Scoring 90 marks in the JEE Mains can provide a solid starting point for students aiming to enter engineering colleges in India. Although a score of 90 may not place students in the top ranks, it can still open up several educational and career pathways. This guide discusses the scoring and percentile system in JEE Mains, provides an estimate of the percentile for 90 marks, explores college admission options, and offers practical advice on improvement strategies.
Decoding the JEE Mains Scoring and Percentile System
The JEE Mains exam is scored out of 300 marks, divided equally among three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each section has 25 questions, and each correct answer adds 4 marks to the total score. However, incorrect answers in multiple-choice questions deduct 1 mark each. This means that guesswork without careful thought can lead to a reduced final score due to negative marking. Integer-based questions, which make up 5 questions in each section, do not have negative marking.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the marking system:
- Total Marks: 300
- Each Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Each Incorrect Answer (MCQs): -1 mark
- Integer-Based Questions: No negative marking
To optimise scoring, students must answer with precision, especially in MCQs where negative marking applies. Calculated attempts, rather than random guesses, can minimise score deductions.
How Percentiles are Calculated and Vary by Session
JEE Mains calculates percentiles based on the relative performance of students in each session. Percentiles indicate a student’s rank relative to others, rather than their raw score. This percentile-based ranking system adjusts for the varying difficulty levels across different exam sessions.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) uses normalisation to balance scores across sessions. Each student’s percentile is calculated based on their performance relative to others in their session. The formula for percentile calculation is as follows:
Percentile=(Number of students with scores equal to or less than yours/Total number of students in your session)×100
Since percentiles depend on overall session performance, they vary by session. If a session is more challenging, students’ percentiles may increase for the same raw score compared to an easier session.
Approximate Percentile Range for 90 Marks
Based on recent trends, students scoring around 90 marks in JEE Mains generally fall into a percentile range of approximately 92-93. However, this range is an approximation and can shift depending on various factors, including the number of test-takers and the paper’s difficulty.
Estimate of Percentile Based on Recent Trends
In recent years, a score of around 90 marks has typically corresponded to the 92-93 percentile range. This percentile range means that a student scoring 90 marks is performing better than 92-93% of the test-takers in their session. However, these numbers can vary slightly based on session-specific factors.
JEE Main Marks vs Percentile 2024
| Marks out of 300 | Rank | 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 Affecting Percentile Calculation
Several factors influence the percentile range for a given score. Understanding these factors can help students predict their percentile more accurately and set realistic expectations.
- Number of Test Takers: The total number of candidates impacts the percentile. In sessions with fewer candidates, a score of 90 may yield a slightly higher percentile. Conversely, with more candidates, the percentile for 90 marks may decrease.
- Overall Difficulty Level of the Paper: The difficulty of each session varies, impacting how scores translate to percentiles. For example, if a session has a particularly tough paper, a score of 90 may fall into a higher percentile because fewer students achieve high scores.
- Performance Distribution Across Candidates: The way scores are distributed across candidates affects percentile outcomes. If most students score around 90, the percentile may be lower due to the concentration of scores at that level.
Example of Percentile Shifts Due to These Factors
For instance, if a student scores 90 marks in a session with 200,000 candidates and the paper is of moderate difficulty, their percentile might be around 87. However, if another session has a harder paper and fewer candidates, a similar score could result in a percentile of 90 or higher.
Implications of 90 Marks in JEE Mains for College Admissions
A score of 90 in JEE Mains provides eligibility for certain colleges and branches, though students may need to consider options beyond the top NITs and IIITs. Here’s a look at the types of colleges and branches students can target with a score of 90.
Eligibility for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs
National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government-Funded Technical Institutions (GFTIs) are top choices for students who qualify in JEE Mains. However, entry into these institutes can be competitive, especially for popular branches.
Likelihood of Qualifying for Certain Branches at Lower-Ranked NITs/IIITs
With a percentile of 92-93, students may have limited options in NITs and IIITs. Admission to top NITs and branches like Computer Science or Electronics is challenging at this range. However, students may still qualify for lower-ranked NITs or less popular branches, such as Civil Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering, particularly if they have state or category quotas.
Impact of Category and State Quota on Eligibility
Category-based quotas (SC/ST/OBC) can significantly improve admission chances at NITs and IIITs for students scoring 90 marks. Many institutes reserve a percentage of seats for reserved categories, and cutoffs for these categories tend to be lower.
