The JEE Mains exam is one of the biggest challenges for aspiring engineers in India. It’s the gateway to some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, and securing a good rank can shape your future. But what if your score is lower than expected, say around 45 marks? Does it mean all hope is lost? Absolutely not! In fact, with the right strategy and mindset, you can still make significant improvements and boost your chances of success in the next attempt.
In this article, we’ll break down the JEE Mains percentile system and show you how marks are converted into percentiles. We’ll also provide a clear estimate of where you might stand with 45 marks and guide you on how to improve your rank. Whether you’re struggling to reach your target or just looking for a better plan, this guide will help you navigate through your preparation with practical, actionable advice. So, don’t get discouraged by a low score; it’s all about how you bounce back!
Overview of JEE Mains Percentile System
The JEE Mains percentile system is used to rank candidates based on their relative performance compared to other candidates who appeared for the exam. Unlike a simple percentage, a percentile indicates a student’s position among the total number of candidates. For example, if a student has a percentile of 90, it means they have scored better than 90% of the candidates.
How Percentile is Calculated in JEE Mains
Percentile in JEE Mains is calculated using the following formula:
Percentile = (Number of candidates with a score less than the student/Total number of candidates appearing for the exam)×100
This calculation takes into account the performance of all candidates who appeared for the exam on that particular day, considering factors such as the difficulty level of the paper and the number of candidates. The percentile is not based on an absolute score, but rather reflects a student’s relative performance.
Conversion from Raw Marks to Percentile
Raw marks in JEE Mains refer to the actual score obtained by the student out of a total of 300 marks. However, raw marks do not directly translate to percentile. The National Testing Agency (NTA) uses a normalization process to adjust for variations in difficulty across different shifts of the exam. This process helps in converting raw marks into percentiles. As a result, the percentile score of candidates with the same raw marks can vary from one session to another due to the normalization procedure.
Understanding JEE Mains Marking Scheme
Before diving into the raw marks and their corresponding percentiles, it is important to understand the JEE Mains marking scheme. The exam consists of three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Total Marks in JEE Mains: 300
- Number of Questions: 75
Marking Scheme:
- +4 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each incorrect answer
- 0 marks for unattempted questions
The raw marks are calculated based on the number of correct answers and incorrect answers. The total score can range from 0 to 300.
What is the Percentile for 45 Marks in JEE Main?
A score of 45 marks in JEE Main typically falls below the 50th percentile but can vary slightly depending on the exam year. Based on past trends, the JEE Main percentile for 45 marks is expected to range between 70 to 75. However, SC, ST, PwD candidates can take the JEE Advanced exam. However, this is a general estimate and can differ based on several factors, which will be discussed below.
JEE Main Marks vs Rank vs Percentile 2025
| Marks out of 300 | Expected Rank | Expected Percentile |
| 288- 294 | 20-11 | 99.99826992- 99.99890732 |
| 280-284 | 44-22 | 99.99617561 – 99.99790569 |
| 270-279 | 107-63 | 99.99034797 – 99.99417236 |
| 252- 268 | 522-106 | 99.95228621- 99.99016586 |
| 231-249 | 1385-546 | 99.87388626-99.95028296 |
| 215-230 | 2798-1421 | 99.74522293-99.87060821 |
| 202-214 | 4666-2862 | 99.57503767- 99.73930423 |
| 190-200 | 6664- 4830 | 99.39319714- 99.56019541 |
| 175-189 | 10746-7151 | 99.02150308 – 99.3487614 |
| 161-174 | 16163-11018 | 98.52824811-98.99673561 |
| 149-159 | 21145-16495 | 98.07460288-98.49801724 |
| 132-148 | 32826-22238 | 97.0109678-97.97507774 |
| 120-131 | 43174-33636 | 96.0687115-96.93721175 |
| 110-119 | 54293-44115 | 95.05625037-95.983027 |
| 102-109 | 65758-55269 | 94.01228357-94.96737888 |
| 95-101 | 76260-66999 | 93.05600452 -93.89928202 |
| 89-94 | 87219-78111 | 92.05811248 -92.88745828 |
| 79-88 | 109329-90144 | 90.0448455 -91.79177119 |
| 62-87 | 169542-92303 | 84.56203931-91.59517945 |
| 41-61 | 326517-173239 | 70.26839007-84.22540213 |
| 1-42 | 1025009-334080 | 66.6590786-69.5797271 |
Factors Influencing the Percentile for This Score
1) Number of Test Takers: The total number of candidates who appear for the exam can impact the percentile distribution. If more students take the exam, the percentile for a given raw score might be lower.
