Every JEE Main aspirant dreams of scoring the highest marks possible. With lakhs of students appearing for the exam each year, competition is intense, and only a few manage to secure top scores. Achieving perfection in JEE Main requires strong concepts, accuracy, and time management. Even a small mistake can lower the score due to negative marking.
Many students wonder if it is possible to score full marks in JEE Main. Is there anyone who has achieved this? What does it take to reach the highest possible score? The difficulty level of the exam makes this a tough challenge, but with the right strategy, it may not be out of reach.
This article explores the highest marks ever recorded in JEE Main, the challenges of achieving them, and how top scorers prepare. If you aim for the best possible score, understanding these factors can help you improve your strategy.
What are the Highest Marks in JEE Mains Till Now?
In JEE Main 2017, Kalpit Veerwal, a student from Udaipur, Rajasthan, became the first and only student to score 360/360. His achievement was officially recognized in the Limca Book of Records, making it a historic moment in JEE Main history. He secured a perfect score by answering every question correctly without a single mistake.
Under the revised exam pattern, where JEE Main is conducted for a total of 300 marks, Rishi Shekhar Shukla scored a perfect 300/300 in Session 1 of JEE Main 2024, making him one of the top individual scorers in the current format.
Multiple 100 Percentilers – JEE Main 2024
In addition to individual perfect scores, many students achieve a perfect NTA percentile score of 100, which is based on relative performance and normalization across sessions. In the JEE Main 2024, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced that a total of 56 candidates secured a 100 percentile, showcasing the high level of competition and excellence.
While it is still possible to score full marks in individual sessions, Kalpit Veerwal remains the only student to have officially achieved 360/360 in JEE Main under the older system.
How to Score the Highest Marks in JEE Main?
Scoring the highest marks in JEE Main requires a well-planned strategy, strong conceptual clarity, and consistent practice. Many students aim for a 99+ percentile but struggle with mistakes, time management, and exam pressure. To achieve top marks, you need to build a strong foundation, follow an effective study plan, and refine your test-taking approach.
Step 1: Build a Strong Conceptual Foundation
A high JEE Main score starts with a solid understanding of concepts. Many students focus on solving problems without mastering the basics, which can lead to mistakes in the exam.
Start with NCERT Books
- NCERT books are essential, especially for Chemistry.
- Inorganic and Organic Chemistry questions are directly based on NCERT concepts.
- Read NCERT line by line and make short notes for quick revision.
Refer to Standard Books for a Deeper Understanding
- While NCERT is important, some topics require additional study materials.
- For Physics, HC Verma and DC Pandey help in concept building.
- For Mathematics, books like Cengage and Arihant provide advanced problem sets.
- For Physical Chemistry, books like P. Bahadur help in solving numerical problems.
Clear Doubts Immediately
- Never leave concepts unclear, as JEE Main questions often test fundamentals.
- Use online resources, coaching support, or study groups to resolve doubts.
Step 2: Effective Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy
Each subject in JEE Main requires a different approach. Some students struggle in Physics, while others find Chemistry or Mathematics more challenging. A subject-wise strategy ensures balanced preparation.
Physics: Conceptual Understanding and Problem-Solving
Physics in JEE Main includes both theoretical and numerical questions. Many students lose marks due to weak conceptual understanding or
calculation errors.
- Focus on understanding the concepts behind formulas rather than memorizing them.
- Solve problems from HC Verma, DC Pandey, and previous year papers.
- Practice derivations to improve clarity in mechanics and electromagnetism.
- Attempt numerical problems daily to strengthen application skills.
- Revise formulas regularly to recall them quickly during the exam.
Chemistry: NCERT for Inorganic, Extra Practice for Physical and Organic
Chemistry can be high-scoring if approached correctly. Many students either neglect NCERT or rely too much on memorization.
Inorganic Chemistry
- Study NCERT thoroughly as most questions come directly from it.
- Revise periodic table trends, coordination compounds, and chemical bonding regularly.
- Solve previous year questions to understand frequently asked concepts.
Organic Chemistry
- Focus on reaction mechanisms rather than memorizing reactions.
- NCERT is important, but extra practice is needed for reaction-based questions.
- Use books like Morrison and Boyd for deeper understanding.
