Mamona
Mamona Majumder
Assistant Manager
Updated on Jun 20, 2025 15:54 IST

So, you have decided to take a drop year for IIT JEE 2026? If yes, then let us help you with a tailor-made plan for IIT JEE Advanced and Mains preparation 2026. Droppers will have an added advantage over the new applicants since they have already appeared for JEE Main and Advanced once, and they have the taste of both the exams. Here one can see how to move ahead in a strategic way and not at all waste a drop year in JEE preparations.

Dropper Strategy for JEE 2025

Dropper Strategy for JEE 2026: IIT JEE Main & Advanced Study Plan

Dropper Strategy for JEE 2026: In case you are not satisfied with your performance in JEE 2025 and have planned to take a drop year for the re-appearance in JEE Advanced and Main 2026, we have some crucial tips here. First of all, you need to rebuild your confidence and morale before proceeding with the dropper strategy for JEE 2026 preparation. After the performance has not been up to expectations, one needs to get up and dust oneself; therefore, droppers must pick themselves up first to score better in the upcoming examination.

The droppers of JEE Advanced and Main already have a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses, and they also know very well what went wrong and what can be better. So with this advantage as your weapon, let's restart the battle for IIT admissions once more.

Also Check: Past Years Topper Tips on How to Crack JEE Advanced Exam

Table of content
  • Dropper Strategy for JEE 2026: Areas to Focus
  • Dropper Strategy for JEE 2026: Timetable to Follow
  • Advantages of Taking a Drop Year for JEE Preparation

Dropper Strategy for JEE 2026: Areas to Focus

Here are some tips for the droppers who aspire to appear for JEE Advanced:

  1. Searching for Weak Areas: Assess your performance in previous attempts and find those topics or subjects where you need improvement.
  2. Complete the syllabus: Do the entire JEE Main and JEE Advanced syllabus at least once. Do not leave any single topic, whether it be a high-weightage topic or a low one. The entire syllabus should be completed by November or December. After December, it should be all about revisions and practice.
  3. Make a Study Schedule: Design a good study schedule that covers all subjects and, in turn, the topics that need to be looked at, along with the time required for each topic. Make sure the study routine is consistent. Keep realistic, achievable goals, and this will keep you on your toes all the way.
  4. Study Material: JEE Main and JEE Advanced books like the NCERT textbooks, H.C. Verma for Physics, RD Sharma for Mathematics, coaching institute notes, self-made notes etc. can help a lot. NCERT must be used to clear the concepts and understand the basics, and the reference books must be used to solve questions and mocks.
  5. Revision: Revise everything that you have studied at regular intervals so that the concepts are refreshed in your memory.
  6. Mock Tests: Take as many JEE Advanced mock tests and keep track of your preparation.
Q:   Will JEE Advanced 2026 attempt limit increase?
A:

There has been no update on any changes in the JEE Advanced 2026 attempt limits. If any changes are to be made in the attempt limit, the same will be officially notified at jeeadv.ac.in. Currently, the JEE Advanced attempt limit is twice in two consecutive years.

Q:   What is the JEE Advanced marking scheme?
A:

The JEE Advanced marking scheme changes every year. Uauallt there are questions carrying 1 marks, 2 marks, 3 marks and 4 marks. There are partial negative marking and complete negative marking format. The exact marking scheme is notified to the candidates on the exam day.

Q:   Why does the JEE Advanced exam pattern change every year?
A:

The changing pattern of the JEE Advanced exam can be due to various reasons:

  • One of the reason can be to check how the students perform under pressure and how weel they adapt.
  • To check how the students can deal with problems and unfamiliar formats.
  • To eliminate the candidates who rote learn.

JEE Advanced is on the toughest exam for selection to the most premiere colleges of the nation - IITs. Therefore to add to the difficulty level, the pattern is kept undiclosed until the exam day.

The most important thing to follow while preparing a timetable is not to keep any strict schedule. A timetable should be flexible and as per your convenience so that you feel no added pressure. Set a realistic target and stick to it.

We have given below a timetable for IIT JEE preparation for droppers:

Slot 1: 1 hour to 1.5 hours in the Morning

Revision of any one subject of your choice

If you have enrolled in Coaching, complete the same. Come back home and have lunch and a nap.

Also Check: How to Crack JEE Advanced 2026 Without Coaching With Self Study

Slot 2: 3 hours in the Evening

Revision and practice of 2 subjects.
Complete Daily Practice Problems (DPP)/ reference books/ Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs).

Take a short break and indulge in any activity of your choice.

Slot 3: 3 hours in the Night

 Revision/practice any weak subject.
Review coaching notes and mark your doubts for the next day's class.
Complete backlogs, if any.

Advantages of Taking a Drop Year for JEE Preparation

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Taking drop and preparation of JEE Advanced and Main 2026 can be beneficial for many. The droppers have

  1. More time to prepare
  2. They have experience of the exam
  3. They know their weaknesses and strengths
  4. They get a second chance to improve
  5. They are mentally prepared and ready
  6. They understand the competition in a better manner

Also Check: JEE Advanced Chapter Wise Weightage 2026 for Maths, Physics, Chemistry

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About the Author
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Mamona Majumder
Assistant Manager

Currently: Assistant Manager - Content

Role: News & Feature Writer, Content Editor

Expertise: Engineering Education and Counselling

Mamona Majumder specialises in news and feature writing, content editing, and educa

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