If you’ve scored 96 percentile in JEE Mains 2026, you’re probably wondering what this percentile actually means in terms of marks, rank, and college options. Let’s break it down simply.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the JEE Main results in the form of percentiles and scores. Based on past year data and expected trends, a 96 percentile roughly translates to a score between 140 and 141 marks out of 300. In this range, the expected rank falls between 46,801 and 48,000.
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 will be held from January 21 to 30, 2026, and Session 2 will take place between April 1 and 10, 2026.
Expected Rank for 96 Percentile in JEE Main 2026
Candidates achieving a 96 percentile are likely to secure a rank around 47,000. At this score, you stand a decent chance of getting admission into mid-tier NITs, newer IIITs, or regional GFTIs, depending on your category and home state quota.
These numbers are approximate projections based on previous years’ NTA data and can vary slightly each session.
JEE Main 2026: 96 Percentile Rank vs Marks
Here’s a broader look at how ranks fluctuate across score ranges in JEE Main.
Also Check: JEE Main Marks Vs. Percentile Vs. Rank
Colleges You Can Get at 96 Percentile in JEE Main 2026
At 96 percentile, candidates have a fair chance of admission into mid-tier NITs such as NIT Agartala, NIT Arunachal Pradesh, NIT Meghalaya, and NIT Mizoram. Newer IIITs, including IIIT Bhagalpur, IIIT Dharwad, and IIIT Bhopal, are also possible options. Government-funded technical Institutes like Assam University and Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology can also be considered.
Admission chances depend on several factors such as your category, home state quota, branch preference, and seat matrix for that particular year.
Best Branches to Choose at 96 Percentile
At this percentile, it’s possible to get Computer Science Engineering (CSE) or Electronics and Communication (ECE) in newer NITs and IIITs. However, you’ll have better branch options in core fields like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.
If your goal is a top-tier institute, you can still reappear for the April session to improve your percentile.
Conclusion
A 96 percentile in JEE Main 2026 is a strong score that can open the doors to several good NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. While it may not secure a seat in top-tier institutes like NIT Trichy or NIT Surathkal, you still have excellent options across India. Use this percentile as a foundation and, if possible, aim for a higher score in Session 2 to expand your admission opportunities.
