JEE Main 2026 IIIT Cutoff Ranks: What Score You Need for BTech Admission
Understand the expected JEE Main 2026 cutoff ranks for IIIT BTech programmes. Learn which institutes you can target based on your percentile and category.
AC Team
After JEE Main Session 1 results are out, lakhs of students want to know one thing: which engineering college can I get with my percentile? The question becomes more specific when it comes to IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology), institutions known for their quality education in technology and design.
Experts suggest that IIIT cutoffs for 2026 might see a slight increase compared to last year. The reason is simple. More candidates appeared for the exam this time. When more students compete for the same number of seats, the bar goes up.
IIITs offer BTech admission through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counselling based on your JEE Main score. No separate exam is required. Your percentile determines your rank, and your rank decides which IIIT and branch you can secure.
What Affects IIIT Cutoff Ranks
Several factors play a role in determining the cutoff for any IIIT:
- Exam difficulty level: If the paper was tough, cutoffs may drop slightly. If it was easier, they rise.
- Total candidates: More candidates mean tougher competition.
- Available seats: Each IIIT has a limited number of seats per branch.
- Category reservations: General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories have different cutoffs.
- Branch popularity: Computer Science always has higher cutoffs than other branches.
- Home state quota: Some IIITs reserve seats for students from their home state.
- Gender: Female candidates may have separate cutoffs in some cases.
General Category Cutoff Range
For general category students, IIIT cutoffs typically range between 10,000 to 15,000 ranks. However, this varies greatly depending on the institute and branch.
Top IIITs like IIIT Hyderabad, IIIT Allahabad, IIIT Gwalior, and IIIT Delhi have much lower cutoffs (better ranks needed) compared to newer IIITs. This makes sense. Older institutes have built a reputation over the years.
Remember, these are estimates based on previous year trends. Your actual chances will be clear only after Session 2 results and the final rank list.
Expected Cutoff for Computer Science Engineering
Computer Science remains the most sought-after branch. Here is what the expected opening and closing ranks might look like for CSE in various IIITs:
IIIT Gwalior: 7,500 to 8,200
IIIT Pune: 16,500 to 19,000
IIIT Jabalpur: 12,800 to 14,200
IIIT Kota: 23,000 to 25,000
IIIT Guwahati: 18,500 to 20,000
IIIT Vadodara: 20,000 to 22,500
IIIT Kancheepuram: 16,000 to 17,800
IIIT Trichy: 23,500 to 26,500
IIIT Nagpur: 24,500 to 27,500
IIIT Bhopal: 23,000 to 26,000
IIIT Surat: 23,100 to 26,000
IIIT Sonepat: 26,000 to 28,500
IIIT Una: 28,500 to 31,000
IIIT Kalyani: 36,000 to 39,000
IIIT Kottayam: 32,000 to 36,000
IIIT Ranchi: 30,500 to 34,000
IIIT Dharwad: 33,000 to 37,000
IIIT Kurnool: 29,000 to 32,000
IIIT Bhagalpur: 36,000 to 40,000
IIIT Manipur: 47,000 to 52,000
These numbers give you a ballpark figure. Your home state, category, and gender can shift these numbers in your favour.
How Last Year Cutoffs Looked
Looking at 2025 data helps set realistic expectations. In Round 1 of JoSAA counselling last year, IIIT Gwalior closed at 7,835 for CSE (general category). IIIT Pune closed at 17,707. IIIT Jabalpur at 13,297.
By Round 6, these numbers changed. IIIT Gwalior went up to 9,527. IIIT Pune came down slightly to 21,029. This happens because students who get better options in earlier rounds leave their seats, opening spots for others.
The key takeaway? Do not lose hope if you miss out in early rounds. Later rounds can bring surprises.
Electronics and Communication Engineering Cutoffs
If Computer Science seems out of reach, Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) is a solid alternative. The cutoffs are more relaxed.
Last year, IIIT Allahabad ECE closed at 7,228 (general category, Round 1). IIIT Guwahati closed at 26,015. IIIT Kota at 30,755. IIIT Vadodara at 31,029.
ECE offers good placement opportunities, especially in core electronics companies and software roles. Many ECE graduates also get recruited by IT companies.
Mechanical Engineering Options
Only a few IIITs offer Mechanical Engineering. IIIT Kancheepuram and IIIT Jabalpur are the main ones.
Last year, IIIT Kancheepuram Mechanical closed at 37,105 in Round 1. IIIT Jabalpur closed at 35,665. These are much more accessible than CSE cutoffs.
If you are interested in design, manufacturing, and hands-on engineering, Mechanical from these IIITs can be a good choice.
What You Should Do Now
First, wait for Session 2 results. Your best score from both sessions will be considered for the final rank.
Second, understand your category and home state advantages. Check if any IIIT offers home state quota that benefits you.
Third, prepare a list of IIITs and branches you are interested in. Rank them based on your preference, not just cutoff.
Fourth, when JoSAA counselling begins, fill your choices carefully. Include safe options along with ambitious ones.
Fifth, keep all your documents ready. Counselling moves fast, and you do not want to miss deadlines because of paperwork.
Branch Versus Institute
This is a common dilemma. Should you take CSE at a newer IIIT or ECE at an older, more reputed one?
There is no universal answer. If you are certain about software careers, CSE makes sense even at a newer institute. If you want flexibility and a strong alumni network, go for the older institute.
Placements matter, but so does learning environment, faculty, research opportunities, and location. Consider everything before deciding.
Keep Realistic Expectations
Social media and coaching institutes sometimes create unrealistic hype. Not everyone will get IIIT Hyderabad or IIIT Allahabad. And that is okay.
Many newer IIITs are improving rapidly. They have good faculty, modern infrastructure, and decent placements. Do not dismiss them just because they are new.
Also, remember that IIITs are not the only option. NITs, GFTIs, and state government colleges also offer quality education. Keep your options open during counselling.
Your JEE Main score is important, but it is not everything. What you do during your four years of BTech matters more. Stay focused, work hard, and make the most of whatever opportunity you get.
