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How to Improve Score Drastically from JEE Main to JEE Advanced?

By MayukhaDecember 21, 2023
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How to Improve Score Drastically from JEE Main to JEE Advanced?

Cracking JEE Main is impressive, but mastering JEE Advanced is even more challenging. It's like climbing Mount Everest after successfully conquering a tough hill. But don't worry, aspiring engineers! This blog is your guide to closing the gap and achieving a significant improvement in your scores from JEE Main to JEE Advanced.


Recognize the Difference:

Before we get into the details, let's address the obvious. JEE Advanced is much harder than JEE Main. It requires a deeper understanding of concepts, better problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle complex questions with multiple layers. While JEE Main values speed and accuracy, JEE Advanced is all about thoroughly grasping and applying concepts.


Imagine JEE Advanced as a way to check how well you understand the basics of Physics, Chemistry, and Math. If your understanding of these subjects isn't strong, even the fanciest problem-solving methods won't help. Go back to your NCERT textbooks, class notes, and reliable reference books. Focus on grasping the main ideas, not just memorizing formulas.


Ways to Improve the Scores From JEE Mains to JEE Advanced

Before delving into inquiries like "How can I score higher in JEE Mains?" it's crucial to grasp some fundamental aspects of the JEE examination. Notably, JEE Advanced serves as the second stage following JEE Mains, sharing a similar exam pattern. However, a notable distinction lies in their difficulty levels, with JEE Advanced posing a greater challenge compared to JEE Mains. Understanding this difference is pivotal for developing effective strategies to excel in both examinations.


The rationale is relatively straightforward: securing eligibility for JEE Advanced is contingent on qualifying JEE Mains. While JEE Mains opens doors to NITs and other government-aided engineering colleges, admission to IITs necessitates success in JEE Advanced. Given that JEE Advanced eligibility is determined by JEE Mains scores, a pertinent question arises: "How can I achieve higher marks in JEE Mains?" Recognizing the critical link between these exams emphasizes the importance of excelling in JEE Mains as it lays the foundation for success in JEE Advanced.


Tips to Prepare for the JEE Main 2022 and JEE Advanced 2022

Following are some of the tips that you can keep in mind while preparing for both these exams:

  • Concentrate on JEE Advanced

One notable advantage of JEE examinations is the concurrent coverage of syllabi for both JEE Mains and Advanced. While a few chapters differ between the two, the overlap is substantial. If engineering is your chosen career path, targeting IITs becomes a logical choice. Aspiring for JEE Advanced ensures an organic coverage of JEE Mains syllabus. For those wondering about "How to score higher in JEE Mains?" focusing on NCERT books is pivotal, as they constitute a substantial portion of the syllabus, simplifying the preparation process significantly.

  • Make a Practical Study Plan

The first step of securing good marks in JEE Mains and Advanced is maintaining a steady study plan. Most importantly, you have to keep in mind the answer to your question, “How to score more in JEE Mains?” hints at following a strict and practical study plan. Most often than not, under pressure, students end up framing a routine that is not feasible for a prolonged period. For instance, it is not possible to study 18 hours a day or cover five chapters daily. Hence follow a schedule that accommodates both study and recess. Otherwise, there is no point in making a routine for the sake of it.  

  • Aim at Solving Problems

If every now and then a question may pop up in your head - “How to score more in JEE Advanced?”. In that case, first, you need to understand the fundamental pattern of the exam. For those who do not know, JEE Advanced asks conceptual questions as they test your problem-solving ability as well as your in-depth knowledge of the subjects. On the other hand, usually, direct questions are asked in Mains. 

  • Utilize the Gap

If we consider previous years, there remains a considerable time gap between JEE Mains and Advanced for, say, 45 -50 days. Consider this period as your golden moment if you want to improve your JEE Advanced score. During this time, try not to start any new chapter that you have not read before. Instead, try to delve deep into the core of the subjects and make the most of the concepts that you already studied. It will be wiser to focus on the quality rather than the quantity at this point. If you are thinking “How to improve your score from the JEE Mains to the JEE Advanced?”, then it should be one of your possible answers. 

