Scored 150 marks in JEE Mains and unsure what it means for your admission chances? You’re not alone! Many students find themselves in this range, wondering if it’s enough for a good NIT or if they need to aim higher. Understanding your percentile, rank, and college options is important before making the next move.
With 150 marks, your percentile will likely be between 94-98, giving you a chance at decent NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. But if you’re aiming for top NITs or CSE in good colleges, you might need to push your score higher. The good news? A few smart changes in preparation can increase your score and improve your college options.
This guide will help you understand where you stand, what colleges you can get, and how to improve if you want a better rank and a brighter future. Let’s get started!
JEE Mains Exam Pattern
The JEE Mains exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam is held in multiple sessions, and the difficulty level may vary across sessions. The exam follows a specific pattern:
JEE Main 2025 Exam Pattern for Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech)
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based examination |
| JEE Main exam duration | 3 hours |
| Language of Examination | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odisha, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. |
| Type of Questions | Multiple choice questions (MCQs)Questions with numerical values as answers |
| No. of Sections | There are three sections:MathematicsPhysicsChemistry |
| JEE Main Total questions | Mathematics: 25 (20+5) 5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.Physics: 25 (20+5) 5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.Chemistry: 25 (20+5) 5 Questions with answers as a numerical value. All 5 questions are compulsory.Total: 75 Questions (25 questions each) |
| How many marks in JEE Main | 300 Marks (100 marks for each section) |
| JEE Mains negative marking | MCQs: Four marks will be awarded for each correct answer and there will be a negative marking of one mark on each wrong answer.Questions with numerical value answers: Candidates will be given four marks for each correct answer and there will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer. |
JEE Main 2025 Exam Pattern Paper 2
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based examination except for Drawing section in B.Arch (Pen & Paper based mode) |
| Language | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. |
| Exam Duration | Three hours |
| No. of Sections | B.Arch (Paper 2A):Part 1 – MathematicsPart 2 – Aptitude testPart 3 – Drawing testB.Plan (Paper 2B):MathematicsAptitude testPlanning tests (MCQs) |
| Type of Questions | B.Arch -Mathematics: MCQs and questions with numerical value as answersAptitude- Multiple- choice questionsDrawing- Drawing aptitudeB.Planning-Mathematics- MCQs, and questions with numerical value as answersAptitude- MCQs (Multiple choice questions)Planning- MCQs (Multiple choice questions) |
| JEE Mains total questions | B.Arch: 75+2 (Drawing test) QuestionsB.Plan: 100 Questions |
| Total Marks in JEE Mains 2025 paper 2A | 400 Marks |
| JEE Mains Marking Scheme | MCQs: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each wrong answer.Questions with numerical value answers: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 for each wrong answer.Drawing Test: Two questions are evaluated out of 100 marks. |
The percentile score in JEE Mains depends on the relative performance of all students. If the paper is tough, fewer students score high marks, leading to a higher percentile for a given score. If the paper is easy, more students score high marks, resulting in a lower percentile for the same score.
NTA uses normalization to adjust differences in difficulty levels across different sessions. This means that the percentile of a student scoring 150 marks may vary slightly depending on the session.
Expected Percentile for 150 Marks in JEE Mains
If you have scored 150 marks in JEE Mains, your expected percentile will be between 96 and 97.5. This means that you have performed better than 96-97.5% of all students who appeared for the exam.
However, this percentile is not fixed and can vary depending on several factors, such as the difficulty level of the paper, the total number of candidates, and normalization applied by NTA.
| Marks | Expected Percentile |
| 160 marks | 97.74+ percentile |
| 159 marks | 97.68+ percentile |
| 158 marks | 97.62+ percentile |
| 157 marks | 97.56+ percentile |
| 156 marks | 97.5+ percentile |
| 155 marks | 97.43+ percentile |
| 154 marks | 97.36+ percentile |
| 153 marks | 97.29+ percentile |
| 152 marks | 97.21+ percentile |
| 151 marks | 97.15+ percentile |
| 150 marks | 97.08+ percentile |
JEE Main Marks vs Rank vs Percentile 2025 (Expected)
| 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 |
The percentile system in JEE Mains does not depend on the absolute marks alone. Instead, it is based on the relative performance of students in a particular session.
Example Calculation for 150 Marks
Let’s consider an example where 10 lakh students appear for JEE Mains. If a student scores 150 marks, they may secure a percentile of around 96.5. This means their rank would be better than 96.5% of all students who appeared for the exam.
The formula for percentile calculation is:
Percentile = ( 1 − Rank/Total Candidates ) × 100
Rank =( 1−96.5/100​) × 10,00,000 = 35,000
List of Colleges Accepting 150 Marks in JEE Mains
A 150 marks score in JEE Mains is a commendable achievement, but it may not guarantee admission to top-tier institutions like the IITs. However, there are still several excellent opportunities for students with this percentile. The primary options are National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), private engineering colleges, and home-state government colleges.
