JEE Strategy2 min read
JEE Main Has Two Sessions: How to Plan Your Attempts
In 2026, JEE Main was held in January and April sessions, with the best percentile counting. A plan for using session one as a diagnostic and session two as the target.
Edurack
October 21, 2026
JEE Main is conducted in two sessions. In 2026 the first was held in late January and the second in early April. For candidates who appear in both, the best percentile is used for ranking.
Why two sessions help
- A bad day does not decide your result.
- Session one tells you exactly what to fix.
- You can keep the better of two attempts.
A simple plan
| Phase | Goal |
|---|---|
| Before session 1 | Cover Tier A and Tier B chapters, take weekly mocks |
| Session 1 | Treat it as a real attempt, not just practice |
| Between sessions | Analyse the paper by chapter and fix weak spots |
| Session 2 | Go for your best percentile |
After session 1
- Recall the paper chapter by chapter and note which chapters went badly.
- Check those chapters against the priority list.
- Rebuild your plan around the real weaknesses, not your assumptions.
Mind the risk
The percentile in session two depends on the candidates who sit it. Do not rely on session two to rescue a poor session one. Prepare for both properly.
Related
Practise JEE PYQs on Edurack →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions does JEE Main have?
Two sessions, one in January and one in April, based on the 2026 schedule.
Which score is used if I appear in both?
The better of the two percentiles.