JEE Main Attempts Limit: Eligibility, Sessions, and Benefits Explained
Preparing for JEE Main is a major milestone for engineering aspirants, and understanding how many times can we give JEE Mains is a common concern. NTA guidelines outline clear rules regarding eligibility and attempt limits. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the number of attempts, exam schedule, and important benefits for candidates appearing for JEE Main in upcoming sessions.
How Many Times Can We Give JEE Mains?
According to the latest NTA guidelines, students can attempt JEE Main six times over three consecutive years after passing their Class 12 exams. Both sessions each year—January and April—count toward this limit. Candidates aiming for top engineering institutes should plan their attempts to maximise their performance while staying within these rules.
Why Are There Two Attempts Each Year?
JEE Main is conducted twice annually to help students showcase their best performance. Writing the exam more than once in the same year provides a second opportunity to improve scores and overcome initial mistakes. Students do not need to appear in both sessions unless they wish to enhance their scores.
- The second attempt offers a chance to fix any errors made in the first session.
- If someone misses a session because of illness, they can appear in the next session within the same year.
- Candidates avoid losing a year for preparation since two sessions are available back-to-back.
- Best of the two scores is considered for ranking and NIT, IIIT, or CFTI admissions.
Eligibility Criteria and Subject Combinations
Eligibility requires passing Class 12 from a recognised board. For B.Tech/B.E. admissions, Physics and Mathematics are mandatory, and one can choose Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology. B.Planning candidates must have Mathematics as a compulsory subject. These combinations are crucial when choosing exam papers.
- B.Tech/B.E.: Mathematics, Physics, and one from Chemistry, Biotechnology, or Biology
- B.Planning: Mathematics only
JEE Main 2026 Schedule
| Particulars | January Session | April Session |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form Dates | 31 Oct 2025 to 27 Nov 2025 | February 2026 |
| Exam Dates | 21 - 30 Jan 2026 | 1 - 9 Apr 2026 |
| Result Dates | By Feb 2026 | To be notified |
Candidates should regularly check official updates and complete applications promptly. This schedule enables better planning and aligns with board exams, avoiding conflicts. For tips on structuring your study plan, explore Vedantu’s one-year JEE study plan guide.
Score Card Validity
The JEE Main scorecard is valid only for admissions in the academic year immediately after the exam. Candidates must use their best score secured in that cycle for the current year’s counselling process.
How Many Years Can We Give JEE Mains and Advanced?
A candidate is allowed six JEE Main attempts in a three-year window, post Class 12. For JEE Advanced, only two attempts are allowed in two consecutive years. Choosing which years and sessions to attempt is strategic, so plan accordingly. For more details, review our analysis on IIT JEE attempt limits.
JEE Main 2025 January Session Solutions
- JEE Main 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key – January 22 Shift 1
- JEE Main 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key – January 22 Shift 2
- JEE Main 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key – January 23 Shift 1
- JEE Main 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key – January 23 Shift 2
- JEE Main 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key – January 24 Shift 1
- JEE Main 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key – January 24 Shift 2
- JEE Main 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key – January 28 Shift 1
- JEE Main 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key – January 28 Shift 2
- JEE Main 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key – January 29 Shift 1
- JEE Main 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key – January 29 Shift 2
Practising with previous years’ JEE Main papers can strengthen your preparation. Students can discover session-wise question analysis and essential tips in Vedantu’s JEE Main preparation tips blog.
Application Process and Further Resources
Ensure all eligibility requirements are met before submitting your JEE Main application. Use the registration period wisely and avoid common mistakes. Vedantu’s application guide and score analysis resources can help you stay updated and confident.
Summary
In summary, candidates can give JEE Mains up to six times across three years, directly influencing their chances at premium engineering colleges. Strategic use of both yearly attempts, understanding subject combinations, and adhering to timelines are vital. Use trusted resources like Vedantu for guidance and solutions throughout your JEE Main journey.
FAQs on How Many Times Can You Attempt JEE Main? Complete 2026 Guide
1. What is the JEE Main 2026 number of attempts?
A candidate can appear for JEE Main six times over three consecutive years after passing their Class 12th examination. Both sessions in each year (January and April) count towards this total.
2. What is the validity of the JEE Main 2026 scorecard?
The JEE Main 2026 scorecard is valid only for admission in the current academic year. Candidates must use their score to apply in the same year it is issued.
3. What are the age criteria for JEE Main 2026?
There are no upper age restrictions for appearing in JEE Main 2026 set by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates should, however, confirm age criteria with their preferred institutes during admission.
4. How Many Attempts For JEE Mains are allowed in total?
Candidates are allowed a maximum of six attempts in JEE Main, spread over three consecutive years following their Class 12th exam. Each year includes two sessions (January and April).
5. How Many Attempts For JEE Advanced can a student make?
A candidate can attempt JEE Advanced only two times in two consecutive years, regardless of the number of JEE Main attempts.
6. How Many People Give JEE Main every year?
Approximately 9 to 10 lakh candidates register for JEE Main each year. The number may vary depending on the session and year.
7. How Many Students Give JEE Advanced?
About 2.5 lakh top-performing candidates in JEE Main qualify to appear for JEE Advanced every year.
8. How Many Times I Can Give JEE Mains if I fail in the first attempt?
If you do not clear or are unsatisfied with your result in your first attempt, you can reappear in the next session of the same year and also in subsequent years, up to the maximum of six attempts within three consecutive years after passing Class 12th.
9. How Many Students Give JEE Every Year, including both sessions?
When considering both sessions (January and April) together, there are typically 16 to 18 lakh total registrations recorded for JEE Main annually.
10. Are there any restrictions on How Many Times We Can Give JEE Main Exam in consecutive years?
Yes, each candidate is allowed to attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from the year of passing their Class 12th board examination. Within these three years, a total of six attempts is permitted.
11. How Many Attempts For JEE Mains are beneficial for students?
Appearing in both sessions (January and April) in a year increases your chances of achieving a high score, as the best score from either session is considered for the JEE Main All India Rank (AIR).
12. Is there any relaxation in the JEE Main Attempt Limit for reserved categories?
No, there is no relaxation in the attempt limit. All candidates, regardless of category, are allowed only six attempts over three consecutive years.
