How Many Times Can You Attempt JEE Main After 12th?
Understanding how many attempts for IIT entrance exam are permitted is vital for engineering aspirants in India. Clarity about the attempt limit and exam timeline allows students to strategize and pace their preparation effectively. This guide explains the number of attempts, session rules, and eligibility for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced to support smart exam planning.
How Many Attempts Are There in IIT Entrance Exam?
The IIT entrance pathway includes JEE Main and JEE Advanced. For JEE Main, candidates can attempt the exam up to six times, spread over three years after passing Class 12. For JEE Advanced, the maximum is two attempts in two consecutive years. Planning your attempts wisely can maximize your chances.
JEE Main Attempt and Session Rules
JEE Main takes place twice every year, usually in January and April. Students can appear in either one or both sessions each year. Attempting both sessions offers more chances to improve scores without losing a year, as your best result counts.
- Up to two attempts allowed per year
- Three yearly windows after Class 12
- Maximum of six attempts in total
Explore our JEE study timetable guide for effective planning between sessions.
Eligibility and Age Limit for IIT Entrance Exam
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or its equivalent exam to be eligible for JEE Main and Advanced. There is currently no upper age limit for JEE Main, but the attempt window is within three consecutive years after passing Class 12.
- No upper age barrier for JEE Main
- Eligibility period is three years after 12th
- JEE Advanced allows two attempts in two years
Validity and Use of JEE Main Scores
JEE Main scores remain valid only for the current academic session. This means students need to align their attempts with their college admission plans, since scores cannot be carried over beyond that year.
To fully utilize your eligibility window, learn from our IIT JEE study plan for maximum impact.
JEE Main and Advanced: Exam Frequency
JEE Main occurs twice per year, giving a total of six chances in three years after 12th. JEE Advanced is conducted only once yearly, but you may attempt it twice in two consecutive years. This structure allows flexibility and helps students optimize their attempts.
- JEE Main: Twice per year
- JEE Advanced: Once per year
Find more about the distinct nature of these exams in our detailed comparison guide.
Table: IIT Entrance Exam Attempts Overview
| Exam Name | Attempts Per Year | Maximum Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| JEE Main | 2 | 6 (3 years × 2 sessions) |
| JEE Advanced | 1 | 2 (2 years × 1 session) |
This table summarizes how many times you can attempt each entrance, helping to clearly track your eligibility for both exams.
Maximizing Your IIT Entrance Exam Attempts
Planning all available attempts is crucial. Attempting JEE Main in both annual sessions can help boost scores and confidence. Using feedback from each attempt improves outcomes for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
- Improve by learning from previous sessions
- Avoid missing deadlines
- Use each attempt as a learning step
Discover real success stories and strategies from Vedantu JEE achievers and incorporate their tips into your routine.
In summary, understanding how many attempts for IIT entrance exam are possible lets you plan JEE Main and Advanced strategies efficiently. Stay updated on exam timelines, use every session wisely, and learn from top performers to achieve your goal of joining an IIT.
FAQs on JEE Main 2026: Attempt Limit, Eligibility, and Sessions Explained
1. How many times can a candidate attempt the JEE Main exam?
Candidates can attempt JEE Main a maximum of six times over three consecutive years after passing Class 12. Each year, you are allowed to appear in two sessions (January and April), which counts as two attempts per year.
2. How many sessions is JEE Main conducted in each year?
JEE Main is held in two sessions each year:
• January Session
• April Session
Students can appear in either or both sessions within one academic year.
3. What is the age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026?
There is no upper age limit for JEE Main 2026. Candidates must have passed their Class 12th or equivalent exam in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026 to be eligible.
4. Is it necessary to appear in both sessions of JEE Main?
No, it is not mandatory to appear in both sessions. Candidates may choose to appear in one or both sessions. If you attempt both, your best score will be considered for the final ranking and counselling.
5. If I pass 12th in 2024, till which year can I give JEE Main?
Candidates passing Class 12th in 2024 can attempt JEE Main in 2024, 2025, and 2026. This gives three consecutive years to appear, with up to six total attempts.
6. Can I attempt JEE Advanced directly without taking JEE Main?
No, you cannot appear for JEE Advanced without first qualifying JEE Main. Only candidates meeting the JEE Main cut-off are eligible for JEE Advanced each year.
7. Are JEE Main scores valid for next year's admissions?
No, JEE Main scores are valid only for admissions in the same academic year in which the exam is taken. You must apply for college admissions during that year; the scores cannot be carried forward for future years.
8. What happens if I miss one session of JEE Main in a year?
If you miss one session, you can still appear in the remaining session of that year and in the following eligible years. Missing a session does not reduce your overall attempt limit of six within the three-year time frame after Class 12th.
9. Are there different attempt limits for reserved category students in JEE Main?
No, the attempt limit is the same for all categories including General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD. All candidates are allowed up to six attempts over three consecutive years after passing Class 12th.
10. What is the minimum educational qualification required for JEE Main?
To be eligible for JEE Main, you must have passed 10+2 (Class 12th) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. Students currently appearing for their qualifying exam are also eligible.
11. Can I take a drop year and still appear for JEE Main?
Yes, you can take a drop year after Class 12th and still appear for JEE Main. Candidates are eligible for three consecutive years following their 12th passing year.
12. What are the total number of attempts allowed for JEE Advanced?
Candidates can appear for JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years after passing Class 12th. You must first qualify JEE Main to be eligible for JEE Advanced.
