JEE Mains 2025 1st Attempt Vs 2nd Attempt, Which Should You Target?
Pratibha Bohra7 Feb, 2025
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JEE Mains 2025 1st Attempt vs 2nd Attempt : JEE Mains 2025 will be held in two sessions, the first from January 22 to 30 and the second from April 01 to 08, 2025. Many students wonder whether they should focus on performing well in the first attempt or wait for the second attempt. Both options have their benefits, and choosing between them depends on students' preparation levels and confidence. The first attempt provides an early opportunity to test your knowledge and experience the exam environment.
On the other hand, the second attempt is ideal for those who want to review and revise further after the first attempt. It gives you a second chance to improve your score with the lessons learned from the first round. To learn more about JEE Mains 2025: 1st Attempt vs. 2nd Attempt, keep on reading.
JEE Mains 2025 1st Attempt vs 2nd Attempt Overview
A comparison of trends from previous years highlights the increasing preference among students for the second session of JEE Mains. In 2023, the first attempt saw 860,064 registrations, while the second attempt had 931,334—a rise of around 70,000 test takers. Similarly, in 2024, 1,231,874 students registered for the first session, and the second session saw an increase of about 50,000, with 1,280,569 registrations.
In 2025, 13.80 lakh students have already registered for the January session, and projections suggest that around 14.4 lakh students might appear in the April session. This data reflects a clear pattern: while a large number of students register for the first attempt, many choose to appear deliberately in the second session, leveraging the extra time for preparation and strategy refinement.
Understanding the Gap Between JEE Mains 2025 Sessions and Class 12th Boards
JEE Mains 2025 Session 1 is scheduled from January 22 to 30, giving students a solid start to their exam season. Following this, Class 12th board exams are expected to commence around February 17–21 and continue until March 25–29, leaving a 21-day gap between the first JEE Mains session and the start of the board exams.
After the board exams conclude, students will have just 2–6 days before JEE Mains Session 2, which is anticipated to be held from April 1 to 8. This limited preparation time between the boards and Session 2 often makes it challenging for aspirants to focus on both simultaneously. Additionally, cutoffs for Session 2 are generally higher due to increased competition and improved performance by students.
To manage this tight schedule effectively, aspirants should aim to perform well in the January session. This will not only boost their confidence but also allow them to shift focus toward board exam preparation during the 21-day gap. By the time Session 2 arrives, students can rely on their solid foundation from the first session, focus on targeted revisions, and practice a few more mock tests to refine their strategies.
Which JEE Mains 2025 Session You Should Focus On: 1st Attempt vs 2nd Attempt
Many students often wonder whether they should give the 1st JEE Mains 2025 attempt or skip it and prepare dedicatedly for the 2nd one. However, it is important to understand the analogy of this entire process. Both attempts hold their own significance, and students should aim to utilize them strategically to maximize their performance.
Between the two JEE Mains 2025 sessions, students appearing for Class 12th boards must also focus on securing at least 75% marks, which is a key eligibility criterion for JEE Advanced 2025 . A practical approach would be to attempt the 1st session of JEE Mains without overthinking the outcome, even if the preparation feels not up to mark. This provides valuable experience and a clear understanding of the JEE Mains 2025 Exam Pattern .
Post-session 1, students can focus on their board exams and then use the insights gained to strengthen their preparation for the 2nd session, aiming for a significantly better score. By treating the 1st attempt as a learning opportunity and the 2nd attempt as the final goal, students can strike a balance between JEE Mains and board exam preparations.
Why Choose the JEE Main 2025 First Attempt?
The first attempt of JEE Mains 2025 is an excellent opportunity for students to gain real-time exam experience and understand the actual difficulty level of the paper. Conducted in January, this session provides a chance to assess aspirants preparation early in the exam cycle. By attempting the first session, students can identify their strengths and weaknesses, which is important for targeted preparation for both the second attempt and Class 12th board exams.
Additionally, the first attempt often has a slightly lower cut off, as many students treat it as a trial. It allows aspirants to familiarize themselves with the exam environment without the added pressure of board exams looming. This session also serves as a confidence booster, helping students fine-tune their strategies for future attempts.
Why Wait For JEE Mains 2025 Second Attempt?
Waiting for the second attempt of JEE Mains 2025 in April gives students more time to prepare thoroughly. Those who feel underprepared for the January session can focus on building their concepts and revising extensively without the pressure of juggling board exams and JEE preparation simultaneously.
