JEE Main Cutoff 2026 (Expected), Preparation Tips & Books

Author at PW
January 02, 2026
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JEE Main Cutoff 2026 is a key benchmark for students aiming to secure admission to engineering colleges like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. It indicates the minimum percentile or rank required for different categories to be eligible for admission. Based on previous years, the JEE Main 2026 cutoff is likely to remain similar, as no major change in the exam pattern or difficulty level is expected.

The qualifying cutoff determines eligibility for appearing in JEE Advanced, while the admission cutoff differs for each institute, course, and category. Having an idea of the expected cutoff JEE Mains helps students set realistic score goals, plan their preparation effectively, and make informed admission decisions.

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Expected JEE Mains Cutoff 2026 Percentile

The expected JEE Main Cutoff 2026 percentile gives students a clear idea of the minimum score required to qualify for JEE Advanced. It is influenced by factors such as exam difficulty, overall performance trends, and category-wise differences. These expected cutoffs help candidates set practical score goals and plan their preparation effectively.

JEE Mains Cutoff 2026 Percentile (Expected)

Category

Expected Qualifying Percentile (2026)

General

93.2 – 94.1

Gen-EWS

81 – 82

OBC-NCL

79 – 80

SC

60 – 62

ST

47 – 49

PwD

0.001 – 1

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Expected JEE Mains Cutoff 2026 for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs

The expected JEE Main Cutoff 2026 for admissions shows the opening and closing ranks required to get into leading engineering institutes. These cutoff estimates give a clear picture of the competition level in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs and help students understand their chances during the JoSAA counselling process.

By checking the expected cutoffs in advance, candidates can shortlist colleges, choose suitable branches, and make better admission decisions.

NIT Cutoff 2026 (Expected)

NIT Cutoff 2026 (Expected)

NIT

General

OBC-NCL

EWS

SC

ST

NIT Trichy

800–1000

600–800

1000–1300

3500–4000

2000–2500

NIT Surathkal

900–1200

700–900

1200–1500

4000–5000

2500–3000

NIT Warangal

1000–1400

800–1000

1300–1600

4200–5200

2600–3200

NIT Rourkela

2000–2500

1200–1500

2500–3500

7000–9000

4000–5000

NIT Jalandhar

6000–7000

3000–4000

4500–5500

10000–12000

6000–7000

IIIT Cutoff 2026 (Expected)

IIIT Cutoff 2026 (Expected)

IIIT

General

OBC-NCL

EWS

SC

ST

IIIT Hyderabad (CSE)

350–450

800–1000

900–1100

2500–3000

1500–2500

IIIT Allahabad (IT)

2200–2600

1800–2200

2500–3000

6500–7000

4000–5000

IIIT Delhi (CSE)

5000–5500

3000–3500

4000–4500

8000–9000

5000–6500

IIIT Gwalior (CSE)

3000–3500

2500–3000

3000–4000

7000–8500

4500–5500

GFTI Cutoff 2026 (Expected)

GFTI Cutoff 2026 (Expected)

GFTI

General

OBC-NCL

EWS

SC

ST

PEC Chandigarh (CSE)

6000–7000

3000–3500

5000–6000

13000–15000

8000–10000

Assam University (CSE)

24000–26000

13000–15000

20000–22000

26000–30000

21000–25000

Mizoram University (CSE)

22000–25000

14000–16000

20000–23000

28000–31000

22000–26000

Previous Year JEE Mains Cutoff 

Previous year JEE Mains cutoff indicates the minimum percentile required to qualify for the exam. It varies annually based on exam difficulty, number of candidates, and overall performance, helping students understand trends and set realistic preparation targets.

Check Out - JEE Main 2025 Cutoff

How to Prepare for JEE Mains 2026?

Preparing for JEE Mains 2026 needs a clear plan, regular practice, and strong basic concepts. With the right strategy and consistency, students can score well in this competitive exam. Below are some simple and effective steps to help you prepare better.

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Start by carefully reading the complete JEE Mains syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Understand the exam pattern, number of questions, marking scheme, and topic-wise weightage. This helps you focus more on important chapters.

2. Create a Practical Study Plan

Make a realistic daily and weekly timetable. Give equal time to all three subjects and include time for revision, revision books, and test practice. Avoid overloading your schedule and keep small, achievable targets.

3. Study from NCERT First

NCERT books are the foundation of JEE Mains preparation, especially for Chemistry. Make sure your concepts are clear from NCERT before moving to other reference books.

4. Use Revision Books for Concept Clarity

After finishing each topic, practice questions from a good JEE Mains revision book. These books are useful for quick revision, formula practice, and strengthening concepts.

5. Solve Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs)

JEE Mains PYQs help you understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and frequently asked topics. Try solving them with a timer to improve speed and accuracy.

6. Join a Test Series

A reliable JEE Mains test series helps you practice in real exam conditions. Analyze each test properly to identify mistakes and weak areas.

7. Revise Regularly

Regular revision is very important. Revise daily and weekly using short notes and revision books to retain formulas and concepts.

8. Focus on Accuracy and Speed
Practice numerical problems regularly. Avoid guessing and work on improving calculation speed to score better.

JEE Main Study Materials

JEE Main Rankers Test Series 2026

PDF

JEE Main PYQ - 7 Years Combo Set of 3 Books

PDF

Handwritten Notes For Chemistry Combo Set of 3 Books For JEE Main

PDF

Maths Handwritten Notes For JEE Main & Advanced Exams

PDF

Expected JEE Mains CutOff 2026 FAQs

1. What is the JEE Mains Cutoff 2026 percentile?
The JEE Mains Cutoff 2026 percentile is the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced and participate in JoSAA counselling for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

2. Who decides the JEE Mains cutoff percentile?
The cutoff percentile is decided by the National Testing Agency (NTA) based on factors like exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability.

3. Is the JEE Mains cutoff the same for all categories?
No, the cutoff percentile is different for each category such as General, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and EWS.

4. What is the expected JEE Mains 2026 cutoff percentile for the General category?
The expected cutoff percentile for the General category is likely to be around 88–90, depending on exam difficulty and competition.

5. Does the cutoff percentile remain the same every year?
No, the cutoff percentile changes every year based on exam difficulty level, number of test-takers, and overall performance of students.

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JEE Main Cutoff 2026 (Expected), Preparation Tips & Books