Complete Guide: How many attempts for JEE Mains

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is one of India’s most competitive exams, serving as a gateway to prestigious engineering institutes across the country such as NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutions. It also acts as a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which is necessary for admission to the IITs.

Students who are planning to prepare for JEE often wonder about the question how many attempts for JEE Mains? Understanding the attempt limit is crucial for strategic preparation and ensuring the best possible performance by the candidate. This article will cover everything aspirants need to know about JEE Main attempt limits and its eligibility criteria.

JEE Main Attempt Limit: How Many Attempts for JEE Mains?

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts JEE Main, has set clear guidelines regarding the number of attempts:

Number of Attempts per Year: JEE Main is conducted twice a year (January and April sessions).

Total Attempts Allowed: Candidates can appear for JEE Main in three consecutive years after passing Class 12.

Maximum Number of Attempts: Since JEE Main is held twice a year, a student can appear six times in total (two attempts per year for three years).

Example: If a student completes Class 12 in 2024, they can appear for JEE Main in 2024, 2025, and 2026—making a total of six attempts possible.

Year-Wise Breakdown: How Many Attempts for JEE Mains?

i. If a student skips an attempt, they do not get an additional chance beyond the three-year window.

ii. Students appearing for JEE Main immediately after Class 12 can attempt four to six times, depending on their strategy.

Qualifying marks for JEE Mains

Can I Attempt JEE 4 Times?

One of the most common questions among JEE aspirants is whether they can take the examination four times. For JEE Mains aspirants can attempt upto 4 times in consecutive years and each year offers multiple sessions (typically 2-4 sessions). All sessions can be attempted in a single year and each counts as just one attempt out of your total four, the best score from all sessions in a particular year is considered for ranking.

Important considerations:

• Four attempts must be within the eligible age range (discussed later in this article)
• The attempts must be in consecutive years after completing Class 12
• Gap years are allowed, but the total number of attempts cannot exceed four
• If you’ve already used all four attempts, you cannot register for JEE Main again

Example scenario:

• If you passed Class 12 in 2023, you could attempt JEE Main in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026
• In each of these years, you could appear for all available sessions
• The best of your scores from all sessions in a particular year would be considered for ranking

Understanding this attempt policy for aspirants is crucial as it helps aspirants plan their preparation strategy effectively, especially when deciding whether to take the exam immediately after Class 12 or take a gap year for better preparation.

Is 75% Required for JEE Main?

The eligibility criteria regarding the minimum percentage in qualifying examinations (Class 12 or equivalent) has seen changes over the years. Here’s the current status:

Current requirement:

• Yes, 75% marks in Class 12 (or equivalent) is required for general category candidates
• For SC/ST/PwD categories, the requirement is 65%
• This criterion was temporarily relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic but has been reinstated

Important exceptions and details:

• Candidates who secure a position in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards are also eligible, even if they don’t meet the 75% criterion
• The percentage is calculated based on the five subjects as per the board rules
• Some boards follow a CGPA system instead of percentage; in such cases, the equivalent percentage as per board norms is considered

How Many Attempts in JEE Advanced?

JEE Advanced has more restrictive attempt rules compared to JEE Main. Here’s what you need to know:

Attempt limit for JEE Advanced:

• You can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of 2 times
• These attempts must be in consecutive years
• Unlike JEE Main, JEE Advanced is conducted only once per year

Eligibility window:

• You can only appear for JEE Advanced within 2 years after passing Class 12
• This means if you passed Class 12 in 2023, you can attempt JEE Advanced only in 2023 and 2024
• Gap years are allowed but still count within this 2-year window

Prerequisites for attempting JEE Advanced:

• You must first qualify in JEE Main by securing a rank within the top 2.5 lakh candidates
• Each attempt at JEE Advanced requires fresh qualification through JEE Main
• Even if you qualified for JEE Advanced last year, you need to qualify through JEE Main again this year to attempt JEE Advanced

Special cases:

• If you qualified for JEE Advanced but could not appear due to medical or other serious reasons, that attempt is still counted
• No additional attempts are granted for any reason
• If you register but don’t appear for the exam, it still counts as an attempt used

The limited attempt policy for JEE Advanced makes it necessary for aspirants aiming for admission to IITs to plan strategically.

How Many Attempts for JEE Mains for OBC?

OBC candidates follow the same attempt rules as general category students, with some additional benefits in terms of reservation. Here’s the detailed breakdown:

Attempt limit for OBC candidates:

• OBC candidates can attempt JEE Main up to 4 times in consecutive years
• This is the same number of attempts available to general category students
• Each year with multiple sessions counts as one attempt

Reservation benefits:

• While the number of attempts remains the same, OBC candidates benefit from 27% reservation in seat allocation
• They also enjoy relaxed cutoffs for JEE Main qualification
• For JEE Advanced eligibility, OBC candidates need to be within the top 2.5 lakh qualifiers from JEE Main

Documentation requirements:

• OBC candidates must possess a valid non-creamy layer certificate issued by authorized authorities
• The certificate must be issued within one year of the examination date
• The certificate must follow the prescribed format by the exam conducting body

Important note:

Simply belonging to the OBC category does not automatically grant benefits, only OBC-NCL (Non Creamy Layer) candidates are eligible for reservation benefits. Certificate must be valid during the admission process, not just during the exam.

How Many Attempts for NEET?

