JEE Main 2026 NTA Tie-Breaking Rules for Paper 1 & Paper 2

The JEE Main 2026 tie-breaking criteria play a huge role in allotting ranks. The final merit list is usually released once the JEE Main session 2 exam is completed and the results of both sessions are out. The JEE Main 2026 exams have finally commenced. Session 1 was conducted from January 21 to 29, 2026, whereas Session 2 will be conducted from April 2 to April 9, 2026. To ensure that the final ranking remains fair and transparent, the National Testing Agency (NTA) follows a well-defined tie-breaking policy for both Paper 1 (B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning).

This blog will shed light on the latest JEE Main 2026 tie-breaking rules released by NTA in the official brochure. We will be discussing the official tie-breaking rule for Paper 1, Paper 2A and Paper 2B. We will also discuss how the merit list is prepared and why the same percentile can still lead to different ranks after the JEE Main Exam 2026.

What is the Tie-Breaking Rule in JEE Main?

The JEE Main exam is conducted twice every year in two sessions. The first session is conducted in January, and the second session is conducted in April. During both sessions, the exams are held for 5 days in 10 shifts (morning and evening). To evaluate fair performance, NTA uses the normalisation process in both sessions. The best score among both sessions is considered the final score.

After JEE Main session 2 results, NTA releases a final merit ranking list. The list contains the All India Ranks of all candidates based on the final NTA percentile. It has been observed that it is a common occurrence for two candidates to end up scoring the same percentile. To solve this issue, NTA has introduced tie-breaking rules for Paper 1 and Paper 2 for a fair rank allotment. We will understand this rule individually for Paper 1, 2A and 2B so that no confusion is left amongst candidates.

JEE Main 2026 Tie-Breaking Criteria by NTA for Paper 1 (B.E./ B. Tech)

Here is the correct order of resolving ties for the final JEE Main 2026 merit list given by NTA for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech):

• NTA final normalised score in mathematics.
• If the tie persists, the final normalised NTA percentile in the physics subject will be considered.
• This is followed by the NTA final normalised score in chemistry.
• If the tie persists, the lower proportion of incorrect attempts to correct attempts ratio will be considered among all three subjects.
• This is followed by lower incorrect-to-correct answers in mathematics.
• This is followed by lower incorrect-to-correct answers in the physics subject.
• If the tie continues, the lower incorrect-to-correct answers in chemistry are considered.
• If the tie does not resolve after this, candidates will be assigned the same rank.

Official JEE Main 2026 Tie-Breaking Criteria for Paper 2A (B. Arch)

In case of 2 candidates scoring the same percentile in JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A (B.Arch), these are the tie-breaking rules that NTA follows. The order given below is the same priority order followed by NTA while finalising the merit list:

• First preference will be given to a candidate with a higher mathematics percentile.
• If the tie continues, the next preference will be given to the candidate with a higher percentile in the aptitude section.
• The candidate with a higher score in the drawing test will be ranked higher.
• If the score stays the same, the next criterion is the candidate with the lowest number of incorrect attempts in all the subjects.
• If the tie continues, the lowest wrong attempts to correct attempts ratio of the mathematics (Part 1) subject will be considered.
• Next, the lowest wrong-to-correct attempts ratio of the aptitude section (Part 2) will be considered.
• If the tie persists even after following all the criteria above, both candidates will be given the same rank.

Official JEE Main 2026 Tie-Breaking Criteria for Paper 2B (B. Planning)

This is the following tie-breaking rule order released by NTA for JEE Main 2026 paper 2B (B.Planning):

• First criterion – a higher percentile in the maths subject will be considered.
• Second criterion – the highest percentile in the aptitude section will be considered.
• Third rule – the candidate with the highest percentile in the planning section will be selected.
• If the tie persists, the candidate with a lower correct-to-incorrect answers ratio across all sections will be considered.
• Next, the lower correct-to-incorrect answers ratio of the aptitude section is considered.
• If needed, the lower correct-to-incorrect answers ratio of the planning section is considered next.
• If the tie is not resolved and all criteria are exhausted, both candidates will be allotted the same rank.

Why NTA Implemented the Tie-Breaking Rule for JEE Main?

The NTA (National Testing Agency) introduced the tie-breaking rules to make a fair and accurate final JEE Main rank merit list. Commonly, two candidates have the same score or percentile, and the rule makes sure that a rank is decided for each candidate precisely, without any unfairness.

• NTA uses tie-breaking rules to avoid any rank duplication due to the same percentiles.
• The rule ensures fairness while making the final merit list of JEE Main.

When is the Tie-Breaking Rule Used?

The tie-breaking rules are applied while preparing the final merit rank list of the JEE Main exam. The list is prepared after both session results are out. The tie-breaking rule is used when:

• Two or more candidates have scored the same final NTA percentile.
• To make sure every candidate gets a unique rank for easy evaluation during the JoSAA counselling.

Why the Same Percentile Can Result in Different Ranks in JEE Main 2026?

The final merit list is the most important data for every JEE candidate. It shows where a candidate stands among 13 lakh students in India. The rank in the final merit list is considered during the JoSAA counselling process as well. Among the two JEE Main sessions, NTA chooses the score which is highest to evaluate for the final rank list.

Commonly, one or more candidates have the same percentile scores, and still, they will be allotted different ranks. As all the candidates can be allotted the same rank. This will create confusion during college allotment in JoSAA counselling. Hence, small differences can cause differences in rank allotment. And to make sure that the ranks are allotted fairly, NTA has the tie-breaking system.

Key Takeaways for Students about JEE Main Tie-Breaking Rule

The JEE Main 2026 tie-breaking rules decide the ranks of the candidates as well as influence the JoSAA counselling process. Hence, it holds importance for a JEE aspirant. Here are the key takeaways that every student must know with respect to the tie-breaking rules set by the NTA:

• The tie-breaking rule is applied during the preparation of the final merit list or AIR list.
• The highest priority is given to the mathematics score in every step of the rule. Hence, students should try to score high in maths to get a higher rank in case of a tie.
• Accuracy holds importance, as candidates with fewer incorrect attempts are ranked higher.
• JoSAA counselling is done based on ranks. Hence, even a small rank difference can impact college seat allotments and admissions.
• The tie-breaking rules differ a little for Paper 1, Paper 2A, and Paper 2B, as the sections are different in all papers.

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