Aspiring candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026 must understand how the All India Rank (AIR) or merit list is prepared. This merit list plays a crucial role in determining admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, State Engineering Colleges, and various participating institutions (except IITs). The rank list is used in the Centralised Seat Allocation Process (CSAB/JoSAA).
No Weightage to Class 12 Marks in JEE Main 2026 Rank List
As per the official guidelines by NTA (National Testing Agency), there will be no weightage given to Class 12th marks or equivalent qualifying exams for preparing the JEE Main 2026 rank list.
Instead, the raw scores in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics sections of the JEE Main 2026 examination will be used to calculate the merit list.
Tie-Breaking Rules for JEE Main 2026 Rank List
In case two or more candidates score the same total marks in JEE Main 2026, a tie-breaking mechanism is used to determine the rank order. Below is the detailed process for different programs:
Rank List for Admission to B.E./B.Tech (Except IITs)
At the time of preparation of merit list, ties will broken down using the manner defined below:
- In the first step, tie will be resolved based on marks obtained in Mathematics section. Candidates obtaining higher marks will be given a better rank
- In the next step, the marks obtained in Physics section will be considered. Candidates obtaining higher marks will be given a better rank
- After this, if any tie remains, they will be resolved using marks obtained in Chemistry. Candidates obtaining higher marks will be given a better rank
- In the next stage, the resolution will be done by finding the number of negative responses in the paper for each candidate. Candidates having lesser negative responses will be given a better rank
- If the tie still remains, the candidates with lesser incorrect questions in Mathematics section will be considered, followed by
- Candidates with lesser incorrect questions in Physics section will be considered, followed by
- Candidates with lesser incorrect questions in Chemistry section will be considered, followed by
- Older in Age, followed by
- Application Number in ascending order
If the resolution is not possible after this criterion, candidates will be given the same rank.
Rank list for admission to B.Arch (in Institutions other than IITs)
- Resolution by marks obtained in Mathematics in JEE Main 2026. Candidates obtaining higher marks will be given a better rank
- Resolution by marks obtained in Aptitude Test in the JEE Main 2026. Candidates obtaining higher marks will be given a better rank
- Resolution by marks obtained in Drawing Test in the JEE Main 2026. Candidates obtaining higher marks will be given a better rank
- Resolution by finding the number of negative responses in the paper for each candidate. Candidates having lesser negative responses will be given a better rank
- Rank determination by age of the candidate. If one candidate is older than another, then the older candidate will have a higher rank compared to the younger candidate
If the resolution is not possible after this criterion, candidates will be given the same rank.
Rank list for admission to B.Planning (in Institutions other than IITs)
- Resolution by marks obtained in Mathematics in JEE Main 2026. Candidates obtaining higher marks will be given a better rank
- Resolution by marks obtained in Aptitude Test in the JEE Main 2026. Candidates obtaining higher marks will be given a better rank
- Resolution by marks obtained in Planning Based Questions in the JEE Main 2026. Candidates obtaining higher marks will be given a better rank
- Resolution by finding the number of negative responses in the paper for each candidate. Candidates having lesser negative responses will be given a better rank
- Rank determination by age of the candidate. If one candidate is older than another, then the older candidate will have a higher rank compared to the younger candidate
- Older in Age, followed by
- Application Number in ascending order
If the resolution is not possible after this criterion, candidates will be given the same rank.
Rank List in Institutes Not Participating in CSAB/JoSAA
Institutes that do not participate in the Centralised Seat Allocation Process (such as some private universities or state colleges) may prepare their own rank list based on JEE Main 2026 scores and their individual admission criteria.
Your All India Rank (AIR) in JEE Main 2026 will be the deciding factor for admission in most engineering programs across India. Ensure that you understand the tie-breaking rules and follow updates regularly on the official NTA JEE Main website.