
Qualify JEE Mains: JEE Mains is one of the most competitive engineering entrance exams in India, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Every year, lakhs of students appear for this exam with the dream of securing admission into top engineering colleges like NITs, IIITs, and other prestigious institutions. One of the most common questions among JEE aspirants is: What percentage should I get to qualify for JEE Mains?
In this blog, we will discuss in detail the qualifying marks for JEE Mains, the cutoff trends, factors affecting the cutoff, eligibility criteria, and tips to ensure you score well. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the JEE Mains Cutoff
The JEE Mains qualifying cutoff is the minimum percentile score required to be eligible for JEE Advanced and to be considered for admissions to NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges. The cutoff is released category-wise and changes every year based on various factors.
There are two types of cutoffs in JEE Mains:
- Qualifying Cutoff: The minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced.
- Admission Cutoff: The cutoff required to get admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs (Government Funded Technical Institutions).
JEE Mains Qualifying Cutoff (Expected for 2025)
The qualifying percentile for JEE Mains fluctuates each year, influenced by factors such as the exam’s difficulty level, the number of candidates, and overall performance. Based on recent trends, the expected qualifying percentiles for 2025 are:
JEE Main Eligibility Marks in 12th
To be eligible for JEE Mains, candidates must have passed their 12th standard (or equivalent) examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects. While there’s no minimum percentage requirement to appear for JEE Mains, for admissions into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, candidates should have secured at least 75% marks (65% for SC/ST candidates) or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board exams.
Subject-Wise Eligibility
Candidates must have passed Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics individually in their 12th board examination. Although a specific percentage for each subject isn’t mandated, clearing these subjects is essential for eligibility.
Passing Marks Out of 300 in JEE Mains
The passing marks required to qualify for JEE Mains vary based on the cutoff for different categories. However, based on previous trends:
- General category: Approximately 90-100 marks out of 300
- OBC/EWS category: Approximately 70-80 marks out of 300
- SC/ST category: Approximately 40-50 marks out of 300
These figures are approximate and can fluctuate each year.
Minimum Marks in JEE Mains to Qualify for JEE Advanced
To qualify for JEE Advanced, candidates need to secure a percentile above the qualifying cutoff. Based on expected trends for 2025:
- General category: 91-95 percentile
- OBC-NCL/EWS category: 77-83 percentile
- SC category: 58-62 percentile
- ST category: 44-48 percentile
JEE Main Eligibility Marks in 12th for OBC
For OBC category candidates, the eligibility requirement to appear for JEE Mains is simply passing 12th with PCM subjects. However, for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, OBC-NCL candidates must have at least 75% marks in 12th or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board.
How Much Percentile is Required in JEE Mains to Qualify for JEE?
To qualify for JEE Advanced, the following minimum percentile is typically required:
- General category: 91-95 percentile
- OBC-NCL/EWS category: 77-83 percentile
- SC category: 58-62 percentile
- ST category: 44-48 percentile
For safe admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, a 95+ percentile is recommended.
Percentile Required for Admission into Various Institutes
- NITs: 93+ percentile for top branches; 90+ percentile for lower branches.
- IIITs: 90+ percentile for top branches; 85+ percentile for lower branches.
- IITs (JEE Advanced cutoff): 91+ percentile in JEE Mains to be eligible for JEE Advanced.
- DTU: 95+ percentile for core branches; 90+ percentile for others.
- COEP: 97+ percentile for top branches.
- DAIICT: 92+ percentile for CSE; 85+ percentile for IT.
- NSUT: 95+ percentile for CS; 90+ percentile for other branches.
How is JEE Main Percentile Calculated?
JEE Main percentile is calculated based on the candidate’s relative performance. The formula is:
Percentile Score = (100 × Number of candidates who scored equal to or less than you) / Total number of candidates appeared
Common Percentile vs Marks Comparison
- 100 marks → ~85 percentile
- 120 marks → ~90 percentile
- 150 marks → ~95 percentile
- 180 marks → ~97 percentile
- 200 marks → ~98.5 percentile
- 250+ marks → ~99.5+ percentile
Conclusion
To qualify for JEE Mains, you need to aim for at least 91+ percentile (General category), 79+ (EWS), 77+ (OBC), 58+ (SC), and 44+ (ST). However, to secure a seat in a good NIT or IIIT, your target should be 95+ percentile or higher.
With the right strategy, consistent practice, and a positive mindset, you can crack JEE Mains with ease. Keep working hard and stay dedicated to your preparation.
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