NIT Admission Guide 2025: How Much Should You Score in JEE Main?

Securing admission to a National Institute of Technology (NIT) through JEE Main 2025 requires a strategic understanding of expected cutoff marks, which are influenced by factors such as the chosen NIT, engineering branch, candidate category, and the prevailing competition. While official cutoffs will be released post-examination, analyzing previous years' trends can provide valuable insights for aspirants.

JEE Main Cutoff Trends:

The JEE Main cutoff represents the minimum score needed to qualify for admission into NITs. These cutoffs are influenced by the number of applicants, exam difficulty, seat availability, and reservation policies. They are typically expressed as closing ranks for each NIT and its respective engineering branches.

For instance, in 2024, the qualifying percentile for JEE Advanced was approximately 93.23% for the General category, 79.67% for OBC, 81.32% for EWS, 60.09% for SC, and 46.69% for ST candidates. 

Expected Cutoffs for JEE Main 2025:

While exact figures for 2025 will be available only after the exam, projections based on past data suggest the following:

• General Category: Aiming for a score above 250 marks (out of 300) is advisable for securing admission into top NITs. 

• OBC Category: Candidates may require a percentile between 79 and 80. 

• EWS Category: A percentile around 81 to 82 might be necessary. 

• SC Category: A percentile of approximately 60 to 61 is expected. 

• ST Category: Candidates might need to achieve a percentile between 46 and 47

Branch-Specific Cutoffs:

Cutoffs also vary significantly across different engineering branches. For example, in 2024, the closing ranks for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at NIT Trichy were as follows:

• General Category: Opening rank at 2243 and closing rank at 5432

• OBC-NCL Category: Opening rank at 967 and closing rank at 1510

• SC Category: Opening rank at 384 and closing rank at 1171

• ST Category: Opening rank at 508 and closing rank at 2028

Factors Influencing Cutoffs:

Several elements affect the determination of cutoffs each year:

• Number of Applicants: Higher participation can lead to increased competition and higher cutoffs.

• Exam Difficulty: A more challenging exam may result in lower overall scores, potentially lowering cutoffs.

• Seat Availability: The number of seats in a particular NIT and branch influences the closing ranks.

• Reservation Policies: Category-specific reservations impact the distribution of seats and corresponding cutoffs.

Preparation Strategy:

Given the competitive nature of JEE Main and the variability in cutoffs:

• Set Target Scores: Aim for scores well above the previous years' cutoffs to enhance admission prospects.

• Stay Updated: Regularly check official announcements from NTA and JoSAA for the latest information on cutoffs and counseling procedures.

• Analyze Trends: Review historical data of opening and closing ranks for your desired NITs and branches to set realistic goals.