Similarly, students from certain states may benefit from the state quota in NITs. NITs reserve a certain percentage of seats for students domiciled in the same state. This state quota can enhance a student’s eligibility, especially for less competitive branches.
Potential for State-Level Engineering Colleges
State-level engineering colleges are a viable option for students scoring 90 marks. These colleges offer quality education and, in many cases, accept students with moderate percentiles.
State Colleges That May Accept This Percentile
In several Indian states, such as Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi state engineering colleges admit students based on their JEE Main scores. Students with a state quota may also find it easier to secure a seat in their home state colleges, even with a percentile of around 92-93.
Advantage of Domiciled Students in Their Respective State Quotas
Most state-level engineering colleges have quotas for students who are domiciled in that state. This quota can improve chances of admission to popular colleges within the student’s home state. Domiciled students are often given preference in the state counselling process, making it easier for them to secure seats in reputable state colleges.
Alternative Career Pathways
Students who score 90 marks in JEE Mains can also consider alternative career pathways, including private engineering colleges and other entrance exams.
Private Engineering Colleges Accepting Students at This Range
Many private engineering institutions in India accept students based on their JEE Mains scores and other entrance exams. Notable private universities like SRM University, Manipal Institute of Technology, and Amity University offer engineering programs with a wide range of branches.
These institutions may have more flexible admission requirements, and some offer scholarships based on performance in JEE Mains. Although tuition fees in private colleges may be higher, scholarships and financial aid options are often available.
Recommendations for Alternative Entrance Exams and Backup Options
In addition to JEE Mains, students can consider other entrance exams, including:
- MHT-CET (Maharashtra)
- KCET (Karnataka)
- WBJEE (West Bengal)
These exams provide a backup option and may offer students better chances of admission in state-level or private institutions. By attempting multiple exams, students can improve their chances of securing a college seat.
Recommendations for Improvement
For students aiming to improve their scores and qualify for more competitive colleges, it’s essential to focus on both academic and strategic aspects of the exam.
Academic Focus Areas
Improving scores in JEE Mains requires targeted study in key topics and subjects. Here’s a breakdown of commonly challenging areas and high-weightage topics that students should prioritise.
Subjects and Topics Where Students Commonly Lose Marks
- Physics: Students often lose marks in topics like Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism. These areas involve complex concepts and calculations, making them challenging without strong foundational knowledge.
- Chemistry: Organic Chemistry tends to be a difficult area for many students due to the numerous reaction mechanisms and transformations. Inorganic Chemistry, requiring memorization of facts and trends, is another area where students commonly make mistakes.
- Mathematics: Calculus and Coordinate Geometry are high-weightage topics where students often struggle. These areas require a solid understanding of formulas and problem-solving techniques.
Key High-Weightage Topics to Focus on for Quick Improvement
Focusing on high-weightage topics can help students improve their scores more efficiently. Some high-weightage topics include:
JEE Mains Physics Chapter wise weightage
| 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% |
JEE Mains Chemistry Chapter wise weightage
| 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 And Surface Chemistry | 6.60% |
| Nuclear & Environmental 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, amino acids, and Polymers | 6.60% |
| Aromatic Compounds | 6.60% |
JEE Mains Mathematics Chapter wise weightage
| 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% |
Exam Strategy
Adopting a well-planned exam strategy is crucial for maximising scores in JEE Mains. This section provides tips on managing time and selecting questions wisely.
Tips on Time Management During the Exam
- Allocate Time Per Section: Students should divide the 180 minutes of the exam among Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, allocating approximately 60 minutes per section. This balanced approach allows adequate time for each subject.
- Set a Time Limit for Each Question: Setting a limit of around 2-3 minutes per question can help students manage their time better. If a question takes too long, it’s advisable to move on and return to it later if time permits.
Strategies for Maximising Score with Effective Answer Selection
- Attempt High-Confidence Questions First: Begin with questions that you feel most confident about. Solving these first helps build momentum and ensures that you secure marks in areas of strength.
- Skip Challenging Questions Temporarily: If a question seems too difficult or time-consuming, skip it and return to it later. This prevents time wastage and helps maintain focus.
- Avoid Guessing on Negative Marking Questions: Random guessing in MCQs with negative marking can reduce the final score. Only attempt guesses if you can eliminate at least one or two incorrect options.
Mock Test Guidance
Mock tests play a critical role in exam preparation by allowing students to assess their strengths and weaknesses.