NITs and IIITs
NITs: The National Institutes of Technology are among India’s most sought-after engineering colleges. A 150 mark score can open doors to mid-tier and some high-ranking NITs, though the exact branches available may vary. For instance, top branches like Computer Science and Electronics might have higher cutoffs, but branches such as Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, and Biotechnology are often available to students within this range.
- Popular NIT Options: NIT Silchar, NIT Raipur, and NIT Goa are examples of institutes that may offer seats to students in the 150 marks range for select branches.
- IIITs: Indian Institutes of Information Technology are highly regarded for their focus on Information Technology and Computer Science. IIITs generally have higher cutoffs for Computer Science, but students scoring around the 96th percentile may find options in branches such as Electronics and Communication Engineering.
Notable IIITs: IIIT Pune, IIIT Bhagalpur, and IIIT Bhopal are some of the IIITs that may accept students with a 150 marks score, though this depends on annual cutoffs.
GFTIs (Government Funded Technical Institutions)
GFTIs, or Government Funded Technical Institutions, offer quality education and often have lower cutoffs than NITs and IIITs. A 150 marks score can make you eligible for several GFTIs, which provide engineering programs in various branches.
- Types of GFTIs: These institutions include colleges like Assam University, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, and Mizoram University. While they may not be as popular as NITs, GFTIs have reputable programs in fields like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering.
- Benefits of GFTIs: GFTIs provide a solid education foundation, often at a lower cost than private institutions, and are backed by government funding. These colleges can be a great choice for students aiming to get a quality education within a reasonable rank range.
List of Some GFTI colleges in India under JEE Main
| Institute Name | Total Seats | Total No of Programmes Offered (Btech & BArch) |
| Assam University | 168 | 6 |
| Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi | 1029 | 30 |
| Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar | 460 | 4 |
| Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Bhadohi | 33 | 1 |
| Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Management-Ahmedabad | 114 | 3 |
| Institute of Technology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh | 500 | 7 |
| J.K. Institute of Applied Physics & Technology, Department of Electronics & Communication, University of Allahabad- Allahabad | 112 | 2 |
| National Institute of Foundry & Forge Technology, Hatia, Ranchi | 210 | 3 |
| Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology | 311 | 7 |
| Mizoram University, Aizawl | 102 | 6 |
| School of Engineering, Tezpur University, Napaam, Tezpur | 145 | 6 |
| School of Planning & Architecture, Bhopal | 132 | 2 |
| School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi | 175 | 2 |
| School of Planning & Architecture: Vijayawada | 132 | 2 |
| Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Jammu & Kashmir | 195 | 6 |
| HNB Garhwal University Srinagar (Garhwal) | 95 | 5 |
| International Institute of Information Technology, Naya Raipur | 63 | 3 |
| University of Hyderabad | 30 | 1 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi | 126 | 2 |
| Central Institute of Technology Kokrajhar, Assam | 20 | 5 |
| Pondicherry Engineering College, Puducherry | 318 | 18 |
| Ghani Khan Choudhury Institute of Engineering and Technology, Malda, West Bengal | 95 | 6 |
| Central University of Rajasthan, Rajasthan | 90 | 3 |
| North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong | 80 | 4 |
Private Engineering Institutes
In addition to government-funded institutions, there are numerous private engineering colleges in India that accept JEE Mains scores. Some of these private colleges are well-established and offer excellent infrastructure, faculty, and industry connections. Many private institutions also offer scholarships or fee discounts for students who perform well in JEE Mains.
Several private colleges offer scholarships to students based on their JEE Mains percentile. With a 150 marks, students can explore options like:
- VIT University, Vellore: VIT is one of the most popular private institutions in India. Students with 150 marks in JEE Mains may have a good chance of securing admission here, especially with scholarship opportunities.
- Shiv Nadar University: Known for its world-class infrastructure and high-quality education, Shiv Nadar University offers scholarships and fee waivers for students with strong JEE Mains scores.
Other prominent private institutions that accept JEE Mains scores and may offer scholarships include Amity University, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, and BML Munjal University. These institutions provide high-quality education, often in collaboration with industry leaders, and students with 150 marks have a good chance of securing admission.
Strategy to Improve from 150 Marks in JEE Mains
1) Rank Analysis and Identifying Scope for Improvement
Before diving into improving your preparation, it’s essential to understand your current standing and assess where improvements can be made. A 150 marks typically translates into a rank between 30,000 and 45,000, depending on the number of candidates and the difficulty level of the exam.
Scope for improvement:
- Moving to a 170: If you want to shift from 150 to 170 marks, you would likely need to aim for a rank in the range of 15,000 to 20,000. This jump requires an improvement of about 2 to 3 percentage points in your overall score.
- Moving to a 180 percentile and beyond: Aiming for a 180 marks would place your rank below 10,000, and this would require a substantial improvement. To reach this goal, you need to raise your score by at least 5-6 percentage points compared to your current performance.
Improving your percentile by 2-3 points requires a fine-tuned strategy that focuses on enhancing accuracy, improving time management, and revisiting concepts that have a significant weight in the exam.
2) Evaluating Your Current Performance
One of the most effective ways to improve is to evaluate your existing performance thoroughly. By breaking down your JEE Mains result into subject-wise performance and identifying weaknesses, you can devise a personalized strategy. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is essential for strategic improvement.
