JEE Main Marks vs Percentile 2026: Session 1 Shift-wise Detailed Analysis

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination, conducted from 21 January to 29 January 2026, was held in multiple shifts across India. Due to the large number of candidates, the exam was conducted in different sessions, each having a varying difficulty level. As a result, raw marks alone cannot determine a candidate’s rank.

To ensure fairness, the National Testing Agency (NTA) follows a normalisation process, converting marks into percentile scores, which are then used to prepare the All India Rank (AIR) list. This article presents a detailed shift-wise marks vs percentile vs expected rank analysis for JEE Main January 2026 Session 1 to help students estimate their performance accurately.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

The JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 followed the standard NTA exam structure:

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

• Total Questions: 75 (25 from each subject)

• Total Marks: 300

• Marking Scheme:

• +4 marks for each correct answer

• –1 mark for each incorrect answer

• No marks deducted for unattempted questions

Each subject consisted of a mix of multiple-choice and numerical value-based questions, testing both conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Answer Key: Important Dates 

Check here for all the important dates related to JEE Main 2026 Session 1 that every candidate should keep in mind to avoid missing any deadline.

100 Marks in JEE Mains Percentile

Scoring 100 marks in JEE Main 2026 is expected to yield a percentile of approximately 93 and an All India Rank between 88,000 and 92,000. This performance typically ensures qualification for JEE Advanced and provides viable admission opportunities in newer or mid-tier NITs, select IIITs, and state government colleges. While top-tier branches may be out of reach, this score serves as a strong foundation for securing a seat in decent engineering programs or private universities through state quotas and strategic counselling.

120 Marks in JEE Main Percentile

In JEE Main 2026, scoring 120 marks is considered a competitive performance that is expected to yield a percentile range between 96.5 and 97.5, depending on the shift's difficulty. This score corresponds to an estimated All India Rank (AIR) of approximately 30,000 to 40,000, positioning candidates well for admission into mid-tier NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, particularly through home state quotas. While top-tier branches like CSE may require higher scores, 120 marks serve as a strong foundation for securing a seat in reputable government and private engineering colleges.

How Percentile Determines Rank in JEE Main 2026

In JEE Main, the percentile score reflects how a candidate has performed compared to others who appeared in the exam. A higher percentile indicates better relative performance, regardless of shift difficulty.

Expected Percentile vs All India Rank (Estimated)

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JEE Main January 2026 Shift-Wise Marks vs Percentile Tables

21 January 2026: Shift 1

21 January 2026: Shift 2

Note: Shift 2 was slightly easier, requiring higher marks for the same percentile.

22 January 2026: Shift 1

22 January 2026: Shift 2

Note: Shift 1 was among the easiest papers, leading to higher cut-offs.

23 January 2026: Shift 1

23 January 2026: Shift 2

Note: Shift 2 was considered one of the toughest shifts of Session 1.

24 January 2026: Shift 1 (Range Based)

24 January 2026: Shift 2 (Range Based)

28 January 2026: Shift 1 (Range Based)

28 January 2026: Shift 2 (Range Based)

Key Points from the Analysis

• Shift difficulty significantly affected the marks required to achieve the same percentile.

• Easier shifts required higher marks, while tougher shifts allowed lower marks for similar percentiles.

• Final All India Rank is calculated using percentile scores, not raw marks.

• Candidates with percentiles above 99 have strong chances for top NITs, IIITs, and eligibility for JEE Advanced.

How to Leverage "Marks vs Percentile" for Success?

Understanding the correlation between your raw score and your percentile is a powerful tool for building a realistic study strategy. Here is how to use it:

• Set Precise Targets: Move beyond vague goals like "scoring high." Use previous years' shift-wise data to identify the specific score you need to hit your desired percentile (e.g., 99%ile).

• Benchmark Your Mocks: Don't just look at your total marks in mock tests. Compare your scores against expected ranges to estimate where you would stand in a real exam scenario.

• Adapt to Difficulty: Remember that normalization evens the playing field. If you encounter a particularly tough shift, stay calm and prioritize accuracy over attempting doubtful questions, as lower marks can still yield a high percentile in difficult papers.

JEE Mains 2026 Expected Cutoff

NTA releases the JEE Main cutoff, which is the minimum percentile needed to be eligible for the JEE Advanced exam. The JEE Main cutoff percentile is released category-wise with the result of JEE Main final result. Check the JEE Main 2026 expected cutoff for JEE Advanced eligibility below.

The JEE Main January 2026 Session 1 shift-wise marks vs percentile vs expected rank analysis offers valuable insights into how candidates performed across different days and shifts. Understanding these trends helps aspirants realistically estimate their rank range, plan for JoSAA counselling, and make informed decisions regarding college and branch selection.

While the official results released by NTA may vary slightly, this shift-wise analysis provides a reliable benchmark for evaluating performance in one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations.

Also Check:

JEE Main 2026: Is 75% Rule Applicable This Year? NTA Clarifies the Criteria

How Many Attempts for JEE Mains 2026? Complete Guide Here

How Many Marks Are Required in JEE Main 2026 to Qualify for JEE Advanced?