How to Use Mock Tests to Benchmark Improvement
Regularly taking mock tests allows students to track their progress, understand their weaknesses, and adapt their strategies. Here’s how to use mock tests effectively:
- Simulate Real Exam Conditions: Take mock tests under real exam conditions by timing yourself and attempting the entire paper without breaks. This simulation can help you get comfortable with the pressure of the actual exam.
- Track Your Scores Over Time: Keep a record of your scores for each mock test and analyse any improvements or patterns. Tracking scores over time helps identify areas where you’ve made progress and areas that still need attention.
- Focus on Accuracy and Speed: Focus on improving both accuracy and speed. After each test, note the time taken for each section and try to reduce it without sacrificing accuracy. This practice will help you find a balance between solving questions quickly and avoiding mistakes.
Focused Analysis of Weak Areas to Improve Percentile
Analysing weak areas is essential for achieving higher scores in future attempts. Here’s how to analyse and address weaknesses effectively:
- Identify Consistent Weaknesses: After each mock test, review the questions you got wrong or struggled with. Identify if these errors are in specific topics or types of questions. For instance, if you frequently miss questions in Mechanics, allocate more time to this topic.
- Prioritise High-Weightage Weak Topics: Once you identify your weak areas, prioritise topics with higher weightage. Improving performance in these topics can have a significant impact on your overall score.
- Work on Common Mistakes: Note common errors, such as calculation mistakes or misinterpretation of questions. Addressing these mistakes can improve your accuracy and prevent you from losing marks on easily solvable questions.
Exploring Options Beyond JEE Mains
For students who score around 90 marks in JEE Mains, exploring other exams and institutions can provide additional opportunities for pursuing engineering.
State and Private Exams with Similar Percentile Acceptance
Several state and private exams accept students with scores similar to those who achieve around 90 marks in JEE Mains. Here are some exams worth considering:
- MHT-CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test): This state-level entrance exam is widely accepted by colleges in Maharashtra. Many students who score moderately in JEE Mains find success in MHT-CET, as it focuses more on the Maharashtra state board syllabus.
- KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test): Karnataka students can appear for KCET to gain admission into reputable state colleges. KCET accepts students with a wide range of scores, and preparation based on the state syllabus can lead to success.
- WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination): This exam allows students to gain entry into engineering colleges in West Bengal. Students scoring around 90 in JEE Mains may find better chances in WBJEE, where they can qualify for decent colleges within the state.
- COMEDK UGET: The Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka conducts this exam for admission to private engineering colleges in Karnataka. This is another option for students looking to study in Karnataka.
Taking these exams offers backup options and may provide better college placement than relying solely on JEE Mains.
Institutes with Special Quotas for Students with Percentile in This Range
Several institutes offer special quotas or reserved seats for students who may not have top-tier JEE Mains scores but still demonstrate potential. Here are some examples:
- State Quotas in NITs and GFTIs: Many NITs and GFTIs have state quotas, where a percentage of seats are reserved for students from that specific state. If you have domicile status in the state where the NIT or GFTI is located, your chances of admission may improve, especially if you apply to less popular branches.
- Category-Based Reservations: Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) often have lower cutoffs for admission to government engineering colleges. This reservation can benefit students in the 92-93 percentile range, enabling them to secure seats in reputable colleges.
- Institutional Quotas in Private Colleges: Some private colleges and universities have institutional quotas or management seats, which allow students to gain admission based on criteria other than JEE Mains rank. While these seats may come with a higher tuition fee, they can be viable options if budget permits.
Conclusion
Scoring 90 marks in JEE Mains represents a solid foundation for students seeking engineering admissions in India. Although this score may not open doors to the top NITs and IIITs, it does provide access to a range of state-level engineering colleges, private institutions, and alternative exams. By understanding the percentile range for 90 marks, students can make informed decisions about the institutions and branches they can realistically target.
For students aiming to improve their score, focusing on high-weightage topics, refining exam strategies, and using mock tests effectively can lead to meaningful progress. A balanced study plan, combined with regular practice and focused improvement in weak areas, can increase a student’s chances of qualifying for better colleges in future JEE Mains attempts.
Additionally, exploring state and private entrance exams as backup options provides additional pathways for students to pursue their engineering goals. Special quotas, including state and category reservations, can further enhance the chances of securing a seat in reputable institutions.
Ultimately, a score of 90 in JEE Mains is a stepping stone that allows students to evaluate their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and take actionable steps toward achieving their engineering aspirations. With a strategic approach and consistent effort, students can unlock multiple pathways to pursue a rewarding engineering education and career.
