The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India, primarily aimed at students wishing to pursue engineering courses in prestigious institutions. Whether you are aiming for the top IITs, NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs, understanding the qualifying criteria and how to achieve the required marks is critical to your success.
This article breaks down the JEE Mains qualifying criteria, factors that determine the qualifying marks, how the cutoffs are decided, and strategies to help you secure the qualifying marks.
JEE Mains Qualifying Criteria
In the context of JEE Mains, “qualifying” means meeting the minimum marks set by the exam authority, which allows you to progress further in the admission process. The JEE Mains qualifying marks are used to determine your eligibility for the next stage: JEE Advanced, and for admission to top engineering colleges like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
It is important to note that qualifying for JEE Mains does not automatically guarantee admission to any college. It merely allows you to appear for JEE Advanced or be eligible for admission to other institutes, depending on your rank, category, and the specific requirements of the institutions you’re applying to.
Qualifying for JEE Advanced
The first goal for most students taking the JEE Mains exam is to qualify for JEE Advanced. The JEE Advanced exam is the next level of examination, and it is used to determine admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
To qualify for JEE Advanced, students must secure a rank within the top 2.5 lakh candidates in JEE Mains. The exact number of students who qualify can vary depending on the specific year’s rules and regulations. The qualifying criteria for JEE Advanced are based on the All India Rank (AIR) and are announced along with the JEE Mains results.
Eligibility for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs
For students who aim for admission to the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs), the criteria are slightly different. While qualifying JEE Mains is essential, the admission depends on the specific category-based cutoff, seat availability, and performance in JEE Mains.
NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs use the JEE Mains scores for admission. However, the cutoffs vary for different categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) and for different institutes. Each of these institutions has its own counseling process for seat allocation.
Factors That Determine the Qualifying Marks in JEE Mains
The qualifying marks for JEE Mains depend on several factors. These include the difficulty level of the exam, category-based cutoffs, and the reservation policy. Below are the key factors that influence the qualifying marks in JEE Mains.
1) Exam Difficulty
One of the major factors influencing the qualifying marks for JEE Mains is the difficulty level of the exam. Each year, the difficulty level of the exam may vary. Sometimes, the questions are relatively easier, and sometimes they are more difficult. If the exam is easier, a larger number of students can score higher, and the qualifying marks may be higher. Conversely, if the exam is tougher, fewer students will score well, and the qualifying marks will be lower.
The exam consists of three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, each with equal weight. If one section is significantly harder than others, it can have a significant impact on the overall qualifying marks.
2) Category-Based Cutoffs
JEE Mains has separate qualifying cutoffs for different categories, such as General, OBC (Other Backward Classes), SC (Scheduled Castes), ST (Scheduled Tribes), and EWS (Economically Weaker Sections). Reserved category candidates typically have lower qualifying marks compared to general category candidates.
The category-based cutoffs are designed to ensure equal opportunities for students from different backgrounds, allowing those from reserved categories to also compete for seats in top institutions. The qualifying cutoffs for reserved categories are lower because of the reservations set by the Indian government.
3) Reservation Policy
The reservation policy in India plays a significant role in determining the qualifying marks for students. A percentage of seats are reserved for students belonging to specific categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and EWS. For instance, in general engineering colleges like NITs and IIITs, approximately 15% of seats are reserved for SC candidates, 7.5% for ST candidates, and 27% for OBC candidates. Additionally, there are seats reserved for candidates from economically weaker sections (EWS) under the general category.
The reservation policy ensures that students from different social and economic backgrounds have equal access to quality education. This policy helps maintain diversity in these institutions.
How JEE Mains Cutoff is Decided
The JEE Mains cutoff is the minimum score required for a candidate to be considered eligible for admission to various institutes or to qualify for JEE Advanced. Several factors contribute to how the cutoff is decided. These factors include the total number of candidates, exam difficulty, the total number of seats available, and more. Let’s explore the different types of cutoffs and the factors influencing them.
Types of Cutoffs in JEE Mains
There are two main types of cutoffs in JEE Mains: the qualifying cutoff and the admission cutoff.
1) JEE Mains Qualifying Cutoff
The qualifying cutoff is the minimum marks that a candidate must achieve in JEE Mains to be considered eligible for further rounds of selection, such as JEE Advanced or counseling for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. This cutoff varies every year, depending on factors like the number of candidates, exam difficulty, and category-wise reservation.
