Scoring 98 percentile in JEE Mains is a big deal for any student. It means you have performed better than 98 percent of the candidates who appeared for the exam. But what does this percentile really mean for your future? Can you get into top engineering colleges like NITs or IIITs with this score? Should you try again to reach 99 percentile or focus on JoSAA counseling?
Many students find these questions confusing after the results are out. This article answers all your doubts in simple and clear language. You will understand how the percentile system works, what rank you can expect, and which colleges may offer you a seat. We will also explain the admission process and give practical tips if you want to improve your score further.
If you have scored around 98 percentile or are aiming for it, this guide will help you plan your next steps with confidence.
Understanding the 98 Percentile in JEE Mains
Percentile is not your actual marks. It shows how many students scored less than you. For example, if you have 98 percentile, it means 98% of students scored below you.
It is a measure of your relative performance. Your percentile shows your rank among all candidates. It does not give the exact marks you got in the exam.
The percentile score depends on how others performed. Even if you score high, your percentile may vary if others perform better. So, percentile tells your position among all students who appeared. If 10 lakh students appeared and you have 98 percentile, then 9.8 lakh students scored below you. This helps in ranking students easily across different exam sessions.
Difference Between Percentile and Raw Score
- Raw Score: This is the total marks you actually scored in JEE Mains out of 300.
- Percentile: This is the normalized score that shows how many students performed worse than you.
You might have a raw score of 165 but your percentile can still be 98. This happens because percentile depends on relative performance and normalization.
Expected Marks Range for 98 Percentile (2025)
If you score 98 percentile in JEE Mains, it means you have outperformed 98% of all the students who appeared for the exam. However, many students are confused about how many actual marks this percentile represents. Since JEE Mains is conducted in multiple sessions, the raw marks are normalized to generate percentile scores. That’s why two students with the same raw score in different sessions can have slightly different percentiles.
The expected raw score range for 98 percentile lies between 150 and 160 marks out of 300. This estimate is based on data from previous years and normalization trends. Below is a detailed table that shows how marks generally map to percentiles. The table gives a clearer idea of how your raw marks compare with your percentile.
| Marks Range | Expected Percentile Range |
| 300 – 281 | 100 – 99.99989145 |
| 271 – 280 | 99.994681 – 99.997394 |
| 263 – 270 | 99.990990 – 99.994029 |
| 250 – 262 | 99.977205 – 99.988819 |
| 241 – 250 | 99.960163 – 99.975034 |
| 231 – 240 | 99.934980 – 99.956364 |
| 221 – 230 | 99.901113 – 99.928901 |
| 211 – 220 | 99.851616 – 99.893732 |
| 201 – 210 | 99.795063 – 99.845212 |
| 191 – 200 | 99.710831 – 99.782472 |
| 181 – 190 | 99.597399 – 99.688579 |
| 171 – 180 | 99.456939 – 99.573193 |
| 161 – 170 | 99.272084 – 99.431214 |
| 151 – 160 | 99.028614 – 99.239737 |
| 141 – 150 | 98.732389 – 98.990296 |
| 131 – 140 | 98.317414 – 98.666935 |
| 121 – 130 | 97.811260 – 98.254132 |
| 111 – 120 | 97.142937 – 97.685672 |
| 101 – 110 | 96.204550 – 96.978272 |
| 91 – 100 | 94.998594 – 96.064850 |
| 81 – 90 | 93.471231 – 94.749479 |
| 71 – 80 | 91.072128 – 93.152971 |
| 61 – 70 | 87.512225 – 90.702200 |
| 51 – 60 | 82.016062 – 86.907944 |
| 41 – 50 | 73.287808 – 80.982153 |
| 31 – 40 | 58.151490 – 71.302052 |
| 21 – 30 | 37.694529 – 56.569310 |
| 11 – 20 | 13.495849 – 33.229128 |
| 0 – 10 | 0.8435177 – 9.6954066 |
From the table, we see that a student needs to score between 150 and 160 marks to fall within the 99.02 to 99.23 percentile range. This is typically where the 98 percentile is expected to lie due to normalization.
