The optimal way to answer the Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) question paper is different for everyone. It depends on the individual strengths of the candidate, their comfort level, and their temperament for the examination. Each student has their own methodology when it comes to answering questions, and therefore this methodology should be personal rather than taken from student-to-student.Let us look at some points to clarify:1. It is Subjective: The order you choose to answer the paper is highly subjective. What suits one student may not suit another student. For example, some students like to start with Mathematics, while others may prefer Chemistry or Physics. Again, the goal is to play to your strengths instead of depending on what another student may have decided to do.Story continues below this adAlso Read | JEE Main 2026: IIT Mandi’s most opted BTech courses this year; new AI-Data Science debuts strong2. Identify your strongest subject: Before deciding the order, first figure out what your strongest subject is:– Which subject, or subjects, are you most comfortable with– Assess your mock tests and past used assessments or assessments– Choose the subject that you feel confident you can score high on in a short period of timeStory continues below this ad– Since you are starting with your strongest subject, you are able to get an early confidence boost, plus saving time. This is a massive psychological advantage that can potentially set up a positive momentum for the rest of the paper.3. Use mock tests for hit-and-trial: In deciding your final strategy, a couple of good practices are to attempt mock tests and former year papers:– If possible, be able to do first physics subject in many tests, and first choose chemistry subject in other tests, and so on.– Management and comfort are detected in this observation period.– Based on that you can do the order that gives you the best overall performance.Story continues below this ad– There is no one or best order. What matters is that you strategically maximize marks over the time allowed in your order.4. Understand the average time allocation: Although every student works at a different speed, knowing the general time allocation will help with your planning:– Mathematics: Usually around 1 hour and 15 minutes (lengthiest)– Physics: Approximately 55-60 minutes (medium)– Chemistry: About 45-50 minutes (least)– Don’t attempt to break each subject evenly into the three sections. Rather, adjust to the natural time flow of each section. For example, if you are starting off with chemistry, try completing it in fourteen minutes instead of after an hour.5. Develop a strategy for yourself: After enough practice, establish with finality some sort of sequence that works best for you. For example:– Chemistry -Physics- Mathematics or Mathematics -Physics – ChemistryStory continues below this adAny order is fine; it does not matter whichever order you use, just make sure it fits into your confidence and time allocation.A solid plan will also account for your approach to challenging or ambiguous questions. Avoid getting bogged down on one question for too long – if a question is too difficult, time-consuming, or you feel unsure or confused, star it and move on. It is better to get all the sure scores than to get stuck on one challenging question. Finally, if time permits, always keep a buffer of time at the end of the exam (a minimum of 10-15 min) to revisit all of the questions you starred, or go back and re-check prior answers.Lastly, you should remain calm throughout the entire test. Many students lose valuable time worrying about timing or difficult questions. Remaining calm will allow you to think logically and your accuracy will improve. Another tip is to break each subject up into smaller time frames, for example first go through all of the easy and moderate questions, and revisit the difficult ones later. This way you won’t lose scoring opportunities when you are pressed for time.Ultimately, you should trust whatever strategy you have practiced during your mocks. The JEE Main exam rewards consistency, clarity, and confidence, so if your plan lets you concentrate and finish the paper, it’s the correct one for you. The order is much less important than your execution under time pressure.Story continues below this ad(The author is an IIT Delhi alumnus and HOD of physics at Vidyamandir Classes)