Error Analysis:
Another critical aspect is to analyze the errors you make during mock tests and practice sessions. Categorize these errors into three types:
- Conceptual Gaps: These errors occur when you don’t fully understand a particular concept. If this is a recurring problem, revisit the fundamental concepts and work through problems step by step to gain clarity.
- Calculation Mistakes: Sometimes students make simple arithmetic or calculation mistakes under exam pressure. Regular practice and familiarity with different types of problems can help reduce these errors.
By identifying these specific areas and focusing on improving them, you can make a significant improvement in your overall score.
3) Improving Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving is at the heart of JEE Mains. While understanding concepts is crucial, being able to apply them in solving questions is even more important. Improving your problem-solving skills requires consistent practice and focused effort. Here’s how you can enhance your problem-solving approach:
- Solve Topic-wise Question Sets: Work on solving problems from each chapter individually. After completing a topic, attempt questions based on the same concept to ensure you have a strong grasp of the topic.
- Take Practice Papers: Try solving previous year question papers and full-length practice papers. These papers simulate the actual exam and give you an idea of how to manage time and approach different types of questions.
- Practice Numerical and Integer-based Questions: Numerical-based and integer-type questions have no negative marking, so these are good to practice to boost your score.
4) Optimizing Exam Strategy
A strong exam strategy can significantly boost your performance, especially when you’re looking to improve your rank. You must not only focus on the content but also on how to approach the exam efficiently.
Time Management: Time management is a crucial factor in improving your rank. A well-thought-out time allocation will ensure you can attempt all the questions without feeling rushed. Allocate a fixed amount of time to each subject—60 minutes per subject is a good starting point. Aim to finish all questions with at least 10–15 minutes remaining to review your answers. During the review, check for any calculation errors or skipped questions.
Minimizing Negative Marking: JEE Mains has negative marking, so it’s important to avoid blind guessing. If you’re unsure about an answer, skip the question rather than taking a chance. Guessing randomly can lower your score due to negative marking. For numerical-based questions, double-check your calculations before finalizing the answer to avoid mistakes.
5) Leveraging Mock Tests
Mock tests are one of the most effective tools in improving your rank. Regularly taking mock tests will help you simulate the actual exam environment, improve your time management, and allow you to practice under exam pressure.
Consistent Practice with Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly—preferably 2-3 times a week. This will ensure you’re not only practicing consistently but also getting used to the exam format and time constraints. Additionally, mock tests will help you pinpoint which areas need further focus.The Phodu Club test series is highly recommended for its accuracy and quality, reflecting the true difficulty and pattern of JEE Mains.
Review and Learn from Mistakes: After every mock test, analyze the mistakes you made. Understand the reason behind each mistake—whether it’s due to conceptual gaps, calculation errors, or poor time management—and work on fixing these issues.
6) Study Resources
While self-study is critical, utilizing quality study materials can make a significant difference in your performance. Some highly recommended resources are:
Recommended Books for JEE Mains Physics
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT |
| Concepts of physics (Vol. 1 and 2) | HC Verma |
| Fundamentals of Physics | Halliday, Resnick, & walker |
| 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 |
| Understanding Physics | Freedman and Young |
| Problems in Physics | SS Krotov |
| Physics Vol-1 and Vol-2 by for Theory and Non-Trivial Problems | Resnick Halliday |
| Problems on General Physics | I E Irodov |
Recommended Books for JEE Mains Chemistry
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT |
| Modern Approach to Chemical Calculations | R C Mukherjee |
| Organic Chemistry | O P Tandon |
| Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J. D. Lee |
| Concept of Physical Chemistry | P Bahadur |
| Physical Chemistry | P.W. Atkins |
| Organic Chemistry | Morrison & Boyd |
| Numerical Chemistry 22/e | P Bahadur |
Recommended Books for JEE Mains Mathematics
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT |
| Objective Mathematics | RD Sharma |
| Plane Trigonometry | S L Loney |
| Algebra | Dr S K Goyal – Arihant Publications |
| Differential Calculus | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications |
| Integral Calculus | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications |
| The Elements of Coordinate Geometry | S L Loney |
| Play with Graphs | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications |
| Complete Mathematics for JEE Main | Tata McGraw Hill |
| New Pattern Mathematics for JEE Main | Arihant Publications |
Conclusion
Scoring 150 marks in JEE Mains places you in the 96-97.5 percentile range, with an estimated rank of 25,000-40,000. This score gives you a chance to get into mid-tier NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, though securing top branches like CSE may be difficult. Your admission chances also depend on category reservations and home state quota.
If you are happy with your expected college options, you can start preparing for JoSAA counseling. However, if you aim for top NITs or better branches, improving your score is essential. By identifying weak areas, managing time better, and practicing more mock tests, you can increase your marks in the next attempt.
Remember, every extra mark boosts your percentile and rank. Keep working hard, stay focused, and aim higher. With the right strategy and determination, you can secure a better college and shape a bright future!
