JEE Main 2026 Expected Cutoff for General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST: Check Qualifying Marks/Score

Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Main 2026 ( JEE Main )

Updated on Apr 2, 2026 10:54 IST
The expected cutoff for JEE Mains 2026 is provided here. It will help students understand their chances of qualifying the exam basis their score in JEE Mains 2026. The actual JEE Mains 2026 cutoff percentile will depend on several factors which include number of aspirants, difficulty level of exam and the total number of seats in colleges.

JEE Main 2026 cutoff is most likely to rise compared to last year, given the high number of registrations NTA has received this year. Based on the previous year trends and various other deciding factors, we have provided here the JEE Main 2026 expected cutoff. Also check here minimum marks required in JEE Main 2026 to get scores above the cutoff percentiles. 

Expected-Cutoff-for-JEE-Mains-2026

Expected Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026

JEE Mains 2026 Expected Cutoff: Candidates who are appearing in the JEE Mains session 2 exam 2026 can check expected cutoff for General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST and PwD categories on this page . The actual JEE Main cutoff 2026 will be announced along with the result by April 20.  JEE Main cutoff is the minimum percentile score every candidate must get to qualify for JEE Advanced. It is also called the JEE Main qualifying cutoff for IIT JEE, as only those candidates having scores above the JEE Mains cutoff 2026 percentile can apply for JEE Adv 2026. 

The cutoff is different every year and largely depends on factors like number of candidates taking the exam, total seats for admission and difficulty level of the JEE Main exam. Expected cutoff for JEE Mains 2026 for all categories provided here has been formulated by experts, considering the past year trends and exam difficulty level. JEE Main previous year cutoff is also provided here to get idea of minimum marks in JEE Main to qualify for JEE Advanced

As the JEE Main 2026 exam overall difficulty level and number of students applied have been high in comparison to recent past years, this can lead to a rise in the cutoff. JEE Main 2026 cutoff for general category is expected to be in range of 93.3 to 93.4, which was 93.1 in 2025 and 93.2 in 2024. OBC JEE Mains cutoff 2026 will also most likely be in range of 80.5 to 81.5.

Also Check: JEE Main Last 5 Year Question Paper with Solutions

Table of contents
  • JEE Mains 2026 Cutoff Percentile
  • JEE Mains 2026 Marks vs Percentile
  • How is JEE Main Cutoff Calculated?
  • JEE Main Cutoff Historical Trends 2021 to 2025
  • What Do Historical Trends Say for JEE Main 2026 Cutoff?
  • JEE Main 2026 Cutoff for General
  • OBC Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026
  • EWS Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026
  • ST Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026
  • SC Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026
  • JEE Main 2026 Reservation Policy for Admission in Colleges
  • Download JEE Main 2026 Question Paper PDF January Session
View More

JEE Mains 2026 Cutoff Percentile

Considering the past year cutoff trends and highest number of stduents appeared in exam in current session, the JEE Main cutoff 2026 is most likely to increase across all categories. The JEE Mains expected cutoff 2026 percentile is given here. The actual cutoff will be announced along with Session 2 JEE Main result 2026.

JEE Main Cutoff for JEE Advanced 2026

Category

Cutoff 2026 (Expected)

Unreserved (UR)

93.3045326

Gen-EWS

81.4387917

OBC-NCL

80.7456432

SC

61.3526948

ST

48.2456783

UR-PwD

0.0082349

Want to know what your JEE Main 2026 rank will be based on your score and percentile?

Check out the JEE Main rank predictor 2026 by Shiksha.com, which predicts your rank after analysing several years’ percentile/marks vs rank data. 

JEE Main 2026 Rank Predictor

JEE Mains 2026 Marks vs Percentile

Candidates can check here shiftwise analysis JEE Main marks vs percentile for all session 1 exam dates.

