JEE ADVANCED CUTOFF TRENDS FOR IITS: HOW MUCH TO SCORE FOR TOP BRANCHES

JEE Advanced cutoff trends for IITs: How much to score for top branches

JEE Advanced cutoff trends for IITs: How much to score for top branches

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These vary every year based on factors like exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability. This blog explores past JEE Advanced cutoff trends to help you estimate how much you should aim for during your JEE Advanced preparation.

The JEE Advanced exam is the final hurdle for students aspiring to join the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). After months of hard work and preparation, students often ask, “How much do I need to score to get into my dream IIT and branch?” The answer lies in understanding JEE Advanced cutoff trends.

Cutoffs are the minimum ranks or marks required to get admission into a specific course at a 

What are JEE Advanced cutoffs?


A JEE Advanced cutoff is the minimum rank or score required to be eligible for admission to a particular branch in an IIT. There are two major types:

  • Qualifying cutoffs: Minimum scores needed to be included in the rank list.

  • Admission cutoffs: The last rank that received admission to a specific branch at a specific IIT.


These cutoffs differ for various categories like General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS.

Factors influencing JEE Advanced cutoffs


Understanding what affects the cutoffs will help you interpret trends better and set realistic targets.

  • Difficulty level of the JEE Advanced exam

  • Number of candidates who appeared

  • Total number of seats available in IITs

  • Candidate preferences for certain IITs or branches

  • Category-based seat reservations

  • Changes in counselling rounds and JoSAA policies


These factors are dynamic, which is why JEE Advanced exam cutoffs change each year.

Why knowing past cutoffs is important


Looking at cutoff trends helps students:

  • Estimate their target score during JEE Advanced preparation

  • Prioritize between dream, reach, and safe options during JEE Advanced counselling

  • Make strategic choices when filling preferences in JoSAA

  • Understand how branch popularity impacts required ranks


General category cutoff trends: An overview


Here’s a simplified breakdown of trends based on previous years for popular IIT branches. (All ranks mentioned are general category closing ranks.)

  • IIT Bombay

    • Computer Science: Under 65

    • Electrical Engineering: Under 300

    • Mechanical Engineering: Around 1000




  • IIT Delhi

    • Computer Science: Under 100

    • Electrical Engineering: Around 500

    • Civil Engineering: Around 2000




  • IIT Madras

    • Computer Science: Under 150

    • Electrical Engineering: Under 1000

    • Aerospace Engineering: Around 2500




  • IIT Kanpur

    • Computer Science: Under 250

    • Mechanical Engineering: Under 2000

    • Chemical Engineering: Around 2500




  • IIT Kharagpur

    • Computer Science: Around 280

    • Electronics and Electrical Communication: Under 1000

    • Architecture: Around 3000




These trends show that top branches like CSE, ECE, and EE consistently close at lower ranks, reflecting high demand.

Cutoff trends across categories


The cutoffs also vary significantly for different categories:

  • EWS candidates generally have cutoffs slightly higher than General but lower than OBC.

  • OBC-NCL candidates enjoy a substantial relaxation. For example, a general cutoff rank of 500 might extend to 1300 for OBC.

  • SC/ST candidates have the lowest cutoff ranks due to reservation quotas, but the competition is still intense within these categories.



Keeping these variations in mind helps candidates from different categories plan their JEE Advanced counselling more effectively.

How to interpret closing ranks


Closing ranks can vary across counselling rounds. A branch that closes at rank 500 in round 1 might reopen in round 3 if someone opts out. That’s why:

  • Don’t panic if your rank is slightly above last year’s cutoff.

  • Participate in all JoSAA counselling rounds.

  • Use mock counselling to predict realistic options.


Also, branch trends change over time. For instance, AI and Data Science branches are now closing earlier than some traditional engineering disciplines due to rising demand in the tech industry.

How many marks should you aim for?


While cutoffs are published in ranks, students often wonder what raw marks will get them those ranks. This varies depending on the paper’s difficulty. However, general estimates show:

  • To get CSE in top 3 IITs, aim for a rank under 100, which usually means scoring over 270–300 marks out of 360 in a moderately tough paper.

  • For mid-level IITs and branches, a rank of 3000–5000 can secure options in core branches, translating to around 180–200 marks.

  • For newer IITs or less competitive branches, ranks beyond 7000 are often sufficient, which may require around 140–160 marks.


Remember, these are only estimates and fluctuate each year. The safest approach is to maximize your score, not just aim for the average cutoff.

What you should do during JEE Advanced counselling


After the JEE Advanced exam date and result announcement, the next important step is counselling. Here’s how you can use cutoff trends smartly:

  • Use last year’s closing ranks to shortlist branches and IITs

  • Rank your preferences based on interest and realistic chances

  • Fill a mix of dream, reach, and safe options

  • Track each JoSAA round closely for changes in cutoffs

  • Be flexible with your options — branch or IIT compromise is sometimes needed


Proper planning during JEE Advanced counselling increases your chances of getting a good seat in an institute that aligns with your career goals.

Conclusion: Cutoffs are a guide, not a limit


The JEE Advanced exam is one of the toughest entrance tests in India, but understanding the system makes it more manageable. Cutoff trends are not just numbers — they’re valuable indicators that can help you make smart choices.

Instead of getting overwhelmed, use this information to guide your JEE Advanced preparation and post-exam decisions. Focus on your strengths, build a realistic rank target, and be strategic during counselling.

Ready to plan your next move?


Stay informed and prepared at every step of your journey. Register with GoFillForm to get instant updates on the JEE Advanced exam date, counselling notifications, rank predictor tools, and preparation resources — all in one place!

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