So, if you have scored anywhere from 150 to 160 marks, your percentile would likely fall close to 98. However, this can vary slightly based on your exam shift, paper difficulty, and number of students in your session.
Why Exact Scores May Vary
Here are a few reasons why your marks may not always perfectly match the percentile:
- Normalization Process: Since different sessions have different question papers, the difficulty level is not always the same. NTA uses a normalization formula to balance this.
- Number of Candidates: If more students appear for the exam in 2025 compared to previous years, then even small changes in raw scores can affect the percentile.
- Session Shifts: If your exam was in a shift where most students scored very high or very low, your percentile will also be affected accordingly.
Rank Corresponding to 98 Percentile in JEE Mains
Since percentile is a relative score, your actual rank depends on how many students appeared for the exam and how well they performed in your session. The rank gives you a clear idea of your position among all the test takers. It is also one of the main criteria used in the JoSAA and CSAB counseling processes. Based on past data and the expected number of candidates in JEE Mains 2025, a 98 percentile typically corresponds to a rank between 15,000 and 22,000. This means that out of more than 11 lakh candidates, you are among the top 2%.
Let’s look at a detailed rank vs percentile chart to understand this better.
| Percentile Range | Approximate Rank Range |
| 100 – 99.99989145 | 1 – 20 |
| 99.994681 – 99.997394 | 24 – 80 |
| 99.990990 – 99.994029 | 55 – 83 |
| 99.977205 – 99.988819 | 85 – 210 |
| 99.960163 – 99.975034 | 215 – 367 |
| 99.934980 – 99.956364 | 375 – 599 |
| 99.901113 – 99.928901 | 610 – 911 |
| 99.851616 – 99.893732 | 920 – 1367 |
| 99.795063 – 99.845212 | 1375 – 1888 |
| 99.710831 – 99.782472 | 1900 – 2664 |
| 99.597399 – 99.688579 | 2700 – 3710 |
| 99.456939 – 99.573193 | 3800 – 5003 |
| 99.272084 – 99.431214 | 5100 – 6706 |
| 99.028614 – 99.239737 | 6800 – 8949 |
| 98.732389 – 98.990296 | 9000 – 11678 |
| 98.317414 – 98.666935 | 11800 – 15501 |
| 97.811260 – 98.254132 | 15700 – 20164 |
| 97.142937 – 97.685672 | 20500 – 26321 |
| 96.204550 – 96.978272 | 26500 – 34966 |
| 94.998594 – 96.064850 | 35000 – 46076 |
| 93.471231 – 94.749479 | 46500 – 60147 |
| 91.072128 – 93.152971 | 61000 – 82249 |
| 87.512225 – 90.702200 | 83000 – 115045 |
| 82.016062 – 86.907944 | 117000 – 165679 |
| 73.287808 – 80.982153 | 166000 – 246089 |
| 58.151490 – 71.302052 | 264383 – 385534 |
As you can see, the percentile range of 98.317414 to 98.666935 roughly translates to a rank between 11,800 and 15,501. If you go slightly below that, the 97.811260 to 98.254132 percentile range gives a rank between 15,700 and 20,164. So, 98 percentile generally maps to an AIR between 15,000 and 22,000, depending on the exact score and session.
What Affects Your Rank?
Your final rank is calculated after normalization of marks. A few important factors that affect your rank include:
- Total Number of Candidates: If more students appear for JEE Mains, your rank could shift even if your percentile remains the same.
- Difficulty Level of Your Session: NTA normalizes scores across different sessions to ensure fairness. That means even if you get slightly fewer raw marks, your percentile might remain high if your paper was tougher.
- Tie-Breaking Rules: If two students have the same percentile, ranks are assigned based on subject-wise marks and age in some cases.
Colleges Accepting 98 Percentile In JEE Mains
Scoring 98 percentile in JEE Mains is a strong achievement. It places you in the top 2% of over 11 lakh candidates. While it may not guarantee admission into top branches like CSE in the top five NITs, you still have a wide range of colleges available to you. Your admission chances depend on several factors like your category, home state quota, choice of branch, and availability of seats in each round of counseling.
