JEE Main 2026 Candidates Intensify Full-Length Mock Tests and Revision

With JEE Main 2026 Session 1 starting January 21, aspirants are focusing on full-length mock tests and final revision. Check key exam dates and preparation tips.

With the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 just twelve days away, engineering aspirants across the country have entered the final phase of their preparation. Following the National Testing Agency's (NTA) release of the city intimation slips yesterday, the focus has shifted from learning new concepts to intensive revision and simulated testing. The Session 1 examination, scheduled to begin on January 21, will see over 14 lakh candidates competing for seats in premier technical institutes, making the next two weeks critical for performance optimization.

Strategic Focus on Full-Length Mock Tests

Experts and toppers suggest that this period should be dedicated to building exam stamina and time management through full-length mock tests. Attempting a three-hour paper in the same time slots as the actual exam—either 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM—helps students align their biological clocks with the NTA schedule. These tests are not merely for practice but serve as a diagnostic tool to identify persistent errors in calculation or conceptual application.

The current trend among high-scorers involves a "Test-Analyze-Revise" cycle. After completing a mock paper, students are spending four to five hours analyzing their mistakes. This granular analysis helps in distinguishing between "silly mistakes" and "conceptual gaps." By maintaining an error log, candidates are ensuring that they do not repeat the same errors during the actual session on the day of the exam.

• Test Frequency: Ideally 2–3 full-length papers per week.
• Slot Simulation: Practice during 9:00–12:00 or 15:00–18:00.
• Error Logging: Documenting every incorrect attempt for a targeted revision plan.
• Stamina Building: Training the mind to stay focused for the entire 180-minute duration.

High-Weightage Revision and NCERT Mastery

While revision covers the entire syllabus, aspirants are prioritizing high-weightage chapters that historically contribute to a large portion of the question paper. In Physics, topics like Modern Physics and Semiconductors are being revisited, while in Mathematics, Calculus and Vector-3D remain the primary focus. For Chemistry, the importance of NCERT cannot be overstated, with many direct theoretical questions expected from Inorganic and Organic sections.

Conclusion

As the January session approaches, the emphasis is squarely on maintaining accuracy rather than attempting a higher number of questions. The NTA has clarified that the marking scheme remains +4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect ones, making negative marking a significant factor in final percentiles. Candidates are advised to use their mock test results to refine their "question selection" strategy—knowing which questions to skip is often as important as knowing how to solve them. With the final revision lists ready and exam cities confirmed, the remaining days will determine the mental readiness of candidates for the first major academic challenge of 2026.

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