JEE Main Session 2 2026: Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Exam

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main Session 2 is the final opportunity for aspirants to improve their scores and qualify for JEE Advanced or secure admission into prestigious NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. As per the latest official notification by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 exam for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) is scheduled for April 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8, 2026, while Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) will take place on April 7, 2026. 

Even if you study hard, simple mistakes on exam day can lower your score. Knowing these common Mistakes to avoid in the exam is the best way to make sure your hard work turns into a great result.

1. Falling into the Trap of Negative Marking

One of the most frequent mistakes in JEE Main is blind guessing. With the +4/-1 marking scheme, a few "lucky guesses" can significantly drop your overall rank.

• The Mistake: Attempting questions where you have zero idea of the concept.

• The Fix: Use the elimination method. If you can confidently eliminate two options, the risk is calculated. If not, it is better to skip the question.

2. Poor Time Management Across Sections

Students often spend too much time on their favourite subject, leaving the toughest one for the end when panic sets in.

• The Mistake: Spending more than 60–70 minutes on a single section (usually Mathematics).

• The Fix: Follow a "Three-Round" strategy:

• Round 1: Solve easy, "see-and-tick" questions (mostly Chemistry).

• Round 2: Moderate questions that require 2–3 minutes of calculation.

• Round 3: Challenging problems, only if time permits.

3. Ignoring Numerical Value Type (NVT) Instructions

In Section B, candidates must attempt 5 out of 10 questions. A common error is not rounding off answers as specified.

• The Mistake: Entering "5.4" when the instruction says "round off to the nearest integer" (which should be 5).

• The Fix: Read the specific rounding-off instructions for every numerical question carefully before typing the answer.

4. Not Utilizing the Rough Sheet Effectively

Scribbling calculations randomly on the rough sheet often leads to "silly mistakes" where students misread their own handwriting.

• The Mistake: Mixing up calculations of two different questions.

• The Fix: Divide your rough sheet into sections or boxes and label them with the question number. This makes re-checking much faster.

5. Last-Minute Panic and Ignoring Health

The pressure of Session 2 can lead to burnout.

• The Mistake: Staying up all night before the exam or skipping meals.

• The Fix: Ensure 7 hours of sleep. A calm mind processes complex Physics and Maths problems much faster than a fatigued one.

6. Technical and Exam Hall Errors

• Prohibited Items: Do not carry any electronic gadgets, jewellery, or metallic items.

• Admit Card: Ensure you carry a printed copy of your Admit Card along with a valid Government ID and a passport-size photograph (same as uploaded in the application).

• Reporting Time: Arrive at the centre at least 90 minutes before the commencement to avoid last-minute stress during frisking.