Below is a detailed overview of the types of colleges where students with 98 percentile can expect admission.
1) National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
NITs are top-tier government engineering colleges. At 98 percentile, you can get into:
Core branches in newer or less competitive NITs: For example, NIT Mizoram, NIT Nagaland, NIT Meghalaya, and NIT Sikkim may offer branches like Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or even Electronics and Communication (ECE).
Lower branches in top NITs: You may get Civil, Metallurgy, or Biotechnology in NITs like:
- NIT Trichy
- NIT Warangal
- NIT Rourkela
- NIT Surathkal
Home state quota advantage: If you belong to the home state of a particular NIT, your chances increase. For example, a 98 percentile rank may help a student from Assam get into NIT Silchar more easily than an outsider.
2) Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
IIITs specialize in IT and computer science-related programs. At 98 percentile, you can expect the following:
- IIIT Una, IIIT Dharwad, IIIT Bhopal, IIIT Kottayam: These are newer IIITs that are less competitive than older ones like IIIT Hyderabad or IIIT Delhi (which require much higher percentiles for CSE).
- Non-core branches or specializations: You may be eligible for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or ECE in newer IIITs.
Keep in mind that IIITs do not have a home state quota. So competition is the same for all candidates.
3) Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs)
GFTIs offer good academic programs, and with a 98 percentile, you have good chances in many of them. Examples include:
- Assam University (Silchar) – Offers engineering programs with lower cutoffs.
- Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya (Haridwar) – Known for its core branches with moderate competition.
- University of Hyderabad – Has integrated courses in sciences and engineering.
GFTIs may not have the same brand value as NITs and IIITs, but they still provide quality education and decent placements.
4) State Engineering Colleges (via JoSAA or State Counseling)
Some state government engineering colleges also participate in JoSAA. Others conduct their own separate counseling. At 98 percentile:
- You may get top branches like CSE or ECE in state colleges if you fall under the home state quota.
- States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha have good colleges where 98 percentile can secure top branches.
You should check if your state accepts JEE Main scores for its counseling process. If yes, apply through both JoSAA and your state’s portal to maximize your options.
Admission Process After Scoring 98 Percentile
Once you score 98 percentile in JEE Mains, the next step is to go through the admission process. Your score qualifies you to participate in the JoSAA counselling, which is the main admission process for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Additionally, you can also consider CSAB special rounds and state counseling options. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how the process works.
1) JoSAA Counseling Process
JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) manages admissions to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and some other centrally funded technical institutes based on JEE Main and JEE Advanced ranks.
Here are the steps:
- Registration: You need to visit josaa.nic.in and register using your JEE Main application number and password. The registration window usually opens a few days after the JEE Advanced results are declared.
- Choice Filling: You must fill in your preferred choices of colleges and branches. You can list multiple combinations such as NIT Trichy Civil, NIT Nagaland CSE, etc. Fill as many options as possible.
- Mock Seat Allotment: JoSAA conducts two mock allotments during the choice-filling period. These help you understand which colleges you may get based on your current choices.
- Locking Choices: After reviewing your options, you need to lock your final list of choices. Once locked, you cannot change them.
- Seat Allotment Rounds: JoSAA conducts six rounds of seat allotment. In each round, you may be offered a seat based on your rank, preferences, and availability.
- Reporting and Document Verification: If you get a seat, you must report online (or sometimes physically) for document verification. Pay the seat acceptance fee to confirm the seat.
2) CSAB Special Rounds
After the JoSAA rounds are completed, CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board) conducts special rounds for vacant seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
- You must register again at csab.nic.in.
- It includes fresh choice filling and seat allocation.
- Many students get better branches in CSAB rounds than they got in JoSAA.
- You can participate even if you did not get any seat in JoSAA or rejected one.
