JEE Main 2026 result: Raw score vs. percentile explained

Every year, students checking their JEE Main results are often puzzled by the difference between raw scores and percentiles. A common question is: “Why is my percentile lower even though my marks are high?” Another frequent concern is: “How did someone with fewer marks get a better rank than me?” This confusion arises because JEE Main does not rely solely on raw marks to determine performance. Instead, the National Testing Agency (NTA) uses a percentile system wherein the performance of the student is compared within the same examination sessions. First and foremost, the relationship between raw score and percentile must be understood to properly grasp the results.

Understanding JEE Main raw scores

Raw score can be defined as the total number of points obtained in the examination. It is calculated by the summation of points obtained from the correct answers and the points deducted for the wrong answers by applying the marking scheme adopted for the examination.

The raw score reflects your performance, but not your relative performance compared to other students undertaking the same examination at the same session and successive sessions.

What percentiles represent

Percentile score shows how well you have performed as compared to the rest of the people in your given shift. For example, a percentile of 95 indicates that you have performed better than 95 percent of the people in the same shift. Percentile is different from percentage; it is not divided by 100. Instead, it shows comparisons. This methodology is fair in nature because there are different shifts in JEE Main Exams, which have different difficulty levels.

Why percentile can differ from raw scores

Two students with the same raw score may receive different percentiles. The percentage will be higher if one student was given a more difficult session from which fewer individuals achieved a higher score compared to another individual who achieved the same score in an easier session. NTA utilizes the percent normalization technique to counter the differences brought about by the shifts.

How percentile impacts All India Rank (AIR)

Percentiles are used for determining All India Rank (AIR), which in turn helps engineering aspirants get the benefit of counseling and admissions to IITs, NITs, and other engineering colleges. A slight percentile difference at the higher end, i.e., someone scoring from 99.5 to 99.9, makes a huge difference as the scores of the top-scoring students are closer at this end. Hence, one can secure a better rank with fewer marks and higher percentile in the same session.

Raw scores measure what you earned in your exam, while percentiles measure how well you did compared to others in your session. Understanding this distinction helps students interpret their results correctly, reduces confusion, and clarifies eligibility for counselling. Percentiles ensure fair comparison across sessions, but they do not measure intelligence, potential, or future success.
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