- Solve problems from MS Chouhan to improve reaction-based problem-solving skills.
Physical Chemistry
- Requires strong numerical problem-solving skills.
- Revise formulas daily and practice numerical problems regularly.
- Solve problems from P. Bahadur and N Awasthi for better accuracy.
Mathematics: Accuracy and Speed
Mathematics is all about practice. Even if concepts are clear, without solving a large number of problems, speed and accuracy will be low.
- Focus on building speed without compromising accuracy.
- Practice different types of problems to handle unexpected questions.
- Use books like Cengage, Arihant, and RD Sharma for in-depth practice.
- Solve previous year JEE Main questions to understand commonly asked patterns.
Step 3: Solve Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests
Many students study concepts but fail to apply them correctly in the exam. Solving previous year papers and taking mock tests help bridge this gap.
Why solving previous year papers is important:
- Helps understand question patterns and difficulty levels.
- Highlights important topics that are frequently tested.
- Improves time management skills.
- Increases confidence by practicing real exam questions.
How to take mock tests effectively:
- Simulate real exam conditions by timing your tests.
- Take full-length tests at least twice a week.
- Analyze mistakes after each test and note weak areas.
- Focus on reducing errors rather than just increasing speed.
For the best practice, Phodu Club JEE Main Test Series is highly recommended. It provides high-quality questions that match the difficulty level of the actual exam. The detailed performance analysis helps in identifying weak areas and improving them effectively. Many toppers have used this test series to refine their preparation and achieve top scores.
Step 4: Time Management & Study Plan
A structured study plan is key to maximizing efficiency. Many students study randomly, which leads to poor retention and weak performance.
- Divide subjects into daily, weekly, and monthly targets.
- Allocate fixed hours for each subject based on difficulty level.
- Keep a balance between theory and problem-solving.
- Include revision sessions at the end of each week.
Daily Study Plan Example:
| Time Slot | Activity |
| 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM | Revise formulas and important concepts |
| 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Solve Mathematics problems |
| 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Study Physics theory and practice problems |
| 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Study Chemistry concepts from NCERT and reference books |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Solve previous year questions |
| 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Take a mock test or analyze previous test mistakes |
This is just an example. Students should adjust their schedules based on their strengths and weaknesses.
Step 5: Managing Stress & Maintaining Accuracy
JEE Main is not just about knowledge but also about handling pressure. Many students underperform due to stress and nervousness.
- Stay calm during the exam by practicing mindfulness techniques.
- Avoid last-minute cramming, as it increases confusion.
- Develop a habit of deep breathing exercises to reduce anxiety.
- Maintain a positive mindset and avoid unnecessary competition comparisons.
Avoiding Silly Mistakes
- Read questions carefully to avoid misinterpretation.
- Double-check calculations, especially in Mathematics and Physics.
- Attempt easy questions first to build confidence.
- Use elimination techniques in multiple-choice questions when unsure.
- Manage time effectively to avoid rushing through questions.
Final Preparation Strategy Before Exam Day
In the last month before the exam, revision should be the top priority.
- Revise short notes and formulas daily.
- Take at least 8-10 full-length mock tests.
- Analyze mistakes and work on weak areas.
Do not start new topics, as it can create confusion. - Follow a fixed sleep schedule to maintain concentration.
