Predicted Marks for 98 Percentile in JEE Main 2026: Is it a good percentile score?

For JEE Main 2026, scoring 98 percentile is generally expected to require a raw score between 160 and 175 marks out of 300. However, it is important to understand that this range is not fixed. The exact marks for 98 percentile in JEE Mains 2026 can vary depending on many factors, such as the difficulty level of the paper, the shift you appear in, and the overall performance of candidates in that particular session.

JEE Main follows a normalisation process conducted by NTA. Because of this, percentile is calculated based on relative performance, not on a fixed marks-to-percentile formula. In simple terms, your percentile shows the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or less than you, rather than linking directly to a specific marks number.

Looking at recent marks vs percentile trends in JEE Main, a score of around 165 marks usually places candidates in the 97+ percentile range, while scores close to 180-185 marks often move candidates towards 98 percentile or slightly higher. For JEE Main 2026, experts suggest that candidates aiming for 98 percentile should target 160 to 185 marks, assuming a moderately difficult paper.

If the paper turns out to be easier, the expected marks required for 98 percentile in JEE Main 2026 may go higher due to increased competition. On the other hand, a tougher paper could slightly lower the marks needed. Since JEE Main is conducted in multiple shifts, the same marks may result in different percentiles across sessions due to normalisation.

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Expected Marks for 98 Percentile in JEE Mains 2026

The table below provides a detailed prediction of marks vs percentile JEE Mains 2026, focusing specifically on the 98th percentile range. These expected marks required for 98 percentile in JEE Mains 2026 are based on previous year trends, expert analysis, and expected competition levels.

Also read Expected JEE Main Percentile Required to be Eligible for JEE Advanced 2026

Is 98 Percentile Score in JEE Main 2026 a Good Score?

Yes, 98 percentile in JEE Main 2026 is a very good score. It places a candidate in the top 2% of all test-takers, which itself shows exceptional performance in a highly competitive exam.

With a 98 percentile, candidates are generally eligible for JEE Advanced 2026, provided they meet the category-wise cutoff criteria. This percentile also opens up great admission opportunities in NITs, IIITs, and other Government Funded Technical Institutes.

In terms of rank, a 98 percentile usually corresponds to an All India Rank between 15,000 and 25,000, though this can vary depending on the number of candidates and the session. With this rank range, candidates have a realistic chance of securing popular branches such as CSE, ECE, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, especially in mid-tier to some top NITs, particularly during later counselling rounds.

Check Out Predicted Marks Required to Score 99 Percentile in JEE Main 2026

How to Score 98 Percentile in JEE Main 2026?

Scoring 98 percentile means you have performed better than 98% of the candidates appearing for the exam. In marks, this usually translates to the 160-175 range, depending on the paper difficulty and shift. While the exact number may vary, preparing with this target in mind keeps you on the right track.

Check below some toppers’ strategies and tips to score 98 Percentile in JEE Main 2026:

Focus on Strong Basics First

To reach a 98 percentile, clarity of concepts matters far more than memorisation. Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are all built on strong fundamentals, many of which are directly linked to NCERT concepts. As a student preparing for JEE Main, you will notice that once your basics are clear, even questions that look lengthy or tricky start feeling manageable. Instead of referring to too many books or resources, it is much more effective to stick to limited, reliable study material and revise it thoroughly.

Be Selective With Topics

You do not need 100% syllabus coverage to score a 98 percentile in JEE Main 2026. A smarter approach is to focus on high-weightage and frequently asked topics across all three subjects. Chapters that have appeared repeatedly in previous years’ JEE Main papers should be your priority. Once these core areas are well prepared, you can gradually move to other topics, but not at the cost of regular revision of important chapters.

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Practice With Purpose, Not Just Volume

Daily practice is important, but how you practice matters more than how much you practice. Simply solving questions is not enough; you should understand why an answer is correct or incorrect. Try to build the habit of focused practice by giving importance to:

• Previous years’ JEE Main questions
• Chapter-wise practice before full-length mock tests

This kind of focused practice improves accuracy and confidence, both of which are importatnt for reaching the 98 percentile range.

Take Mock Tests Seriously

Mock tests help you learn much more than just concepts. They train you to handle time pressure, exam stress, and silly mistakes. In the later stages of preparation, attempting 2-3 full-length mock tests per week is ideal.

After each mock test, you need to carefully analyse:

• Incorrect questions
• Guessed questions
• Topics where too much time was spent

This analysis improves scores faster than simply solving new questions every day.

Accuracy Matters More Than Attempting Everything

To score 98 percentile, you do not need to attempt all 90 questions. A balanced attempt with high accuracy is far more effective. You should avoid unnecessary negative marking by skipping questions you are unsure about. Solving fewer questions correctly is always better than attempting many questions with low confidence.

Revise Regularly

Revision is what finally converts your preparation into marks. Make short notes, formula sheets, and concept summaries for quick revision. In the final months before the exam, revision should take more time than learning new topics. Many students lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they forget formulas or basic concepts under exam pressure. Regular revision helps prevent this and keeps your preparation exam-ready.

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