Are you confused about how your JEE Mains marks turn into a percentile and then into a rank? You’re not alone. Every year, lakhs of students appear for JEE Mains, but many don’t fully understand how their performance is evaluated. This lack of clarity can create unnecessary stress and lead to mistakes in preparation.
JEE Mains is not just about scoring high marks—it’s about knowing how your marks compare with others in your shift, how normalization works, and how smart preparation can improve your rank. Whether you’re aiming for NITs, IIITs, or just qualifying for JEE Advanced, understanding the exam pattern, percentile system, and rank rules is very important.
In this detailed guide, we will break down everything—from the JEE Mains 2025 paper pattern and marking scheme to how NTA calculates percentile, ranks, and tie-breakers. We’ll also share easy tips to improve your score and rank using smart preparation strategies.
JEE Mains 2025: Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
JEE Mains 2025 for B.E./B.Tech is a computer-based test (CBT). You will have to answer questions on a computer.
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Total Questions: 75 questions (25 from each subject)
Question Type:
- 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- 5 numerical-based questions
- Total Marks: 300 marks
- 100 marks per subject
JEE Mains Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer (MCQ or Numerical): +4 marks
- Wrong Answer (MCQ only): -1 mark
- Unanswered Question: 0 marks
- Numerical Questions: No negative marking
This means you should avoid guessing MCQs if you are unsure because wrong answers reduce your score. But you can attempt numerical questions even if you are unsure because they do not carry negative marks.
Shift-wise Difficulty & Normalization
JEE Mains is conducted in multiple shifts on different days. The difficulty level of each shift is not always the same. Some shifts may be harder, while others may be easier.
To keep things fair, NTA uses a method called normalization. This ensures that students from different shifts are judged fairly. Even if your paper is tough, normalization will balance it by comparing your performance to others in your shift.
How JEE Mains Percentile Score is Calculated
Understanding how percentile is calculated in JEE Mains is very important for every student. Many students confuse percentile with percentage, but both are different. Your percentile does not show how many marks you got. Instead, it shows how well you performed compared to others in your shift.
JEE Mains is conducted in multiple sessions over different days. Each session has its own question paper, and the difficulty level can vary. To make it fair for all students, NTA uses the percentile system with normalization. Let’s break it down step by step.
Raw Score vs Percentile Score
- Raw Score: This is your actual score out of 300 marks. For example, if you get 70 in Physics, 80 in Chemistry, and 90 in Maths, your raw score is 240.
- Percentile Score: This tells how many students scored less than or equal to you in your session. It is a relative score, not an absolute score.
You can score 240 marks and get a 99.8 percentile in one shift, but the same marks may give a 99.5 percentile in another shift if more students scored higher in that session.
JEE Mains Percentile Formula
NTA uses this formula to calculate the percentile:
Percentile=(Number of candidates with marks less than or equal to you/​Total number of candidates in that session)×100
This formula is used separately for each subject (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) and for the total score as well.
Example Table for Percentile Calculation
Let’s say your session had 80,000 students. The following table shows how your rank in the session affects your percentile:
| Your Raw Score | Number of Students Scoring Less Than or Equal to You | Total Students in Session | Percentile Score |
| 240 | 78,400 | 80,000 | 98.00 |
| 250 | 79,200 | 80,000 | 99.00 |
| 270 | 79,600 | 80,000 | 99.50 |
| 285 | 79,840 | 80,000 | 99.80 |
| 290 | 79,920 | 80,000 | 99.90 |
| 295 | 79,960 | 80,000 | 99.95 |
| 300 | 80,000 | 80,000 | 100.00 |
In this table, if you score 270 marks and 79,600 students scored equal to or below you, your percentile is:
(79,60080,000)×100=99.5
Normalization Across Sessions
Since different shifts can have different levels of difficulty, percentile scores are normalized to keep things fair. NTA uses a complex statistical method for normalization. It compares performance across all sessions. Even if your raw score is low due to a difficult paper, you can still get a high percentile if most students in your session also scored low.
This means: Do not panic if your paper was tough. Just focus on doing better than other students in your shift.
How Is Rank Calculated In JEE Mains?
After the JEE Mains exam, students receive their normalized percentile scores. These percentiles are then used to calculate the All India Rank (AIR). Many students think raw scores decide ranks, but that is not true. The rank is based on the NTA Score, which is the normalized percentile.
Let’s understand how this process works in detail.
From Percentile to Rank
JEE Mains is conducted in multiple shifts. So, each student gets a percentile score based on their shift performance. To assign ranks fairly across all sessions, NTA uses these percentiles.
