How to write JEE Main Exam for the First Time?

It can be confusing and stressful to write the JEE Main exam, particularly when you are not quite familiar with the exam procedure, regulations, and requirements. First-time candidates are always concerned with preparation, instruction, exam day tips, time management, and common mistakes to avoid.

Learning about the process of the JEE Main examination, how to approach the answers, and how to prevent simple mistakes can make a tremendous difference in performance. This article will give you all the information you need to know on how to write JEE Main for the first time, including what you should do and carry on the exam day, a subject-wise study plan, and common mistakes to avoid as first-timers.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for Beginners

Knowledge of the JEE Main exam pattern is important for successful preparation, particularly among first-time applicants. The pattern of the exam provides a good idea regarding the number of sections, nature of questions, marking scheme, and duration of the test. The ability to plan the study strategy, manage time during the exam, and prevent the occurrence of mistakes on the exam day will assist the candidates in avoiding mistakes on the exam day. The table below gives an overview of the JEE Main exam pattern.

When to Start JEE Main Exam Preparation 2026?

The correct time to begin the process of JEE Main will depend on your present level of class as well as your knowledge of the syllabus. Early planning would reduce pressure and enhance understanding, as the exam is based on the Class 11 and Class 12 concepts.

1. Class 11 Students- The best time to begin with the preparations for JEE Main is the start of Class 11. This will give time to learn simple concepts, practice problems on a regular basis and a good foundation without haste in a topic.
2. Class 12 Students- Class 12 students can start intensive preparation for JEE Main at the beginning of the year. At this point, attention has to be paid to balancing the preparation of board exams and JEE Main because a large portion of the syllabus coincides.
3. Droppers or Repeaters- The students who fail at the first attempt must focus on doing it as soon as possible, as they would be in a drop year. The basics are already taken care of, and now attention should be on revision, mock tests and areas of weakness.
4. Late Starters- If you are late in some of your preparations, with the proper structure, and revising high-weightage subject matter, past year questions and regular mock tests, one can still score good marks in JEE Main.

Generally early beginning can allow more time to understand the concept, practice, and revise, but regular and intensive practice is far more important.

Common Mistakes First-Time JEE Main Candidates Make

Many first-time JEE Main applicants lose marks due to common mistakes which can be avoided before and during the exam. Knowing these will enable you to have a good performance on exam day.

1. Failing to Read Instructions Properly- Applicants usually tend to go past on-screen guidelines and sectional regulations. This may cause one to choose more questions than they were supposed to or even waste time in a particular section.
2. Inadequate Time Management- It is a common mistake to start working on hard questions and neglect simple questions. This minimises total attempts and has an impact on the final score.
3. Not Understanding Exam Pattern- Lack of knowledge of the number of questions in each section may lead to confusion at the time of examinations.
4. Failing to Use Strategic Value Attempt on the Numerical Value Question- Some candidates do not proceed with numeric questions, or they do not do the numeric questions without accurate calculation of the answers, which is detrimental.
5. Inadequate Revision in the Last Minute- Attempting to study new things rather than revising already studied subjects may confuse.
6. Ignoring Mock Test Analysis- Taking mock examinations without analysis does not allow improvement. First-time applicants make the same mistakes on the real test.
7. Bringing Prohibited Items to Exam Centre- Carrying mobile phones, watches, or notes can lead to disqualification from the exam.

These are some of the most frequent errors that should be avoided by first-time JEE Main student so that they can stay relaxed, manage their time, and score as much as possible on exam day.

JEE Main Exam Day Guidelines 2026

Appearing in JEE Main for the first time, it is highly important to follow the guidelines on exam day. NTA determines these rules, which need to be strictly adhered to to prevent issues at the exam centre at the last minute. Students must follow the guidelines given below on the JEE Main exam day.

1. Reach the exam centre early- The candidate must report to the centre before the reporting time stated in the admit card. Late entrance is never accepted, in most cases.
2. The necessary documents to carry- Bring the print of an admit card of JEE Main, one photo of passport-size photo, the same as the one uploaded in the application form, and a photo ID document (Aadhaar card, school ID, or passport).
3. Follow the dress code- Put on plain clothes. Other things to avoid during the examination are belts, watches, jewellery, hair clips or shoes with heavy soles as they cannot be permitted in the examination hall.
4. Biometric authentication and verification- Applicants will undergo biometric verification and security checks before they enter an exam hall. 
5. Check your seating arrangements- Upon entering the exam hall, ensure that all your exam information, roll number and name are checked on the computer screen. Report to the invigilator at once in case of any inconsistency.
6. No prohibited things should be carried- Mobile phones, calculators, smart watches, paper chits, books or any electronics are not allowed. Having any of these can result in disqualification.
7. Read the instructions before the commencement of the exam- Read the instructions on the screen closely before you start the test. Learn about the system of marking, the number of questions and navigation.
8. Be disciplined in the exam hall- Observe all the instructions of the invigilators. Do not engage in any conversation with other candidates, and do not attempt to exit the exam hall before the exam is over.
9. Submit the exam properly- Make sure that you submit the exam properly before leaving the exam hall. Do not shut the computer screen without permission from the invigilator.

What to Carry on JEE Main Exam Day?

It is important to have the right documents and materials with you to the JEE Main exam centre. Students may not get entry to take exams if they do not carry the required documents. The list given below shows all the required documents and things to carry for the JEE Main exam 2026.

1. JEE Main Admit Card- Bring a hard copy of the JEE admit card, which can be downloaded on the NTA official website. Mobile phones, copies or any other softcopy are not recognised.
2. Passport-Size Photograph- One passport-sized photograph of passport size. The same should be carried as the one posted in the application form.
3. Valid Photo ID Proof- Carry your original and valid picture ID. Some of the accepted forms of IDs are Aadhaar card, school ID, passport, PAN card, voter ID, or driving licence.
4. PwD Certificate- Applicants under the PwD category should be with the original certificate of PwD given to them by a competent authority.
5. Transparent Ballpoint Pen- Bring a transparent ballpoint pen to sign attendance sheets and other formalities.
6. Clothing and Shoes- Put on loose garments and do not wear any metals. Accessories should be avoided, such as jewellery, watches, shoes with thick soles and belts.
7. Do not carry any prohibited items- Such items as mobile phones, calculators, smart watches, earphones, notes, books, wallets, or bags are strictly forbidden inside the exam centre. Avoiding items that are prohibited will make you pass through the security checks without a problem.

For the students taking the JEE Main exam 2026 for the first time, it is important to know the pattern of the exam, guidelines to be followed on the exam day, the use of time, and the avoidance of common mistakes. This can help in performing better and remaining calm during the exam. Through planning, practice, and understanding the exam process well, first-time candidates will have no problems with JEE Main and can score well.