2) Overall Difficulty Level of the Paper: If the paper is easier than usual, more students may score higher, leading to a lower percentile for a student with 45 marks. On the other hand, if the paper is tough, fewer students will score high marks, potentially raising the percentile for the same raw score.
3) Performance Distribution Across Candidates: The way students perform overall in the exam affects how percentile rankings are distributed. For example, if a large group of students performs well on easy questions, the overall performance shifts, which impacts the percentile of every candidate.
How to Improve Your Rank from 45 Marks in JEE Mains
If you have scored 45 marks in JEE Mains, there is still ample opportunity to improve your rank with the right strategy. Here are some effective steps to help you boost your score:
1) Assess Your Current Preparation Level
The first step toward improvement is to assess where you currently stand in terms of preparation. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is essential. Here’s how to begin your assessment:
- Analyze Your Mock Test Results: Taking mock tests is one of the most effective ways to gauge your preparation. Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment and help you track your progress. After each test, analyze your results carefully. Identifying the root causes of your mistakes will help you make focused improvements.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your scores and performance over time. If your mock test scores are stagnant or showing only slight improvement, this may be an indication that your study method needs revision. On the other hand, if your scores are steadily increasing, you’re likely on the right track.
2) Subject-Wise Strategy to Improve
Each subject in JEE Mains—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—requires a distinct strategy. Given that your performance is at 45 marks out of 300 marks in Jee Mains, it’s important to focus on your weak areas while ensuring that your strengths don’t weaken over time.
Physics Preparation Strategy
Physics can be a challenging subject due to its conceptual nature and application-based questions. The key to improvement is building a strong foundation of basic concepts and then practicing problems to apply those concepts.
- Conceptual Clarity: Start by reviewing basic concepts from NCERT or a standard reference book. Don’t rush through chapters; ensure that you thoroughly understand the principles behind the formulas.
- Practice Problems: Physics questions often involve applying concepts to solve numerical problems. Focus on important chapters like Mechanics, Electrostatics, Magnetism, and Optics. Practice problems from previous years’ question papers to understand the types of questions asked in the exam.
- Use Multiple Sources: Books like H.C. Verma’s Concepts of Physics and I.E. Irodov (for higher-level problems) are helpful for practicing and deepening your understanding.
- Time Management: Physics requires conceptual clarity and problem-solving speed. Practice solving problems under time constraints to improve your speed.
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% |
Chemistry Preparation Strategy
Chemistry is divided into three main branches: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Most students find Organic and Inorganic Chemistry to be more scoring as compared to Physical Chemistry, as they require less numeracy and more memorization of reactions, mechanisms, and formulas.
- Inorganic Chemistry: Start by understanding the periodic table and the properties of elements. Make sure to memorize important reactions, trends, and exceptions in periodic properties.
- Organic Chemistry: Focus on reaction mechanisms and the key reactions in Organic Chemistry. Practice identifying the type of reaction and applying the correct mechanism in each case.
- Physical Chemistry: Work on understanding the theory behind equations and formulas in topics like Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Electrochemistry. Then, practice solving numerical problems.
- Resources: Use resources like M.S. Chauhan for Physical Chemistry and O.P. Tandon for Inorganic Chemistry. Also, ensure consistent revision of Organic Chemistry reactions.
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% |
Mathematics Preparation Strategy
Mathematics plays a crucial role in improving your overall rank. Topics like Calculus, Algebra, and Coordinate Geometry have high weightage and require intensive practice. The better your skills in these areas, the higher your chances of scoring well in JEE Mains.
- Focus on High-Weightage Topics: Start by focusing on topics that are frequently tested in the exam, such as Calculus, Algebra, and Coordinate Geometry. These topics have a high number of questions and can help improve your overall score.
- Practice a Variety of Problems: Mathematics requires a lot of practice. Solve problems of varying difficulty levels to improve your problem-solving skills. Use books like Cengage Series and IIT Mathematics by M.L. Khanna for practicing different types of problems.
- Speed and Accuracy: Mathematics can be time-consuming, and managing time during the exam is crucial. Try solving problems faster without compromising accuracy. Regular practice under timed conditions will help improve both speed and accuracy.
- Regular Revision: Unlike other subjects, Mathematics requires continuous revision to retain formulas, methods, and techniques. Set aside time every week to revise key topics and formulas.
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% |
3) Time Management and Smart Study Plan
The importance of time management cannot be overstated when preparing for an exam like JEE Mains. Here’s how you can effectively manage your time to maximize your preparation:
Create a Realistic Study Schedule
A study plan should be tailored to your needs and preferences. Based on your weaknesses, strengths, and available time, create a schedule that focuses on improving weaker areas while revising stronger topics.
- Prioritize Topics: Focus on high-weightage and difficult topics early in your preparation. Once you’re comfortable with these, move on to other chapters.