2) JEE Mains Admission Cutoff
The admission cutoff is the minimum marks required for admission to a particular college or program. This cutoff is set by individual institutions, and it depends on various factors such as the popularity of the program, available seats, and the performance of students in the exam.
The admission cutoff can be different for each institute and even for different rounds of counseling. For example, the cutoff may be higher for prestigious institutes like IITs compared to NITs or GFTIs.
Factors Influencing JEE Mains Cutoffs
Several factors determine the cutoff for JEE Mains. Understanding these factors can give you a better idea of how the cutoff is decided each year.
- Total Number of Candidates: The number of candidates appearing for the JEE Mains exam each year plays a major role in determining the cutoff. If the number of candidates is higher, the competition becomes more intense, and the cutoff tends to be higher. On the other hand, if fewer candidates take the exam, the cutoff may be lower.
- Difficulty Level of the Paper: The difficulty level of the JEE Mains exam is another important factor in deciding the cutoff. A tougher exam will likely result in lower qualifying marks since fewer students will be able to score well. A simpler exam may result in higher qualifying marks, as more candidates will be able to score higher.
- Total Number of Seats Available: The total number of seats available for admission also influences the cutoff. If there are more seats available, the cutoff may be lower, as more students will be able to secure admission. However, if the number of seats is limited, the cutoff will be higher.
JEE Mains Year-Wise Qualifying Cutoffs
The qualifying cutoffs for JEE Mains change every year based on several factors. Below are the qualifying cutoffs for the past few years, which can help you get an idea of how they vary.
Category-wise distribution of top 2,50,000* candidates (Criterion A1)
| Sl No. | Category | Number of “Top” candidates | |
| 1 | OPEN | 96187 | 101250 |
| 2 | OPEN-PwD | 5063 | |
| 3 | GEN-EWS | 23750 | 25000 |
| 4 | GEN-EWS-PwD | 1250 | |
| 5 | OBC-NCL | 64125 | 67500 |
| 6 | OBC-NCL-PwD | 3375 | |
| 7 | SC | 35625 | 37500 |
| 8 | SC-PwD | 1875 | |
| 9 | ST | 17812 | 18750 |
| 10 | ST-PwD | 938 | |
NTA JEE Mains 2024 Cutoff
| Category | JEE Main Cutoff 2024 (Percentile) |
| Unreserved (UR) | 100.0000000 to 93.2362181 |
| OBC-NCL | 93.2312696 to 79.6757881 |
| SC | 93.2312696 to 60.0923182 |
| ST | 93.2312696 to 46.6975840 |
| UR-PwD | 93.2041331 to 0.0018700 |
NTA JEE Mains 2023 Cutoff
| Category | JEE Main 2023 Cutoff |
| Common Rank List | 90.7788642 |
| Gen-EWS | 75.6229025 |
| OBC-NCL | 73.6114227 |
| SC | 51.9776027 |
| ST | 37.2348772 |
| PwD | 0.0013527 |
NTA JEE Mains 2022 Cutoff
| Category | JEE Main Cutoff 2022 (Percentile) by NTA |
| Common Rank List (CRL) | 88.4121383 |
| GEN-EWS | 63.1114141 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 67.0090297 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 43.0820954 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 26.7771328 |
| PwD | 0.0031029 |
NTA JEE Mains 2021 Cutoff
| Category/Year | JEE Main Cutoff 2021(Percentile) by NTA |
| General | 87.8992241 |
| OBC-NCL | 68.0234447 |
| SC | 46.8825338 |
| ST | 34.6728999 |
| Gen-EWS | 66.2214845 |
| PwD | 0.0096375 |
NTA JEE Mains 2020 Cutoff
| Category/Year | JEE Main Cutoff 2020 (Percentile) by NTA |
| General | 90.3765335 |
| OBC-NCL | 72.8887969 |
| SC | 50.1760245 |
| ST | 39.0696101 |
| Gen-EWS | 70.2435518 |
| PwD | 0.0618524 |
Strategies to Achieve Qualifying Marks in JEE Mains
Achieving qualifying marks in JEE Mains requires a combination of systematic preparation, smart study techniques, and consistent effort. It’s not just about completing the syllabus, but about mastering the concepts and knowing how to apply them effectively during the exam. By following a structured approach, you can not only aim for qualifying marks but also maximize your performance. Below are several strategies to help you achieve the qualifying marks in JEE Mains.