3) State Counseling Options
In addition to JoSAA and CSAB, you should also check if your home state conducts its own engineering counseling using JEE Main scores. States like:
- Madhya Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh
offer separate admission through their state portals. You can apply under the home state quota, which increases your chances of getting a better branch. Apply through all possible channels, fill many choices, and stay alert to deadlines. This will help you secure the best possible seat based on your rank and preference.
How to Improve from 98 Percentile to 99+ Percentile in JEE Mains
Scoring 98 percentile in JEE Mains is an excellent achievement, but many students still aim higher. A 99+ percentile opens up opportunities for Computer Science and top branches at better NITs and IIITs. If you plan to reattempt JEE Mains or appear in the next session, a focused strategy can help you make that leap. The gap between 98 and 99+ percentile is not about intelligence—it’s about refining your preparation, fixing mistakes, and improving test-taking skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you go from 98 to 99+ percentile in JEE Mains.
1) Performance Gap Analysis
The first step is to analyze your performance in the previous exam attempt:
- Identify weak topics: Check your subject-wise scores. Was Chemistry weaker than Physics or Maths? Was Organic Chemistry better than Inorganic?
- Check accuracy vs attempts: Are you making too many silly mistakes? Are you attempting fewer questions than you should?
- Review test-taking behavior: Were you stressed? Did you panic in the last section? Was time management poor?
This self-evaluation helps in targeting specific issues, instead of repeating the same mistakes in the next attempt.
2) Create a Focused Study Plan
Now that you know your weaknesses, you must create a smart and targeted study plan:
- Revise high-weightage chapters: Topics like Coordinate Geometry, Electrostatics, Thermodynamics, Chemical Bonding, and Modern Physics carry more weight in JEE Mains.
- NCERT first: For Chemistry, especially Inorganic and Organic, go through NCERT line by line.
- One chapter per day: Dedicate specific days to subjects. For example, 2 days Physics, 2 days Maths, and 3 days Chemistry every week.
- Set daily goals: Create a daily timetable that includes problem-solving, theory revision, and mock test review.
3) Practice with Mock Tests and PYQs
Solve 10–15 full-length JEE Main mock tests under real exam conditions. This habit improves your speed, accuracy, and time management.
After each test:
- Analyze your performance carefully. Check which questions you got wrong and understand why.
- Focus on improving weak areas and avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Solve PYQs (Previous Year Questions) from the past 5 to 10 years. Many questions follow similar patterns or concepts, so this will boost your familiarity and confidence. Use a timer while practicing. Simulate the pressure of the real exam to avoid time wastage and improve pacing.
If you’re looking for the best test series, the Phodu Club JEE Main Test Series is highly recommended. It offers well-structured mock tests, exam-like difficulty levels, and in-depth performance analytics. Many students have improved their percentile using Phodu Club’s tests. It is ideal for serious aspirants aiming for 99+ percentile.
4) Time Management Strategies
- Divide the 3 hours wisely: Spend 40–45 minutes on each subject initially. Then use the last 30–40 minutes to revisit difficult questions.
- Use the Pomodoro technique during study sessions (25 mins study, 5 mins break).
- Avoid multitasking: Focus on one subject at a time.
5) Maintain the Right Mindset
- Stay consistent: Small progress every day adds up. Do not skip study days.
- Avoid burnout: Take short breaks, go for a walk, or do meditation to stay mentally fresh.
- Stay away from distractions: Use apps that block social media during study hours.
- Track progress weekly: Check scores in mock tests and adjust your strategy.
Conclusion
A 98 percentile in JEE Mains is a strong score and puts you ahead of most candidates. It shows that you have a solid understanding of the subjects and performed well under exam pressure. With this score, you have a fair chance of getting branches like Civil, Mechanical, or Metallurgy in top NITs and even core branches in newer NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs.
However, getting CSE or ECE in top institutes may still be difficult unless you have a category or home state advantage. You should carefully explore your options through JoSAA and CSAB counseling rounds. Keep track of deadlines and make smart choices while filling in your preferences.
If you are aiming for an even better college or branch, you can work on your weak areas and try again. With the right plan and focus, moving from 98 to 99+ percentile is possible. Stay confident and use your result as motivation to do even better.
