything and you're feeling overwhelmed, don't panic. Use this time to integrate your knowledge through comprehensive revision.

Key Takeaway: Success in JEE Main 2026 isn't about how much you study, but how much you can retrieve during those three hours. If the marks aren't coming, go back to your notes.