How Many Attempts for JEE Mains Exam?

How Many Attempts for JEE Main Exam: The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is one of the most important exams for students who want to become engineers in India. Every year, lakhs of students appear for this exam to get admission into top engineering colleges like NITs, IIITs, and IITs. To reach IITs, students first need to clear JEE Main, which acts as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced.

One of the most common doubts among students is how many attempts for JEE Mains are allowed. This question becomes very important, especially for those who are planning to appear in JEE Main 2026. Students also want to know how many attempts for JEE Mains after 12th are possible, so they can prepare accordingly.

As per the rules set by NTA, there is a fixed JEE Mains attempt limit, and understanding this helps students avoid any last-minute confusion. Knowing the correct number of chances can help you plan your study routine and give your best in every attempt. So, if you're aiming for JEE Main 2026, it's important to be aware of these rules and stay updated with the official guidelines.

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What is JEE Main Exam?

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is a national-level entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in India. It serves as the first step for students who wish to pursue undergraduate engineering and architecture courses in reputed institutions such as the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other centrally funded technical institutions (CFTIs).

JEE Main is also the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Due to the vast number of applicants and the highly competitive nature of the exam, it plays a crucial role in shaping the future of aspiring engineers and architects in India.

JEE Main Exam Overview

The JEE Main exam is conducted in online mode and tests students on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from the Class 11 and 12 syllabus. Here is a quick JEE Main exam overview:-

JEE Main Exam Pattern 

Understanding the JEE Main exam pattern is very important for students who are preparing for this competitive exam. JEE Main is usually conducted twice a year, once in January and again in April. So, if you're wondering how many times JEE Mains conducted in a year, the answer is two. Students who clear JEE Main with a good score become eligible for JEE Advanced, but it’s important to note how many attempts for JEE Advanced are allowed, only two times in two consecutive years. Check out the JEE Main Exam Pattern here:

How Many Attempts for JEE Mains?

One of the most commonly asked questions among students is "how many attempts for JEE Mains are allowed?" According to the official guidelines set by the NTA, candidates are allowed a total of six attempts for JEE Mains. This is spread across three consecutive years, with two attempts each year (January and April sessions).

For instance, if a student passes their Class 12th exam in 2024, they can appear for JEE Main in 2024, 2025, and 2026, giving them up to six total chances. This flexibility helps students improve their scores and performance by learning from their previous attempts.

How Many Attempts for JEE Mains After 12th?

Many students wonder how many attempts for JEE Mains after 12th are possible. As per NTA rules, a student is eligible to attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years, starting from the year they pass their Class 12th or equivalent examination. This means, even after passing 12th, a candidate can appear for JEE Main in the same year and in the following two years. 

With two sessions each year, this translates to a maximum of six attempts after 12th, which gives students ample opportunity to improve their score and secure admission in top engineering colleges. The JEE Mains attempt limit is clearly defined by the NTA.  To summarise the JEE attempt limit:

• Maximum attempts per year: 2 (January & April)

• Maximum total attempts: 6

• Eligibility period: 3 consecutive years after 12th

Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main Exam Attempts

To appear for JEE Main, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here are the key points:

• Qualifying Examination: Candidates should have passed Class 12th or equivalent in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026.

• Subject Requirement: For Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), students must have studied Physics and Mathematics along with one of Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology.

• Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main, but students must satisfy the eligibility criteria of the institute they are applying to.

• Attempt Limit: As mentioned, students have six attempts in three consecutive years.

How Many Attempts for JEE Advanced?

While preparing for JEE, students should also be aware of how many attempts for JEE Advanced are allowed. JEE Advanced has a stricter rule compared to JEE Main. A student can attempt JEE Advanced only two times in two consecutive years.

For example, if you appeared for Class 12th in 2025, you can give JEE Advanced only in 2025 and 2026. There is no second chance after these two years. Therefore, students aiming for IITs must prepare carefully and plan their JEE Main attempts to qualify for JEE Advanced within this short window.

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How to Prepare for JEE Main Exam?

Preparing for the JEE Main exam requires a clear strategy, focused study, and the right resources. With a vast syllabus covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, it’s important to break down your preparation into manageable parts. Check out the JEE Main Exam tips here:

1. Understand the JEE Main Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Before starting your preparation, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the JEE Main syllabus and exam pattern. Knowing what to expect helps you plan better and focus on important topics.

• Know the Subjects & Topics: JEE Main covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Class 11 and 12 syllabi. Both years’ topics are important.

• Focus on Weightage: Some topics have higher weightage in the exam, such as Mechanics and Electrostatics in Physics, Organic Chemistry in Chemistry, and Algebra in Mathematics.

• Exam Pattern Insight: Understand the mix of multiple-choice and numerical questions, the marking scheme, and time duration to practice effectively.

2. Create a Realistic Study Plan

A well-organised study plan is key to covering the syllabus efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.

• Divide Your Time: Allocate time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. For example, spend more time on tougher topics.

• Include Revision Time: Regular revision sessions are essential to keep concepts fresh and improve retention.

• Set Daily and Weekly Goals: Break your syllabus into small sections with achievable goals to stay motivated.

Read More: Time Table for JEE Preparation 2025

3. Focus on Important Topics and Chapters

Certain chapters are known to carry more weight or have frequently appeared on questions. Prioritise these in your study plan.

• Physics: Focus on Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics.

• Chemistry: Organic Chemistry (especially Hydrocarbons and Functional Groups), Physical Chemistry (Mole Concept, Thermodynamics), and Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Table, Coordination Compounds).

• Mathematics: Algebra (Quadratic Equations, Sequences), Calculus (Limits, Differentiation, Integration), Coordinate Geometry.

4. Use Quality Study Material 

Using reliable and comprehensive study materials is crucial. PW offers one of the most effective and pocket-friendly learning resources for JEE aspirants.

• Comprehensive Video Lectures: PW provides clear, concept-based video lectures covering the entire JEE Main syllabus.

• Practice Questions and Notes: Along with lectures, PW offers well-curated notes and ample practice questions for self-assessment.

• Doubt Clearing Sessions: Regular doubt clearing helps ensure you don’t stay stuck on difficult concepts.

Check Out: JEE Question Banks

5. Practice Previous Year Question Papers and Mock Tests

Solving past papers and mock tests builds exam temperament and helps identify your weak areas.

• Familiarise with Question Types: Previous year papers give insight into the kind of questions asked and their difficulty levels.

• Time Management Practice: Mock tests help improve speed and accuracy under exam conditions.

• Analyse Performance: Identify mistakes and revise those topics to avoid repeating errors.

6. Strengthen Your Fundamentals and Concepts

JEE Main tests your understanding, not just rote memorisation. Strengthening your fundamentals is crucial.

• Understand Concepts Deeply: Don’t just memorise formulas, learn their derivation and application.

• Use Visual Aids: Diagrams, charts, and flowcharts can help understand complex concepts quickly.

• Regular Doubt Clearing: Use PW’s interactive sessions or forums to clarify doubts immediately.

Also Read, JEE Main Chapter Wise PYQ

JEE Mains Exam FAQs

1. How many attempts are allowed for JEE Mains?

As per the National Testing Agency (NTA) guidelines, candidates can attempt JEE Main a maximum of six times over a period of three consecutive years. Each year, the exam is conducted twice, in January and April sessions.

2. How many attempts for JEE Mains after 12th?

Students are eligible to appear for JEE Main in the year they pass their Class 12th exams and the following two consecutive years. 

3. What is the JEE Mains attempt limit?

The JEE Mains attempt limit is set to six attempts in three consecutive years, starting from the year you pass Class 12th. This rule is strictly followed by the NTA.

4. How many times is JEE Mains conducted in a year?

JEE Main is conducted twice every year, usually in January and April. This provides students with two chances annually to improve their scores.

5. Can a student attempt JEE Mains more than six times?

No. The JEE Mains attempt limit as per NTA guidelines does not allow more than six attempts within three years from passing 12th.