JEE Main 2026 Exam Strategy: First 30 Minutes Plan for 100+ Score
The first 30 minutes of the JEE Main 2026 exam can make or break your final score. Many students know the syllabus well, but due to poor time management and wrong question selection, they fail to cross the 100+ marks barrier. A smart JEE Main 2026 exam strategy is not about attempting all questions—it’s about choosing the right questions at the right time. In this guide, you’ll learn a proven first 30 minutes plan to maximize accuracy, reduce negative marking, and build a strong foundation for scoring 100+ marks in JEE Main 2026.
Also Check : JEE mains syllabus
JEE Main 2026 Exam Strategy: First 30 Minutes Plan for 100+ Score
JEE Main 2026 Exam Strategy
Golden Rule of First 30 Minutes
Don’t try to be a hero. Try to be smart.
Your goal is maximum marks with minimum risk.
Minute 0–3: Calm Setup (Very Important)
- Sit comfortably, adjust chair & screen
- Read instructions carefully (especially negative marking & section rules)
- Do NOT start solving immediately
Calm mind = 20 extra marks automatically
Minute 3–10: Full Paper Scan (Smart Skimming)
Scan all 3 subjects, not one by one.
What to do:
✔ Read only questions, not options
✔ Mark questions into 3 mental categories:
- Sure-shot (direct formula / concept)
- Doable but lengthy
- Risky / unknown
Subject Priority (Most Students Go Wrong Here)
Correct Order for 100+ Marks:
- Chemistry (8–10 min)
- Physics (10–12 min)
- Maths (8–10 min)
Why ?
- Chemistry = fastest marks
- Physics = calculation based
- Maths = time killer (do later carefully)
Minute 10–20: Attack Chemistry First
Target:
10–12 easy questions = 40–48 marks
Focus on:
- NCERT based Inorganic
- Organic reactions you know well
- Formula-based Physical Chemistry
Skip:
- Lengthy numericals
- Confusing multi-concept questions
Avg time per question: 40–50 sec
JEE Main 2026 Exam Strategy: First 30 Minutes Plan for 100+ Score
Minute 20–30: Physics Scoring Phase
Target:
7–9 questions = 28–36 marks
Pick questions from:
- Units & Dimensions
- Kinematics
- Current Electricity
- Modern Physics
- Gravitation / Laws of Motion
- If answer doesn’t come in 60 sec → skip immediately
Expected Score After 30 Minutes
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | 10–12 | 40–48 |
| Physics | 7–9 | 28–36 |
| Total | 17–21 | 68–84 |
After First 30 Minutes (Bonus Tip)
- Go back to questions
- Attempt Maths selectively
- Keep accuracy > attempts
Final Exam Mantra
“Attempt less, score more.