The JEE Main Exam Trend Analysis for the Last 5 Years is informative for engineering students. It helps those preparing for India’s most competitive entrance examination. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This exam provides access to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. It is also a qualifying step for JEE Advanced. Understanding trends in exam patterns, candidate attendance, marking schemes, and cutoff variations is important. Understanding these trends over the last 5 years can help craft a well-informed preparation plan for JEE Main 2026. To stay updated about the registration process, important dates, and new guidelines for the upcoming exam, check our detailed JEE Main Registration Update 2026
In this article, we will look into the JEE Main past 5 years trend analysis.
JEE Main Past 5 Years Trends Analysis: Overview
In the last five years, JEE Main has experienced significant changes. The exam transitioned to a computer-based test and now has multiple sessions. These changes reflect the NTA’s efforts to make the exam more accessible and transparent. The JEE Main Past 5 Years Trend Analysis highlights major trends in the exam pattern, participation, difficulty level, and results. This analysis aims to help students understand what to expect in the future.
Registration, Appearance & Qualification Trends in JEE Main Exam
Over the last five years, the JEE Main Exam has seen a steady increase in registrations and attendance. This reflects the increasing competition among engineers-to-be in India. The following data show the figures of students who registered, appeared, and were qualified. These numbers highlight the magnitude and seriousness of this national-level exam.
| Registration, Appearance & Qualification Trends in JEE Main Exam | |||
| Year | Number of Students Registered | Number of Students Appeared in JEE Main | Total Number of Students Qualified |
| 2023 | 17,91,398 | 17,07,334 | Top 2,00,000 |
| 2022 | 10,26,799 | 9,05,590 | Top 2,50,000 |
| 2021 | 10,48,012 | 9,39,008 | 2,50,186 |
| 2020 | About 11.74 Lakhs | About 10.23 Lakhs | 2,50,681 |
| 2019 | 12,37,892 | 11,47,125 | 2,45,000 |
| 2018 | 11,48,000 | About 10.43 Lakhs | 2,31,024 |
Past 5 Years Percentile Cutoff Trends of JEE Main
The JEE Main cutoff percentile specifies the minimum score needed to be eligible for JEE Advanced. It is also required to join the JoSAA counselling for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Trends in cutoffs vary from year to year. These variations depend on the difficulties faced in the exam, the number of candidates, and the availability of seats. By studying the past 5 years of cutoff trends, students can formulate precise and achievable goals for their JEE Main preparation.
| Past 5 Years Percentile Cutoff Trends of JEE Main | ||||||
| Year | General (UR) | EWS | OBC‑NCL | SC | ST | PwD (UR‑PwD) |
| 2025 | 93.1023262 | 80.3830119 | 79.4313582 | 61.1526933 | 47.9026465 | 0.0079349 |
| 2024 | 93.2362181 | 81.3266412 | 79.6757881 | 60.0923182 | 46.6975840 | 0.0018700 |
| 2023 | 90.7788642 | 75.6229025 | 73.6114227 | 51.9776027 | 37.2348772 | 0.0013527 |
| 2022 | 88.4121383 | 63.1114141 | 67.0090297 | 43.0820954 | 26.7771328 | 0.0031029 |
| 2021 | 87.8992241 | 66.2214845 | 68.0234447 | 46.8825338 | 34.6728999 | 0.0096375 |
JEE Main Session-Wise Candidate Attendance Trends
Below is the registered vs appeared candidates for the JEE Main Session-Wise Candidate
Attendance Trends:
| JEE Main Session-Wise Candidate Attendance Trends | ||
| Year | No. of Registered Students | No. of Students Appeared |
| JEE Main 2025 | January- 13,11,544 | January- 12,58,136 |
| April – 10,61,840 | April – 9,92,350 | |
| JEE Main 2024 | January- 12,31,874 | January- 11,70,036 |
| April – 11,79,569 | April – 10,67,959 | |
| JEE Main 2023 | January – 8,60,064 | January – 8,23,967 |
| April – 9,31,334 | April – 8,83,367 | |
| JEE Main 2022 | June – 8,72,970 | June – 7,69,604 |
| July – 6,22,034 | July – 5,40,242 | |
| JEE Main 2021 | February – 6,52,628 | February – 6,21,033 |
| March – 6,19,641 | March – 5,56,248 | |
| July – 7,09,611 | July – 5,43,553 | |
| August – 7,67,700 | August – 4,81,419 | |
JEE Main NTA Score vs Percentile vs Rank Analysis (2021–2025)
The following is a detailed comparative study of JEE Main 2024 and 2025. It is based on NTA score, percentiles, and estimated rank ranges. This study enables students to estimate their likely rank. It also helps them chart their college admission course accordingly.
1. JEE Main NTA Score vs Percentile vs Rank 2025
The JEE Main 2025 NTA Score vs Percentile vs Rank comparison is a useful tool for candidates. It helps them understand how their raw scores relate to percentiles. Additionally, it provides insight into estimated ranks. This information is important for gauging admission possibilities. Candidates can use this data to assess their chances of getting into NITs, IIITs, and other premier engineering institutions.
| JEE Main NTA Score vs Percentile vs Rank 2025 | ||
| JEE Main 2025 Score | JEE Main 2025 Percentile | JEE Main 2025 Rank |
| 300-281 | 100 – 99.99989145 | 1 – 20 |
| 271 – 280 | 99.994681 – 99.997394 | 80-24 |
| 263 – 270 | 99.990990 – 99.994029 | 83-55 |
| 250 – 262 | 99.977205 – 99.988819 | 210 – 85 |
| 241 – 250 | 99.960163 – 99.975034 | 367 – 215 |
| 231 – 240 | 99.934980 – 99.956364 | 599 – 375 |
| 221 – 230 | 99.901113 – 99.928901 | 911 – 610 |
| 211 – 220 | 99.851616 – 99.893732 | 1367 – 920 |
| 201 – 210 | 99.795063 – 99.845212 | 1888 – 1375 |
| 191 – 200 | 99.710831 – 99.782472 | 2664 – 1900 |
| 181 – 190 | 99.597399 – 99.688579 | 3710 – 2700 |
| 171 – 180 | 99.456939 – 99.573193 | 5003- 3800 |
| 161 – 170 | 99.272084 – 99.431214 | 6706 – 5100 |
| 151 – 160 | 99.028614 – 99.239737 | 8949 – 6800 |
| 141 – 150 | 98.732389 – 98.990296 | 11678 – 9000 |
| 131 – 140 | 98.317414 – 98.666935 | 15501 – 11800 |
| 121 – 130 | 97.811260 – 98.254132 | 20164 – 15700 |
| 111 – 120 | 97.142937 – 97.685672 | 26321 – 20500 |
| 101 – 110 | 96.204550 – 96.978272 | 34966 – 26500 |
| 91 – 100 | 94.998594 – 96.064850 | 46076 – 35000 |
| 81 – 90 | 93.471231 – 94.749479 | 60147 – 46500 |
| 71 – 80 | 91.072128 – 93.152971 | 82249 – 61000 |
| 61 – 70 | 87.512225 – 90.702200 | 115045 – 83000 |
| 51 – 60 | 82.016062 – 86.907944 | 165679 – 117000 |
| 41 – 50 | 73.287808 – 80.982153 | 246089 – 166000 |
| 31 – 40 | 58.151490 – 71.302052 | 385534 – 264383 |
2. JEE Main NTA Score vs Percentile vs Rank 2024
The NTA Score vs Percentile vs Rank table for JEE Main 2024 provides valuable insights. It shows how different score brackets correspond to percentiles and estimated All India Ranks. This information helps candidates analyse past trends. As a result, they can set realistic goals for their future attempts.
| JEE Main NTA Score vs Percentile vs Rank 2024 | ||
| JEE Main 2024 Score | JEE Main 2024 Rank | JEE Main 2024 Percentile |
| 286 – 292 | 19 – 12 | 99.99826992 – 99.99890732 |
| 280 – 284 | 42 – 23 | 99.99617561 – 99.99790569 |
| 268 – 279 | 106 – 64 | 99.9903477 – 99.99417236 |
| 250 – 267 | 524 – 108 | 99.95228221 – 99.99016588 |
| 231 – 249 | 1385 – 546 | 99.87388826 – 99.95028296 |
| 215 – 230 | 2789 – 1421 | 99.74522293 – 99.87006821 |
| 200 – 214 | 4687 – 2863 | 99.57503767 – 99.73930423 |
| 189 – 199 | 6684 – 4830 | 99.39319174 – 99.58015841 |
| 175 – 188 | 10746 – 7152 | 99.02150308 – 99.3487614 |
| 160 – 174 | 16103 – 11018 | 98.52824118 – 98.99673561 |
| 149 – 159 | 21145 – 14695 | 98.07460828 – 98.49801724 |
| 132 – 148 | 32286 – 22238 | 97.0109678 – 97.95707774 |
| 120 – 131 | 43174 – 33636 | 96.0887115 – 96.93721175 |
| 110 – 119 | 54293 – 44115 | 95.05625075 – 95.893027 |
| 102 – 109 | 65758 – 55269 | 94.01228357 – 94.86737888 |
| 95 – 101 | 76280 – 66909 | 93.05600452 – 93.88922802 |
| 89 – 94 | 87219 – 78111 | 92.05811428 – 92.88745528 |
| 79 – 88 | 109320 – 90144 | 90.0448455 – 91.7917719 |
| 82 – 87 | 169542 – 92303 | 84.56209331 – 91.56917495 |
| 41 – 61 | 326517 – 173239 | 70.28300307 – 84.22540213 |
| 1 – 40 | 1025009 – 334080 | 6.68590788 – 69.5797271 |
JEE Main Difficulty Level Trend Analysis (2021–2025)
The JEE Main exams from 2021 to 2025 have shown noticeable variations in difficulty levels. This is true across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each year presents a unique set of challenges for students. These variations influence their preparation strategies. They also affect performance on the exams. Here’s a breakdown of the paper analysis over the past few years:
1. JEE Main 2025 Paper Analysis
- The JEE Main 2025 exam had an overall moderate difficulty level.
- The Mathematics section was considered the toughest due to its lengthy and time-consuming nature.
- Key topics in Mathematics included Matrices, 3D Geometry, Vectors, and Conic Sections, which were heavily featured.
- The Physics section was rated easy to moderate, with a balanced mix of questions from both Class 11 and Class 12.
- There was a special focus on topics such as Optics and Electromagnetism in the Physics section.
- The Chemistry section was regarded as the most scoring, largely consisting of NCERT-based questions.
- In Chemistry, there was a particular emphasis on Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, making it relatively easy for well-prepared students.
These variations influence preparation strategies across subjects. To make your preparation more targeted, refer to our JEE Chapter-Wise Weightage article for insights on which topics to emphasize in each subject.
2. JEE Main 2024 Paper Analysis
- The JEE Main 2024 exam was conducted across multiple sessions and maintained an overall moderate difficulty level.
- There was subject-wise variation in the difficulty, with Physics rated as easy to moderate.
- In Physics, key focus areas included Modern Physics, Gravitation, and Semiconductors.
- Chemistry was found to be the easiest subject for most students, featuring questions that were primarily based on the NCERT syllabus.
- The Chemistry questions covered topics such as Organic Chemistry, Biomolecules, and Electrochemistry.
- Mathematics emerged as the toughest section of the exam, characterised by lengthy and complex problems.
- The challenging topics in Mathematics included Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, and 3D Geometry.
3. JEE Main 2023 Paper Analysis
- JEE Main 2023 was held in two sessions: January and April.
- The overall difficulty level of the exam was rated as moderate.
- The Physics and Chemistry sections were largely considered easy to moderate.
- Mathematics was identified as the most challenging section of the exam.
- Many students found the Mathematics section to be lengthy and calculation-heavy.
- Some exam shifts were slightly tougher, particularly due to the complexity of Math problems.
4. JEE Main 2022 Paper Analysis
- The overall difficulty level of JEE Main 2022 ranged from moderate to difficult.
- Mathematics was considered the toughest section due to its lengthy and tricky problems.
- Physics was rated as moderately easy.
- Chemistry was mostly easy, especially due to a strong emphasis on NCERT-based questions.
- The paper maintained a balanced topic distribution across all three subjects.
5. JEE Main 2021 Paper Analysis
- JEE Main 2021 was conducted across multiple sessions.
- The overall difficulty level of the exam was moderate.
- Physics was generally perceived as the easiest section.
- Chemistry followed in difficulty after Physics.
- Mathematics was considered the most challenging section, primarily due to its lengthy and calculation-heavy questions.
How JEE Main Trends Help Shape Your 2026 Preparation Strategy?
Analysing JEE Main trends from previous years can provide valuable insights for shaping your 2026 preparation strategy. Understanding the difficulty levels and frequently asked topics is essential. It also helps to know the weightage across subjects. This information allows aspirants to prioritise important chapters and manage time effectively. Additionally, they can adapt their study plans based on recurring JEE Main patterns. To make the most of these insights, consider enrolling in our JEE Main Course — designed to help you align your preparation with the latest exam trends and syllabus updates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the JEE Main past 5 years trend analysis provides important insights for aspiring engineers. Moreover, understanding the rising registrations, exam patterns, and cutoff percentiles is important for effective preparation. By using this data, students can develop strategic study plans. This can improve their chances of success and help them gain admission to prestigious institutions. As we approach 2026, this knowledge will empower candidates to face the exam confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which subject was considered the toughest in JEE Main from 2021 to 2025?
Each year, mathematics is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and demanding subjects. This reputation stems from the extensive time and effort required to master it. Moreover, its complex concepts and intricate problem-solving processes pose significant hurdles for many students. As a result, mathematics can be a formidable academic pursuit.
2. Has Chemistry been easy in the past JEE Main exams?
Chemistry has mostly been easy. Moreover, it is primarily based on NCERT materials. This is particularly true for the Organic and Inorganic sections.
3. Does the JEE Main exam pattern change every year?
The exam pattern has remained mostly consistent. However, the type of questions varies slightly each year. The difficulty level of questions also changes a bit annually.
4. What was the overall difficulty level of JEE Main 2025?
The JEE Main 2025 paper was moderately difficult. The Mathematics section was conceptual. The Physics section was balanced. The Chemistry section was easy and based on the NCERT.
5. Has the cut-off trend changed significantly from 2021 to 2025?
Cut-off marks have shown slight variations depending on paper difficulty. However, they have overall remained within a similar range across the years.