JEE Mains is one of the most important exams for engineering aspirants in India. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and serves as the gateway for admission to NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges. The scoring system in JEE Mains is based on percentile, which represents a candidate’s performance relative to others. Many students wonder whether a 77 percentile is a good score and what colleges they can get with it. This article will explain the meaning of 77 percentile, rank estimation, and college options. It will also provide tips to improve your percentile in future attempts.
JEE Mains Scoring System
JEE Mains follows a percentile-based scoring system. The raw score is the total marks obtained by a candidate in the exam. However, since the exam is conducted in multiple shifts, the difficulty level may vary. To ensure fairness, NTA uses percentile scores instead of raw marks.
The percentile score indicates how many students scored below a candidate. For example, if a candidate gets 77 percentile, it means they performed better than 77% of the students who appeared for the exam.
Score Normalization Across Shifts
JEE Mains is conducted in different shifts, and the difficulty level may differ in each shift. To make the scores fair, NTA uses a normalization process. This ensures that no candidate gets an advantage or disadvantage due to the difficulty level of a particular shift.
The normalized percentile score is used for ranking purposes. This means that two students who score the same raw marks in different shifts may have different percentiles based on the overall difficulty of their shifts.
A 77 percentile in JEE Mains is above average but not considered a high score. It means the candidate has performed better than 77% of the students but is still behind 23% of the candidates. This percentile does not guarantee admission to top government engineering colleges like NITs and IIITs for general category students.
What is the Rank for 77 Percentile in JEE Mains?
The expected rank for a 77 percentile in JEE Mains is generally between 2,50,000 and 3,00,000. However, this rank is only an estimate and may vary slightly every year.
| Percentile Range | Expected Marks Range | Expected Rank Range |
| 80+ percentile | 76.6 to 77.8 marks | 2,35,001 to 2,40,000 ranks |
| 79.5+ percentile | 75.1 to 76.6 marks | 2,40,001 to 2,46,000 ranks |
| 79+ percentile | 73.6 to 75.1 marks | 2,46,001 to 2,50,000 ranks |
| 78.5+ percentile | 72.1 to 73.6 marks | 2,50,001 to 2,58,000 ranks |
| 78+ percentile | 70.6 to 72.1 marks | 2,58,001 to 2,65,000 ranks |
| 77.5+ percentile | 69.2 to 70.6 marks | 2,65,001 to 2,70,000 ranks |
| 77+ percentile | 67.8 to 69.2 marks | 2,70,001 to 2,76,000 ranks |
| 76.5+ percentile | 66.5 to 67.8 marks | 2,76,001 to 2,82,000 ranks |
| 76+ percentile | 65.2 to 66.5 marks | 2,82,001 to 2,87,000 ranks |
| 75.5+ percentile | 63.9 to 65.2 marks | 2,87,001 to 2,95,000 ranks |
| 75+ percentile | 62.6 to 63.9 marks | 2,95,001 to 3,00,000 ranks |
JEE Main Marks vs Percentile 2024
| JEE Main 2024 Score | JEE Main 2024 Percentile |
| 300-281 | 100 – 99.99989145 |
| 271 – 280 | 99.994681 – 99.997394 |
| 263 – 270 | 99.990990 – 99.994029 |
| 250 – 262 | 99.977205 – 99.988819 |
| 241 – 250 | 99.960163 – 99.975034 |
| 231 – 240 | 99.934980 – 99.956364 |
| 221 – 230 | 99.901113 – 99.928901 |
| 211 – 220 | 99.851616 – 99.893732 |
| 201 – 210 | 99.795063 – 99.845212 |
| 191 – 200 | 99.710831 – 99.782472 |
| 181 – 190 | 99.597399 – 99.688579 |
| 171 – 180 | 99.456939 – 99.573193 |
| 161 – 170 | 99.272084 – 99.431214 |
| 151 – 160 | 99.028614 – 99.239737 |
| 141 – 150 | 98.732389 – 98.990296 |
| 131 – 140 | 98.317414 – 98.666935 |
| 121 – 130 | 97.811260 – 98.254132 |
| 111 – 120 | 97.142937 – 97.685672 |
| 101 – 110 | 96.204550 – 96.978272 |
| 91 – 100 | 94.998594 – 96.064850 |
| 81 – 90 | 93.471231 – 94.749479 |
| 71 – 80 | 91.072128 – 93.152971 |
| 61 – 70 | 87.512225 – 90.702200 |
| 51 – 60 | 82.016062 – 86.907944 |
| 41 – 50 | 73.287808 – 80.982153 |
| 31 – 40 | 58.151490 – 71.302052 |
From this, it is clear that a 77 percentile score will place a student in the lower rank range. This affects the availability of seats in top government colleges. However, students still have good chances in state engineering colleges and private institutions.
