The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 is the most critical engineering entrance exam in India, serving as the gateway to NITs, IIITs, and the preliminary screening for the prestigious JEE Advanced. With the January session (Session 1) exams currently in progress or concluding, the primary question on every aspirant's mind is: "What will be the JEE Main 2026 Cutoff?"
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the official cutoff only after the declaration of the Session 2 results (likely in April/May). However, based on the difficulty level of the shifts observed so far and the increasing number of applicants (expected to cross 14-15 lakhs this year), we can make highly accurate predictions.
In this detailed guide, we break down the expected JEE Main Cutoff 2026, the difference between qualifying and admission cutoffs, and historical trends to help you gauge your safe score.
Understanding JEE Main Cutoffs: Two Types
Before looking at the numbers, it is vital to understand that there are two distinct types of cutoffs in JEE Main:
- Qualifying Cutoff (JEE Advanced Eligibility): This is the minimum NTA score (percentile) required to appear for the JEE Advanced exam. It does not guarantee admission to an NIT or IIIT.
- Admission Cutoff (JoSAA Counseling): This is the opening and closing rank (OR-CR) required to get a seat in specific colleges (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs). This varies by college and branch.
This article focuses primarily on the Qualifying Cutoff.
Factors Affecting JEE Main 2026 Cutoff
The cutoff is dynamic and depends on several variables:
- Total Number of Unique Candidates: Higher registration numbers usually push the percentile cutoff higher.
- Difficulty Level: If the paper is easier, the marks vs. percentile ratio shifts, often requiring higher raw marks for the same percentile.
- Category-wise Performance: The distribution of high scorers within specific categories (Gen, OBC, SC, ST).
- Number of Seats: Total seats available in IITs (which influences how many candidates are shortlisted for JEE Advanced).
Expected JEE Main Cutoff 2026 (Category-Wise)
Based on the trends from 2024 and 2025, the competition has stiffened. The General category cutoff has seen a steady rise. Below is the expected percentile range for 2026:
| Category | Expected Cutoff Percentile (2026) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Common Rank List (CRL - Gen) | 93.00 - 94.50 | Competition is fierce; aim for 94+ to be safe. |
| EWS (Gen-EWS) | 80.00 - 83.00 | Significant rise expected due to more EWS applicants. |
| OBC-NCL | 79.00 - 81.00 | Usually follows close to EWS trends. |
| SC | 54.00 - 56.00 | Moderate increase expected. |
| ST | 40.00 - 44.00 | Remains relatively stable. |
| PwD | 0.001 - 0.10 | Minimal cutoff. |
Safe Score Analysis: To clear the 93+ percentile (General), a raw score of approximately 130-140 marks (out of 300) is typically required, though this varies heavily by shift difficulty.
Previous Years' Cutoff Trends (2023-2025)
Analyzing the past three years gives a clear picture of the rising bar. Notice the jump in the General cutoff.
| Category | 2025 Cutoff | 2024 Cutoff | 2023 Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 93.23 | 93.23 | 90.77 |
| EWS | 81.32 | 79.67 | 75.62 |
| OBC-NCL | 79.67 | 79.67 | 73.61 |
| SC | 60.09 | 60.09 | 51.97 |
| ST | 46.69 | 46.69 | 37.23 |
Note: The cutoff for 2024 and 2025 showed identical trends in some reports due to normalization saturation, but 2026 is expected to break this ceiling.
Admission Cutoff: Marks Required for Top NITs
While clearing the cutoff makes you eligible for IIT JEE (Advanced), you need a much higher percentile to secure a seat in top NITs like Trichy, Warangal, or Surathkal.
- Top 5 NITs (CSE Branch): 99.7+ Percentile
- Top 10 NITs (Core Branches): 96+ Percentile
- New NITs/IIITs: 93-95 Percentile
Predict Your Percentile
Don't rely on guesswork. Attempt a full-length JEE Main mock test based on the 2026 Session 1 pattern to gauge your current standing.
How to Calculate Your Percentile?
NTA uses a normalization process. The percentile indicates the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or less than you in your specific session.
Formula: (100 × Number of candidates appeared in the session with raw score ≤ your score) / Total candidates in that session
This ensures that students in tougher shifts are not disadvantaged compared to those in easier shifts.
Final Strategy for Session 2
If your Session 1 performance suggests you are on the borderline of these cutoffs, Session 2 (April) is your lifeline.
- Analyze Weak Areas: Check the Session 1 answer key. Did you lose marks in Chemistry memorization or Maths calculation?
- Mock Tests: Increase frequency. Speed is often the differentiator between 90 and 95 percentile.
- NCERT Focus: For Chemistry, stick strictly to NCERT.
Track Engineering Exams
Beyond JEE, keep an eye on BITSAT, VITEEE, and State CETs. Check our Exam Calendar for all 2026 engineering entrance dates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The expected cutoff for the General (UR) category is estimated to be between the 93rd and 94.5th percentile.
Stay focused. Whether you are preparing for JEE Advanced or aiming to improve your score in Session 2, consistency is key. Keep checking MockSensei for the latest updates on results and answer keys.