How Much Percentile is Required for JEE Advanced?

Minimum Percentile Required to Qualify for JEE Advanced

To appear in JEE Advanced, students must first qualify JEE Main, which is the preliminary stage. The qualifier here isn’t a fixed score—it’s a percentile-based cutoff,which varies each year depending on the exam difficulty and student performance. Understanding this percentile requirement is key to preparing smartly for the Advanced stage.

What Is the Required Percentile for JEE Advanced?

To be eligible for JEE Advanced, you must be among the top 2.5 lakh candidates across all categories in JEE Main. The percentile score required depends on your category and the exam year.

Here is a typical breakdown based on recent trends (may vary slightly year-to-year):

These are not fixed cutoffs. NTA publishes the official cutoff after each JEE Main session. The Common Rank List (CRL) cutoff is used for general category students, while other categories have separate lists and relaxed thresholds.

How Is Percentile Calculated?

The percentile score in JEE Main reflects the relative performance of a student compared to others. It is not the same as percentage marks.

Percentile Formula:
(Number of candidates scoring equal to or below your score ÷ Total number of candidates) × 100

This score ensures fairness across multiple sessions of JEE Main.

Rank vs. Percentile: The True Cutoff

Being above the percentile cutoff doesn’t guarantee a spot in JEE Advanced. The final list of 2.5 lakh candidates is based on:

1. Normalized percentile scores
2. Category-wise distribution
3. Tie-breaking rules (based on marks in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and age)

Why the Percentile Requirement Matters

• Strategic Planning: You must aim higher than just qualifying—cutoffs can rise based on competition.
• Practice Accordingly: Solving previous years’ JEE Main papers helps you assess your percentile range.
• Target Mock Scores: Aim for at least 97–98 percentile if you're a general category student to be safe.

Does the Percentile Requirement Change Every Year?

Yes, because it depends on:

• Total number of candidates
• Number of sessions conducted
• Performance distribution
• Any changes in exam policy or paper difficulty