JEE Advanced 2026 - Cutoffs

Cutoff marks for JEE Advanced play a pivotal role in determining qualification and rank. There are two primary types: qualifying cutoffs (minimum marks required to be included in the rank list) and admission cutoffs (closing ranks for specific programs/IITs via JoSAA). Qualifying cutoffs vary each year based on exam difficulty, number of candidates, and overall performance trends. For the Common Rank List (CRL), the aggregate qualifying cutoff has historically ranged between 90–125 marks out of ~360 (around 25–35% of total marks), with subject-wise minimums (typically 8–12 marks per subject). Reserved categories receive significant relaxation: OBC-NCL (~90% of CRL), SC/ST (~50–65%), and PwD (~further reduced). These figures are announced along with results and apply to both papers combined. Admission cutoffs, expressed as closing ranks, depend on factors like program popularity (Computer Science at IIT Bombay often closes under AIR 100), institute preference, category, and seat availability. Top branches at older IITs require ranks under 1000–5000, while newer IITs or less preferred branches may accept higher ranks. Historical data shows that easier papers result in higher cutoffs, while tougher papers lower them. Candidates should analyse past 5–10 years’ trends to set realistic targets, but final preparation should aim for 250+ marks for a safe rank in premier programs.