Here’s how it works:
- AIR (All India Rank) is based on your total percentile score, not raw marks.
- Percentiles are calculated for each subject and the overall score.
- NTA prepares a common merit list by sorting students from highest to lowest percentile.
- The highest percentile (closest to 100) gets Rank 1.
- The next highest percentile gets Rank 2, and so on.
So, a student with a percentile of 99.999 gets a higher rank than someone with 99.990, even if their raw scores were very close.
Percentile to Rank Conversion
Here is an approximate idea of how percentiles may relate to ranks, based on past year trends:
| Percentile Range | Expected 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 |
| ~50 Percentile (approx.) | ~500000 – 520000 |
Note: These are rough estimates. Actual ranks may vary depending on the number of students and shift-wise performance.
Tie-Breaking Rules (2025)
Sometimes, two or more students may have the same NTA percentile. In such cases, NTA follows tie-breaking rules in this order:
- Higher percentile in Mathematics gets higher rank.
- If still tied, higher percentile in Physics is checked.
- Then, higher percentile in Chemistry is considered.
- If still tied, the student with fewer incorrect answers overall is ranked higher.
- If all scores and attempts are the same, the older candidate gets preference.
These rules ensure that even if percentiles match, ranks are unique.
Category-Wise Rankings: Apart from AIR, NTA also prepares category-wise merit lists:
- General
- OBC-NCL
- SC
- ST
- EWS
- PwD (Persons with Disabilities)
Each category has different cutoffs and ranks, based on the reservation policy. For example, a student with 99 percentile in the SC category may get a higher category rank than a General student with the same percentile.
Factors Affecting JEE Mains Rank
Your JEE Mains rank is not decided by just your raw score. Several other factors also play an important role in determining your final rank. Many students get confused when they score good marks but still get a lower rank than expected. This happens because rank depends on more than just marks.
Let’s look at the main factors that affect your JEE Mains rank:
1) Number of Candidates & Competition Level
The total number of candidates appearing in JEE Mains directly impacts your rank. If more students appear, the competition increases. In 2024, more than 12 lakh students registered for JEE Mains. In 2025, the number may be even higher.
- More students → tougher competition → higher cutoffs.
- Fewer students → slightly easier to get a good rank.
For example, scoring 180 marks may give a rank under 20,000 in one year, but the same score could result in a rank over 30,000 if more students score above 180.
2) Difficulty Level of the Exam
Each JEE Mains session has a different paper. Some shifts may be easier, while others may be tougher. Your raw score depends on how difficult your shift was.
- Easy paper → more students score high → higher cutoffs.
- Tough paper → fewer students score high → lower cutoffs.
However, NTA uses normalization to ensure fairness. So even if your paper was tough, your percentile may still be high if others in your shift also scored low. This is why students should focus on performing better than others in the same shift, not just on scoring high marks.
3) Normalization Impact
NTA uses a percentile-based normalization method because the exam is conducted over multiple days and shifts. This process adjusts for differences in difficulty levels between shifts.
For example:
- If your shift was difficult and you scored 150 marks, but most others scored below 140, you could get a 99 percentile or higher.
- If your shift was easy and you scored 150, but many scored 170+, your percentile could drop to 97 or 96.
So, normalization can increase or decrease your rank based on overall shift performance.
4) Negative Marking & Attempt Strategy
JEE Mains has negative marking for MCQs. For every wrong MCQ, 1 mark is deducted. If you attempt questions randomly without being sure, you may lose marks unnecessarily.
Your attempt strategy matters a lot:
- Blind guessing leads to negative marking and a lower score.
- Smart attempts with calculated risks give you a better chance to improve your score and percentile.
Also, many students leave numerical questions unattempted. While unattempted questions don’t give negative marks, skipping too many can affect your total score and rank.
Common Myths & Misconceptions About Rank Calculation
1) “Harder Shift Means Lower Percentile”
This is false. NTA uses normalization to balance difficulty. Your percentile depends on how well you perform compared to others in your shift.
2) “Only Toppers Get Good NITs”
Not true. Many students with mid-level ranks get good branches in NITs or IIITs. Some NITs have closing ranks beyond 50,000. Use tools like previous year cutoffs and JoSAA counselling data to find the best options.
How to Improve Your JEE Mains Rank?
Improving your JEE Mains rank is not just about studying harder. It’s about studying smarter. Many students spend long hours preparing but do not see much improvement in their rank. This happens because they don’t follow the right methods. To get a better rank, you need the right mix of subject-wise preparation, mock test analysis, and exam-day strategy. In this section, we will discuss simple but effective tips to help you boost your JEE Mains rank.