Recommended Books To Score the Highest Marks in JEE Main
Recommended Books for JEE Mains Physics
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication | Why the Books are the Best for JEE Mains Physics |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT | It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice. |
| Concepts of physics (Vol. 1 and 2) | HC Verma | They provide the best exercises along with the basic concepts. |
| Fundamentals of Physics | Halliday, Resnick, & walker | This book helps in clearing all the concepts of Physics important for JEE Mains. |
| Understanding PhysicsIt’s a set of the following books:Electricity & Magnetism Mechanics (Vol. 1 & 2) Optics & Modern Physics Waves & Thermodynamics | D C Pandey – Arihant Publications | This set of books is very popular among the students and one of the best books for JEE Mains. This explains the concepts, derives the formula, and provides a number of solved examples and exercises to solve. |
| Understanding Physics | Freedman and Young | This book explains all the concepts in detail and provides exercises for practice. |
| Problems in Physics | SS Krotov | This book is popular for its exercise questions. |
| Physics Vol-1 and Vol-2 by for Theory and Non-Trivial Problems | Resnick Halliday | Book for understanding concepts and practising questions. |
| Problems on General Physics | I E Irodov | A lot of questions are provided for practising. |
Recommended Books for JEE Mains Chemistry
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication | Why the Book is the Best for JEE Mains Chemistry |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT | It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice. |
| Modern Approach to Chemical Calculations | R C Mukherjee | Physical Chemistry Numericals are the best in this book. |
| Organic Chemistry | O P Tandon | Each and every topic is well explained in this book. |
| Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J. D. Lee | This is the best book for the concepts of Inorganic Chemistry. |
| Concept of Physical Chemistry | P Bahadur | Along with the concepts, there are many exercises to solve. |
| Physical Chemistry | P.W. Atkins | This book is best for extra exercises. |
| Organic Chemistry | Morrison & Boyd | This book is best for extra exercises. |
| Numerical Chemistry 22/e | P Bahadur | This is one of the best books for JEE Mains recommended by toppers. |
Recommended Books for JEE Mains Mathematics
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication | Why the Book is the Best Maths Book for JEE Mains |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT | It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice. |
| Objective Mathematics | RD Sharma | This book explains the concepts very well. They also have a lot of exercise questions. |
| Plane Trigonometry | S L Loney | This book is best for Trigonometry. |
| Algebra | Dr S K Goyal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for Algebra. |
| Differential Calculus | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for understanding the concepts of Calculus. |
| Integral Calculus | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for understanding the concepts of Calculus. |
| The Elements of Coordinate Geometry | S L Loney | This book is best for understanding the concepts of Coordinate Geometry and practising questions on Coordinate Geometry. |
| Play with Graphs | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for practising graphs. |
| Complete Mathematics for JEE Main | Tata McGraw Hill | This is the best book for overall preparation. |
| New Pattern Mathematics for JEE Main | Arihant Publications | You will get a lot of exercises. |
Tips from JEE Main Toppers for Achieving a 99+ Percentile
Scoring a 99+ percentile in JEE Main requires a strategic approach, disciplined study habits, and efficient time management. Many students prepare well but struggle to cross this threshold due to common mistakes and a lack of structured planning. Toppers follow specific techniques that help them maximize their scores while maintaining accuracy under pressure.
Below are some key insights from past JEE Main toppers that can help you refine your preparation strategy and boost your chances of achieving a 99+ percentile.
1) Structured Study Plan for Maximum Efficiency
Toppers emphasize having a well-organized study plan that covers all subjects equally. Many students spend more time on their strong subjects while neglecting weaker areas. This imbalance affects the overall score.
- Create a subject-wise timetable: Allocate fixed hours to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Ensure that you give extra time to weak areas while maintaining practice in strong ones.
- Follow a daily and weekly schedule: Have a mix of theory, problem-solving, and revision each day. Do not focus on a single subject for too long, as it can lead to burnout.
- Set realistic goals: Instead of trying to complete large portions in a single day, divide your topics into small, achievable goals.
- Use active learning techniques: Summarize topics in your own words, teach others, or create concept maps for better retention.
2) Time Allocation for Each Subject
Toppers follow a strategic approach when allocating time to different subjects. Since JEE Main has a balanced distribution of marks across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, it is important to manage time wisely.
- Physics: Requires both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Devote 2-3 hours daily to solving problems and revising key formulas.
- Chemistry: Inorganic requires regular revision, Organic needs practice with reaction mechanisms, and Physical involves numerical problem-solving. Divide your time accordingly.
- Mathematics: Since it involves calculations, dedicate at least 3 hours per day to solving problems. Prioritize speed and accuracy.
3) Importance of Revision and Practice
Many students keep learning new concepts but forget to revise old ones. Toppers highlight the importance of regular revision.
- Revise short notes daily: Maintain a separate notebook for important formulas, reactions, and concepts.
- Use flashcards for quick recall: This method works well, especially for Inorganic Chemistry and Physics formulas.
- Practice mixed problems: Instead of solving problems from a single chapter, mix questions from different topics to simulate exam conditions.
- Solve at least 30-40 questions per subject daily: Regular problem-solving builds accuracy and confidence.