Although not directly related to JEE, many students consider both paths and need clarity on NEET attempts:

NEET attempt policy:

• NEET allows unlimited attempts as per the latest guidelines
• Previously, there was a limit of 4 attempts, but this restriction has been removed
• Candidates can appear for NEET annually until they qualify or choose to pursue other career paths

Age-related restrictions:

• Despite unlimited attempts, candidates must satisfy the age criteria
• General category candidates must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission
• The upper age limit requirement has been removed following Supreme Court directives

Comparison with JEE:

• NEET’s unlimited attempt policy contrasts with JEE Main’s 4-attempt limit
• NEET is conducted only once a year, unlike JEE Main’s multiple sessions
• Both exams have different focus areas: NEET for medical courses and JEE for engineering

This policy change has been welcomed by medical aspirants, especially those who require multiple attempts to achieve their desired rank.

Age Limit for JEE Mains

The age criteria for JEE Main has specific requirements that candidates must fulfill:

Current age limit policy:

• There is no upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main as per the latest NTA guidelines
• Candidates must have been born on or after October 1, 1999 (this date changes each year)
• The minimum age requirement is typically completing Class 12 at the age of 17 or above

Documentation requirements:

• Candidates need to submit age proof during the application process
• Accepted documents include birth certificate, Aadhaar card, or Class 10 certificate
• Any discrepancy in date of birth across different documents can lead to disqualification

The removal of upper age restrictions has made engineering entrance examinations more inclusive for candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Why Understanding Attempt Limits is Important?

Knowing the JEE Main attempt limit helps aspirants plan their preparation effectively. Here’s why it matters:

Prevents Wastage of Attempts: Many students take their first attempt lightly. Candidates who are aware of attempt limits from the start take their preparation seriously from the start.

Better Time Management: Students can distribute their preparation over multiple attempts which in turn reduces the stress.

Increases Chances of Qualifying JEE Advanced: Since JEE Advanced eligibility is based on JEE Main performance, maximizing JEE Main attempts increases chances of securing a top rank.

Helps in Strategy Building: Some aspiring students attempt JEE Main in January to assess their preparation and improve by making adjustments for the April session.

How to prepare for JEE Mains

Benefits of multiple attempts in JEE Mains

i. Candidates who are not satisfied with their IIT JEE Main first session results will have the opportunity to enhance their scores in the second attempt.

ii. The second attempt allows candidates to correct any mistakes they may have made in the first session.

iii. This minimizes the chances of taking a gap year, ensuring that students do not have to lose an entire academic year.

iv. If a candidate is unable to appear for the first session, they can still take the exam in the second session without having to wait for another year.

Eligibility for JEE Main

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2025 has been released by the National Testing Agency. Candidates can check here the complete JEE Main 2025 eligibility including how many attempts for JEE Main, marks in class 12, age limit and others. Every JEE Main 2025 aspirant needs to fulfill the eligibility criteria mentioned by NTA to take admission at NITs, IIITs, and other prestigious institutions.

JEE Main Attempt Strategy: How to Make the Most of Your Chances

1. First Attempt (Class 12 – January Session)

• Goal: Get familiar with the exam pattern and time management.
• Preparation Tip: Focus on NCERT books, as they form the base of most questions.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t stress about results; treat this attempt as practice.

2. Second Attempt (Class 12 – April Session)

• Goal: Improve upon the weaknesses identified in the first attempt.
• Preparation Tip: Solve previous year’s question papers and take mock tests.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid last-minute cramming; focus on conceptual clarity.

3. Third Attempt (Drop Year – January Session)

• Goal: Achieve a significantly higher score.
• Preparation Tip: Join a structured drop-year coaching program for focused study.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t ignore mental health; balance study with relaxation.

4. Fourth Attempt (Drop Year – April Session)

• Goal: Secure final improvements before JEE Advanced.
• Preparation Tip: Revise thoroughly and focus on time management.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t attempt unnecessary new topics; revise known concepts.

How to prepare for JEE Advanced

Myths and Misconceptions About JEE Main Attempts

Myth 1: More Attempts Mean Higher Chances of Success

Reality: More attempts help, but only with consistent improvement. Simply appearing multiple times without a better preparation strategy won’t improve results.

Myth 2: Dropping a Year Guarantees a Better Rank

Reality: A drop year helps only if students use it wisely. Without disciplined study, an extra year might not lead to better results.

Myth 3: Skipping January Attempt is a Good Idea

Reality: The January attempt provides a reality check and helps students refine their strategy for April.

Conclusion

Understanding the attempt limits, age criteria, and eligibility requirements for JEE Main and Advanced is crucial for effective exam planning. Here’s a quick summary:

• JEE Main: Maximum 4 attempts in consecutive years for all categories, with multiple sessions per year
• JEE Advanced: Maximum 2 attempts within 2 years of passing Class 12
• Class 12 percentage: 75% requirement for general category (65% for SC/ST/PwD)
• Age limit: No upper age limit for JEE Main, but indirect restrictions for IIT admissions
• NEET comparison: Unlimited attempts for NEET versus limited attempts for JEE

These policies are designed to balance opportunity with merit, ensuring that deserving candidates get fair chances while maintaining the quality standards of premier institutions.

Remember that regulations may change, so it’s always advisable to check the latest notification from NTA or the respective conducting bodies before planning your examination schedule. Planning strategically your attempts can significantly increase your chances of success in these highly competitive examinations.

FAQs About JEE Main attempt limit

1. How many attempts for JEE Mains after 12^th?

Yes, students can appear for JEE Main in three consecutive years after passing Class 12.

2. What happens if I miss one session?

Missing a session does not impact future attempts, but it reduces the total opportunities available.

3. Can I attempt JEE Main after a 2-year gap?

Yes, as long as the gap is within the three-year eligibility window.

4. How do I improve my score in later attempts?

• Identify weak areas and work on them.
• Practice full-length mock tests.
• Analyze mistakes and avoid them in future attempts.

5. Are there different attempt limits for reserved category students?

No, all candidates, regardless of category, get the same number of attempts.