How to crack JEE Main 2026 like a topper: Expert explains 4 big challenges and how to avoid them

With JEE Mains 2026 drawing nearer, many aspirants have to face not only a vast syllabus but also a set of recurring challenges. Every year, lakhs of students aim for top engineering institutes, yet many face hurdles that can make the journey challenging from managing time to handling exam pressure.

Understanding these obstacles and learning how to tackle them effectively can make a significant difference in performance. Just as experts recommend structured preparation, careful strategy and time-management disciplined approach holds for JEE Main.

1. Syllabus overwhelm

The first major challenge is sheer volume. The JEE main syllabus has three subjects, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, each with its own depth. Many aspirants feel burdened by the number of topics, sub-topics and question types they must study well.

What to do:

• Map the full syllabus early and divide it not just subject-wise but topic-wise.
• Categorise topics into three buckets: 'must know very well', 'should know reasonably', 'can revise later'.
• Move steadily through the must-know topics; once you've built a foundation, layer in the next bucket.
• Resist the urge to chase every "advanced" topic before understanding basics skipping fundamentals is one of the common mistakes.

By systematically addressing the syllabus, you build momentum and avoid panic in the final weeks.

2. Fundamentals and balancing practice

A second challenge arises when aspirants focus too heavily on advanced problems without solidifying the fundamentals. Reports indicate that "spending too much time on theory and not enough time solving numerical problems" is a frequent mis-step.

What to do:

• Use NCERT textbooks (or equivalent) to understand your basic concepts across all subjects. Many aspirants underestimate their importance.
• Immediately after concept learning, solve moderate-level problems to apply the theory.
• Gradually increase the difficulty of problems but always return to basics when you stumble.
• Maintain an issue-log or "weak-spot register" where you note errors or recurring difficulties. This helps targeted revision later.

The key is balancing theoretical clarity with consistent problem solving.

3. Time-management and mock-tests

Time pressure is perhaps the greatest challenge in JEE Main. Knowing the content is vital but managing the ticking clock, selecting the right questions and avoiding time traps make the difference. For example, one guide emphasises that timed mock exams build confidence by familiarising the student with real-exam conditions.

What to do:

• Schedule frequent full-length mock tests ideally once a week, rising to twice a week closer to the exam.
• After each mock, analyse not just your score but which topics you lost time on, how many questions you skipped, and where you erred due to time.
• During the exam, adopt a two-tier approach: attempt your safe/easy questions first, then move to moderate ones if time remains.
• Set micro-time targets: e.g., in a 3-hour paper with 90 questions, you might aim for ~2 minutes per question average, but that must flex for easier/harder ones.
• Resist dwelling too long on a single problem, smooth time transitions matter.

By refining time-management and question-selection strategy, aspirants reduce last-minute stress and maximise scoring potential.

4. Revision, retention and error correction

Even after covering a large part of the syllabus, many aspirants falter due to weak revision habits, forgotten topics and unchecked errors.

What to do:

• Build a revision calendar: dedicate weekly slots to revisiting older topics, even as you learn new ones.
• Use your error-log: re-solve previous mistakes, examine why they occurred (conceptual gap? calculation error? time-pressure? careless reading?).
• Create quick "cheat sheets" for formulas, key reactions, memorable problem-types-refresh these in short sessions.
• Seven to ten days before the exam, shift your focus almost entirely to revision and mocks new learning should taper off by then.

The journey to cracking JEE Main is demanding but not insurmountable. The key lies in tackling each challenge systematically. When aspirants implement these elements, they position themselves not just to survive the exam, but to thrive in it. As exam day draws closer, the disciplined convergence of strategy, practice and self-management will make the difference. Approach the preparation with clarity, confidence and commitment and you will be in the strongest possible position.

- By Mr. Anil Kapasi, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Arihant Academy