The second attempt also benefits from the insights gained from the first session, as students can analyze the question patterns and difficulty levels. For Class 12th students, the gap after the board exams allows them to dedicate their undivided attention to JEE Mains preparation, enhancing their chances of scoring higher. However, students must remember that cut offs are usually higher in the second session due to better preparedness among aspirants.
JEE Mains 2025 1st Attempt vs 2nd Attempt: Preparation Strategy
Preparing effectively for JEE Mains 2025 1st Attempt vs 2nd Attempt, requires a strategic approach tailored to the timeline and students preparation level. Here’s how one can maximize their performance in both sessions:
Preparation Strategy for JEE Mains 2025 1st Attempt
Preparing for JEE Mains 2025, the 1st attempt, alongside the Class 12th board exams, requires a balanced and focused approach. With only 21 days between the first session of JEE Mains and the expected start of the board exams, students must plan effectively to excel in both.
- Focus on NCERT First : Prioritize NCERT textbooks, as they form the foundation for both JEE and board exams, especially for Chemistry and Physics.
- Enroll in PW JEE Online Crash Courses : Join PW JEE Online Crash Courses for structured guidance and conceptual clarity across all subjects. This will help in covering the syllabus efficiently and within the limited days.
- Use the PW JEE Test Series : Regularly attempt the PW JEE Mock Tests to understand the JEE exam pattern, manage time effectively, and assess students readiness.
- Daily Revision : Dedicate at least an hour daily to revise important formulas, concepts, and problem-solving techniques, which are designed for quick and effective learning.
- Practice High-Weightage Topics : Focus on topics with high weightage in JEE Mains , such as Coordinate Geometry, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, and Organic Chemistry, to maximize your score.
Preparation Strategy for JEE Mains 2025 2nd Attempt
After the JEE Mains 1st attempt, shift focus to Class 12th board exam preparation. Begin with subjects or topics you feel less confident about.
- Analyze Your 1st Attempt Performance : After the first attempt, review your results and identify weak areas.
- Practice Advanced Questions with the PW JEE Test Series : The updated PW JEE Test Series reflects the expected difficulty of the second session, allowing you to practice more complex questions and stay ahead of the competition.
| PW Online Test Series for JEE 2025 | ||
| Name of the Test Series | Price | Link To Enroll |
| Lakshya JEE 2025 Test Series | INR 1,000 (50% OFF from INR 2,000) | Explore Here! |
| Arjuna JEE 2025 Test Series | INR 1,000 (50% OFF from INR 2,000) | Explore Here! |
| Prayas JEE 2025 Test Series | INR 1,000 (50% OFF from INR 2,000) | Explore Here! |
- Revise Effectively : Focus on revising concepts from your first attempt, particularly challenging topics. The concise and exam-oriented content in PW JEE Revision Books can save time while enhancing retention.
- Balance Boards and JEE 2nd Attempt Prep : Use the time after board exams wisely by attempting mock tests, revising formulas, and practicing key topics.
JEE Mains 2025 1st Attempt vs 2nd Attempt : Final Words
Deciding whether to focus on the first or second attempt of JEE Mains 2025 depends on the aspirant's individual preparation level and academic priorities. The first attempt provides a valuable opportunity to experience the exam environment and identify improvement areas, while the second attempt allows for better preparation after Class 12th boards.
Ideally, students should aim to attempt both sessions, using the first to gain insights and the second to achieve their best possible score. Balancing JEE preparation with board exams is important, and a well-structured plan can help students maximize their performance in both.
Study Material For JEE Main 2025 Preparation
Physics Wallah (PW) offers comprehensive study material for JEE 2025 , designed to help students excel in this competitive exam. The material includes detailed theory notes, practice questions, previous years’ papers, and mock tests for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each topic is explained with clear concepts and illustrated examples, ensuring a strong foundation
JEE Mains 2025 1st Attempt vs 2nd Attempt FAQs
Ques. Should I attempt both sessions of JEE Mains 2025?
Ques. What is the difference in preparation for JEE Mains 2025 1st attempt vs 2nd attempt?
Ques. Does the difficulty level vary between JEE Mains 2025 1st Attempt and 2nd Attempt?
Ques. How can I effectively prepare for JEE Mains 2025 along with board exams?
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