Preparing for JEE can be overwhelming, especially with so much to learn and so many concepts to understand. If you’re aiming for top engineering colleges like IITs, knowing how percentiles work in JEE Mains is a must. The term “percentile” is often used when talking about your JEE performance, but what does it really mean? How is it calculated, and why does it matter for your JEE Advanced eligibility?
This article will help clear up any confusion. We’ll walk you through the basics of percentiles, explain how they impact your chances of qualifying for JEE Advanced, and give you insights into the minimum percentiles you need to aim for. We’ll also discuss the factors that can affect your percentile and provide practical tips on how to improve it. Whether you’re just starting or getting ready to take the exam, this guide will help you navigate your JEE Mains journey with confidence.
What is Percentile in JEE?
In the context of JEE Mains, a percentile is a measure that reflects how well you performed in comparison to other candidates. If you scored in the 90th percentile, it means you performed better than 90% of all the candidates who appeared for the exam.
Percentiles are used to rank students in a relative manner, considering the performance of all candidates rather than focusing solely on the raw scores. This system helps to normalize differences that may arise due to variations in the difficulty of the exam across different sessions.
Explanation of How Percentile is Calculated
The calculation of percentile in JEE Mains is done using the following formula:
Percentile = ( Number of candidates with raw score less than yours/Total number of candidates) × 100
In simple terms, the percentile tells you what percentage of students scored less than you. The higher your percentile, the better your rank.
For example, if 100,000 candidates appeared for JEE Mains, and your score is higher than 95,000 of them, your percentile would be 95.
Difference between JEE Mains Rank and Percentile
The percentile you achieve in JEE Mains is closely tied to your eligibility for JEE Advanced. While the JEE Mains rank is the actual position you hold based on your performance, your percentile reflects your comparative performance relative to all other candidates.
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Advanced
To be eligible for JEE Advanced, students must meet several specific criteria. These criteria ensure that only the most capable and dedicated students can appear for the exam. Here is a detailed look at the eligibility requirements:
Qualifying Percentile in JEE Mains
The qualifying percentile for JEE Mains vary each year and differ for each category. The cutoff marks are determined based on various factors, including the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the exam, and the performance of the candidates.
- General Category: The cutoff marks for the general category are usually higher compared to the reserved categories. For example, in recent years, the cutoff for the general category has ranged between the 85th and 90th percentile.
- OBC Category: The cutoff for the OBC category is slightly lower than that for the general category. It typically falls between the 70th and 75th percentile.
- SC/ST Categories: The cutoff for SC and ST categories is significantly lower, usually ranging around 37th percentile. This relaxation helps in providing equal opportunities to students from these categories.
These variations in cutoffs are designed to ensure fair access to education for students from different backgrounds.
Top 2.5 Lakh Candidates Rule
To be eligible for JEE Advanced, students must rank among the top 2.5 lakh candidates in the JEE Mains exam. This includes all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD). The top 2.5 lakh candidates are selected based on their percentile scores in JEE Mains. This selection criterion ensures that only the best-performing students from JEE Mains are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.
JEE Mains Percentile Required for JEE Advanced
Here’s a look at the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced over the past few years. These numbers are subject to change based on the factors mentioned earlier, but they provide a general idea of the trends.
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 |
Factors Influencing JEE Mains Percentile
The percentile you achieve in JEE Mains is affected by various factors, and it’s essential to understand these so you can perform better in the exam. Let’s look at some key factors that influence your percentile.
1) Difficulty of JEE Mains Paper
The difficulty level of the JEE Mains paper plays a significant role in determining the cutoff percentile for JEE Advanced. If the JEE Mains paper is particularly challenging, fewer students are likely to score high percentile. As a result, the cutoff percentile for JEE Advanced tends to be lower in such years. Conversely, if the JEE Mains paper is relatively easier, more students score higher percentile, leading to an increase in the cutoff percentile for JEE Advanced.
The examination authorities aim to maintain a consistent level of difficulty across different sessions of JEE Mains. However, slight variations in difficulty are inevitable, and these variations influence the performance of candidates and, subsequently, the cutoff percentile.
2) Number of Applicants
The number of applicants appearing for JEE Mains directly impacts the cutoff percentile for JEE Advanced. A higher number of applicants increases competition, which can raise the cutoff percentile. Conversely, a lower number of applicants may result in a lower cutoff.
For example, if there is a significant increase in the number of students taking the JEE Mains exam in a particular year, the competition for securing a spot among the top 2.5 lakh candidates becomes tougher. This heightened competition can lead to higher cutoff percentile for JEE Advanced. On the other hand, if the number of applicants decreases, the competition eases slightly, potentially resulting in lower cutoff percentile.
3) Normalization Process
The normalization process ensures a fair comparison of scores across different shifts of the JEE Mains exam. Since JEE Mains is conducted in multiple shifts over several days, there can be variations in the difficulty level of the question papers. The normalization process adjusts the scores of candidates based on the relative difficulty level of their respective shifts.
This process involves calculating the percentile score for each candidate, which reflects their performance relative to other candidates in the same shift. The normalized scores provide a level playing field for all candidates, ensuring that no one is disadvantaged due to the variation in question paper difficulty. The cutoff percentile for JEE Advanced are then determined based on these normalized scores.
4) Reservations
Reservation policies for different categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, PwD) significantly influence the cutoff percentile for JEE Advanced. Reserved categories have lower cutoffs, providing equal opportunities to students from these backgrounds.
