The JEE Main 2026 cutoff is expected to increase compared to last year, mainly due to the record-high number of registrations received by the National Testing Agency (NTA). With an estimated 15.5 lakh+ unique candidatesappearing for JEE Main 2026, competition has intensified significantly.
Based on a statistical analysis of the last four years, applicant growth trends, and paper difficulty level, experts predict a noticeable rise in the qualifying percentile across most categories this year.
JEE Main 2026 Expected Cutoff (Category-wise)
The table below shows the predicted qualifying percentile for JEE Main 2026 along with the expected trend:
| Category | Expected Cutoff (%ile) | Trend Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 93.5 – 95.0 | High Saturation |
| Gen-EWS | 81.5 – 83.5 | Rapid Increase |
| OBC-NCL | 80.0 – 82.0 | Steady Growth |
| SC | 62.0 – 65.0 | Moderate Growth |
| ST | 48.0 – 51.0 | Consistent |
📌 Note: These are expected cutoffs, not official figures. The final cutoff will be released by NTA along with the JEE Main 2026 result.
Why Is JEE Main 2026 Cutoff Expected to Increase?
Several key factors are driving the upward trend:
- 📈 Higher number of candidates (15.5 lakh+ registrations)
- 🧠 Better preparation levels due to online coaching & test series
- 📊 Normalization across multiple sessions
- 📝 Moderate-to-easy papers in some shifts, increasing average scores
- 🏫 Increased focus on IIT/NIT admissions via JEE Advanced
JEE Main Cutoff Trends: Last 4 Years (Official Data)
Below are the official qualifying percentiles announced by NTA for eligibility to appear in JEE Advanced:
| Year | General | Gen-EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 93.10 | 80.38 | 79.43 | 61.15 | 47.90 |
| 2024 | 93.23 | 81.32 | 79.67 | 60.09 | 46.69 |
| 2023 | 90.78 | 75.62 | 73.61 | 51.98 | 37.23 |
| 2022 | 88.41 | 63.11 | 67.01 | 43.08 | 26.78 |
📊 Trend Insight: The cutoff has shown a clear upward movement, especially after 2023, indicating increasing competition year after year.
What Is JEE Main Cutoff & Why Is It Important?
The JEE Main cutoff is the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced. It is also known as the qualifying cutoff and is different from the admission cutoff used by IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
Key Points to Understand
- ✔️ Cutoff determines eligibility for JEE Advanced
- ✔️ Only candidates above the cutoff can apply for IIT admissions
- ❌ It does not guarantee admission
- 📌 Admission cutoffs are higher and institute-specific
Expected Impact on JEE Advanced 2026 Aspirants
- Higher cutoff means fewer candidates qualify for JEE Advanced
- Marginal scores around previous cutoffs may not be sufficient
- Strong performers benefit due to higher percentile normalization