What Is a Good Score and Rank in JEE Main January 2026 Attempt?
Table of content
Key Takeaway
A good score in JEE Main January 2026 generally falls between 180 and 250 marks, translating to a 98–99.9 percentile range, depending on paper difficulty. This range typically ensures strong chances in top NITs and IIITs for preferred branches like Computer Science and Electronics.
Understanding the JEE Main Scoring System
The JEE Main exam is scored out of 300 marks, with each subject (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) carrying 100 marks. Raw scores are converted into percentiles through normalization to account for variation across shifts.
Formula Recap
- Raw Score: Based on correct (+4) and incorrect (–1) answers.
- Percentile: Indicates the percentage of candidates scoring below you in your session.
Your best percentile from either attempt (January or April) is considered for final ranking.
OGcollege Insight: Percentile matters more than raw marks in final counselling since it standardizes performance across all shifts and sessions.
What Is Considered a Good Score in JEE Main January 2026?
The term “good score” varies by goal — for instance, getting into a top NIT requires a much higher percentile than qualifying for JEE Advanced.
| Target Institute Type | Good Score Range (Out of 300) | Approx. Percentile Range |
| Top NITs (CSE, ECE) | 200–250+ | 98.5–99.8 |
| Mid-Tier NITs / IIITs | 150–200 | 95–98 |
| GFTIs | 120–150 | 90–95 |
| State/Private Colleges | 80–120 | 80–90 |
| JEE Advanced Eligibility (General) | 90–100+ | 90+ |
OGcollege Insight:
For top-tier branches, anything above 200 marks is a strong performance, while 150+ can open mid-range NITs and IIITs depending on your category.
Expected Marks vs Percentile (January 2026 Attempt)
| Marks Range | Expected Percentile Range | Remarks |
| 250–300 | 99.8–100 | Excellent (IIT/NIT level) |
| 200–249 | 98.5–99.8 | Very Good (Top NITs, IIITs) |
| 150–199 | 95–98.5 | Good (IIITs, GFTIs) |
| 100–149 | 85–95 | Decent (Private/State Colleges) |
| 70–99 | 70–85 | Average (Needs improvement) |
These estimates are based on previous year percentile conversions and may shift slightly depending on the session’s difficulty.
OGcollege Insight:
Because the January 2026 papers were moderately tougher than 2025, students scoring around 190–200 marks might still achieve 99 percentile or higher.
Expected Rank vs Percentile (January 2026)
| Percentile Range | Expected Rank Range |
| 99.9+ | 1 – 1,000 |
| 99.5 – 99.8 | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| 98 – 99 | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| 95 – 98 | 15,000 – 40,000 |
| 90 – 95 | 40,000 – 80,000 |
A 99 percentile generally places you among the top 15,000 candidates, which is excellent for securing admission to leading NITs or IIITs.
What Score Is Required for JEE Advanced 2026 Qualification?
To qualify for JEE Advanced 2026, candidates must rank among the top 2.5 lakh JEE Main test-takers. Based on previous years, the expected qualifying cutoffs for each category are:
| Category | Expected Cutoff Percentile (2026) |
| General | 90+ |
| EWS | 80+ |
| OBC-NCL | 75+ |
| SC | 55+ |
| ST | 45+ |
OGcollege Insight:
If you’re aiming for JEE Advanced, focus on improving percentile consistency across mock tests rather than chasing raw marks — normalization can cause variations.
Factors Influencing What’s Considered a “Good Score”
- Shift-wise paper difficulty (Physics was lengthier this time)
- Normalization adjustments by NTA
- Number of test-takers per session
- Branch and institute preferences
- Reservation category and state quota
Conclusion
A good score in JEE Main January 2026 depends on your target institute and branch, but generally falls between 180–250 marks for top NITs and IIITs. Focus on understanding your percentile, not just marks, and use tools like OGcollege’s Rank Predictor to assess your standing before the April attempt.
Verified Sources
- Careers360 — JEE Main 2026 January Attempt Marks vs Percentile
- Shiksha — What Is a Good Score in JEE Main 2026?
- Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth — JEE Main Marks vs Percentile vs Rank 2026
Check Colleges Accepting Your JEE Main 2026 Rank
Confused about which colleges you can get through JoSAA, CSAB, or your state counselling? Use the OGcollege College Predictor Tool to explore institutes that match your JEE Main rank across different counselling authorities and admission rounds.
Check My CollegesFAQ
Explore More Topics
Explore More