JEE Main 2026 Jan Exam Date Shift 1 Expected Marks vs Percentile Shift 2 Expected Marks vs Percentile
21 Jan 2026 224+ marks = 99.9 Percentile
158+ marks = 99 Percentile
101+ marks = 95 Percentile
89+ marks = 93.24 Percentile
230+ marks = 99.9 Percentile
174+ marks = 99 Percentile
123+ marks = 95 Percentile
111+ marks = 93.24 Percentile
22 Jan 2026 243+ marks = 99.9 Percentile
186+ marks = 99 Percentile
129+ marks = 95 Percentile
117+ marks = 93.24 Percentile
219+ marks = 99.9 Percentile
153+ marks = 99 Percentile
99+ marks = 95 Percentile
88+ marks = 93.24 Percentile
23 Jan 2026 227+ marks = 99.9 Percentile
166+ marks = 99 Percentile
112+ marks = 95 Percentile
101+ marks = 93.24 Percentile
224+ marks = 99.9 Percentile
158+ marks = 99 Percentile
101+ marks = 95 Percentile
90+ marks = 93.24 Percentile
24 Jan 2026

236+ marks = 99.9 Percentile

178+ marks = 99 Percentile

120+ marks = 95 Percentile

108+ marks = 93.24 Percentile

230+ marks = 99.9 Percentile

174+ marks = 99 Percentile

123+ marks = 95 Percentile

111+ marks = 93.24 Percentile

28 Jan 2026

228+ = 99.9 Percentile

170+ = 99 Percentile

114+ = 95 Percentile

102+ = 93.24 Percentile

230+ Marks = 99.9 Percentile

174+ Marks = 99 Percentile

123+ Marks = 95 Percentile

111+ Marks = 93.24 Percentile

How is JEE Main Cutoff Calculated?

There is no definite formula NTA uses to calculate the JEE Main cutoff. However, there are several factors which are considered while deciding the cutoff for JEE Main. Check below for more details related to deciding factors of cutoff.

  • Number of aspirants in exam
  • Difficulty level of exam
  • Total number of seats

Note: While these are not the only factors for determining the cutoff, students must note that the previous year cutoff has been largely dependent on these points.

JEE Main Cutoff Historical Trends 2021 to 2025

The cutoff has varied a lot in the last 5 years due to an increase in the total number of candidates appearing in the exam and varying difficulty levels. The previous year cutoff from 2021 to 2025 is provided here to understand the rising trends.

JEE Main Previous Year Cutoff

Category

Cutoff 2025

Cutoff 2024

Cutoff 2023

Cutoff 2022

Cutoff 2021

Unreserved (UR)

93.1023262

93.2362181

90.7788642

88.4121383

87.8992241

Gen-EWS

80.3830119

81.3266412

75.6229025

63.1114141

68.0234447

OBC-NCL

79.4313582

79.6757881

73.6114227

67.0090297

46.8825338

SC

61.1526933

60.0923182

51.9776027

43.0820954

34.6728999

ST

47.9026465

46.697584

37.2348772

26.7771328

66.2214845

UR-PwD

0.0079349

0.00187

0.0013527

0.0031029

0.0096375

What Do Historical Trends Say for JEE Main 2026 Cutoff?

Although there is no direct correlation in cutoff and other factors, including the number of applicants and the difficulty level of the exam, the analysis of past year cutoffs highlights the following points

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is 75 percent marks in class 12 required for JEE Mains?
A: 

Candidates need not have 75 percent marks in class 12 for appearing in JEE Main. As per the official brochure released by the NTA, there is no minimum percentage required for appearing in the JEE Main. The requirement of 75 percent marks need not be associated with appearing in the JEE Main exam.

It is to be understood that 75 percent marks is required for admission to institutes which include NITs, IIITs, GFTIs and IITs. Many institutes offer admission at 60% and even less, along with JEE Main. Candidates must clearly understand that the requirement of 75 percent marks in class 12 is only for taking admission in the institutes.

Q:   What is JEE Main cutoff for IIITs?
A: 

The cutoff for IIITs vary for various branches and also category of students. Specialised branches like computer Science and electronics engineering has higher cutoff in comparison to other branches. Similarly, JEE Main cutoff for general category candidates is higher in comparison to OBC-NCL and SC/ST candidates. 

Q:   Which category has the lowest cutoff in JEE Mains exam?
A: 

As per the JEE Main cutoff data released by the NTA, PwD category has the lowest cutoff.

