JEE Main 2026 Exam: Perfect Scorers will get the Same AIR-1 this Time Too

Know How Ranking Will Be Determined

Excitement is at its peak among students regarding the JEE Main 2026 examination, conducted for admission to top engineering institutions across the country. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started the application process for the JEE Main January session. In the first three days alone, more than one lakh students have applied. The last date for application is November 27th.

JEE Main is one of the most popular entrance examinations in the country, through which students gain admission to NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions. It also serves as the basis for determining eligibility for JEE Advanced. Therefore, millions of students appear for this exam every year.

How Will Ranks Be Determined in Case of Equal NTA Scores?

According to career counselling experts at ALLEN Career Institute, if two or more students have the same NTA score, a special procedure is followed for rank allocation. First, the student’s NTA score in Mathematics is considered. If the scores are still the same, the next criterion is the score in Physics. If there is still a tie, the NTA score in Chemistry is considered.

If the scores remain the same in all three subjects, then the student with the least negative marks is given priority. If there is still a tie, the fewer negative marks in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are considered sequentially.

If a tie persists even after considering all parameters, those students are awarded the same All India Rank (AIR) and Category Rank. This means that if several students score 300 out of 300 marks, all of them will be awarded AIR-1. The same happened last year when more than one student received the top rank.

New Challenge for OBC and EWS Students

This year, the JEE-Main 2026 application form includes some new mandatory information, requiring OBC and EWS category students to exercise extra caution while applying. Instead of simply uploading the certificate, applicants are now required to fill in the Certificate ID, Issue Date, and the Name of the Issuing Authority.

If a student fails to provide this information, they will not be able to complete the application process. Therefore, students who do not yet have a valid category certificate must obtain one first. If the certificate is still being processed, students can apply by providing the details of the receipt. However, a valid certificate will be required for final verification.

Expected Increase in the Number of Perfect Scorers

In the last few years, the number of students achieving a perfect score in the JEE-Main exam has increased. The main reasons for this are the clarity of the exam pattern, increased online test practice, and the availability of better preparation materials.

Experts from coaching institutes say that students are focusing more on concept-based practice. The model papers released by the NTA and the analysis of previous years’ question papers are also helping students. This time too, experts predict that several students may score 300 out of 300 marks. In such a situation, more than one student will be awarded AIR-1 (All India Rank 1).

Application Process and Important Dates

The NTA has started the application process for the January session of JEE-Main 2026 on its official website.

Application Start Date: Last week of October 2025
Application Deadline: November 27, 2025
Tentative Exam Date: Second week of January 2026
Admit Card Release Date: Approximately one week before the exam

Students are advised to upload all documents in the correct format and double-check their personal details while applying. The NTA will also release a date for application correction in case of any errors.

Tips for Exam Preparation

Study based on NCERT: Most of the questions in JEE-Main are based on the NCERT syllabus.
Take regular mock tests: Improve time management and accuracy through online tests.
Focus on weak subjects: Identify weaknesses in subjects like Physics or Maths and address them in time.
Create a revision strategy: Review each topic before the exam.
Maintain mental balance: Stay away from stress and maintain a regular routine and sleep schedule.

JEE-Main 2026 is not only an opportunity for students but also a test of their hard work and dedication. The new ranking system for tie-breaking in case of equal scores further strengthens the transparency of the examination. Meanwhile, the new conditions related to certificates for OBC and EWS category students must be carefully fulfilled.

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Aabshar Hassan Quazi

Aabshar H. Quazi is a seasoned education writer associated with ALLEN Career Institute, where he crafts insightful blogs on competitive exam trends, student journeys, and academic guidance. With a background in journalism, Aabshar has worked as Principal Correspondent for Hindustan Times, honing his skills in storytelling, analysis, and impactful reporting. His writing blends credibility with clarity, making complex topics accessible for students and parents alike.