1) Focus on High-Weightage Topics
JEE Mains covers a vast syllabus, but some topics carry more weight than others. By focusing on these high-weightage topics, you can ensure that your preparation is both efficient and targeted. The more weight a topic carries, the higher the chances that it will be represented in the exam. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize topics that have consistently been important in past exams.
Physics:
- Mechanics: This is one of the most significant areas in Physics, and it forms the foundation for understanding many other concepts. Key topics include laws of motion, work, energy, power, and rotational mechanics. Make sure to thoroughly understand Newton’s laws and concepts of motion in different reference frames.
- Electrodynamics: Topics like electrostatics, current electricity, and magnetism carry substantial weight. Study concepts like Coulomb’s Law, electric fields, magnetic fields, and Ohm’s Law, as they are fundamental to many other problems.
- Thermodynamics: This is an essential chapter with a considerable weightage. Learn the laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, and entropy in-depth to handle most problems easily.
Chemistry:
- Organic Chemistry: Organic chemistry carries a large chunk of the exam weightage. Focus on understanding the basics of organic reactions, functional groups, nomenclature, and mechanisms. Topics like alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons are frequently tested.
- Physical Chemistry: Physical chemistry requires a strong grasp of topics like mole concept, stoichiometry, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics. These concepts often form the backbone of numericals in the exam, so practice solving problems from these areas.
- Inorganic Chemistry: While this section may seem extensive, focusing on important topics like periodic table trends, coordination compounds, and qualitative analysis will help you score efficiently.
Mathematics:
- Calculus: Calculus is one of the most significant areas in JEE Mains. Key concepts include limits, differentiation, integration, and applications of derivatives. A strong foundation in calculus will help you tackle a large number of questions in the exam.
- Algebra: Topics like quadratic equations, progressions, complex numbers, and permutations & combinations are common in JEE Mains. Understanding the properties of numbers and applying algebraic identities can significantly reduce the complexity of problems.
- Coordinate Geometry: This is another crucial section. Topics like straight lines, circles, conic sections, and loci are essential. Solve as many problems as possible to get comfortable with the different types of questions.
By focusing on these high-weightage topics, you can ensure that you have a solid foundation in key areas and can maximize your score in less time.
2) Time Management in the Exam
Effective time management during the exam is critical to ensuring that you are able to attempt the maximum number of questions without rushing or leaving any unanswered. Many students struggle with time during the JEE Mains exam because they spend too much time on a difficult question or lose focus during longer sections. Here are a few tips to manage time effectively:
- Plan Your Approach: Before starting each section, quickly skim through the paper and identify which questions you can answer easily. Answer these questions first to secure quick marks and build confidence.
- Don’t Get Stuck on Difficult Questions: If you find yourself stuck on a question for too long, move on to the next one. It’s better to attempt all the easier questions first and return to difficult ones with the time left.
- Divide Time Between Sections: JEE Mains consists of three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Plan your time allocation based on your strengths and weaknesses in each section. If you are stronger in one subject, allocate slightly more time to the other subjects to ensure a balanced approach.
- Keep Track of Time: While attempting the exam, keep an eye on the clock. Set mini-goals for each section and ensure that you’re not spending more time than necessary on any question.
The more you practice with mock tests and timed conditions, the better you will become at managing your time during the real exam.
3) Practice with Mock Tests and Previous Papers
One of the most effective ways to prepare for JEE Mains is by practicing mock tests and solving previous years’ question papers. Mock tests simulate the real exam environment and offer an opportunity to experience the test under actual exam conditions. These practice sessions help you familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, manage time efficiently, and handle the pressure that comes with the test.
Why Mock Tests are Important:
- Exam Simulation: Mock tests are designed to replicate the real exam as closely as possible. By taking these tests regularly, you can simulate the pressure and time constraints of the actual exam. This helps you practice how to stay calm under pressure and manage your time effectively. Over time, this will help you build confidence and improve your ability to handle any pressure during the JEE Mains exam. The more you practice under exam-like conditions, the better prepared you will be on the actual test day.
- Self-Assessment: Mock tests also allow you to assess your own performance. After every test, take time to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to the areas where you made mistakes, as they provide valuable insights into which topics you need to work on. By identifying recurring errors and understanding where you went wrong, you can focus your efforts on improving these weak areas. This practice of continuous self-assessment is crucial to fine-tuning your preparation.
