The JEE Main 2026 cutoff is expected to increase to 93.5-95.0 as compared to 93.1 in JEE Main 2025 for the General Category. Top NITs and IITs required around 99.5 percentile and ranks of around 8000-10,000 for CSE branch.
- The JEE Main 2026 cutoff for EWS and OBS-NCL will remain around 80-82 and 79-81.5 respectively.
- SC and ST category candidates can expect the cutoff to be around 60-63 and 47-50, respectively.
- For Top NITs/IIITs a score of 170-220+ is considered as safe score which is same to JEE Main 2025.
There are 15 lakh+ seats for B.Tech in different institutes, 24000+ in NITs , 9000+ in IIITs and 10000+ in GFTIs. So increased candidate numbers may increase the cutoffs.
Related Links:
- Check the Expected JEE Main 2026 Cutoff Percentile for General Category to Qualify for NITs
- Check Category-wise Opening and Closing Ranks for top NITs
- Check the Minimum JEE Main Marks Needed for IIITs
- Check the JEE Main Cutoff Percentile for GFTIs
Key Summary
- Cutoffs are expected to remain largely stable across categories
- CSE continues to dominate as the most competitive branch
- IIITs are increasingly competing with NITs in cutoff trends
- Even a 0.1 percentile difference can shift ranks significantly
- Admission cutoffs are much higher than qualifying cutoffs
JEE Main Qualifying Cutoff 2026 vs 2025 (Category-Wise)
- The cutoff trend remains stable due to the normalisation process across multiple shifts.
- There should be slight differences depending on level of paper difficulty and student performance.
- The upper cutoff range could be slightly increased in 2026 due to increasing competition.
- Reserved categories still remain predictable and consistent every year.
| Category | 2025 Percentile | Expected 2026 Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 93.102 | 92.5 - 93.5 |
| EWS | 80.38 | 79 - 81 |
| OBC-NCL | 79.43 | 78 - 80 |
| SC | 61.15 | 60 - 62 |
| ST | 47.90 | 46 - 49 |
| PwD | 0.007 | Similar |
Also Check:
| General Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026 | OBC Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026 |
| SC Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026 | ST Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026 |
Ques. What is the expected cutoff for General category in 2026?
Ans. The expected cutoff for General Category in JEE Main 2026 will be around 93.5-95.0 percentile. This may vary slightly depending on exam difficulty and overall performance.
Ques. Does qualifying cutoff ensure NIT admission?
Ans. No, it only makes you eligible; actual admission requires much higher percentile. For top NITs, you usually need 98-99+ percentile.
NITs vs IITs JEE Main Cutoff Comparison Category-wise ( 2025 vs 2026 expected)
The JEE Main 2026 cutoff for NITs and IIITs is expected to remain the same with slight changes as compared to JEE Main 2025.
- The General Category cutoff will remain around 90-92 percentile while for the reserved category, the cutoff may remain slightly lower due to reservation policies.
- Students need to understand that the qualifying cutoff is not the same as the admission cutoff. For NITs and IIITs, candidates of all categories need a high percentile around 80-99.5, depending on the category.
- Even SC/ST candidates need strong percentiles (85-95+) for the CSE branch at NITs and IIITs.
- To secure a good NIT/IIIT, targeting 98+ percentile (General) and category-wise high percentiles is very much required, rather than just clearing the cutoff.
NIT Cutoff Comparison (2025 vs 2026 Expected)
| Category | 2025 Cutoff Percentile | 2026 Expected Cutoff | Safe Percentile (Top NITs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 90.7 | 90 - 92 | 98.5+ |
| EWS | 75.6 | 75 - 78 | 97+ |
| OBC-NCL | 73.6 | 73 - 76 | 97-98 |
| SC | 51.9 | 50 - 55 | 90-95 |
| ST | 37.2 | 38 - 45 | 85-90 |
| PwD | ~0.11 | 0.10 - 1 | 70-85 |
IIIT Cutoff Comparison (2025 vs 2026 Expected)
| Category | 2025 Cutoff Percentile | 2026 Expected Cutoff | Safe Percentile (Top IIITs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 90.7 | 90 - 92 | 97-99 |
| EWS | 75.6 | 75 - 78 | 96+ |
| OBC-NCL | 73.6 | 73 - 76 | 96-98 |
| SC | 51.9 | 50 - 55 | 88-93 |
| ST | 37.2 | 38 - 45 | 80-88 |
| PwD | ~0.11 | 0.10 - 1 | 65-80 |
Also Read:
- List of Colleges Accepting 99 Percentile in JEE Mains
- Government Colleges Accepting JEE Mains Score in Delhi
Ques. Is the cutoff for NITs and IIITs increasing in 2026?
Ans. The cutoff is expected to remain mostly stable with slight increases in some categories due to rising competition.
Ques. What percentile is safe for getting a good NIT or IIIT?
