Scoring 120 marks in JEE Main is a significant milestone for engineering aspirants in India. However, many students wonder how this score translates into percentile and rank. Understanding these metrics is crucial for estimating college admissions, setting realistic goals, and planning further attempts.
This article explains how JEE marks, percentile, and rank are calculated, what is the percentile for 120 marks, and what ranks and colleges you can expect with this score in 2025.
Understanding JEE Main Marks
JEE Main is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is the gateway to engineering institutes such as NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, and is also the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced (for IITs).
Exam Structure
The exam consists of 3 sections- Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each section has 100 marks, making the total score 300 marks. The marking scheme for JEE Main is as follows-
- +4 for a correct answer
- -1 for incorrect answer
- 0 for unattempted questions
A candidate’s total marks determine their percentile and, ultimately, their rank.
What is the Percentile in JEE Main?
JEE Main percentile represents a candidate’s relative performance compared to others. It is NOT the percentage of marks obtained.
How is Percentile Calculated?
To better understand 120 marks in JEE Mains percentile, here’s a quick overview of how the percentile is calculated-
Percentile = (Total Candidates Appeared- Rank of the Candidate/Total Candidates Appeared) x 100
So, if 10 lakh students appear for JEE main and your rank is 40,000, your percentile would be-
=(10,00,000 – 40,000/10,00,000) x 100
=96.00%
As JEE Main is conducted in multiple shifts, NTA uses normalization to adjust for variations in difficulty level across different sessions.
What is Rank in JEE Main?
Along with what is 120 marks percentile in JEE Main, aspirants should also understand how they are ranked. Your All India Rank (AIR) in JEE Main is determined based on your percentile score. A higher percentile leads to a better rank.
How is Rank Calculated?
Expected Rank = (100-Percentile/100) x Total Candidates
So, if 10 lakh students appeared for JEE Main and your percentile is 96.5, then-
=(100-96/100) x 10,00,000
=35,000
Thus, a percentile of around 96-97 means your expected rank will be between 30,000-45,000 depending on the exam session and total number of candidates.
120 Marks in JEE Main: Expected Percentile and Rank in 2025
Estimated Percentile for 120 Marks
Based on previous years’ trends, 120 marks in JEE Main typically result in a percentile between 96 and 96.5. However, this can vary slightly due to the difficulty level of the exam.
| Marks | Expected Percentile Range | Expected Rank Range (For 10L+ Candidates) |
| 120 | 96-96.5 | 33,000-43,000 |
Expected Rank for 120 Marks
Now that you know 120 marks in JEE Mains percentile 2025, let’s take a look at the expected rank-
- If 10 lakh students appear, an estimated 96 percentile means a rank around 40,000.
- If 9 lakh students appear, the expected rank may improve to 35,000.
Since cutoffs for colleges depend on ranks, candidates with 120 marks have a decent chance of getting admission into good engineering colleges.
Factors Affecting Percentile and Rank
Several elements influence how marks convert into percentile and rank-
1. Number of Candidates Appearing
- If more students appear, percentile cutoffs tend to rise, making competition tougher.
- If fewer students appear, percentiles drop, improving chances for lower marks.
2. Exam Difficulty Level
- If a particular session is tough, scoring 120 marks may result in a higher percentile.
- If a session is relatively easy, 120 marks may lead to a lower percentile.
3. Normalization Process
- Since JEE Main is conducted in multiple shifts, NTA normalizes scores to ensure fairness.
- A candidate scoring 120 in an easier shift might get a lower percentile than someone scoring 120 in a tougher shift.
Is 120 a Good Score in JEE Mains?
Pros:
- Above-average performance – 96+ percentile means you performed better than 96% of test-takers.
- Eligible for many IIITs, GFTIs, and some NITs (depending on category & home state quota).
- Qualifies for JEE Advanced (if the cutoff is around 90 percentile for the General category).
Cons:
- May not be sufficient for top NITs (e.g., NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal, etc.).
- Competitive branches like CSE and ECE require a higher score (150+ marks).
What Colleges Can You Get with 120 Marks in JEE Mains 2025?
While exact cutoffs vary, here’s an estimate of colleges where you can get admission based on past trends:
| Institute Type | Possible Admission with 120 Marks |
| Top NITs (Trichy, Warangal, Surathkal, etc.) | Unlikely |
| Mid-tier NITs (NIT Jamshedpur, NIT Durgapur, etc.) | Possible in less popular branches |
| IIITs (IIIT Gwalior, IIIT Allahabad, etc.) | Possible in lower branches |
| GFTIs (NSUT, DTU, etc.) | High chances |
| Private Engineering Colleges | Easily available |
Does Category Impact Percentile or Rank If I Get 120 Marks?
How much is 120 marks in JEE Mains in percentile for OBC or SC/ST category students? While category plays a crucial role in JEE Main rankings, it does not affect percentile calculations.
Does Category Affect Percentile?
No, percentile is calculated only based on your raw score and relative performance compared to other candidates in your session.
A candidate from the General, OBC, SC, or ST category scoring 120 marks will have the same percentile (around 96-96.5 percentile) since the percentile is purely determined by marks.
Does Category Affect Rank?
Yes, category affects the All India Rank (AIR) and category rank.
NTA releases two types of ranks:
- Overall (General) Rank – Common rank list including all candidates.
- Category Rank – Rank within the reserved category (OBC-NCL, SC, ST, etc.).
Candidates from reserved categories have separate quotas, and their cutoff ranks for admissions are lower compared to the General category.
How to Get 120 Marks in JEE Mains?
Scoring 120+ marks in JEE Main requires a strategic approach focusing on concept clarity, practice, and time management. Here’s how you can achieve it:
1. Focus on High-Scoring Topics:
- Mathematics: Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Probability, and Matrices.
- Physics: Kinematics, Thermodynamics, Current Electricity, and Modern Physics.
- Chemistry: Organic Reactions, Coordination Compounds, and Chemical Bonding.
2. Solve Previous Years’ Papers & Mock Tests:
- Attempt at least 10 full-length mock tests.
- Analyze mistakes and improve weak areas.
3. Improve Speed & Accuracy:
- Practice shortcut methods for calculations.
- Avoid negative marking by attempting only sure-shot answers.
4. Revise Regularly & Stay Consistent:
- Make summary notes and revise important formulas.
- Follow a study schedule with daily targets.
By following these steps, you can score 120+ marks and improve your chances of securing a good rank.
Conclusion
Scoring 120 marks in JEE Main typically results in a 96-96.5 percentile, placing you in the 33,000-43,000 rank range. While this is a decent score, it may not be enough for top NITs but can fetch seats in mid-tier NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
If your goal is higher-ranked institutions, consider re-attempting JEE Main in the next session or improving your score through effective preparation strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- 120 marks = 96-96.5 percentile (approx.)
- Rank between 33,000 – 43,000 (varies yearly)
- Good chances for IIITs, GFTIs, & mid-tier NITs
- Higher scores needed for CSE in top NITs
For better results, focus on the tips listed under how to score 120 marks in JEE Mains, including conceptual clarity, mock tests, and time management.
FAQs on 120 Marks in JEE Mains Percentile
You can expect a 96 – 96.5 percentile, but it may vary based on exam difficulty and normalization.
Your expected rank will be around 33,000 – 43,000, depending on the total number of candidates.
You may get mid-tier NITs in lower branches, especially if you belong to the OBC, SC, or ST category.
No, the percentile is the same for all categories, but rank and admission chances vary.
Aim for 30-35 correct answers while minimizing negative marking for the best results.