Q:   What is JEE Mains cutoff for General Category?
A: 
YearGeneral (UR) Percentile
202693.4123549
202593.1023262
202493.2362181
202390.7788642
202288.4121383
202187.8992241
202090.3765335
201989.7548849
  • The JEE Main cutoff has increased in the year with the most number of aspirants. As JEE Main 2026 has highest number of applicants, the cutoff will most probably increase. However, due to rise in difficulty level of exam, its almost uncertain to come on a conclusion as the cutoff is lowered by NTA when the difficulty level rises.
  • Gen-EWS category for JEE Mains was raised the most along with cutoff for ST category in past years. High number of registration in EWS category will also impact the JEE Main cutoff 2026 for EWS.
  • In the year 2025, the JEE Mains cutoff was increased only for ST, and lowered for every other category. Reason- rise in number of applicants from 2024 to 2025. Increase in number of applicants for ST will most likely lead to a high ST category cutoff this year also.
JEE Main 2026 College Predictor JEE Main Rank Predictor 2026
JEE Main Marks vs Percentile vs Rank 2026

Colleges for Low JEE Main 2026 Rank/Scores

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there any qualifying percentile in JEE Main result?
A: 

No. There is no qualifying percentile in JEE Main. However, the candidates who want to appear in JEE Advanced will have to get a minimum qualifying percentile in JEE Mains. This minimum qualifying percentile is announced with the JEE Main session 2 reult.

Q:   My rank in JEE Main does not resemble the JEE Mains marks vs percentile data. What should I do?
A: 

NTA does not release marks vs rank data officially. The data available on the internet is provided by various experts and is subject to changes due to various variables.

Q:   Where can I check my JEE Main percentile vs rank?
A: 

Various experts provide the JEE Mains percentile vs rank estimation. Candidates can search "JEE Mains marks vs percentile by Shiksha" on Google to get their estimation.

Q:   How many seats are there in IITs?
A: 

This year, a total of 18,951 seats are available across all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

JEE Main 2026 Cutoff for General

General Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026 will rise considering the past year trends which says cutoff has increased when number of applicants increased. The expected cutoff of JEE Main 2026 for General will most likely be above 93.3 percentile.

Expected General Category Cutoff for JEE Main 2026

Year

Cutoff

2026

93.3598567

2025

93.1023262

2024

93.2362181

2023

90.7788642

2022

88.4121383

2021

87.8992241

OBC Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026

The OBC JEE Mains Cutoff was increased every year from 2021 until 2024 but lowered in 2025. The number of candidates was highest in 2024, and so was the cutoff, and going by that trend considering rise in number of backward class applicants, JEE Mains Cut off 2026 for OBC category will most likely rise. JEE Main Cutoff for OBC is given here

Staying updated about the latest educational events is just a click away
Enter Mobile Number

Expected OBC JEE Main Cutoff 2026

Year

Cutoff

2026 (expected)

80.7456432

2025

79.4313582

2024

79.6757881

2023

73.6114227

2022

67.0090297

2021

46.8825338

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How much is 120 marks in JEE Mains percentile?
A: 

As per the analysis of JEE Main marks vs percentile, 120 marks would be around 95 to 97 percentile.

Q:   What is category and general cutoff in JEE Main?
A: 

The general and category wise JEE Mains are:

Category

Cutoff from Previous Year

Unreserved (UR)

93.1023262

Gen-EWS

80.3830119

OBC-NCL

79.4313582

SC

61.1526933

ST

47.9026465

UR-PwD

0.0079349

Q:   What is JEE Main Cutoff?
A: 

The JEE Main cutoff is the minimum percentile score required to qualify for the JEE Advanced exam. Its is released with the April session result.

Q:   What is CRL in JEE Main Cutoff?
A: 

CRL (the Common Rank List) in JEE Main. It is the overall merit-based ranking assigned to all candidates irrespective of their category.

EWS Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026

The cutoff for economically weaker section (EWS) category has witnessed the highest rise from 63.1114141 percentile in 2022 to 80.3830119 percentile in 2025.

The number of EWS candidates was highest in 2024, so was the Gen-EWS cutoff. The candidates in 2025 decreased marginally and the cutoff was also lowered.

As the number of aspirants in EWS category has increased three-fold from 2022 to 2025 with no noticeable change in seats, it can be anticipated that the JEE Main EWS cutoff might be increased this year.

JEE Main Cutoff 2026 for EWS (Expected)

Year

Cutoff

2026

81.4387917 (expected)

2025

80.3830119

2024

81.3266412

2023

75.6229025

2022

63.1114141

2021

68.0234447

ST Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026

The JEE Mains cutoff for ST category was raised every year by a considerable margin between the year 2022 to 2025. However, the cutoff in the year 2025 was still lower than 2021, which is highest till date. In 2021, JEE Main ST cutoff was 66.2214845. Considering the number of applicants this year, JEE Main cutoff for ST category will most probably rise.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is a domicile Certificate required for admission to NITs?
A: 

Yes, candidates are required to submit proof of domicile in case availing the home-state quota in NITs. It is only NIT where admission is offered against the Home State quota.

