Dreaming of IIT? Discover How Many Attempts for JEE Mains Do You Get?

Author at PW

April 30, 2025

How Many Attempts for JEE Main: The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is one of India's most prestigious engineering entrance examinations, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the gateway for admission into various undergraduate engineering programs offered by premier institutes like the IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other GFTIs nationwide.

The JEE Main is held twice yearly - first in January and then in April. Given the intense competition and vast syllabus, cracking the JEE Main in one attempt can be challenging for many students. A common query is regarding the total number of attempts applicable for this exam.

This article will examine the JEE mains attempt limit imposed by NTA, the advantages of multiple attempts, the validity period, and other key details related to JEE Main 2023 attempts.

Table of Content:

Introduction
How Many Times Can a Candidate Appear for JEE Main?
JEE Main Registration Process
Advantages of Two JEE Main Attempts
Validity of JEE Main 2023 Scorecard
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main Attempts
JEE Main Exam Pattern
JEE Main Preparation Tips
Conclusion
FAQ

How Many Times Can a Candidate Appear for JEE Main?

One of the most frequently asked queries by JEE aspirants is regarding the total number of attempts applicable for the JEE Main entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

As per the latest rules set by NTA, a candidate can appear for the JEE Main exams a maximum of 6 times over a period of 3 consecutive years after passing Class 12 board exams.

This effectively means that in any given year, an eligible candidate has the provision to appear for JEE Main twice - once during the session held in January and again in the session held in April.

For example, students who clear their Class 12 board exams in 2023 are allowed to take both the JEE Main 2023 sessions in January and April, despite 2023 being their year of passing 12th standard.

Subsequently, these students can avail of the remaining 4 attempts in the following 2 years - 2024 and 2025, thereby totaling to the maximum limit of 6 attempts across 3 consecutive years after passing Class 12.

However, utilizing all 6 attempts is not compulsory. Several students can get their desired rank and crack JEE within just 1 or 2 attempts. The provision of 6 attempts provides additional chances just in case a candidate needs them.

JEE aspirants must remember that as per the exam authority NTA, they are permitted up to 6 attempts spread across 3 years after passing 12th standard to maximize their chances of scoring well in JEE Main and securing admission into top engineering institutes of the country.

JEE Main Registration Process

Here are the key steps to register for JEE Main 2023:

Visit the official website JEEmain.nta.nic.in for registration.
Click on the 'Apply for JEE Main 2023' link and provide all details accurately.
Upload scanned images of the photograph and signature as per specifications.
Pay the registration fee online via credit/debit card, UPI, net banking, etc.
Download the submitted form and fee receipt for future reference.
Follow the same process separately for the January and April sessions.
Registration dates are generally 2 months before the exam date, so regularly check the website.

Advantages of Two JEE Main Attempts

An important feature introduced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting JEE Main exams twice yearly - once in January and again in April. This provision of two JEE Main attempts in a year offers some key advantages to candidates:

Gives a chance to improve score: With two attempts, students who are unable to get a satisfactory percentile or rank in the first JEE Main exam get an opportunity to improve their score in the subsequent attempt.
Rectify mistakes: Analyzing the errors and weaker areas in the first attempt helps gain insights on topics needing more preparation. Students can work on those topics and enhance their performance in the next JEE Main exam.
Avoid wasted academic years: One of the biggest benefits is that two attempts in a year reduce the chances of students taking an entire year off just for JEE preparation again. The second attempt acts as a backup.
Provides flexibility: If an aspirant misses the first JEE Main exam due to unavoidable circumstances like health issues, injuries, or other problems, the second attempt gives them a second chance within the same year without needing to wait for the next year.
Reduces pressure: The provision alleviates some of the pressure on students to perform well in a 'now or never' single attempt. They can approach both attempts in a more relaxed manner.

Overall, two JEE Main exam attempts in a year provide more opportunities for serious aspirants to get into their target engineering colleges based on merit without the risk of wasting precious academic years.

Yakeen for Dropper NEET Study Material (2023 Edition)

Validity of JEE Main 2023 Scorecard

An important consideration regarding the number of attempts for JEE Main is the validity period of the scorecard issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

As per NTA rules, the JEE Main 2023 scorecard is valid only for the ongoing academic year in which the candidate has appeared for the exam.