- Set Daily and Weekly Targets: Break your goals into manageable chunks. Set daily targets for how many chapters or problems you’ll cover, and weekly targets for revising topics and taking mock tests.
- Avoid Burnout: Over-scheduling can lead to exhaustion. Allow breaks between study sessions and take days off when necessary to avoid burnout.
Optimize Time for Revision
Effective revision is key to retaining what you’ve learned. Schedule weekly revision sessions for important formulas, concepts, and problem-solving techniques. Revise topics at regular intervals to prevent forgetting them before the exam.
4) Mock Tests and Self-Assessment
Taking mock tests is essential for tracking your progress and simulating exam-day conditions. Regular mock tests will help you:
- Identify weak areas: Mock tests highlight your weak spots, giving you a clear idea of which topics or subjects need more attention.
- Improve time management: Practicing under time pressure helps you learn how to manage your time effectively during the exam.
- Increase confidence: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Consistent practice will help reduce exam anxiety.
Be sure to review each mock test carefully. Note the questions you got wrong, understand why you made mistakes, and work on those areas before your next test.
Best Resource for Practising Mock Tests
To enhance your mock test experience, we highly recommend the Phodu Club’s JEE Main Test Series. The Phodu Club Test Series is designed by experts to give students the most realistic mock test experience, closely resembling the actual JEE Mains exam pattern. With comprehensive question banks, detailed solutions, and thorough performance analytics, this test series ensures that you are fully prepared for the exam day.
Key Features of Phodu Club’s JEE Main Test Series:
- Realistic Simulations: The test series mimics the actual JEE Mains exam pattern, including the same time limits, structure, and difficulty levels. This helps you familiarize yourself with the format and ensures you’re well-prepared for the real exam.
- Diverse Question Sets: The Phodu Club test series offers a wide range of questions, from easy to challenging, covering all the topics across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This helps you gain a deeper understanding of all subjects while ensuring you are prepared for every type of question you may encounter.
- Expert-Designed Content: The test series is curated by subject matter experts who understand the JEE Mains exam inside and out. Their insights into the exam format and key topics are incorporated into the test series, giving you an edge in your preparation.
- Detailed Solutions and Explanations: Every question in the test series is accompanied by a step-by-step solution, so you can understand the correct approach to solving each problem. This feature helps improve your problem-solving skills and boosts confidence.
Aim to take mock tests at least once a week in the beginning and increase the frequency as the exam approaches. Analyze your performance after each test and work on improving your accuracy and speed.
5) Using the Right Study Material
Using quality study material is essential for focused and effective preparation. Stick to books that are specifically designed for JEE Mains preparation. Here’s a list of trusted resources:
- NCERT Books: Start with NCERT for all three subjects as they form the foundation for most of the JEE Mains syllabus.
- Physics: H.C. Verma’s Concepts of Physics and I.E. Irodov.
- Chemistry: O.P. Tandon for Inorganic Chemistry, M.S. Chauhan for Physical Chemistry, and Morrison and Boyd for Organic Chemistry.
- Mathematics: Cengage Series, IIT Mathematics by M.L. Khanna, and IIT JEE Mathematics by R.D. Sharma.
- Previous Year Papers: Solve past years’ JEE Mains papers to understand the exam pattern and get an idea of frequently asked questions.
6) Stay Consistent with Revision
Consistency is the key to mastering the JEE Mains syllabus. Even if you’re at the 60th percentile right now, consistent revision and focused improvement in weak areas can boost your performance.
- Track your progress regularly: Keep a record of your test scores, subject-wise performance, and the time you’ve spent on each topic.
- Revise regularly: Even small, 15-20 minute revision sessions can be extremely helpful in retaining what you’ve learned. Try to revise daily, even if it’s just for a short period of time.
7) Setting Realistic Goals
Improving your rank requires both short-term and long-term goals. Set daily, weekly, and monthly targets, such as solving a specific number of problems, covering certain chapters, or improving your mock test score. Start with smaller, achievable goals and gradually aim for bigger milestones.
Conclusion
Scoring 45 marks in JEE Mains may not place you in the top ranks, but it’s important to remember that your current score is not a reflection of your potential. With the right approach and dedicated effort, you can significantly improve your performance in future attempts. By assessing your strengths and weaknesses, creating a focused study plan, practicing regularly with mock tests, and using the right study material, you can gradually increase your score and percentile. Keep a positive mindset, stay consistent, and set realistic goals for your preparation. Improvement takes time and effort, but with determination and smart strategies, you can achieve the rank you desire. Remember, JEE Mains is not just about knowledge; it’s about strategy, perseverance, and constant progress. Stay motivated, and don’t give up—your dream of securing a top engineering seat is still within reach!