1) Subject-wise Preparation Tips
Each subject in JEE Mains is equally important. You should prepare for all three — Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry — in a balanced way.
- Mathematics: Math is crucial for tie-breaking. A higher percentile in Math can decide your rank if your overall percentile is equal to others. Focus on topics like Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Algebra, and Trigonometry. Practice solving questions faster. Use tricks for time-saving. Revise formulas and theorems daily. Keep a small formula notebook. Solve 15–20 numerical problems daily and take a weekly math test.
- Physics: Physics requires both concept clarity and speed. First, strengthen basic concepts from NCERT and HC Verma. Focus on high-weightage chapters like Current Electricity, Electrostatics, Kinematics, and Modern Physics. Practice more numerical-based questions. Try solving concept-based problems instead of memorizing formulas blindly.
- Chemistry: Chemistry is scoring if you prepare well. Divide it into three parts: Physical, Organic, and Inorganic. For Physical Chemistry, practice numericals. For Organic Chemistry, understand reaction mechanisms. For Inorganic Chemistry, revise NCERT line by line. Direct questions often come from it. Make short notes for reactions and exceptions and revise them regularly.
2) Mock Tests and Percentile Analysis
Mock tests play a big role in improving your rank. They help you practice under real exam conditions and identify your weak areas.
Take Full-Length Mock Tests Regularly
- Attempt at least 1–2 full-length mock tests every week.
- Simulate exam-day conditions: use a timer, sit without breaks, and avoid distractions.
- Practice using the CBT (Computer-Based Test) format.
Analyze Your Performance
- After each test, don’t just check your marks. Analyze every question you got wrong.
- Note down your mistakes — silly mistakes, conceptual errors, or time management issues.
- Track your progress by maintaining a performance sheet.
Identify Low-Scoring Topics
- Find the chapters where you consistently lose marks.
- Spend extra time reviewing those topics.
- Don’t ignore weak areas — focus more on improvement than repetition.
Use a Good Test Series
You must join a high-quality test series to stay ahead. One of the best options is the Phodu Club JEE Main Test Series. It provides:
- Realistic mock tests that follow NTA’s latest pattern.
- Detailed solutions and analysis.
- Performance tracking to monitor your growth.
- Timely feedback and rank prediction.
Tip: Choose mock tests that challenge you — not just easy ones. You grow more by solving tougher questions.
3) Exam-Day Strategy
Even with months of preparation, a bad exam-day plan can spoil your chances. Use the following strategies to perform your best on the actual day.
Manage Your Time Well
- Divide the 3-hour paper into equal slots for each subject.
- If you’re stronger in one subject, tackle it first to build confidence.
- Don’t spend too much time on one tough question. Mark it for review and move on.
Tip: Keep your watch visible. Set a mental timer to finish each subject in 55–60 minutes.
Avoid Negative Marking
- Avoid blind guessing. If you’re unsure about an MCQ, try to eliminate wrong options.
- Attempt only if you’re confident or can eliminate 2–3 choices.
- Remember: 1 mark is deducted for each wrong MCQ, which can lower your rank by thousands.
Keep Calm During the Paper
- Stay calm, even if the paper seems tough. Remember, others will also find it tough.
- Use deep breathing if you feel anxious.
- Focus on accuracy. A few right answers are better than many wrong ones.
4) Smart Revision Strategy
- Revise short notes, formulas, and key concepts regularly.
- In the last few weeks, focus more on revision than learning new topics.
- Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from the last 5–10 years. Many questions are repeated or follow similar patterns.
Tip: Make flashcards or sticky notes for quick revision of difficult topics.
5) Healthy Routine and Mindset
A healthy body and a calm mind are important for better performance.
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep every night.
- Eat healthy food. Avoid junk and heavy meals before study sessions.
- Take short breaks during long study hours.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on your own growth.
Conclusion
Scoring well in JEE Mains is not just about how many questions you get right. It’s about understanding how your performance is measured through raw scores, percentiles, and finally ranks. Many students work hard but lose marks due to small mistakes or a poor exam-day strategy. Others may not understand how normalization works and feel discouraged after a tough paper.
But now you know the full process. You’ve learned how the exam is structured, how marks are given, how percentile is calculated, how ranks are assigned, and what tie-breaking rules apply. You also know how competition level, shift difficulty, and smart attempts affect your final rank.
Use this knowledge to plan better. Practice more, avoid negative marking, focus on weak areas, and take high-quality mock tests like the Phodu Club JEE Main test series. With the right strategy and consistent effort, you can boost your rank and get into a top engineering college. Stay focused and keep going.