- Familiarity with Question Patterns: By solving previous year’s papers, you become more familiar with the question patterns that are frequently asked in JEE Mains. You’ll notice certain topics or types of questions that come up regularly, which can help you prioritize your preparation. This familiarity with question types builds confidence and allows you to approach the exam with a clear strategy. You will be less likely to feel intimidated by unknown or unexpected question formats because you will have seen similar ones before.
Recommendation: Phodu Club’s JEE Mains Test Series
To make your practice more structured and exam-oriented, I highly recommend Phodu Club’s JEE Mains Test Series. This test series is designed to offer you a comprehensive and thorough preparation experience for JEE Mains. Here’s why Phodu Club’s test series stands out:
- Realistic Exam Simulation: Phodu Club’s test series mimics the actual exam environment, helping you get accustomed to the timing, format, and level of difficulty of the JEE Mains exam. The tests are designed to simulate real exam conditions, allowing you to practice in a way that closely resembles the actual test day experience.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Phodu Club’s test series covers all subjects—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—ensuring that you get balanced practice across all sections. The series includes questions from various topics and difficulty levels, offering a wide range of questions for every type of student.
- Time Management Practice: With timed tests that mirror the real exam, Phodu Club’s test series helps you practice managing your time efficiently. You’ll learn how to allocate time between sections and improve your ability to attempt all questions without getting stuck on any one problem.
By regularly practicing with Phodu Club’s JEE Mains Test Series, you can improve your speed, accuracy, and confidence in handling the JEE Mains exam. These mock tests provide an excellent opportunity to assess your progress and adapt your preparation based on your performance, making them a vital component of your study plan.
4) Prioritize Weak Areas
While focusing on high-weightage topics is important, it’s equally essential to spend time on your weak areas. These are the topics or concepts that you struggle with the most and tend to avoid. Ignoring weak areas will only widen the gap in your knowledge and hurt your chances of scoring well in the exam.
Steps to Improve Weak Areas:
- Identify Weak Areas Early: Start by identifying the topics that give you the most trouble. Make a list of them and allocate specific time to work on these areas.
- Concept Clarification: If you find a particular concept difficult, don’t hesitate to revisit your textbooks or online resources. Clarify the concept through video lectures, discussions, or tutoring if necessary.
- Practice Regularly: Once you understand the concept, practice solving problems related to it. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with these areas.
- Seek Help: If you are unable to understand certain topics despite your best efforts, reach out for help. Ask teachers, friends, or use online forums to clarify your doubts.
By actively working on your weak areas, you’ll ensure that you’re not left behind in any subject.
5) Consistent Practice and Understanding Concepts
JEE Mains is a competitive exam, and consistent practice is key to success. Understanding the concepts in depth and applying them to solve problems is far more beneficial than rote memorization. When you understand a concept, you’re more likely to solve complex questions related to it with ease.
Steps for Consistent Practice:
- Daily Practice: Set aside a specific amount of time every day for solving problems. Consistency is key to mastering topics.
- Conceptual Understanding: Always focus on understanding the “why” behind every concept. When you understand the reasoning behind formulas and theories, you’ll be able to apply them more effectively in different contexts.
- Revise Regularly: Make it a habit to revise concepts regularly to retain them in your long-term memory. Dedicate a part of your study plan to revision, especially as the exam nears.
Consistent practice, along with a deep understanding of the subjects, will ensure that you are prepared for every type of question that may appear in the exam.
6) Engaging in Revision During the Last Weeks
The final weeks before the exam should be dedicated entirely to revision. During this time, avoid learning new concepts or attempting new topics. Instead, focus on revising what you have already learned.
Revision Tips:
- Focus on Key Formulas and Theorems: In the final weeks, focus on revising key formulas, important theorems, and concepts that are likely to appear in the exam.
- Mock Tests: In addition to revision, take full-length mock tests to evaluate your progress. Simulate exam conditions and work on your time management.
- Relax and De-Stress: In the last few days before the exam, avoid stress and anxiety. Take some time off to relax and de-stress. Proper sleep and mental relaxation will help you perform better during the exam.
Conclusion
Achieving the qualifying marks in JEE Mains is the first step towards realizing your dream of studying engineering in one of India’s top institutions. By understanding the factors that determine the qualifying marks, staying updated on yearly cutoffs, and following effective strategies for preparation, you can significantly increase your chances of qualifying.
Consistency, discipline, and smart preparation are the keys to success in JEE Mains. Focus on high-weightage topics, manage your time effectively, and regularly practice mock tests. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to securing the qualifying marks and achieving your desired results.