This means that students who sit for JEE Main 2023, whether in the January or April sessions, can only use their scorecard for admission purposes in engineering colleges during the academic year 2023-24.

The JEE Main scorecard and percentile cannot be carried forward to the next academic year, i.e., 2024-25. Even if a candidate is within the total 6 attempts limit over 3 years, the score only applies to admissions in 2023-24 and not any subsequent years.

Students who wish to seek undergraduate engineering admissions in 2024-25 or any future academic year based on JEE Main merit will have to reappear for JEE Main 2024 to obtain a valid scorecard. Despite being within the maximum attempt limit, they cannot reuse their previous year's score.

In short, JEE aspirants must remember that the JEE Main scorecard has a one-year validity, and they need to reappear for the entrance exam in the following years to obtain a fresh score that can be used for seeking admission in that academic year. Planning attempts and preparation accordingly as per this one-year validity rule is crucial.

Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main Attempts

While the National Testing Agency (NTA) provides the provision of multiple attempts for the JEE Main exam, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria to be able to appear for the entrance test:

As per NTA rules, no age restrictions are imposed on candidates for attempting the JEE Main exam. Students from any age group can appear for the exam multiple times as long as they do so within the specified limit of 6 attempts over 3 years.
For admissions into B.Tech/B.E programs based on JEE Main scores, it is mandatory for candidates to have passed their Class 12 exams with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one additional subject, which can be Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology.
Candidates aspiring for B.Arch admissions through JEE Main are required to have passed their 12th standard exams with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as core subjects.
Only students who have successfully cleared their respective Class 12 board exams and fulfill subject criteria are eligible to appear for JEE Main. Diploma holders cannot take the JEE Main entrance exam.
General category applicants need to secure a minimum aggregate of 75% in their Class 12 board exams to be eligible for JEE Main. For SC/ST category students, the minimum aggregate required in Class 12 boards is 65%.

In summary, meeting the above eligibility criteria along with the subject requirements is essential for candidates to be able to legally attempt the JEE Main exam up to 6 times in 3 years and have a strong shot at securing admission into their desired engineering college.

JEE Main Exam Pattern

The JEE Main 2023 exam consists of two papers - Paper 1 for B.Tech/B.E admissions and Paper 2 for B.Arch/B.Planning admissions.

Paper 1 comprises three subjects - Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. It is held in a computer-based test format. There are a total of 90 questions carrying 360 marks, with 30 questions from each section.

Paper 2 for B.Arch is also computer-based, with a total of 82 questions for 390 marks. It has 3 parts - Mathematics, Aptitude Test and Drawing Test.

B. Planning aspirants only need to take the Aptitude Test. All subjects carry a negative marking of -1 mark for incorrect answers. Understanding the JEE Main exam pattern is key for good performance.

JEE Main Preparation Tips

Here are some vital preparation tips for JEE Main 2023:

Follow NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry and Maths thoroughly. Solve exercises and exemplar problems.
Attempt JEE Main previous years' question papers to adapt to the real exam format and difficulty level.
Take regular chapter tests and mock tests to assess preparedness. Identify weaker topics and work on them.
Make notes, formulas, or important points for quick revision. Revise concepts regularly.
Focus on clearing conceptual doubts. Be sure to complete all topics; take guidance from teachers if needed.
Attempt quality questions for practice rather than just the quantity. Assess performance and improve gradually.
Take breaks between study hours to refresh your mind. Proper rest is essential, along with hard work.

Conclusion

The NTA offers aspirants ample flexibility and opportunities to perform well in JEE Main by allowing six attempts spread over three consecutive years. Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2023 can appear for both JEE Main sessions this year.

The JEE Main scorecard is valid only for admissions in the ongoing academic year. Students must reappear for JEE Main in subsequent years for admission, even within the 6 attempts limit.

Utilizing both attempts in a year improves one's score and avoids wasted academic years. Students can make the most of the multiple-attempt facility with proper planning and preparation to achieve their target JEE Main rank.