JEE Main 2026 99th percentile variation: NTA shows 31-mark gap across Session 2 shifts
The National Testing Agency (NTA) released detailed JEE Main 2026 Session 2 data showing a 31-mark difference in raw scores required for the 99th percentile across shifts. The Session 2 B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1) exams ran from April 2–8, 2026 , across 9 shifts , and the paper carried 300 marks .
In the toughest shift candidates needed 165/300 to reach the 99th percentile. In the easiest shift, candidates needed 196/300 for the same percentile. NTA uses percentile-based normalization so a 99th percentile from any shift maps to the same rank despite different raw marks.
JEE Main 2026 99th percentile variation — key figures
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam window | April 2–8, 2026 |
| Total shifts analysed | 9 |
| Paper | B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1) |
| Total marks | 300 |
| 99th percentile gap | 31 marks (165–196) |
| 98th percentile gap | 27 marks |
| 97th percentile gap | 26 marks |
Why the JEE Main 2026 99th percentile variation appears large
Raw-score variation across shifts happens because each shift can differ in difficulty. Percentiles are calculated separately per shift based on the percentage of candidates scoring equal to or below a given raw score.
That means a lower raw mark in a tougher shift can still represent the same percentile as a higher raw mark in an easier shift. NTA then merges these shift-wise percentiles into a final ranking so rank fairness is maintained across shifts.
What this means for your rank and counselling
Your final JEE Main rank depends on merged percentiles, not raw marks. So scoring 165 in a tough shift could place you at the same rank as someone scoring 196 in an easier shift if both are at the 99th percentile.
This removes the raw-score advantage or disadvantage caused by shift difficulty, though the raw-score spread shows how much difficulty varied across the nine shifts in Session 2.
Data limitations and what NTA did not publish
The released data does not give a breakdown of raw marks by each of the nine individual shifts or state/category-wise percentiles. There is also no detailed formula or candidate counts per shift in the public summary.
(Article updated Apr 24, 2026 .)
FAQs
Why do raw marks for the same percentile vary across shifts?
Variation comes from differing shift difficulty. Percentiles reflect relative performance within each shift, so raw marks needed for a given percentile change with difficulty.
Does a lower raw score in a tough shift disadvantage candidates?
No. Percentile normalization ensures equivalent ranking across shifts, so candidates are not disadvantaged by tougher papers.
What raw marks correspond to the 99th percentile in Session 2?
The observed range was 165–196 out of 300 across different shifts.
How many shifts showed this variation?
NTA’s Session 2 data covered 9 shifts from April 2–8, 2026 .
Are percentiles merged across sessions as well as shifts?
Percentiles are calculated per shift and merged to produce final rankings; this is the standard NTA approach for multi-shift exams.
Is there a state or category-wise breakup available?
The published Session 2 summary did not include state or category-wise percentile or cutoff breakdowns.
Will this affect counselling seat allotment?
Final seat allotments use merged ranks based on percentiles. Raw-score differences across shifts do not directly change merged rank positions.
Where can I check the official figures?
Refer to NTA’s official JEE Main Session 2 data releases for authoritative numbers and updates.