  • Revise Thoroughly

Most students tend to neglect this aspect but revising thoroughly can make a huge difference in your JEE Advanced score. It will be better if you can revise each chapter once you finish reading that. Nonetheless, if that is not possible, then you should make enough room for this before one or two weeks of JEE Advanced. Revision is essential as it will help you to assess your standing and you will be able to brush up on the concepts that need a little extra effort. Hence, it can be a significant aspect of JEE Advanced preparation, and you need not ask yourself over and over again “How to get more marks in JEE Advancedd?” 

  • Be Yourself!

A crucial step toward success in JEE exams is authenticity. While it may sound dramatic, being true to yourself significantly aids in your preparation. After dedicating considerable time to preparation, you likely understand your strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else. For instance, if your strength lies in chemistry but physics requires strengthening, now is the optimal time to focus on physics. Self-evaluation empowers you to address weak points effectively. In these exams, versatility is key, and you must be capable of handling diverse questions. Even if you seek advice on "How to excel in JEE Advanced?" from seniors or teachers, they will emphasize aligning your preparation with your natural abilities.

  • Always be Positive

Lastly, whenever you feel anxious about “How to get more marks in JEE Mains?” just remember that it is not only about marks. The concepts you have grasped are enough to fetch good scores in both JEE tests. Now all you need to do is stay calm and give your best, without losing hope. 

Apart from these tips, there are also several ways to improve your marks from JEE Mains to JEE Advanced. For that, you must consult with your teachers, seniors and your family to get the best insights about the exams.


Is it Possible to Score Good Marks in Both JEE Mains and Advanced Simultaneously?

Each year, approximately ten-fifteen lakhs of students appear for JEE Main exam and approximately two lakhs for JEE Advanced exam.  Needless to say, robust preparation is imperative if you want to crack both JEE exams in one go.

Hence if you still do not know “How to get more marks in JEE Mains?” your first initiative should be on acquiring due knowledge on each subject - physics, chemistry and maths. It is absolutely possible to prepare for JEE Mains and Advanced simultaneously if you follow a dedicated study plan from the beginning.

However, if your JEE Mains do not go as per the plan, you need not feel hopeless about that. Instead of pondering over what went wrong, try to make the most of the time between JEE Mains and Advanced. Many toppers of JEE Mains and Advanced shared that their Mains did not go as they planned, but they never lost hope and stopped trying. As a result, they secured the cut-off marks in Advanced and are now pursuing their dreams of getting into one of the prestigious institutes in India.


The X-Factor - Believe in Yourself

This journey will be tough, there will be moments of doubt, and the temptation to give up will whisper in your ear. But remember, you've come this far. You have the potential, the intelligence, and the resilience to conquer this challenge. Believe in yourself, stay focused, and never give up on your dream.


The road to JEE Advanced is paved with hard work, dedication, and the unwavering belief in your own abilities. Embrace the challenge, follow these tips, and watch yourself transform from a JEE Main warrior into a JEE Advanced mastermind. Remember, the peak awaits, and the view from the top is breathtaking. So, go forth, young scholar, and claim your rightful place amongst the engineering elite!

FAQs on How to Improve Score Drastically from JEE Main to JEE Advanced?

1. How do I qualify for JEE Advanced 2026 after taking the JEE Main exam?

To qualify for JEE Advanced 2026, you must be among the top 2,50,000 candidates who successfully clear the JEE Main exam for that year. The National Testing Agency (NTA) determines a minimum cutoff score for different categories (General, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD). Scoring above this specific cutoff in JEE Main is the mandatory first step to become eligible to register for and attempt JEE Advanced.

2. What is the core difference in preparation strategy to drastically improve my score from JEE Main to JEE Advanced?

The primary strategic shift is moving from speed and breadth to depth and endurance. While JEE Main tests your accuracy across many single-concept questions, JEE Advanced assesses your ability to apply multiple concepts to solve complex, unfamiliar problems. Your focus must shift from simply knowing a formula to understanding its derivation and application in layered scenarios.