Ans. For General category, 98-99+ percentiles are considered safe for top institutes, while slightly lower percentiles may work for mid-tier colleges.
JEE Main 2026 vs 2025 Cutoff Comparison: Tier-1 NITs CSE
Tier-1 NITs like Trichy, Surathkal, and Warangal have very high cutoffs (99.9 percentile) for General category.
- OBC candidates usually need around 99.5+ percentile, while SC/ST also require 98+ percentile.
- Cutoffs are mostly stable, showing strong demand and limited seats.
- Some small changes are expected (like slight relaxation or increase in a few colleges).
| Institute | General | OBC | SC | ST | Expected 2026 Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIT Trichy | 99.9 | 99.6 | 99.2 | 98.8 | 99-98 |
| NIT Surathkal | 99.9 | 99.6 | 99.2 | 98.8 | 99-98 |
| NIT Warangal | 99.9 | 99.5 | 99.1 | 98.7 | 99-98 |
| NIT Rourkela | 99.8 | 99.4 | 99.0 | 98.5 | 99-98 |
| MNNIT Allahabad | 99.8 | 99.4 | 99.0 | 98.5 | 99-98 |
| NIT Calicut | 99.7 | 99.3 | 98.9 | 98.4 | 99-98 |
| MNIT Jaipur | 99.7 | 99.3 | 98.8 | 98.3 | 99-98.5 |
| VNIT Nagpur | 99.6 | 99.2 | 98.7 | 98.2 | 99-98 |
Source: Shreyas Sir’s Analysis YouTube
Check:
- JEE Main All India Ranking and All India Category Rank Difference
- What marks are needed for a top 100 rank in JEE Main
Ques. What percentile is needed for CSE in Tier-1 NITs?
Ans. You need around 99.5–99.9 percentile for General category. Competition is very high, so even small mistakes can affect your chances.
Ques. Can reserved category students get in with lower percentile?
Ans. Yes, but they still need very high scores (98%+) for top NITs. Category helps, but strong performance is still required.
JEE Main 2026 vs 2025 Cutoff Comparison: Tier-1 NITs Last Branch Cutoff
- The branches which are the less competitive in the Tier-1 NITs demand 97-98+ percentile, which indicates the overall competitiveness of these institutes. Students usually compromise on branch (such as Metallurgy or Civil) simply to get into the top NITs.
- The trend reveals that there is a slight increase in certain branches, pointing towards an increased demand to the best institutes despite the branch.
- You can enter top NITs at lower percentiles, but branch flexibility is necessary.
| Institute | Branch | General | OBC | SC | ST | Expected 2026 Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIT Trichy | Metallurgy | 98.7 | 97.8 | 96.5 | 95.5 | 99-96 |
| NIT Delhi | Civil | 98.3 | 97.2 | 95.8 | 94.8 | 95-94 |
| NIT Surathkal | Mining | 98.2 | 97.1 | 95.7 | 94.5 | 98-94 |
| NIT Calicut | Production | 97.7 | 96.5 | 95.0 | 94.0 | 95-95 |
| NIT Warangal | Chemistry | 97.6 | 96.4 | 94.8 | 93.8 | 97-94 |
Source: Shreyas Sir’s Analysis YouTube
Ques. Can I get a Tier-1 NIT with lower percentile?
Ans. Yes, around 97–98 percentile, but mostly in lower-demand branches. You may not get CSE or top branches at this score.
Ques. Should I compromise branch for a top NIT?
Ans. Many students do this, but choose based on your interest. Always think about long-term career goals before deciding.
JEE Main 2026 vs 2025 Cutoff Comparison: Tier-2 NITs CSE Cutoff
- Tier-2 NITs like Jamshedpur, Bhopal, Durgapur have cutoffs in the range of 99.2-99.5 percentile (General), which is still very competitive. These institutes act as strong alternatives to Tier-1 NITs.
- The trend remains largely stable, with slight increases in some colleges due to rising popularity of CSE and IT-related fields.
- A 99+ percentile is almost mandatory for CSE even in mid-tier NITs.
| Institute | General | OBC | SC | ST | Expected 2026 Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIT Jamshedpur | 99.5 | 99.0 | 98.5 | 97.8 | 99-97 |
| NIT Bhopal | 99.5 | 99.0 | 98.5 | 97.8 | 99-97 |
| NIT Durgapur | 99.4 | 98.9 | 98.4 | 97.6 | 99-98 |
| NIT Jalandhar | 99.3 | 98.8 | 98.2 | 97.5 | 99-97 |
| NIT Hamirpur | 99.2 | 98.7 | 98.0 | 97.2 | 99-97 |
Source: Shreyas Sir’s Analysis YouTube
Also Check:
- List of Colleges Accepting Scores between 75 and 90 Percentile in JEE Mains
- Check JEE Main 2026 Expected Cutoff Category-wise
Ques. Is 99 percentile enough for Tier-2 NIT CSE?