Dependence on Yearly Data
The rank at a particular percentile depends on several factors, such as:
- The total number of candidates appearing for the exam.
- The normalization process used in that particular year.
- The difficulty level of different shifts.
If the total number of candidates appearing for JEE Mains increases, the rank at 77 percentile will be lower (worse). Conversely, if fewer students appear, the rank may improve slightly.
Is 77 Percentile a Good Score in JEE Mains?
A 77 percentile in JEE Mains is not considered a good score for getting admission to top engineering colleges.
Why Is It Not a Good Score?
- Candidates with this percentile get ranks above 3,45,000 in some years.
- It is very difficult to get admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs with this rank.
- For general category students, a 77 percentile does not qualify for top government colleges.
Chances for Reserved Categories
SC/ST category students may have some chances for lower-demand branches in NITs and IIITs.
The availability of seats depends on home-state quotas and the specific cutoffs of each year.
Colleges Accepting 77 Percentile in JEE Mains
Students in the 70-80 percentile range may not secure a seat in the top-tier National Institutes of Technology (NITs) or Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), but they can still gain admission to several respected colleges. These colleges include national-level universities, state engineering colleges, and private institutions.
| College Name | NIRF Ranking | Annual Course Fee (Approx.) |
| Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala | 101–150 | INR 1.42 Lakhs |
| GITAM (Deemed to be University), Hyderabad | 101–150 | INR 2.70 Lakhs |
| Satyam Institute, Amritsar | 101-150 | INR 60,000 to INR 2.40 Lakhs |
| GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam | 101–150 out of 300 in India | INR 9.20 Lakhs to 14.90 Lakhs |
| Amity University | 151-200 | INR 7.5–26.4 lakh |
| Annamalai University | 151-200 | INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 7 lakhs |
| Assam Downtown University, Guwahati | 101–125 band for Pharmacy | INR 1.10 Lakhs |
| Glocal University, Saharanpur | 165 | INR 95,000 |
| SAGE University, Indore | NA | INR 60,000 |
| Arya Group of Colleges, Jaipur | NA | INR 1.05 Lakhs |
| Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Indore | NA | INR 2.60 Lakhs |
| Global Research Institute of Management and Technology, Haryana | NA | INR 85,200 |
| Quantum University, Roorkee | NA | INR 1.10 Lakhs |
| Raj Kumar Goel Institute of Technology, Ghaziabad | NA | INR 2.20 Lakhs to INR 4.67 Lakhs |
| Atmiya University, Rajkot | NA | INR 85,650 |
| Bhai Gurdas Group of Institutions, Sangrur | NA | INR 1.50 Lakhs to INR 2.40 Lakhs |
| Nehru Institute of Technology, Coimbatore | NA | INR 2.00 Lakhs |
List of Engineering Colleges that Offer Direct Admission
| College Name | Annual Course Fee (Approx.) |
| School of Aeronautics, Neemrana | Rs 1.80 Lakhs |
| Maharaja Agrasen College of Engineering & Technology | Rs 1.45 Lakhs |
| Aurora’s Engineering College, Hyderabad | Rs 37,400 |
| University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun | Rs 3.52 Lakhs |
| Siksa o Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar | Rs 2.35 Lakhs |
| Gaikwad Patil Group of Institutions, Nagpur | Rs 90,000 |
| Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai | Rs 3.85 Lakhs |
| Shobhit University, Meerut | Rs 1.10 Lakhs |
| Sigma Group of Institutes, Vadodara | Rs 1.80 Lakhs to Rs 2.60 Lakhs |
| Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) | Rs 3.23 Lakhs |
| Marwadi University, Rajkot | Rs 98,000 to Rs 1.25 Lakhs |
| Rai University, Ahmedabad | Rs 71,600 |
| BM Group of Institutions, Gurgaon | Rs 80,000 |
| MH Cockpit Aviation Academy, Chennai | Rs 2.25 Lakhs |
| Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College, Punjab | Rs 90,000 |
| Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi | Rs 2.90 Lakhs |
| Amity University, Jaipur | Rs 1.52 Lakhs |
| Amritsar Group of Colleges, Punjab | Rs 1.28 Lakhs |
| Adithya Institute of Technology, Coimbatore | Rs 1.50 Lakhs to Rs 2.00 Lakhs |
| OM Sterling Global University, Hisar | Rs 75,000 |
Private Universities for 70-80 Percentile in JEE Mains
While the most competitive institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs may be out of reach for students in the 70-80 percentile range in JEE Mains, private universities can be an excellent alternative. Many private institutions have their own admission processes, and they accept JEE Main scores alongside other factors like class 12 marks or their own entrance exams. These universities offer a range of engineering programs, and some even provide better flexibility in terms of admission criteria, course options, and overall student experience.
