JEE Main 2026 Online Exam Tips: Practical CBT Guidelines Every First-Time Candidate Must Know

JEE Main 2026 Online Exam Tips: With JEE Main 2026 Session 2 scheduled to be conducted from 1 April to 10 April 2026, many candidates will be appearing for the exam in an online Computer Based Test (CBT) format. While most students prepare well for the syllabus, many lose marks due to avoidable mistakes related to the CBT interface, navigation panel, and exam-day procedures.

Understanding JEE Main 2026 Online Exam Tips, CBT instructions, question palette colors, proper use of Save and Next, time management, and rough sheet rules is essential to avoid negative marking and panic. Get practical JEE Main 2026 exam day tips, online exam do’s and don’ts, and common CBT mistakes so you can attempt the exam confidently and efficiently.

Question Palette Colors (Navigation Panel Tips)

The question palette on the screen displays the status of each question using different colors. Understanding these colors is essential for smart navigation.

• White: Question not visited

• Red: Question visited but not answered

• Green: Question answered and saved

• Purple: Question marked for review (no answer saved)

• Purple with Green Tick: Answer saved and marked for review (this answer will be evaluated)

Use the palette to track unanswered (red) questions, especially in the final minutes. These JEE Main navigation panel tips help you avoid leaving questions unintentionally unanswered.

Also Check: JEE Main 2026 Preparation Strategy After Day 5

Save and Next vs Mark for Review (Common CBT Mistakes)

Selecting an option is not enough—you must save it.

• Save and Next: Confirms your answer and moves forward. Use this when confident.

• Mark for Review: Flags a question to revisit later. If you choose an answer, always click Save and Next.

One of the most common JEE Main CBT exam mistakes is marking too many questions for review. This increases pressure and often leads to confusion during revision.

Also Check: JEE Main 2026 Student Reactions

Countdown Timer and Time Management Strategy

The countdown timer is always visible and auto-submits the test when time ends.

JEE Main 2026 exam day tips for time management:

• Divide time equally among subjects

• Start with your strongest subject

• Skip lengthy questions initially

• Keep 10–15 minutes for final review

This structured approach helps avoid panic and improves accuracy.

All Exam Analysis: JEE Main Session 1 Exam Analysis 2026

CBT Navigation: How to Attempt JEE Main 2026 Session 2

The CBT format allows free movement between questions and sections.

• You don’t need to solve questions in order

• Use section tabs to switch subjects

• Skip difficult questions and return later

These JEE Main first attempt CBT tips help maximize score efficiency and reduce mental fatigue.

JEE Mains 2026 Session 2 Exam Do’s and Don’ts

Understanding the JEE Main online exam do’s and don’ts is critical for avoiding negative marking.

Do’s

• Save every answer before moving on

• Use elimination before guessing

• Review red (unanswered) questions

• Double-check numerical entries

Don’ts

• Don’t randomly guess

• Don’t select multiple options in MCQs

• Don’t forget to save reviewed answers.

JEE Main Session 1 Paper Download: JEE Main Session 1 Question Paper 2026

Key Rules of JEE Main 2026 Online Exam

Here is the marking scheme for MCQs and numerical questions both:

Important tips:

• Enter only numbers

• No units or symbols

• Check decimal placement carefully

JEE Main Exam Hall Guidelines 2026

Candidates must follow official JEE Main exam hall guidelines 2026 strictly:

• Read all on-screen instructions carefully

• Do not panic if a question seems unfamiliar

• Follow invigilator instructions at all times

Failure to follow guidelines may lead to disqualification.

JEE Main Rough Sheet Rules

Rough sheets are provided inside the exam hall.

• Write your Roll Number on each sheet

• Use them only for calculations

• Submit all rough sheets after the exam

Understanding JEE Main rough sheet rules helps avoid unnecessary confusion during the test