With JEE Main 2024 exam a few weeks away, it is important to start the last leg of preparation. But is it the right time to start mock tests? Experts answer.The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is a highly competitive entrance test that opens the door to some of India’s finest engineering colleges. Mock tests are an essential part of the preparation process for the aspiring engineers who invest years of time and energy into successfully passing this test. We’ll go into the importance of mock exams in this blog and when it’s best to include them in your JEE Main preparation plan.Understanding the purpose of mock tests:Mock tests are like practice runs for the real deal, offering students a chance to gauge their strengths and weaknesses, fine-tune their time management skills, and get comfortable with the exam format and atmosphere. They can also help boost confidence, minimize exam stress, and sharpen problem-solving abilities. It’s clear that including mock tests in your study schedule is crucial for thorough preparation.Early phase of preparation:The journey to cracking JEE Main is a marathon, not a sprint. Beginning your mock test early in your preparation phase can provide you with important insights into your current level of understanding and identify areas that require more attention. Starting with mock tests in the early phase helps in preparing a base and understanding the exam pattern, making it easier to create a targeted study plan.As a rule of thumb, initiating mock tests about 3 to 4 months before the actual examination can be beneficial. For example, in 2024, the first phase of JEE Main is scheduled in January, so the early phase for the same was around September to October. So those students who have already done this part or planning to do it now, have completed their early phase of preparation. This allows ample time for both self-study and targeted improvement based on your performance in the mock tests.The mid-phase of your JEE Main preparation gets increasingly important as you move forward because it’s when you may sharpen your abilities and adjust your strategies. By this point, you should have covered a significant portion of the syllabus. Incorporating mock tests into your routine during this stage helps you assess your progress, identify weak areas, and focus on refining your time management skills.