New Delhi (Exam Tips)There is not much time left for board exams and JEE Main 2026, Lakhs of students are preparing for both the exams simultaneously, This is not only a test of knowledge but also of time management and mental strength, According to Physicswala Professor Rajwant Singh, this is not the time for panic, but for prudence, Do not make the mistake of considering both the exams as separate, Focus your energy on a strict routine, Board preparation is the basis of JEE preparation, 50% of JEE Main syllabus comes from class 12th,
How to prepare for JEE Main and board exams together?
After JEE Main, one should immediately get into ‘board exam mode’ and start practicing writing as there are marks for presentation in the board also. Remember, this is just a stopover. Right thinking and regular practice can make you successful in both the exams.
1. Understand the complete timeline of the exam
Check the schedule of JEE and board exams. Only then will it help in making the right strategy. CBSE board exam is starting from 18th February 2026. JEE Main exam is in the last ten days of January 2026. Therefore now your studies need both direction and discipline. These 60 days should be planned properly according to revision and mock tests.
2. Board preparation is the basis of JEE
Many students make the mistake of considering 12th board and JEE exams as separate. The reality is that the concepts strengthened during board preparation are half the battle won in the JEE exam. In JEE Mains, 50% syllabus remains of 12th class only. The rules of the board also say that school education should not be taken lightly. If you are clear with the concepts of 12th PCM then you will also clear JEE.
3. JEE syllabus is balanced
Even if you did not get good marks in 11th, there is no need to worry. Students who prepare well in 12th also get good marks in JEE exam. General students who score 150 marks in JEE Mains also get admission in good engineering colleges of the country. In JEE, questions are generally asked from 11th-12th syllabus only.
4. There is a need for understanding, not panic
It is definitely difficult to handle both the exams together, but not impossible. Whatever you study for board exams, you have to study deeply for JEE. Therefore, instead of scattering your energy here and there, adopt a strict daily routine. Divide your day into revision, practice and test and analyze what percentage you are able to cover.
5. Past papers are the most trusted teacher
Papers of last 5 years will give you the best guidance in both board exams and engineering entrance exams. In these you will get the same pattern which is asked in the actual exam. For board exams, practice at least the papers of last 5 years and 2019, 2023, 2024, 2025 for JEE Mains. This will help in understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme.
6. Take practical exams seriously
Board exam practicals are not just to improve board results. Conceptual clarity and reasoning power of board practicals, both are very useful in JEE also. Therefore, learn by understanding experiments. There will be no benefit in memorizing them. Every year one or two questions are asked from board practicals in JEE exam.
7. December-January: Best time for smart study
Every hour of yours counts in December-January. While preparing for pre board exam, spare a few hours a week to revise easy and scoring topics of class 11th. YouTube’s one-shot revision can help a lot. First catch those chapters which are easy and frequently asked. This will give you a good start in the examination and boost your confidence.
8. Give at least 10 mock tests before JEE
Mock tests show the real picture of your preparation. JEE mock test helps in checking the level of preparation. Give mock tests in the same time slot in which your JEE paper will be held. This will adjust your body clock according to the exam. This practice alone maintains confidence during the examination. Whatever questions you are not able to solve in the meantime, revise them again.
9. Activate board mode immediately after JEE
Pay special attention to the practice of writing from 1 to 15 February 2026. Try solving previous years’ papers in 3 hours. Learn what a good answer looks like by looking at the topper’s answer sheet. Keep in mind that marks are also given for presentation in board exams. By practicing by writing, things remain stored in the mind for a long time and it becomes easier to retain them in the examination.
10. Keep your mind light, stay connected with your family
It is natural to feel stressed during exam preparation. But don’t face it alone. Talk to your parents, take advice from your mentors and don’t let your mind become a burden. Your health is more important than any exam. Keep in mind that even if you do not get 75% marks in the board exam, there is no dearth of ways. There are many options even if you are not selected in JEE Mains.
These exams are just a milestone in your hard work, not the final proof of your ability. Right thinking, regular practice and balanced routine will definitely take you forward.