- Shiv Nadar University (SNU): Shiv Nadar University, located in Greater Noida, is one of the prominent private universities in India. Founded by the Shiv Nadar Foundation, the university offers a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning.
- VIT University (VIT): VIT University, headquartered in Vellore, is a renowned private institution that consistently ranks among the top private engineering universities in India. It is particularly well-known for its VIT Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE).
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES): UPES, located in Dehradun, is a specialized private university focusing on energy, petroleum, and related fields. However, it also offers several engineering programs for students who want to pursue careers in diverse sectors such as aviation, robotics, and infrastructure.
- Amity University: Amity University, with campuses in Noida, Jaipur, Lucknow, and other cities, is one of India’s top private universities. Amity is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced faculty, and comprehensive academic programs. It also accepts JEE Main scores for admission to its engineering courses.
Preparation Tips to Improve Percentile in JEE Mains
If a candidate is not satisfied with a 77 percentile, they can prepare for the next attempt to improve their score. Below are five important tips to achieve a better percentile:
1) Focus on Important Topics with High Weightage
Not all chapters carry the same weight in JEE Main. Some topics are asked more frequently and can help you score faster. It is important to focus on these scoring areas:
High-Weightage Topics in JEE Mains Physics
| Chapter Name | Weightage |
| Current Electricity | 9.90% |
| Magnetic Effect of Current and Magnetism | 6.60% |
| Alternating Current | 6.60% |
| Kinetic Theory of Gases & Thermodynamics | 6.60% |
| Kinematics | 6.60% |
| Work, Energy, and Power | 6.60% |
| Law of Motion | 6.60% |
| Centre Of Mass | 6.60% |
| Rotational Dynamics | 6.60% |
| Modern Physics | 6.60% |
| Wave Optics | 6.60% |
| Electrostatics | 3.30% |
| Capacitors | 3.30% |
| Simple Harmonic Motion | 3.30% |
| Sound Waves | 3.30% |
| Elasticity | 3.30% |
| Error in Measurement | 3.30% |
| Circular Motion | 3.30% |
| Electromagnetic Waves | 3.30% |
| Semiconductors | 3.30% |
High-Weightage Topics in JEE Mains Chemistry
| Chapters | Weightage |
| Transition Elements & Coordination Compounds | 9.90% |
| Periodic table, p-Block Elements | 9.90% |
| Atomic Structure | 6.60% |
| Chemical Bonding | 6.60% |
| Chemical And Ionic Equilibrium | 6.60% |
| Solid-State | 6.60% |
| Nuclear Chemistry | 6.60% |
| Thermodynamics & the Gaseous State | 6.60% |
| Mole Concept | 3.30% |
| Redox Reactions | 3.30% |
| Electrochemistry | 3.30% |
| Chemical Kinetics | 3.30% |
| Solution & Colligative Properties | 3.30% |
| General Organic Chemistry | 3.30% |
| Stereochemistry | 3.30% |
| Hydrocarbon | 3.30% |
| Alkyl Halides | 3.30% |
| Carboxylic Acids & their Derivatives | 6.60% |
| Carbohydrates and amino acids | 6.60% |
| Aromatic Compounds | 6.60% |
High-Weightage Topics in JEE Mains Mathematics
| Chapter Name | Weightage |
| Sequences & Series | 6.60% |
| Straight Lines | 6.60% |
| 3-D Geometry | 6.60% |
| Determinants | 6.60% |
| Sets | 3.30% |
| Permutations & Combinations | 3.30% |
| Probability | 3.30% |
| Complex Numbers | 3.30% |
| Binominal Theorem | 3.30% |
| Limits | 3.30% |
| Differentiability | 3.30% |
| Indefinite Integration | 3.30% |
| Definite Integration | 3.30% |
| Differential Equations | 3.30% |
| Height & Distance | 3.30% |
| Trigonometric Equations | 3.30% |
| The Area under the Curve | 3.30% |
| Quadratic Equations | 3.30% |
| Vectors | 3.30% |
| Tangents and Normals | 3.30% |
| Maxima and Minima | 3.30% |
| Statistics | 3.30% |
| Parabola | 3.30% |
| Ellipse | 3.30% |
| Hyperbola | 3.30% |
Start by understanding the concepts clearly. Focus on theory and formulas, and solve basic questions from these topics. Once confident, move to moderate and tough problems.