3. How should I identify and focus on high-weightage topics specifically for JEE Advanced?

Analyse the last 5-7 years of JEE Advanced question papers to identify recurring concepts and chapters with high weightage. Focus on topics that are frequently interlinked, such as:

  • Mechanics combined with Electromagnetism in Physics.
  • Thermodynamics principles applied in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry.
  • Calculus used extensively in Coordinate Geometry and other Maths topics.

Prioritise mastering these inter-disciplinary areas over isolated chapter preparation.

4. Why do many students who score well in JEE Main struggle to improve their rank in JEE Advanced?

This happens because the skills tested are fundamentally different. Students often struggle due to:

  • Over-reliance on formulas: JEE Main can be tackled with strong memorisation, but Advanced requires deep conceptual understanding.
  • Poor time management for complex questions: The inability to switch between and manage time for multi-correct, paragraph, and matrix-match questions is a major hurdle.
  • Lack of endurance: The two back-to-back, three-hour papers test mental and physical stamina, which is often neglected during preparation.
  • Fear of negative marking: A cautious approach due to negative marking can lead to fewer attempts and a lower overall score.

5. If I scored in the 97-98 percentile range in JEE Main, what specific changes must I make for JEE Advanced preparation?

A 97-98 percentile indicates strong foundational knowledge. To level up for JEE Advanced, you must:

  • Shift from quantity to quality: Instead of solving 30 simple problems, solve 5-10 high-quality, multi-concept Advanced problems in the same amount of time.
  • Analyse your mistakes deeply: Go beyond identifying silly mistakes. Pinpoint the exact conceptual gap that led to the error.
  • Develop selective attempting skills: Practice identifying and skipping questions that are too difficult or time-consuming during mock tests. In JEE Advanced, attempting all questions is not the goal; maximising your score is.

6. What type of problem-solving skills does JEE Advanced test that are different from JEE Main?

JEE Advanced specifically tests your analytical and comprehension skills. Unlike JEE Main's direct questions, Advanced problems are often presented as paragraphs or case studies that require you to first decipher the core concepts being tested before you can even begin solving. It demands the ability to synthesise information from different topics to build a solution path for a problem you've likely never seen before.

7. How are mock tests for JEE Advanced different from JEE Main mocks, and how should I analyse them?

JEE Advanced mock tests are not just for practice; they are for building strategy and endurance. Unlike JEE Main mocks which focus on speed, Advanced mocks test your temperament over a 6-hour duration. Your analysis should focus on:

  • Question selection strategy: Did you correctly identify and solve the easy/moderate questions first?
  • Time allocation per section: Which question type (multi-correct, integer) consumed the most time? Was it justified by the marks obtained?
  • Performance dip: Did your accuracy decrease significantly in Paper 2? This indicates a lack of stamina.

8. What are the most common conceptual traps in Physics, Chemistry, and Maths that I should be aware of for JEE Advanced?

Common traps involve cleverly disguised concepts. Be wary of:

  • Physics: Problems where rotational dynamics are hidden within questions on electromagnetism or modern physics. Assumptions, like non-uniform fields or friction, are often mentioned subtly.
  • Chemistry: Overlooking exceptions in the periodic trends for Inorganic Chemistry. In Organic Chemistry, complex stereochemistry and less common named reactions are often used as traps.
  • Mathematics: Problems in coordinate geometry that can be solved much faster using vectors or complex numbers. Questions that test the graphical interpretation of functions and calculus are also very common.

9. When should a JEE 2026 aspirant ideally shift their complete focus from Mains to Advanced preparation?

The shift should be gradual, not abrupt. After your first JEE Main 2026 attempt, you should start dedicating about 30-40% of your preparation time to Advanced-level problems. However, after the second JEE Main attempt, you must make a 100% switch. The final 4-5 weeks should be exclusively dedicated to JEE Advanced mock tests, deep analysis of mistakes, and revision of complex concepts.

10. Beyond just solving more problems, what are some effective methods to boost my score in the final month before JEE Advanced?

In the final month, focus on smart strategies. One key method is to practise the process of elimination, especially for questions with multiple correct options. Also, thoroughly revise your own short notes and mistake logs from previous mock tests. Improving your score is not just about learning new things but also about minimising errors on concepts you already know. Finally, practice meditation or mindfulness to build the mental calm required for the demanding exam day.


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