JEE Main 2025 result update: NTA releases tie-breaking rules for candidates

The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently released the provisional answer key for JEE Main 2025 Session 2 and is now preparing to announce the final result. Along with the results, candidates will also get their all India ranks on the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in.

Every year, lakhs of students take the JEE Main exam for admission to engineering, architecture, and planning courses. Since so many students appear, there are chances that two or more of them might score the same marks. When this happens, NTA uses a tie-breaking policy to decide who ranks higher.

This detailed rule applies to all three papers — Paper 1 (BE/BTech), Paper 2A (BArch), and Paper 2B (BPlanning). Let’s take a simple look at how ties will be broken for each paper.

For BE/BTech (Paper 1)

If two or more students get the same total NTA score in Paper 1, NTA will follow this order to resolve the tie:

1. Higher marks in Mathematics: The candidate with a better NTA score in Maths will be ranked higher.

2. Higher marks in Physics: If the tie still exists, the candidate with a higher score in Physics will be given a better rank.

3. Higher marks in Chemistry: If it’s still equal, then Chemistry scores will be compared.

4. Fewer incorrect answers overall: If scores are still tied, NTA will check who has fewer wrong attempts compared to correct answers in all subjects.

5. Fewer incorrect answers in Mathematics: If needed, NTA will look at Maths alone and compare the number of incorrect attempts to correct answers.

6. Fewer incorrect answers in Physics: If the tie is still there, the Physics incorrect-to-correct answer ratio will be checked.

7. Fewer incorrect answers in Chemistry: Finally, if needed, NTA will compare the Chemistry incorrect-to-correct answer ratio.

If the tie remains even after all these steps, the candidates will be given the same rank.

For BArch (Paper 2A)

Students who appeared for Paper 2A (BArch) and end up with the same total score will have their ranks decided in this order:

1. Higher score in Mathematics: The one with a better score in Maths will get a better rank.

2. Higher score in Aptitude Test: If Maths scores are equal, the Aptitude Test marks will be checked.

3. Higher score in Drawing Test: If there is still a tie, the Drawing Test marks will be considered.

4. Fewer incorrect answers overall: Next, NTA will check who has fewer wrong answers in all subjects.

5. Fewer incorrect answers in Mathematics: Then, only the Maths section’s incorrect answers will be checked.

6. Fewer incorrect answers in Aptitude Test: Lastly, NTA will compare the Aptitude Test wrong answers to correct ones.

If candidates still have the same standing after all this, they will be given the same rank.

For BPlanning (Paper 2B)

For students who appeared in the BPlanning paper (Paper 2B), ties will be resolved like this:

1. Higher score in Mathematics: The one with more marks in Maths will be ranked higher.

2. Higher score in Aptitude Test: If Maths scores are the same, Aptitude marks will be the next deciding factor.

3. Higher score in Planning-Based Questions: If the tie still exists, marks in this section will be used.

4. Fewer incorrect answers overall: NTA will then compare incorrect vs. correct answers in all subjects.

5. Fewer incorrect answers in Mathematics: If still tied, Maths accuracy will be checked.

6. Fewer incorrect answers in Aptitude Test: Then, the Aptitude section’s accuracy will be checked.

7. Fewer incorrect answers in Planning-Based Questions: Finally, the Planning section’s accuracy will be reviewed.

Again, if the tie is not resolved even after all these steps, candidates will be given the same rank.

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Why is this system needed?

Because JEE Main is such a competitive exam with lakhs of students, many end up getting the same scores. To make sure the ranking system is fair and transparent, NTA uses these tie-breaking rules so that no one feels left behind just because they had the same marks.

This method also gives importance to subject-wise performance and accuracy, rewarding those who not only score high but do so with fewer mistakes.

As the JEE Main 2025 results approach, students should understand how their ranks may be calculated in case of a tie. NTA’s process is clear and based on logical comparisons of marks and accuracy. Students are advised to keep checking the official website for the final results and updates on counselling rounds.

Remember, if all tie-breakers fail to separate two candidates, NTA will fairly award them the same rank.