JEE Main Session 2: How to Choose the Right Questions for a High Percentile

Many students score below their potential not because they don’t know concepts, but because they chose the wrong questions in the exam!

Many students come out of the exam thinking, “I knew the syllabus, I revised everything—then what went wrong?” In most cases, it’s not lack of preparation but panic, poor question selection, and time wasted on the wrong problems. With negative marking, it’s actually much smarter to attempt few questions less but accurately. Remember, every correct answer gives +4, but a wrong one takes –1, and each incorrect answer can pull your percentile down significantly.

JEE Main question selection tips: Why Question Selection Makes a Big Difference

Not every question in the paper is meant for everyone. Some are there to test basics, some to test speed, and a few just to test patience. Trying to solve everything usually leads to:

• Silly mistakes
• Negative marking
• Running out of time
  

Start With the Right Mindset

Instead of thinking: “I need to attempt as many questions as possible”

Think: “I’ll attempt the questions I can solve confidently.”

This small shift in mindset reduces panic and improves accuracy instantly.

Question selection strategy: How to Start & Control the JEE Main Paper

1. Don’t waste time “scanning” 

• Many students lose valuable marks due to spending too much time scanning the paper, I would suggest you to rather start solving immediately.
• Start with questions that:
  • Look straightforward ( easy questions strategy)
  • Don’t involve long calculations
  • If the approach isn’t clear within 30-60 seconds, skip and mark it for later. 

2. First Round : Start with Chemistry or Physics, then Maths at the end

• Chemistry has more theory-based questions and quick scoring potential.
  
• For each question:
  
  • If you know the answer instantly ->  mark it
  • If there’s even slight doubt ->  skip and mark for later
    
• Don’t think too long – speed and certainty matters here;
• Attempt only familiar questions first or know the formula and method clearly 
• Mark for review the ones you feel you know but you can’t recall 

3. Second round: return to marked questions

• Once all easy/familiar questions are done:
  
  • Revisit marked questions
  • Follow the same order:
    Chemistry or Physics → Maths
    
• This ensures maximum accuracy with minimum stress
  

4. Last 30 minutes: play to your strengths

• With about 30 minutes left
• Use this time to:
  
  • Attempt tougher questions from the subject you’re most confident in
  • Or recheck doubtful questions
    
• Avoid overthinking solved questions
  

Other Important Pointers:

• Attempt only if:
  • You understand most of the approach
    
• Skip if:
  • The question feels lengthy or confusing at first glance
  • You’re stuck for more than 1 minute

• Blind guessing is dangerous in JEE Main ; Guess only if you can eliminate at least two options
• Otherwise:
  
  • Skip it 

Subject-Wise Reality Check

• Physics
  Look for concept-based or direct formula questions first. Avoid long numericals early on.
• Chemistry
  Often the most scoring section if you’ve done NCERT well. Inorganic and theory-based questions should be your priority.
• Mathematics
  Time-consuming for most students. Choose questions wisely—attempt only those you’re confident you can finish.

Time management, Don’t Fight It:

• Don’t spend more than 2–3 minutes on a question initially
• As a broad guideline: Chemistry – 40-50 mins, Physics: 45-60 mins, Maths + Revise : In remaining time (adjust based on your strengths)
• If stuck, mark it and move ahead
• Come back later only if time allows

Leaving a question is not failure—it’s strategy.

These skills develop with more and more practice. It comes from practising full-length mock tests in real exam conditions. A structured JEE prep test series helps you understand your strengths, identify high-weightage topics, and improve time management. 

Session 2 is your chance to improve your percentile. Practise smart, analyse your mistakes, and focus on accuracy. The right strategy can make all the difference.

Accuracy vs Speed 

• Accuracy > Number of attempts
• Wrong answers hurt more than skipped ones
• Attempt only sure questions first
• Smart skipping is a strength
• Guess only if you can eliminate more than or equal to 2 options

Scoring well in JEE Mains is less about being perfect and more about being calm and smart. Trust your preparation, back your strengths, and remember:

Smart attempts matter more than maximum attempts.

You’ve put in the work—now let your strategy do the rest. All the best!