The JEE Main preparation journey is not without its struggles. These struggles are often commonly known as mistakes and making mistakes is in human nature. Similarly, while preparing for the JEE Main 2026 examination, an aspirant may end up making common mistakes which may be easily avoided through careful planning. JEE Main preparation has a number of steps such as learning the basics, understanding high-weightage topics, referring to books, practice and more.
With more than 1 thing to do in the study journey for JEE Main 2026, things to avoid during JEE Main preparation is a topic of utmost importance. Making mistakes is common but learning from other mistakes is the key to becoming a JEE Main topper. Speaking of the things to avoid while preparing for JEE Main 2026, studying outside for syllabus, not seeking guidance/mentorship, not taking mock tests, not revising regularly, not using NCERT books are some of them.
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No 1 Thing to Avoid: Not Learning From Other’s Mistakes
It is important to know that students who are able to learn from other’s mistakes are better off compared to those who avoid this practice. Typically, aspirants engage themselves in studying so much that the important JEE Main syllabus topics are lost in the process. Your main focus must be on covering all the essential topics under the JEE Main syllabus. Do not study anything outside the syllabus.
No 1 Thing to Avoid: Not Seeking Guidance or Moral Support
Taking help of friends, peer groups, study groups and mentors is a crucial stage in an engineering aspirant’s journey towards success in the JEE Main 2026 examination. Learn to appreciate what others may have to contribute to the situation. Approach a study group, or an experienced professional with your doubts and get them resolved for clarity of thought and deeper conceptual learning.
No 1 Thing to Avoid: Not Taking Mock Tests
A major thing to avoid is not taking enough mock tests. Instead of buying more books or learning all chapters within the JEE Main syllabus, focus on high-weightage topics and consider taking more mock tests. The more mock tests you take for JEE Main 2026, the better will be your speed, accuracy and confidence. Advanced JEE Main coaching centres such as iQuanta allow an individual to analyse their mistakes and seek constant support with doubts.
No 1 Thing to Avoid: Not Revising Periodically
Revision is the most important stage during JEE Main preparation 2026. Without proper revision at regular intervals, engineering aspirants may face difficulty remembering the concepts they have previously studied. Inability to keep track of what you have learnt so far leads to confusion and loss of marks on the main exam day. As a result, focus on revision not just once or twice but daily, weekly and monthly to retain knowledge until the final day.
No 1 Thing to Avoid: Not Learning from NCERT Textbooks
Referring to NCERT textbooks for concepts, chapters, practice exercises, etc is crucial for success in the JEE Main 2026 examination. Students must avoid not learning from NCERT textbooks and referring to other books. Mock tests combined with regular revision and concepts learnt from NCERT textbooks are the pillars for the foundation of JEE Main 2026 success. Keep your study structured around NCERT and trusted online resources.
No 1 Thing to Avoid: Not Applying the 80/20 Rule
Your JEE Main preparation must not include studying every topic in depth and cluttering the concepts, instead focus on the 20% of chapters that contribute to 80% of the paper. How to find the 20% of chapters which comprise 80% of the JEE Main questions is an important question to ask. The table below helps students identify important 20% chapters which they must focus on to score good marks in the JEE Main 2026 examination.
| JEE Main 2026 – How to Apply the 80/20 Rule | ||
| Physics | Math | Chemistry |
| General class 11 topics include Thermodynamics, Thermal Properties, Mechanical Properties, 2D Motion, and 1D Motion.General class 12 Electrostatics, Magnetism, and Semiconductors.An unimportant topic would be Rotation as not many questions are asked from it.Experimental chapters such as Screw Gauge, Vernier Caliper, Galvanometer, or Semiconductors may be considered the 20% chapters contributing to 80% questions. | Common chapters are Calculus, Conic Sections, Vector 3D, and Statistics.1 question is always asked from the standard chapters in Math.Don’t spend much time on P&C as not many questions are asked from this chapter. | Inorganic chemistry chapters may have straight forward questions from them. Focus on the topics most repeated and avoid wasting time on others. |
10 Things To Avoid During JEE Main Preparation 2026
The key to ace the JEE Main 2026 exam is to focus on the topic of prime importance, practice more through mock tests and avoid drowning in the vast number of chapters and sub-chapters. A focused and clear mindset is crucial to building a solid preparation strategy rather than losing time trying to cover everything and not being able to remember half of it at the time of the exam. Here are 10 things to avoid during JEE Main preparation 2026 to get good scores and admission into your dream college.
Not Focusing on the Basics
Basic mathematical concepts from NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry and Math form the foundation of the JEE Main exam syllabus. Students must focus their energy on learning only the important topics and practicing the formulas or concepts thoroughly.
Not Practicing Enough
To ace the JEE Main exam, students must practice regularly. Avoid taking extra breaks or getting distracted. Sit down straight for a few hours and practice previous year papers, mock tests and utilize online resources from trusted platforms like iQuanta.
Not Taking Enough Rest
A calm and rested mind knows what to focus on and what not to do while preparing for the JEE Main examination. Avoid becoming restless, not sleeping enough or losing track of time. To keep your mind well rested, spend time with friends and family, take some time out for yourself to do what you like and rest enough for a productive learning day.
Not Knowing Where You Stand
Know where you stand, learn from your mistakes, recognize your pattern and the pattern of other people. Use help when it is needed. AI tools such as mock performance analyzer by iQuanta provide detailed analysis on your test performance. Make careful notes on where you need to improve and outshine yourself in the next attempt.
Not Making a Proper Schedule
Make a disciplined study routine, avoid sitting to study anytime you feel comfortable as the results might not be easy to track. A disciplined approach to JEE Main preparation helps negate distractions, clears the conscience and gives an individual a brief window for focused learning or revision of JEE Main topics.
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