How Many Attempts Allowed for JEE Main 2026? (With Session Details)
Preparing for JEE Main is a crucial step for students seeking engineering careers. Understanding how many attempts can be given for JEE Mains helps aspirants plan their strategy to maximise their chances of success. In this post, we explain the official attempt limits, special guidelines, and ways to effectively use each chance while preparing for JEE Main.
How Many Attempts for JEE Mains?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) allows candidates to give the JEE Main exam twice each year. These two sessions are usually scheduled in January and April. Aspirants can appear for JEE Main in three consecutive years after completing their Class 12 or equivalent, which means up to six total attempts are possible if both yearly sessions are utilised.
Eligibility Criteria and Attempt Rules
To appear in JEE Mains, students need to have passed their Class 12 exam in the previous two years or be appearing in the current academic year. There is no upper age limit set by the NTA for JEE Main attempts. However, students can only attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years from the year they finish Class 12, regardless of their age.
How Many Attempts After Class 12 and Diploma?
After passing Class 12, a student can attempt JEE Main in the same year and the following two years, making it three consecutive years. For diploma holders aiming for engineering admissions, the rule is identical—three consecutive years with up to two sessions each year, resulting in a possible six attempts overall.
How Many Attempts for JEE Mains in a Year?
JEE Main is conducted two times each year, providing candidates with two opportunities annually. Students can attempt both sessions, and the higher score among the two is considered for admission. Appearing in both sessions helps in evaluating progress and improving results without waiting a full year.
Year-wise JEE Main Attempts Table
| Year of Passing Class 12 | Eligible Attempt Years | Maximum Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2023, 2024, 2025 | 6 |
| 2024 | 2024, 2025, 2026 | 6 |
| 2025 | 2025, 2026, 2027 | 6 |
The table above shows the attempt limit for students based on their year of passing Class 12. Students can appear for both January and April sessions within these years, not exceeding six attempts in total.
How Attempts for JEE Main and Advanced Differ
While JEE Main allows up to six attempts over three years, JEE Advanced has stricter limits. Candidates can attempt JEE Advanced only twice in two consecutive years after Class 12. This makes planning crucial if a student aims to appear for both exams. Read more about the IIT JEE attempt structure on Vedantu.
Benefits of Multiple Attempts in JEE Main
Attempting JEE Main in both sessions each year helps students identify mistakes and improve weaker topics. Multiple chances mean less stress and more time to adapt strategies. If a candidate misses one session, the second attempt ensures the academic year is not lost.
- Candidates can improve scores based on learnings from previous sessions.
- Risk of losing a year due to unforeseen issues is reduced.
- Flexibility in planning preparation around board exams.
JEE Main Attempts for Different Categories
There is no category-based relaxation on the number of attempts for JEE Main. General, OBC, SC, and ST candidates all get the same chances—three consecutive years post-Class 12, with two sessions each year. Minimum eligibility criteria, such as 75% marks for General/OBC and 65% for SC/ST, must still be met.
JEE Main Score Validity and Important Tips
JEE Main scores are valid only for the year in which the exam is cleared. Candidates should plan their attempts carefully and ensure their preparation is consistent. For help with study schedules and expert advice, check these effective study plans and toppers' tips for JEE preparation by Vedantu.
- Complete applications for both sessions if planning multiple attempts.
- Monitor official updates for any changes in attempt rules or exam dates.
In summary, students can attempt JEE Main six times over three consecutive years following their Class 12 or diploma. Each academic year offers two sessions, giving candidates the flexibility to choose when they are best prepared. Proper planning and use of resources can help maximise these valuable attempts to secure admission in top engineering institutes.
FAQs on JEE Main 2026: Number of Attempts, Eligibility, and Attempts Limit Explained
1. How many times can I attempt the JEE Main exam?
Candidates can attempt the JEE Main exam six times over three consecutive years after passing Class 12. The exam is held twice per year, and you can appear in both sessions each year, counted as a single attempt for that year.
2. What is the frequency of JEE Main in a year?
JEE Main is conducted twice a year, typically in January (Session 1) and April (Session 2), providing students two opportunities annually to improve their scores.
3. Is there any age limit to appear for JEE Main?
No, there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing in the JEE Main exam. You only need to have completed, or be appearing in, your Class 12/qualifying examination in the last three years.
4. What is the minimum percentage required in Class 12 for JEE Main eligibility?
Candidates must secure at least 75% marks in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percentile in their respective boards. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum is 65% in Class 12/qualifying exam.
5. How many attempts can a candidate of OBC category make for JEE Main?
OBC candidates are allowed the same number of attempts as general category candidates: six attempts across three consecutive years after passing Class 12.
6. What is the benefit of two sessions of JEE Main in a year?
Appearing in both sessions provides several advantages:
- An extra chance to improve scores within the same academic year
- Opportunity to correct mistakes from the first session
- Greater flexibility and reduces chances of taking a gap year
7. What is the validity of the JEE Main score?
The JEE Main score is valid only for the current academic year. Candidates must use their score for admissions in the same academic session they appeared for the exam.
8. When will the JEE Main 2026 application form be released?
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 application form is expected to release between 31 October 2025 to 27 November 2025 (tentative), with the Session 2 form released in January 2026.
9. How do I select which JEE Main session to appear in?
You can apply for either one or both sessions of JEE Main in a year. If unsatisfied with your Session 1 score, you can attempt Session 2 to try for a better result. The best score among the two will be considered for admissions.
10. Are both JEE Main sessions in a year counted as separate attempts?
No, both sessions in a single academic year are together considered as one attempt. You can appear in both sessions, but they cumulatively count as a single attempt out of the maximum of three consecutive years.
11. What documents are needed for JEE Main application?
You need the following documents for JEE Main application:
- Scanned photograph and signature
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Valid government ID proof
12. Can I appear for JEE Main after taking a drop year?
Yes, candidates can appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years after passing Class 12. Taking a drop year does not affect your eligibility, as long as you are within the three-year window.
