JEE Main 2026: NTA Explains 31 Marks Gap for Same 99 Percentile Across Shifts

Content Writer | Updated On - Apr 24, 2026

NTA data shows a significant 31-mark variation in raw scores needed to achieve 99th percentile across different JEE Main 2026 exam shifts. Candidates in toughest shift needed 165 marks while easiest shift required 196 marks.

JEE Main 2026 31 Marks Gap 99 Percentile Shift Analysis

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released detailed data for JEE Main 2026 Session 2, highlighting a major variation in marks across different exam shifts. The analysis shows that there is a 31-mark difference between the toughest and easiest shifts for achieving the 99th percentile.

In the most difficult shift, candidates needed around 165 marks out of 300, while in the easiest shift, the requirement increased to 196 marks. This difference clearly shows how question paper difficulty varied across shifts.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Score Variation Details

Particulars	Details
Exam Dates	April 2–8, 2026
Total Shifts	9
Paper	B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1)
Total Marks	300
99 Percentile Gap	31 marks (165–196)
98 Percentile Gap	27 marks
97 Percentile Gap	26 marks
Toughest Shift	165 marks
Easiest Shift	196 marks

Why is there such a big difference in marks?

The variation happens because each shift has a different difficulty level.

In tougher shifts, fewer students score high marks, so the required marks for a high percentile are lower.
In easier shifts, more students score higher marks, so the cutoff increases.

This is a common pattern in exams conducted in multiple shifts and has been seen in previous JEE Main sessions as well.

How NTA's Percentile-Based Normalization Works?

NTA uses a percentile-based normalization system to ensure fairness across all shifts and sessions. The percentile score is calculated based on the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or below a particular score. For example, if a candidate scores 165 marks in the toughest shift and achieves 99th percentile, it means 99% of candidates in that shift scored equal to or below 165 marks. Similarly, a candidate scoring 196 marks in the easiest shift achieving 99th percentile means 99% of candidates in that shift scored equal to or below 196 marks.

The normalization process involves calculating percentile scores for each shift independently and then merging them to generate the final ranking. This ensures that candidates are ranked based on their relative performance within their respective shifts rather than absolute raw marks. A candidate with 99th percentile from any shift receives the same rank, regardless of whether they scored 165 or 196 marks. This system eliminates the advantage or disadvantage of appearing in a particular shift and ensures that all candidates are evaluated on a level playing field.

Percentile vs Raw Marks: Key Differences

It is crucial for candidates to understand the difference between percentile scores and raw marks. Raw marks refer to the actual marks obtained by a candidate in the examination out of 300. Percentile score, on the other hand, represents the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or below a particular score. Two candidates with different raw marks can have the same percentile score if they performed similarly relative to other candidates in their respective shifts.

For instance, a candidate scoring 165 marks in the toughest shift may have 99th percentile, while another candidate scoring 196 marks in the easiest shift also has 99th percentile. Although their raw marks differ by 31 points, their percentile scores are identical, reflecting their equivalent performance relative to other candidates in their shifts. This percentile-based approach ensures that the difficulty level of the question paper does not affect the fairness of ranking and selection process.

Many students may feel worried seeing such a large variation in marks, but this does not affect fairness.

Tough shift students are not at a disadvantage
Easy shift students do not get extra benefit
Final ranking depends on percentile, not raw marks

This system ensures that all candidates are evaluated on a level playing field, regardless of the shift they appeared in.

The 31-mark gap in JEE Main 2026 Session 2 highlights the natural variation in exam difficulty across shifts. However, NTA’s percentile-based normalization system ensures that rankings remain fair and unbiased. Understanding this system is important for students to avoid confusion and unnecessary stress about raw marks.

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