Candidates home state is determined based on the state from which you appear for your 12th board exam and on the basis of the state to which you belong. 

Q:   Can I take admission in any institute if I do not get JEE Main cutoff marks?
A: 

Candidates who do not score above JEE Main cutoff marks are eligible to take admissions in NITs, IIITs and GFTIs but not IITs. To appear in the admission process for IITs, candidates need to get marks above than the JEE Main cutoff and appear in JEE Advanced exam.

Q:   What is JEE Main cutoff for GFTIs?
A: 

The JEE Main cutoff for GFTIs is released by the JoSAA after the counselling is over. Candidates can check previous year JEE Main cutoff for GFTIs from the Shiksha page. The cutoff for GFTIs vary for various branches and also category of students.

Q:   What is JEE Main cutoff for NITs?
A: 

The cutoff for NITs vary for various branches and also category of students. Specialised branches like computer Science and electronics engineering has higher cutoff in comparison to other branches. Similarly, JEE Main cutoff for general category candidates is higher in comparison to OBC-NCL and SC, ST candidates. Candidates can check the previous year JEE Main cutoff below for some top NITs and branches. For detailed cutoff report, candidates can check Shiksha page.

  • MNNIT Allahabad CSE Closing Rank Open Category: 5627 (Home State)
  • MNNIT Allahabad CSE Closing Rank Open Category: 4254 (Open)
  • MNIT Jaipur CSE Closing Rank Open Category: 5610 (Home State)
  • MNIT Jaipur CSE Closing Rank Open Category: 4631 (Open)

Expected JEE Main Cutoff 2026 for ST

Year

Cutoff

2026

48.8745671 (expected)

2025

47.9026465

2024

46.697584

2023

37.2348772

2022

26.7771328

2021

66.2214845

SC Cutoff for JEE Mains 2026

The SC category cutoff for JEE Main was raised every year from 2021 to 2025, and so was the number of applicants, increasing every year from 2021 to 2025. As JEE Mains 2026 exam also has the highest number of applicants, it is expected that JEE Main SC cutoff 2026 will also rise. Check below SC cutoff details

Expected JEE Main cutoff for SC

Year Cutoff
2026 62.8743972 (expected)
2025 61.1526933
2024 60.0923182
2023 51.9776027
2022 43.0820954
2021 34.6728999

 Read More: What is a good score in JEE Main 2026

JEE Main 2026 Reservation Policy for Admission in Colleges

The allotment of seats in all the participating colleges of JEE Main is governed by the reservation policy set by the government. When candidates participates in the counselling and fills hi/her choice for college and course, they are admitted basis their All India Rank and the JEE Main reservation policy. Check here category-wise reservation of seats.

Explore colleges based on JEE Main

Mumbai
#3 NIRF
₹8.00 L
Chennai
#1 NIRF
₹8.00 L
Delhi
#2 NIRF
₹8.00 L
Tiruchirappalli
#9 NIRF
₹5.00 L

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Kharagpur
#5 NIRF
₹8.00 L
Kanpur
#4 NIRF
₹8.00 L
Hyderabad
#7 NIRF
₹8.00 L
Coimbatore
#23 NIRF
₹10.00 L
Chandigarh
#31 NIRF
₹5.97 L
Roorkee
#6 NIRF
₹8.00 L
Confused about which college or exam to opt for?assitentRcpRhsImage
  • Chat with our counselor
  • Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
View allCollections

JEE Main Reservation 2026

Categories

JEE Main Reservation Percentage

General Economically Weaker Sections (GEN-EWS)

10%

Scheduled Castes (SC)

15%

Scheduled Tribes (ST)

7.5%

Non-Creamy Layer of Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL)

27%

Persons with Disabilities

5% in each category

Explore more B.Tech exams with upcoming dates

LPUNEST 2026 Phase 5 Exam

6 Jul '26 - 20 Jul '26

BITSAT 2026 Withdrawal window-2

19 Jul '26 - 20 Jul '26

AMUEEE 2026 counselling regist...

22 Jul '26

MHT CET 2026 CAP Document Veri...

3 Jul '26 - 20 Jul '26

Engineering - Choice Selection...

16 Jul '26 - 20 Jul '26

AP ECET 2026 Phase I Seat Allo...

20 Jul '26

GUJCET 2026 ACPC Counselling D...

20 Jul '26

AISECT Joint Entrance Exam 202...