- General Category: The cutoff percentile for the general category is typically higher as there are no reservations in this category.
- OBC Category: The cutoff for the OBC category is generally lower than that for the general category, providing opportunities for students from the Other Backward Classes.
- SC/ST Categories: The cutoff percentile for SC and ST categories are significantly lower, ensuring that students from these communities have access to quality education at IITs.
- PwD Category: The cutoff for PwD candidates is lower, accommodating students with disabilities and ensuring they have equal opportunities for admission to IITs.
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 | |
These reservation policies are in place to promote diversity and inclusivity in higher education. They ensure that students from marginalized communities have fair access to educational opportunities at premier institutions like IITs.
How to Meet Qualifying Percentile in JEE Mains
Securing the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced demands a strategic approach and dedicated preparation. Here are some tips to help students achieve their target scores:
1) Strategic Preparation
Focus on High-Weightage Topics (Physics, Chemistry, Math)
To maximize scores, students should focus on high-weightage topics in each subject. Identifying and prioritizing these topics can significantly boost performance:
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 | 6.60% |
| Nuclear 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 and amino acids | 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% |
| Binomial 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% |
Covering high-weightage topics thoroughly ensures a strong foundation and improves the likelihood of scoring well.
2) Importance of Mock Exams for Time Management
Regular practice tests and mock exams are crucial for effective preparation. They offer multiple benefits:
- Time Management: Mock exams simulate actual exam conditions, helping students manage their time effectively. Practice tests teach students how to allocate time to different sections and avoid spending too much time on any single question.
- Identifying Weak Areas: Practice tests highlight areas where students need improvement, allowing them to focus on their weak points and enhance their understanding.
- Building Confidence: Regular practice builds confidence and reduces exam anxiety. Familiarity with the exam format and question types helps students feel more comfortable and perform better on the actual exam day.
Online test series, particularly from Phodu Club, offer a simulated testing experience with questions reflecting the JEE Mains pattern and difficulty level. Practising on these platforms allows you to learn from mistakes, gain confidence, and adapt to the online format. Students should aim to take multiple mock exams, analyze their performance, and work on areas that need improvement. This iterative process helps refine exam strategies and boosts overall preparedness.
3) Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Over-Reliance on Selective Topics: While focusing on high-weightage topics is important, students should avoid over-reliance on selective topics. It is essential to cover the entire syllabus to ensure a well-rounded preparation. Ignoring certain topics can lead to gaps in knowledge and lower scores.
- Balanced Study Plan: Creating a balanced study plan is crucial for comprehensive preparation. The study plan should include all topics in the syllabus, with extra focus on high-weighting areas. Regular revision and practice are key to retaining information and performing well in the exam. Here’s how to create a balanced study plan:
- Identify Key Topics: Start by identifying high-weightage topics and areas where you need more practice.
- Allocate Study Time: Divide your study time based on the importance and difficulty level of each topic. Ensure that you cover all subjects and topics.
- Include Breaks and Revision: Schedule regular breaks to avoid burnout and include time for revision to reinforce learning.
- Practice Regularly: Incorporate practice tests and mock exams into your study plan to assess your progress and adjust your preparation strategy accordingly.
Effective Study Techniques
- Active Learning: Active learning techniques, such as summarizing information, teaching concepts to others, and using flashcards, can enhance retention and understanding. Engaging with the material actively helps reinforce learning and improves recall during the exam.
- Visualization and Mnemonics: Using visualization techniques and mnemonics can aid in memorizing complex concepts and formulas. Visual aids, such as diagrams and mind maps, help in understanding and retaining information more effectively.
- Consistent Practice: Consistency is key to success in JEE Advanced. Dedicate a specific amount of time each day to study and stick to your schedule. Regular practice and continuous learning are essential to mastering the subjects and achieving high scores.
In summary, strategic preparation, regular practice tests, and avoiding common pitfalls are essential to securing the minimum marks required to qualify for JEE Advanced.
Conclusion
Achieving a high percentile in JEE Mains is crucial for your chances of qualifying for JEE Advanced. Understanding how percentiles work, the factors influencing them, and the minimum percentile required will help you plan your preparation better. Keep in mind that your percentile reflects your comparative performance, so focus on improving your understanding of concepts, practicing regularly, and managing time effectively during the exam. Don’t forget to take care of your health and stay consistent with your efforts.
Remember, a well-rounded approach to preparation—covering both academic and mental well-being—will improve your chances of success. While the path may seem challenging, with the right strategies and perseverance, you can increase your percentile and move closer to your goal of getting into top engineering institutes. Stay motivated, keep working hard, and success will follow.
FAQs
1) What is the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced?
The minimum percentile required varies each year and depends on factors such as the difficulty of the exam and the number of candidates. For general category candidates, it typically ranges from 85 to 90.
2) How is the percentile in JEE Main different from the rank?
Percentile is a measure of how you performed relative to other candidates, whereas your rank is your actual position based on your percentile. A higher percentile generally leads to a better rank.
3) Does the required percentile for JEE Advanced change every year?
Yes, the minimum percentile required for JEE Advanced changes every year based on various factors such as exam difficulty and the number of candidates.
4) How can I improve my percentile in JEE Main to increase my chances for JEE Advanced?
You can improve your percentile by focusing on concept clarity, practicing regularly, managing time effectively during the exam, and reviewing your mistakes.
5) Are the percentile requirements different for different categories (General, OBC, SC, ST)?
Yes, the percentile requirements for reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST) are usually lower than those for general category candidates.
