JEE Main 2026 Cut-Off: Check Category-Wise Percentile & Marks Range.As the competition for engineering seats continues to intensify, lakhs of students are searching for clarity on the JEE Main 2026 expected cut-off. With an increase in the number of applicants, stable exam difficulty, and limited seats in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, experts predict that the qualifying cut-off for JEE Main 2026 may remain on the higher side.
The cut-off plays a critical role in deciding JEE Advanced eligibility and participation in JoSAA counselling. Understanding early trends can help aspirants set realistic targets and refine their preparation strategy.
Overview of JEE Main 2026 Cut-Off
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Purpose of Cut-Off | Qualification for JEE Advanced & JoSAA Counselling |
| Cut-Off Type | Qualifying Cut-Off |
| Release Mode | Online |
| Official Cut-Off Status | Yet to be released |
| Expected Release Time | After JEE Main 2026 Result |
| Affected Institutes | IITs, NITs, IIITs, GFTIs |
| Official Website | https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/ |
What Is the JEE Main Cut-Off and Why Is It Important?
The JEE Main cut-off is the minimum percentile score required to:
- Qualify for JEE Advanced 2026
- Become eligible for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs
- Participate in JoSAA counselling
The cut-off is declared category-wise and varies each year based on multiple factors.
Expected JEE Main 2026 Cut-Off (Category-Wise Percentile)
Based on trends from 2022–2025, projected candidate strength, and difficulty level, the expected cut-off is:
| Category | Expected Cut-Off Percentile (2026) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 93.5 – 95.0 |
| EWS | 81.5 – 83.5 |
| OBC-NCL | 80.0 – 82.0 |
| SC | 62.0 – 65.0 |
| ST | 48.0 – 51.0 |
| PwD (UR) | 0.11 – 0.15 |
Note: These values are indicative. Official cut-off will be announced by NTA.
JEE Main Cut-Off Trend Analysis (2022–2025)
| Year | General | EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 93.10 | 80.38 | 79.43 | 61.15 | 47.90 |
| 2024 | 93.23 | 81.32 | 79.67 | 60.09 | 46.69 |
| 2023 | 90.78 | 75.62 | 73.61 | 51.98 | 37.23 |
| 2022 | 88.41 | 63.11 | 67.01 | 43.08 | 26.78 |
📌 Insight: Continuous growth in registrations has pushed cut-offs upward, especially for General and EWS categories.
Expected JEE Main 2026 Marks vs Percentile
| Percentile Range | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| 90–92 | 75–90 |
| 93–94 | 90–105 |
| 95–97 | 110–145 |
| 98+ | 160+ |
Marks vary due to normalization across sessions.
Why JEE Main 2026 Cut-Off Is Likely to Stay High
- Rising number of candidates (15 lakh+ expected)
- Limited increase in IIT/NIT seats
- Balanced exam difficulty
- Improved preparation tools and coaching access
Is Clearing the Cut-Off Enough for Top Colleges?
Clearing the cut-off only ensures eligibility. Admission depends on:
- All India Rank (AIR)
- Category
- Counselling choices
- Seat availability
For top NITs, aspirants usually need a much higher percentile than the qualifying cut-off.
When Will Official JEE Main 2026 Cut-Off Be Released?
The official cut-off will be released by NTA:
- After JEE Main 2026 results
- Along with AIR and JEE Advanced eligibility details
FAQs for JEE Main 2026 Cut-Off
Is the JEE Main 2026 cut-off released?
No, it is expected after result declaration.
Can the cut-off decrease in 2026?
Only if the paper is significantly tougher.
Is the cut-off same for all sessions?
Yes, the final cut-off is calculated after normalization.
Does clearing cut-off guarantee IIT admission?
No, IIT admission depends on JEE Advanced performance.