2) Practice Previous Year Question Papers
Practicing previous year question papers is one of the most effective methods to improve your performance in JEE Main. Many students study hard but struggle to perform well in the actual exam. This is because learning concepts alone is not enough. You must apply those concepts to solve problems quickly during the exam. Practicing previous year papers helps you develop this skill.
How to Solve Previous Year Papers:
- Set a Timer for 3 Hours: Treat every practice session like a real exam. Sit in a quiet place and solve the paper without any breaks.
- Check Your Answers: After completing the paper, compare your answers with the official answer key.
- Note Your Mistakes: Make a separate notebook to write down mistakes and weak topics. Review this notebook regularly to avoid repeating errors.
- Track Your Progress: After solving a few papers, you will notice an improvement in your speed and accuracy. This will boost your confidence.
The more past papers you solve, the better prepared you will be for JEE Main.
3) Attempt Mock Tests Regularly
Taking mock tests regularly is crucial for improving time management, accuracy, and exam confidence. Even top scorers make mock tests a key part of their preparation. It helps you get used to the exam environment and reduces exam stress.
How to Attempt Mock Tests:
- Take One Full-Length Mock Test Every Week: Start by attempting one test per week, and increase the frequency as the exam approaches.
- Analyze Your Performance: After every test, check your answers, find your weak areas, and practice more questions from those topics.
- Simulate Exam Environment: Avoid distractions during the test. Sit in a quiet place, set a timer for 3 hours, and attempt the paper seriously.
Mock tests give you a clear picture of where you stand and help you prepare for the real exam day. A highly recommended option is the Phodu Club’s JEE Mains Test Series, known for its realistic exam simulations, detailed performance analysis, and expertly curated questions. It’s a great resource to enhance your preparation and get closer to your JEE Mains goals. They help simulate the actual exam experience and evaluate your preparation.
4) Improve Your Speed and Accuracy
Speed and accuracy are equally important in JEE Main. Attempting more questions can boost your score, but wrong answers lead to negative marking. If you answer too fast, you may make silly mistakes. If you are too slow, you may miss easy questions. Balancing speed and accuracy is the key.
Steps to Improve Speed and Accuracy:
- Start with Easy Questions: During the exam, begin with subjects or topics you are confident about. This will boost your confidence and save time for tough questions later.
- Skip Difficult Questions: If you find a question confusing, move on to the next one. Wasting time on one tough question can reduce your overall score.
- Practice Mental Calculations: In Mathematics and Physics, quick calculations can save time. Avoid using calculators during practice. Train your brain to perform basic arithmetic mentally.
- Avoid Guesswork: Random guessing leads to negative marking. Attempt a question only if you are sure or can eliminate at least two wrong options.
Daily Practice Routine:
- Solve at least 20-30 questions per subject every day.
- Time yourself while solving questions.
- Analyze mistakes and learn from them.
With regular practice, speed and accuracy will naturally improve, and you will feel more confident in the exam hall.
5) Create a Study Plan and Revise Regularly
A good study plan helps you cover all subjects evenly and gives you enough time for revision. Studying without a plan can lead to skipping important topics or wasting time on less important areas.
How to Make an Effective Study Plan:
- Set Realistic Goals: Divide your syllabus into small parts and set daily or weekly targets.
- Study at Least 6-8 Hours a Day: Divide your study time equally between Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Include Breaks: Take short breaks after every 1-2 hours to avoid burnout.
- Make Short Notes: Write down formulas, key concepts, and tricks. These notes will be useful for quick revision before the exam.
Importance of Revision:
- Revise Daily: Spend at least 1 hour each day revising old topics. Revisiting concepts frequently will help you retain information better.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Spend more time on subjects you find difficult.
- Practice Formula-Based Questions: JEE Main often includes direct formula-based questions. Knowing formulas by heart can help you score easy marks.
Final Weeks Before the Exam:
- Avoid Starting New Topics: Do not try to learn new chapters in the last few weeks. Focus on revising what you already know.
- Increase Mock Tests: In the final month, attempt 2-3 mock tests every week and analyze your performance.
- Stay Calm: Do not panic if you score low in a mock test. Learn from your mistakes and keep improving.
With consistent effort and smart planning, you can increase your JEE Main score and secure a better college.
Conclusion
A 77 percentile in JEE Mains is not considered a good score for getting admission into NITs, IIITs, or top government engineering colleges for general category students. However, students from SC/ST categories may have limited chances in lower-demand branches.
State government engineering colleges and private engineering colleges are better options for students with a 77 percentile. If a candidate wants to get into a better college, they should prepare for the next attempt and try to improve their percentile.
By following the preparation tips mentioned above, students can increase their chances of securing a higher percentile in the next JEE Mains attempt and get admission to a better engineering college.
