How Much Marks Are Required for IIT in JEE Mains?

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is a highly competitive exam for students aspiring to join prestigious engineering institutes in India, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Securing a seat at an IIT is a two-step process: first, students must qualify in JEE Main, and then they need to clear JEE Advanced. Knowing the required marks in JEE Main can help candidates better prepare and set realistic goals.

In this blog, we’ll dive into how many marks are typically needed in JEE Main to qualify for JEE Advanced and stand a strong chance for IIT admission.

JEE Main vs. JEE Advanced: Understanding the Pathway to IIT

To gain admission into an IIT, students must first clear the JEE Main exam. Only those who meet the qualifying cutoff in JEE Main 2025 Exam can proceed to the JEE Advanced exam, which is the actual gateway to IITs. Thus, while a good score in JEE Main doesn’t directly secure an IIT seat, it is crucial as a qualifier.

Marks vs. Percentile: How It Impacts Your Rank

JEE Main results are presented as percentiles, which are based on your performance relative to other candidates in your session. For example, if you achieve a percentile of 90, it indicates that you scored better than 90% of the candidates in your session.

A rough estimate of percentile vs. marks is as follows:

1. 200-220 Marks: Likely to secure above 97 percentile
2. 180-200 Marks: Likely to secure around 94-96 percentile
3. 150-180 Marks: Likely to secure around 85-93 percentile

To be confident about qualifying for JEE Advanced, a score of 180-200 or higher is advisable. However, note that exact percentiles can vary by session and year due to different levels of competition.

What is a Good JEE Main Score for IIT Admission?

Scoring above the JEE Main cutoff for JEE Advanced eligibility criteria is the first step, but the real challenge lies in excelling in JEE Advanced. For context:

1. Top 10,000 Rank: Generally requires a score above 200 in JEE Main.
2. Top NITs/IIITs: Scoring 180-220 in JEE Main opens up opportunities for top NITs and IIITs, but IITs require you to perform exceptionally well in JEE Advanced.
3. Percentile for IITs: A percentile above 97-98 in JEE Main may increase your chances of qualifying for JEE Advanced.

JEE Main Cutoff Trends for JEE Advanced Qualification

Here is a table showing the JEE Main Cutoff Trends for JEE Advanced Qualification for the years 2024, 2023, and 2022. This table includes approximate cutoff percentiles for various categories based on recent trends.

How to Achieve the Required Marks for IIT in JEE Mains

Here are some effective strategies to help you reach the desired score:

1. Master NCERT Books: NCERT textbooks form the base for all JEE preparation, especially in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Start by ensuring a thorough understanding of these books before moving on to advanced materials.
2. Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving past papers helps you understand the exam pattern and types of questions, which improves your confidence and time management skills.
3. Take Regular Mock Tests: Taking mock tests simulates the actual exam environment and helps identify your strengths and weaknesses.
4. Focus on High-Weightage Topics: Topics like Calculus, Mechanics, and Physical Chemistry have high weightage. Prioritize these topics to maximize your score.
5. Time Management: Develop a study plan that dedicates time to all three subjects equally. Consistent revision and practice are key.