How the JEE Main Marking Scheme Works

Every JEE Main aspirant eventually asks the same question: How exactly is my score calculated?

Understanding the marking scheme is just as important as studying the syllabus. Knowing how the marks work will help you:

• Avoid losing marks to silly mistakes
• Prioritise questions wisely
• Estimate your rank after the exam
• Build a more effective test strategy

In this guide, we will break down the entire JEE Main marking scheme. You’ll learn:

• Total marks and question pattern
• Subject-wise breakdown
• Negative marking rules
• How percentile and NTA scores are calculated
• Tips to avoid common marking pitfalls

Let’s dive into how JEE Main really works behind the scenes.

Overview of JEE Main Paper Structure

The JEE Main exam is divided into multiple papers, but Paper 1 is the most common for admission to B.E./B.Tech programs.

This paper includes three subjects:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics

The exam is conducted in computer-based format*, and contains a mix of MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and Numerical Value Questions (NVQs)**.

Total Marks and Duration

• Total Marks: 300
• Questions: 90 (out of which 75 need to be answered)
• Duration: 3 hours

Each subject has:

• 20 MCQs (attempt all)
• 10 Numerical Value Questions (attempt any 5)
• That’s 30 questions per subject

So you answer 25 questions in each subject (20 MCQs + 5 NVQs) — totalling 75 questions overall.

Marking Scheme for MCQs

MCQs follow a simple and strict rule:

• Correct Answer: +4 marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
• Unattempted: 0 marks

This negative marking makes guessing risky. One wrong answer can cancel out four right ones if you aren't careful.

Let’s say you attempt 10 MCQs in Physics:

• 7 are correct → 7 × 4 = 28 marks
• 3 are wrong → 3 × (-1) = -3 marks
• Net score for MCQs = 28 - 3 = 25 marks

The same rule applies to Chemistry and Mathematics.

Marking Scheme for Numerical Value Questions

Numerical value questions (NVQs) are different. These require you to enter a numeric answer using the keyboard.

Here’s the marking rule:

• Correct Answer: +4 marks
• Incorrect or Unattempted: 0 marks
• No Negative Marking

This gives you more freedom to try without fear of losing marks. If you’re not sure but can estimate a close value, it’s better to attempt.

That’s why many students prefer NVQs for safe scoring.

Example:

You attempt 5 NVQs in Chemistry:

• 3 correct → 3 × 4 = 12 marks
• 2 wrong → 0 marks
• Total = 12 marks

Total risk = zero. That’s why it's important not to leave NVQs blank unless you're completely unsure.

Subject-Wise Marking Breakdown

Let’s break it down subject by subject.

Mathematics:

• 20 MCQs × 4 = 80 marks
• 5 NVQs × 4 = 20 marks
• Total: 100 marks

Physics:

• 20 MCQs × 4 = 80 marks
• 5 NVQs × 4 = 20 marks
• Total: 100 marks

Chemistry:

• 20 MCQs × 4 = 80 marks
• 5 NVQs × 4 = 20 marks
• Total: 100 marks

Add them all: 300 marks total

Total Questions vs Attempted Questions

You’ll see 30 questions per subject, but only 25 need to be attempted.

For NVQs, you get 10 options and choose any 5. If you try more than 5, only the first 5 responses are recorded.

This means:

• Attempt MCQs carefully because they have negative marking
• For NVQs, feel free to try up to 5 without fear
• Do not try more than 5 NVQs per subject, as the rest won’t count

What Is the Percentile Score?

JEE Main does not show your raw score directly in the result. Instead, they display a percentile score (NTA score).

This percentile is not the percentage of marks you got. It tells you how many students scored less than or equal to you in that session.

For example:

• You score better than 95% of students
• Your percentile = 95.0000000

It’s calculated per session, and then the best percentile score of the two sessions (January or April) is used for ranking.

Does the Percentile Affect Actual Marks?

Yes and no.

Percentile does not show your exact marks, but NTA uses it to:

• Normalise differences across shifts
• Create a common merit list
• Filter for JEE Advanced eligibility
• Allocate seats in JoSAA counselling

So while your score determines your percentile, it’s the percentile that affects your rank.

Normalisation of Scores

Since JEE Main is conducted in multiple shifts, some papers might be slightly tougher than others.

To fix this, NTA uses a normalisation method.

Your raw marks are converted into a percentile, and then these normalised scores are used for:

• Creating All India Ranks
• Declaring cut-offs
• Seat allocation

This ensures fairness regardless of which day or shift you appear in.

How Is Your Final Score Used?

Once you’ve given both sessions (Jan and April), NTA picks your best percentile for final ranking.

Then your All India Rank is published, based on:

• Best percentile among the two attempts
• Tiebreaker rules (Maths > Physics > Chemistry > Age)

This AIR is used for:

• Admissions to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs
• Eligibility for JEE Advanced
• Counselling through JoSAA or state quotas

Tips to Maximise Marks with the Marking Scheme

Understand Negative Marking Well

• Don’t randomly guess in MCQs
• Eliminate two options before attempting
• If unsure, skip and come back later
• Never rush the first few questions

Focus More on NVQs

• No negative marking
• Even a close estimate can score full marks
• Attempt all 5 per subject
• Practice estimation techniques and formulas

Attempt Strategy

• Prioritise easy MCQs to gain confidence
• Move to NVQs next
• Come back to unsure MCQs after finishing others
• Leave tough guesses if time is short

Mock Test Application

• Mark your score during practice tests using the same rules
• Track mistakes, especially in negative-marking questions
• Identify which subject affects your marks through wrong attempts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Trying more than 5 NVQs per subject
• Leaving NVQs blank
• Guessing MCQs without elimination
• Mismanaging time and rushing in the last 30 minutes
• Ignoring question instructions and marking all options

Quick Recap of Marking Rules

• MCQ correct: +4
• MCQ incorrect: -1
• NVQ correct: +4
• NVQ incorrect or unattempted: 0
• Attempt 25 questions per subject
• Total marks: 300
• No partial marking
• Percentile used for ranking, not raw score

Final Thoughts

The JEE Main marking scheme is built to reward accuracy, smart attempts, and balanced strategy.

Once you understand the logic behind scoring, you can:

• Avoid negative marking traps
• Make safe and smart guesses
• Use NVQs to boost scores
• Estimate your performance after the paper
• Approach each question with confidence

Remember, marks are not just about right answers. They’re also about avoiding wrong ones. Keep that in mind and practice your mock tests with the same marking system.

By mastering the marking scheme, you gain an edge before you even start answering the questions.

You’ve got the strategy now. The rest is all execution.