JEE Main 2026 Online Exam: First-Time CBT Candidates Must Know These Practical Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes

With JEE Main 2026 just two days away and admit cards already released, lakhs of engineering aspirants across the country have entered the most crucial phase of preparation. While final revision of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics remains the top priority, one equally important aspect often gets ignored i understanding and handling the online Computer Based Test (CBT) system.

For students appearing in the JEE Main online exam for the first time, the digital exam environment can be intimidating. The moving countdown timer, color-coded question palette, and multiple navigation buttons demand quick decision-making. A small technical mistake, such as not saving an answer, can undo months of hard work. To help candidates stay ahead, here is a complete JEE Main 2026 online exam taking guide with essential and practical tips.

Imp* JEE Main 2026 Documents to Carry on Exam Day

Why CBT Familiarity Is Crucial for JEE Main 2026

The online format of JEE Main is very different from the traditional pen-and-paper exam. Here, success depends not only on your conceptual clarity but also on how confidently you operate the exam interface. Many well-prepared students lose marks simply because they panic, misclick, or mismanage time.

Understanding the CBT system beforehand can help you stay calm, focused, and efficient on exam day.

1. Understand the Question Palette Colors

The Question Palette, displayed on the right side of the screen, shows the status of each question using different colors:

• White: Question not visited

• Red: Question visited but not answered

• Green: Answer selected and saved

• Purple: Question marked for review

• Purple with green tick: Answer saved and marked for review (this answer will be evaluated)

Practical Tip:
During the last 10 minutes, use the palette to quickly locate unanswered (red) questions. This avoids confusion and ensures no easy question is left unattended.

2. ‘Save and Next’ vs ‘Mark for Review’: Know the Difference

One of the most common mistakes in online exams is forgetting to click ‘Save and Next’ after selecting an option. Simply choosing an answer does not record it unless it is saved.

• Use Save and Next when you are confident about your answer.

• Use Mark for Review when you are unsure and want to revisit the question later.

Expert Advice:
Do not mark too many questions for review. Excessive review marks increase pressure and waste time during the final revision phase.

3. Keep Track of the Countdown Timer

A countdown timer is always visible on the top-right corner of the screen. When the timer reaches zero, the test is automatically submitted.

Time Management Strategy:

• Divide the exam into three equal time slots.

• Aim to complete each subject within its allocated time.

• Keep the final 10–15 minutes exclusively for revision.

This structured approach helps avoid last-minute panic.

4. Use CBT Navigation to Your Advantage

The biggest benefit of the CBT format is flexible navigation. You are not required to solve questions in a fixed order.

• Start with your strongest subject to build confidence.

• Skip lengthy or calculation-heavy questions initially.

• Jump between sections using the on-screen tabs.

Topper Strategy:
Most high scorers finish easy and moderate questions first and return to difficult ones only if time permits.

5. Handling MCQs (Section A): Smart Strategy for JEE Main 2026

Section A of each subject in JEE Main 2026 consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), where each question has four options and only one correct or most appropriate answer. You must select the correct option and click ‘Save and Next’ to record your response.

Key Features of MCQs in JEE Main

• Each MCQ has only one correct answer.

• Simply selecting an option is not enough — you must click Save and Next for it to be recorded.

• You can change your answer anytime before final submission.

• You may also use Mark for Review if you want to revisit a question later.

Official Marking Scheme for MCQs (Section A)

(As per NTA exam pattern)

Important Implications for Students

• Negative marking applies to MCQs.
  Every wrong answer results in a –1 mark penalty, so careless guessing can quickly reduce your score.

• Unattempted questions are safe.
  If you leave an MCQ unanswered or mark it for review without selecting any option, no marks are deducted.

• Selecting more than one option = Wrong answer.
  Even if one option is correct, choosing multiple options leads to a –1 mark penalty.

Topper Strategy:
If you can confidently eliminate at least two options, go ahead and attempt the MCQ; otherwise, skip it to avoid unnecessary negative marking.

6. Handling Numerical Value Questions (Section B): What Every JEE Main 2026 Candidate Must Know

Section B of each subject in JEE Main 2026 consists of numerical value–based questions, where candidates must type the final answer using the virtual numeric keypad provided on the computer screen. These questions test not only your conceptual clarity but also your calculation accuracy.

Key Features of Section B Questions

• You must enter only the numeric value of the answer. No units, symbols, or extra text are allowed.

• Use the on-screen numeric keypad carefully to avoid typing errors.

• Decimal values and signs (positive/negative) must be entered exactly as obtained.

• Do not round off unless the question specifically instructs you to do so.

• Re-check the number of digits and the placement of the decimal point before saving.

Official Marking Scheme for Section B (Numerical Value Questions)

(As per NTA exam pattern)

Important Implications for Students

• Negative marking applies in Section B.
  Unlike earlier years when some numerical questions had no penalty, the current scheme clearly states:
  ➤ –1 mark for every incorrect numerical answer.

• Unattempted questions are safe.
  If you leave a numerical question blank or mark it for review without entering any value, no marks are deducted.

• Blind guessing is risky.
  Since wrong answers attract negative marks, avoid entering random values unless you are reasonably confident about your calculation.

Topper Strategy:
Attempt Section B questions with accuracy rather than speed. Since options are not provided, careful calculation is essential.

Additional Practical Tips for JEE Main 2026 Online Exam

• Practice mock tests on the NTA Abhyas App to get used to the real exam interface.

• Use a mouse during practice, as it improves speed and accuracy.

• Read on-screen instructions carefully before starting the exam.

• Do not panic if a question takes time to load — stay calm and inform the invigilator if required.

• Avoid unnecessary section switching, as it breaks concentration.

The JEE Main 2026 online exam is not just a test of knowledge but also of smart exam handling. Familiarity with the CBT interface, disciplined time management, and calm decision-making can significantly boost your score. With regular mock practice and a clear strategy, the online format can become your biggest strength rather than a challenge.

Remember: Preparation + Practice + Proper CBT Strategy = Success in JEE Main 2026.

Stay focused, stay confident, and give your best. 

Also Check

JEE Main 2026 Exam Syllabus

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern