JEE Main Merit List 2026: Normalisation Process, Tie-Breaking Criteria, Rank List

The JEE Main merit list 2025 provides a complete list of candidates who have qualified for JEE Main counselling and admissions to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and eligibility for JEE Advanced. The merit list contains details such as candidates' ranks, category details, and percentile scores

The merit list for JEE Main 2026 serves as a key reference point for understanding the admission chances and participating in the further counselling process. The JEE Main merit list 2026 will be released by the NTA after the announcement of JEE Main results 2026.

JEE Main Merit List 2026 Release Date

JEE Main toppers list with rank will be released by the authorities after the release of results. The table below shows the JEE Main merit list dates:

Check This: JEE Main Participating Colleges

JEE Main 2026 Merit List of Qualifying Candidates 

The merit list includes the names and ranks of all candidates who qualify for the exam by securing the minimum cutoff percentile. Candidates whose names appear on the list will be eligible to participate in the further JEE Main counselling rounds, secure admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JoSAA counselling, and qualify for the JEE Advanced exam

You can access the JEE Main 2026 merit list using the direct link given below:

How Is the JEE Main 2026 Merit List Prepared?

The JEE Main merit list is prepared based on multiple criteria such as NTA score, normalisation process, tie-breaking rule, etc. Here is the guide on how the JEE Main merit list 2026 is prepared:

• Step 1: Once the raw scores obtained by candidates in the JEE Main exam have been normalized, the authorities will declare the NTA scores.
• Step 2: Next, subject-wise scores will be released by NTA in addition to the overall result.
• Step 3: The best of the two marks will be used to compile the ranking list.
• Step 4: However, if a candidate has only attempted one test, that one will be used to determine their ranking.

What is JEE Main 2026 Tie-Breaking Criteria?

There are times when there is a tie in the ranks between 2 or more candidates. In that case, the following factors will be considered to ascertain the final JEE Main Rank List 2025 of the concerned candidates:

• Firstly, the NTA score secured by the candidates in the Mathematics subject is considered in breaking the ties.
• If a tie still exists, then the NTA scores secured by candidates in the Physics subject will be considered.
• Still, there is a tie, then the Chemistry subject marks are taken into consideration.
• Next, the candidate's age will be taken into consideration to break the tie if it continues.
• Lastly, if there is still a tie, then the same rank will be awarded to the concerned candidates.

Check This: JEE Main Cutoff 2026

What are the Details Included in the JEE Main Merit List 2026?

The JEE Main merit list 2026 contains information such as the candidate’s name, rank secured, category, etc, which are essential that help candidates during the admission process:

• Candidate’s Name
• Application Number and Roll Number
• Category (General/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/EWS)
• Overall Percentile Score
• Subject-wise Percentile (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
• All India Rank (AIR)
• Category Rank

Read More: JEE Main College Predictor

Difference between All India Rank (AIR) and Category Rank

The JEE Main merit list 2026 will include All India Rank and category rank of the candidate. Here is the difference between the AIR and category rank in the JEE Merit list 2026:

• All India Rank (AIR): This is the overall rank of a candidate across India, irrespective of category. Admissions to most institutes are primarily based on AIR.
• Category Rank: This is the rank of a candidate within their respective category (General, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, or EWS). It is mainly used for seat allotment under reserved quotas.

Conclusion

The JEE Main Merit List 2026 plays a pivotal role in reflecting individual performance through ranks. JEE Main percentile scores determine eligibility for JoSAA counselling, admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, and qualification for JEE Advanced.

The JEE Merit list 2026 also serves as an important document during the counselling rounds and document verification process.