25 Jun '26 - 21 Jul '26

CG PET 2026 counselling regist...

17 Jul '26 - 21 Jul '26

TS EAMCET 2026 MPC Counselling...

22 Jul '26

Download JEE Main 2026 Question Paper PDF January Session

Question papers have been released by coaching institutes for session 1 of JEE Main 2026 exam. Candidates can check JEE Main question paper download link here. 

JEE Main Question Paper 2026 with Solutions PDF Session 1

Shift 1 Papers

Shift 2 Papers

JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 Shift 1 Paper

JEE Main 21 Jan Shift 2 Paper 2026

JEE Main 22 Jan Shift 1 Paper 2026

JEE Main Jan 22 Shift 2 Paper 2026

JEE Main January 23 Shift 1 2026 Paper

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Paper

JEE Main 24 Jan Shift 1 Paper 2026

JEE Main Jan 24 Shift 2 Paper 2026

JEE Main Jan 28 Shift 1 Paper 2026

JEE Main 28 Jan 2026 Shift 2 Paper

Videos you may like
About the Author

Engineering Education & Entrance Exam Expert

Role: Senior News Writer & Content Editor, Shiksha.com

Education: B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering [IET], MA Education Philosophy

Satyendra Singh is an Engineering gradua

Read Full Bio
Download Important Dates for B.E. / B.Tech Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

Jun '26

JoSAA 2026 starts

1 Jun '26

JEE Advanced 2026 Result Date

22 Jul '26

BITSAT 2026 Iteration-IV Annou...

25 Jul '26

BITSAT 2026 Iteration-IV fee p...

9 Jul '26

SRMJEEE Phase 3 Result 2026

4 Jul '26 -

5 Jul '26

SRMJEEE 2026 Exam (Phase 3)

14 Jul '26 -

24 Jul '26

COMEDK 2026 Counselling: Round...

27 Jul '26

COMEDK 2026 Counselling: Round...

21 Jul '26

WBJEE 2026 seat allotment - Ro...

24 Jul '26 -

26 Jul '26

WBJEE 2026 counselling registr...

Oct '26

VITEEE 2027 Registration Start...

Apr '27

VITEEE 2027 Mock Test Release ...

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered Yesterday

Yes, students can get admission at Shivalik University with JEE Main scores. To get admission in engineering courses at Shivalik University, students must have 65% in Class 12 with valid subjects. The final selection is base don JEE Main/ UKSEE. To get admission, students must fulfil the eligibility

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

No, JEE Main is not compulsory to get admission in BTech at Chanakya University. The university considers valid score of entrance exams such as: JEE, KCET, COMEDK or any other state entrance exam.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Yes, candidates can apply for BTech admission at Manav Rachna University, Faridabad without appearing in JEE Main. Aside from this entrance exam, MRU also accepts scores of SAT, MRNAT, MRSAT and CUET-UG for BTech admissions.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, the university opens distinct institutional counseling phases based on individual exam score availability for BTech admissions at KIET University. JEE Main high-rankers generally get priority seating selections during the initial registration weeks of the academic cycle. CUET applicants and mer

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 days ago

You can access official, free mock tests directly on the National Testing Agency (NTA) Mock Test Portal.

N

Nishtha Shrivastava

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, JEE Main is required for admission to IIT Bombay's BTech programmes. It is an eligibility requirement for JEE Advanced. Students cannot get admission to IIT Bombay using only the JEE Main score. Aspirants must appear for JEE Advanced and participate in JoSAA counselling for final seat allotment

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

HBTU JEE Main cutoff 2026 ranged from 51696 to 98963 for the OBC AI category in the third round. As per this range, BTech in Computer Science and Engineering was the most competitive branch for admission, with a cutoff of  51696

On the other hand, the least competitive branch was Chemical Technolog

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, Bhopal has plenty of flexible options for students without a JEE score. Most private colleges in Bhopal accept MP DTE counselling scores or offer direct admission based on Class 12 marks and personal interviews. Colleges like VIT Bhopal accept VITEEE scores, while many other private institution

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

You can apply to the state counselling by Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University, formerly Uttarakhand Technical University (UTU), via JEE scores.

A

Abhishek Chaudhary

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 days ago

With a JEE Main rank of 69,000, you can secure core branches at lower-tier NITs, newer IIITs, GFTIs, or at reputed state and private universities.

Y

Yatendra Singh

Contributor-Level 8