4) Mock Tests: The Game Changer
Taking mock tests under exam-like conditions is one of the most effective ways to prepare for JEE Main. Toppers credit mock tests for their ability to handle real exam pressure.
- Attempt full-length mock tests every week: As the exam approaches, increase the frequency to 2-3 tests per week.
- Simulate real exam conditions: Take tests in a quiet room, with a timer, and without any distractions.
- Analyze mistakes after every test: Identify weak areas and work on them before the next test.
- Improve speed and accuracy: Track the time taken per question and focus on reducing mistakes.
Among the various test series available, Phodu Club JEE Main Test Series is considered one of the best. It provides high-quality questions that match the actual exam level. The detailed performance analysis helps students identify their weak areas and improve accordingly. Many toppers have recommended this test series for its accuracy and real-time exam experience.
5) The Balance Between Coaching and Self-Study
Many toppers attend coaching institutes, but they emphasize that self-study is equally important. Coaching provides guidance, but success depends on how well you apply what you learn.
- Use coaching as a supplement: Do not rely entirely on coaching notes. Study from standard books and practice additional questions.
- Clear doubts immediately: Whether through coaching, teachers, or online resources, do not leave doubts unresolved.
- Maintain self-discipline: Toppers follow a fixed study schedule beyond coaching hours to revise and practice.
6) Psychological Preparation & Handling Exam Stress
Mental preparation is just as important as academic preparation. Many students underperform due to anxiety, even if they have studied well.
- Stay calm under pressure: Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to manage stress.
- Maintain a positive mindset: Avoid unnecessary comparisons with peers. Focus on your own progress.
- Develop exam-taking strategies: If you find a question difficult, skip it and move on instead of wasting time.
- Practice solving questions under timed conditions: This helps in reducing panic during the actual exam.
7) Avoiding Panic During the Exam
Even well-prepared students can make mistakes under pressure. Toppers share their strategies to stay focused and avoid panic.
- Read questions carefully: Misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary mistakes.
- Attempt easy questions first: This helps build confidence and ensures you secure marks early.
- Manage time wisely: Do not get stuck on a single question. Move on if you cannot solve it within a minute.
- Use the elimination method: In MCQs, eliminate incorrect options to improve your chances of guessing correctly.
- Stay composed during difficult sections: If a particular subject feels tough, take a deep breath and move to another one before returning.
8) Common Mistakes That Toppers Avoid
Many students lose marks due to preventable mistakes. Here are some mistakes that toppers consciously avoid:
- Skipping previous year papers: These papers provide insight into the question pattern and difficulty level.
- Overconfidence in strong subjects: Many students neglect revision in subjects they feel confident about, leading to mistakes.
- Ignoring NCERT for Chemistry: Toppers stress that NCERT is the foundation for JEE Main Chemistry.
Not managing time effectively: Spending too much time on tough questions can lead to missing out on easier ones. - Last-minute cramming: This creates confusion and reduces retention of key concepts.
9) Maintaining Motivation and Confidence
Long-term preparation can sometimes feel exhausting. Toppers share how they stay motivated throughout their JEE journey.
- Set short-term and long-term goals: Breaking the syllabus into smaller targets makes preparation manageable.
- Reward yourself for achievements: Completing a difficult chapter? Take a short break or do something enjoyable.
- Surround yourself with positive influences: Avoid negative discussions about JEE difficulty and competition.
- Visualize success: Imagine yourself achieving your dream college and use it as motivation.
- Take breaks when needed: Avoid burnout by incorporating short relaxation periods into your schedule.
Conclusion
Scoring the highest marks in JEE Main is a tough challenge, but the right preparation strategy can bring you closer to that goal. Accuracy, time management, and a strong conceptual foundation play a crucial role in achieving top scores. Many students make mistakes due to stress, misreading questions, or poor revision, which can be avoided with consistent practice.
While a perfect score is extremely rare, a 99+ percentile is achievable with the right approach. Toppers focus on understanding concepts, solving mock tests, and maintaining a disciplined study schedule. Following their strategies can help you maximize your score.
With determination, smart preparation, and regular self-analysis, you can perform at your best in JEE Main. Aim to reduce mistakes, strengthen weak areas, and stay confident throughout your preparation. A high score in JEE Main can open doors to the best engineering colleges, bringing you closer to your dream career.
