20 Marks in JEE Main ‌typically translates to 13-40 percentile, depending on the difficulty level of the paper. 20 marks are not enough for NITs or IIITs, but may be possible for private or state-level colleges. 20 marks reflect a low relative performance among other candidates.

  • 20 marks in JEE Mains usually fall in the 8 lakh to 10 lakh ranking.
  • In a difficult shift, 20 marks can give a slightly higher percentile, while in an easier shift, it can decrease further.
  • Some private universities may accept a low JEE score along with their own entrance exam for admission.

Also Read:

20 Marks in JEE Main Percentile

Key Summary

  • 20 marks in JEE Main usually translates to a 13-40 percentile and a rank around 8–10 lakh.
  • This score is insufficient for NITs, IIITs, or government colleges due to high competition.
  • Private and deemed universities may accept low JEE scores through their own entrance exams.
  • Students can improve the chances of admission through JEE Main Session 2, state exams, or private college admissions.

What is 20 Marks in JEE Main 2026 Percentile?

According to historical trends, 20 marks fall in the range of 13-40 percentiles. It is a very low score bracket.

JEE Main Marks Expected Percentile
1-10 6-13
11-20 13-40
21-40 40-70
41-61 70-85
What is 20 Marks in JEE Main 2026 Percentile

Also Read: 150 Marks in JEE Main Percentile

Ques. What percentile will I get for 20 marks in JEE Main?

Ans. 20 marks in JEE usually give around 13-40 percentile, depending on the difficulty level.

Ques. Is 20 marks a bad score in JEE Main?

Ans. Yes. Compared to the competition level, 20 marks is considered a low score. It is not enough for any government college.

Colleges Accepting 20 Marks in JEE Main

20 marks in JEE Main limit the options for college admissions. However, many private and deemed universities accept low JEE marks along with Class 12 marks or with their own entrance exams.

College Name Location Admission Process Popular Branches
Amity University Noida, Lucknow JEE Main or Amity JEE CSE, ECE, Mechanical
SRM Institute Chennai, Delhi-NCR SRMJEEE or JEE Civil, Biotech, EE
VIT Vellore Tamilnadu VITEEE IT, Chemical, Bioengineering
LPU Punjab LPUNEST or JEE Aerospace, Agriculture Engg
Manipal Academy Karnataka MET or JEE; Accept below 50 percentile Mechatronics, Data science
Alliance University Bengaluru AUEET or JEE AI, Cybersecurity
Heritage Institute Kolkata WBJEE or JEE Textile, EE

Check: What is 120 Marks in JEE Main Percentile?

Ques. Do government colleges accept low JEE Main scores?

Ans. No, government colleges require much higher percentiles. Usually above the 75-90 percentile based on category.

Ques. Is JEE Main mandatory for private colleges?

Ans. Not always. Many private colleges have their own entrance exam along with JEE Main.

jee main college predictor

Check: Predict B.Tech chances based on JoSAA Opening and Closing Ranks

Alternative Options for Students with 20 Marks in JEE Main

While 20 marks in JEE Main are low, but doesn’t define your future. There are multiple options you can choose from, even if your JEE Main score is as low as 20 marks.

Options include attempting JEE Main session 2 and applying for state-wise entrance exams. You can also apply to various private universities. Most ‌private universities accept direct admission depending on your Class 12 marks.

Next Step Description Timeline
Attempt Session 2 Register for session 2 of the April JEE Main February - March 2026
State-wise entrance exams Apply to exams like KCET, Varies by state
Private college applications Apply to Amity, SRM, etc Ongoing

Ques. Should I take a drop year after getting low marks in JEE Main?

Ans. If you are motivated to study 10-12 hours daily and work hard for 240+ marks, a drop year can work. Otherwise, join a decent private college for good placements.

Scoring 20 marks in JEE Mains translates to approximately 13-40 percentile and rank between 8 lakh and 10 lakh. This score may not be enough for many top colleges, but you can still pursue engineering through private colleges and regional colleges. It is possible to improve your score by attempting JEE Main session 2 in April.