Ans. It is borderline; 99.2+ is safer for better chances. Slightly higher percentile improves your chances a lot.
Ques. Are Tier-2 NITs good options?
Ans. Yes, they are strong alternatives with good placements. Many offer good exposure and opportunities.
JEE Main 2026 vs 2025 Cutoff Comparison: Tier-3 NITs CSE Cutoff
- Tier-3 NITs offer relatively more accessible cutoffs at around 98.5-99 percentile (General). These have been regarded as worthwhile alternatives by students aiming for NITs.
- A slight upward trend is visible as a result of the rising placements and awareness but the overall cutoffs have not changed.
- Even students at 98-99 percentile have good prospects in these NITs.
| Institute | General | OBC | SC | ST | Expected 2026 Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIT Andhra Pradesh | 98.9 | 98.2 | 97.5 | 96.5 | 99-97 |
| NIT Uttarakhand | 98.9 | 98.2 | 97.5 | 96.5 | 98-96 |
| NIT Puducherry | 98.8 | 98.0 | 97.3 | 96.2 | 95-96 |
| NIT Agartala | 98.6 | 97.8 | 97.0 | 96.0 | 95-96 |
| NIT Meghalaya | 98.5 | 97.6 | 96.8 | 95.8 | 95-95 |
Source: Shreyas Sir’s Analysis YouTube
Also Read: Check Category Wise Opening and Closing Ranks for Top NITs
Ques. Can I get NIT CSE with 98 percentile?
Ans. Yes, especially in Tier-3 NITs. Your chances depend on branch and category as well.
Ques. Are Tier-3 NITs worth it?
Ans. Yes, they offer decent placements and opportunities. They are a good option if you miss top NITs.
JEE Main 2026 vs 2025 Cutoff Comparison: IIITs CSE Cutoff
- Top IIITs like IIITM Gwalior and IIITDM Jabalpur have cutoffs that are analogous to Tier-2 NITs, which is approximately 99-99.5 percentile. This is an indication of the increasing need for tech-oriented institutes and CSE courses.
- The trend is generally consistent with minimal growth, particularly because of the growing popularity of AI, Data Science, and IT divisions.
| Institute | General | OBC | SC | ST | Expected 2026 Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIITM Gwalior | 99.5 | 99.0 | 98.5 | 97.8 | 99-97 |
| IIITDM Jabalpur | 99.0 | 98.5 | 97.8 | 97.0 | 99-98 |
| IIIT Pune | 98.8 | 98.2 | 97.5 | 96.8 | 98-96 |
| IIITDM Kancheepuram | 98.7 | 98.0 | 97.3 | 96.5 | 95-96 |
| IIIT Guwahati | 98.6 | 97.8 | 97.0 | 96.2 | 99-97 |
Source: Vinay Shur Sir’s Analysis YouTube
Ques. What percentile is required for top IIITs?
Ans. Around 99–99.5 percentile for top IIITs. Cutoffs are high due to strong focus on tech branches.
Ques. Are IIITs better than NITs?
Ans. For CSE/IT, some IIITs are as good as top NITs. It depends on the institute and branch you choose.
JEE Main 2026 vs 2025 Cutoff Comparison: Tier-3 IIITs CSE Cutoff
- Tier-3 IIITs have cutoffs in the range of 96.5-97.5 percentile, making them accessible to a wider range of students.
- They serve as backup options after NITs and top IIITs.
- A slight increase trend indicates improving demand, but seat availability keeps cutoffs relatively stable.
- Students with 96-97 percentile can still secure CSE in IIITs.
| Institute | General | OBC | SC | ST | Expected 2026 Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIIT Agartala | 97.3 | 96.5 | 95.5 | 94.5 | 98-95 |
| IIIT Bhagalpur | 97.3 | 96.4 | 95.5 | 94.3 | 97-94 |
| IIIT Kalyani | 97.2 | 96.3 | 95.3 | 94.2 | 97-94 |
| IIIT Manipur | 96.5 | 95.5 | 94.5 | 93.5 | 97-94 |
Source: Vinay Shur Sir’s Analysis YouTube
Ques. Can I get IIIT with 96–97 percentile?
Ans. Yes, you can get CSE in many Tier-3 IIITs. These are good options for mid-range scores.
Ques. Are Tier-3 IIITs good backup options?
Ans. Yes, they are good backup choices after NITs and top IIITs. They still offer decent career opportunities.
| JEE Main Cutoff for IIITDM | JEE Main Cutoff for SPA New Delhi |
| JEE Main Cutoff for IIIT Bhagalpur | JEE Main Cutoff for SPA Bhopal |
| JEE Main Cutoff for IIIT Delhi | JEE Main Cutoff for IIIT Bangalore |
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