Low Percentile in Session 1? How Much Can You Improve in JEE Main 2026 Session 2

A low percentile in JEE Main 2026 Session 1 can be stressful, especially after months of preparation. But the good part is that it isn’t the final word on your performance. Since NTA counts the better of the two session scores for the final rank, Session 2 gives you another real opportunity to improve. With smarter revision, better time management, and focused practice on weak areas, many students see a noticeable  improvement in their percentile in the second attempt.

Understanding How Session 1 and Session 2 Results Work

JEE Main 2026 is conducted in two sessions – Session 1 (January) and Session 2 (April). NTA doesn’t finalise your All India Rank based solely on Session 1. Instead, it compares your performance across both sessions and uses the higher NTA percentile to determine your final rank and eligibility for counselling. This means a low Session 1 showing isn’t the end ; you can improve your standing by performing better in Session 2.

For example, if you scored a 78 percentile in Session 1 but achieve a 92+ percentile in Session 2, your final rank will reflect the 92+ percentile performance, improving your chances of qualifying for better colleges and even JEE Advanced.

Also Check: JEE Mains Result 2026

Why Session 2 Gives You a Second Chance

The JEE Main scoring system uses normalisation, which ensures fair comparison between different shifts and sessions. Because of this, even if Session 1 was tougher or you had an off day, your Session 2 attempt can compensate for it. Your higher percentile from the two sessions will count towards your All India Rank (AIR).

In practice, many students see a noticeable jump in percentile when they identify and correct mistakes from Session 1 and revise accordingly before the April session. Improvement by 10–20+ percentile points is quite possible with targeted effort.

What Percentile Improvements Are Realistic?

Improvement depends on how you prepare between sessions. While there are no official guarantees, historical trends show:

• Students scoring below 90 percentile in Session 1 often surge into 90+ and even 95+ percentiles in Session 2 after focused revision.

• Those around the 90–95 percentile range in Session 1 frequently move into the 95++ bracket, improving their All India Rank significantly.

This kind of improvement usually comes from covering a few more important topics properly, reducing silly mistakes, and handling time better in the exam hall ; all of which can be worked on with focused practice during the gap between the two sessions.

Also Check: JEE Main Toppers List 2026

How Your Marks Relate to Percentile Changes

Even a small increase in marks can change your percentile more than you expect. That’s why it’s important to understand how raw scores usually translate into percentiles in JEE Main.The table below shows an approximate marks vs percentile trend based on recent JEE Main patterns.

Percentiles vary each year based on paper difficulty, number of candidates and overall performance in that session.

How Much Can You Improve in JEE Main 2026 Session 2

Many students improve their percentile by 5–15 points between the two sessions, and in some cases even more, depending on how much their marks increase. A 15–25 mark rise can significantly change your percentile, especially if you were in the 85–95 range in Session 1.

Here’s where most of that improvement usually comes from:

• Reducing Silly Mistakes: Even cutting down 4–5 incorrect answers can add 4–5 marks. 

• Attempting a Few More Questions Correctly: Solving 5–8 additional questions with accuracy can contribute 20–32 marks.

• Better Time Control: Managing sections properly helps avoid leaving easy or moderate questions may add 5–10 marks that were previously left out.

• Stronger Chemistry Section: Many students improve faster here with revision, which directly adds 5–10 marks.

• Learning from Session 1 Patterns: Strategically choosing questions based on previous trends can add another 5–10 marks.

Students can improve 15–40 marks, which can translate to a 5–15+ percentile increase depending on session difficulty and competition.

Also Check: JEE Main Cutoff 2026

How to Prepare for JEE Main 2026 Session 2

If your Session 1 score is lower than expected, using the time before Session 2 in a focused and structured way can help you improve.

• Analyse Mistakes: Go through your Session 1 response sheet carefully to identify weak topics, repeated errors, and time-related issues.

• Revise High-Weightage Topics: Give more attention to chapters that are asked frequently and carry good weight in the exam.

• Practice Mock Tests: Attempt full-length timed mocks to improve accuracy and get comfortable with the exam pattern.

• Improve Time Management: Work on balancing Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics so you can attempt the paper more evenly.

• Stay Consistent: Regular revision along with steady practice helps improve both marks and overall confidence.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Result Date and Final Ranking Process

The Session 2 results are expected around April 20, 2026, and that is when NTA will release the final rankings based on the best percentile from both attempts. Only after this will you clearly see your All India Rank and understand how your performance compares at the national level.