JEE Main 2026: Cutoffs, Normalization & Percentile Explained for Multi-Shift Exam
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened registrations for JEE Main 2026 Session 1, scheduled from January 21 to 30, 2026, followed by Session 2 from April 1 to 10, 2026. With lakhs of aspirants aiming for top engineering colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs, understanding the JEE Main cutoffs and normalisation process is crucial for every candidate.
In this guide, we break down how the JEE Main percentile score system works, why normalisation is essential for multi-shift exams, and what the expected JEE Main 2026 cutoff might look like based on previous years.
What Is the JEE Main Normalization Process?
JEE Main is conducted in multiple shifts across different days, which means not all candidates get the same set of questions. Some shifts may be slightly tougher or easier than others. To ensure fairness, NTA uses a normalisation method based on percentile scores.
Why Normalization Is Needed
- Different difficulty levels across shifts can impact raw scores.
- A student in a tougher shift might score lower despite better preparation.
- To level the playing field, NTA calculates percentile scores instead of using raw marks.
How Percentile Score Is Calculated
The percentile score reflects the relative performance of a candidate compared to others in the same shift. It is calculated using the formula:
This ensures that top performers from each shift are fairly compared across all sessions.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule
| Session | Dates | Papers Conducted | Result Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Jan 21 – Jan 30, 2026 | Paper 1 & Paper 2 | Feb 12, 2026 |
| Session 2 | Apr 1 – Apr 10, 2026 | Paper 1 & Paper 2 | To Be Announced |
JEE Main Cutoff Trends (2020–2025)
Understanding past cutoffs helps you set realistic targets. Here’s a category-wise comparison of JEE Main cutoffs over the last six years:
| Year | General | EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 93.10 | 80.38 | 79.43 | 61.15 | 47.90 |
| 2024 | 93.23 | 81.32 | 79.67 | 60.09 | 46.69 |
| 2023 | 90.77 | 75.62 | 73.61 | 51.97 | 37.23 |
| 2022 | 88.41 | 63.11 | 67.00 | 43.08 | 26.77 |
| 2021 | 87.89 | 66.22 | 68.02 | 46.88 | 34.67 |
| 2020 | 90.37 | 70.24 | 72.88 | 50.17 | 39.06 |
📌 Note: These are qualifying cutoffs for JEE Advanced eligibility, not admission cutoffs for NITs or IIITs.
JEE Main 2026 Expected Cutoff (Predicted)
Based on trends and difficulty levels, here’s what experts predict for JEE Main 2026 cutoff:
| Category | Expected Percentile | Safe Score (Marks) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 93.5 – 95 | 280 – 300 |
| EWS | 81 – 83 | 230 – 250 |
| OBC-NCL | 79 – 81 | 220 – 240 |
| SC | 61 – 63 | 160 – 180 |
| ST | 47 – 50 | 130 – 150 |
These are indicative ranges. Actual cutoffs will be released by NTA after the results.
Recently NTA also Some Changes for JEE Main 2026, you know what are that with this article : Big Update for JEE Aspirants: New Exam Dates & Calculator Tool
How to Use Percentile vs Marks for Target Setting
- A score of 280+ usually places you in the 95+ percentile.
- For NITs and IIITs, aim for 90–95 percentile depending on your category.
- For JEE Advanced eligibility, hitting the cutoff percentile is mandatory.
Use percentile predictors and mock tests to track your performance.
Tips to Maximize Your JEE Main Score
- Attempt Mock Tests in real exam conditions.
- Focus on high-weightage chapters in Physics, Chemistry, and Maths.
- Analyze previous year papers to understand difficulty trends.
- Use NTA Abhyas App for shift-wise practice.
- Stay updated with official notifications on jeemain.nta.nic.in.
Stay Updated with JEE Main 2026 Alerts
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📌 General FAQs for JEE Main 2026
❓ What is the date of the JEE Mains exam 2026?
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will be held from January 21 to 30, 2026, and Session 2 from April 1 to 10, 2026.
❓ Will there be JEE in 2026?
Yes, the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) will be conducted in 2026 by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in two sessions.
❓ Which IIT will set the 2026 JEE Mains paper?
JEE Main is conducted by NTA, not IITs. However, IIT Madras is expected to organize JEE Advanced 2026.
❓ Is calculator allowed in JEE 2026?
No, calculators are strictly prohibited in JEE Main 2026. Candidates must rely on manual calculations.
❓ Can I wear a bra in JEE Mains?
Yes, regular undergarments including bras are allowed. However, avoid metallic or wired items as per security guidelines.
❓ Is 75% criteria removed from JEE?
For JEE Main, the 75% eligibility rule is not applicable. But for JEE Advanced and IIT admissions, the 75% rule may still apply.
❓ Who got 99.97 percentile in JEE Mains?
The list of top scorers including those with 99.97 percentile will be released by NTA after results. Names vary each year.
❓ Is JEE conducted 2 times a year?
Yes, JEE Main is held twice a year – Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April.
