JEE Main 2026 Qualifying Marks: Category-Wise Cutoff and Score Requirements
Learn about the minimum marks required in JEE Main 2026 to qualify for JEE Advanced. This guide explains category-wise cutoff trends, marks vs percentile, and safe target scores for General, OBC, EWS, SC, and ST candidates.
AC Team
The JEE Main examination is the first screening test for engineering aspirants in India. Understanding the minimum marks required to qualify is crucial for every student preparing for this exam.
Every year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announces the qualifying cutoff after the results are declared. Until then, students rely on previous years' trends to set their preparation goals.
Understanding JEE Main Minimum Marks
The minimum marks in JEE Main represent the lowest score needed to cross the qualifying cutoff. This cutoff determines two important things:
- Whether a student qualifies for JEE Main
- Whether they become eligible for the next stage
JEE Main qualification is based on percentile, not raw marks. However, marks give students a practical target to aim for during preparation.
Expected Minimum Marks for JEE Main 2026
Based on analysis of previous years' cutoff data, here are the expected minimum marks required in JEE Main 2026 across different categories:
General (UR) Category
- Expected Percentile: Around 94–95
- Minimum Marks: 90 to 100 marks
Students scoring below 90 may find it difficult to qualify. Those scoring above 100 remain on the safer side.
OBC-NCL Category
- Expected Percentile: 88–92
- Minimum Marks: 80 to 95 marks
Due to high competition, OBC-NCL candidates should target marks closer to the upper range.
EWS Category
- Expected Percentile: 88–92
- Minimum Marks: 80 to 95 marks
EWS cutoff trends remain similar to OBC-NCL, with slight yearly variations.
SC Category
- Expected Percentile: 70–80
- Minimum Marks: 65 to 80 marks
ST Category
- Expected Percentile: 65–75
- Minimum Marks: 60 to 75 marks
These figures are indicative and may change depending on exam difficulty and number of candidates.
Factors Affecting Minimum Marks Each Year
The minimum marks required in JEE Main are not fixed. Several factors influence the cutoff:
- Difficulty level of the question paper
- Total number of students appearing
- Normalisation process across multiple sessions
- Overall performance of candidates
This is why students should always aim higher than the minimum expected marks.
JEE Main Cutoff Trends (2020–2024)
Looking at actual qualifying cutoff percentiles from the past five years helps students analyse trends and set realistic score goals:
| Year | General (UR) | OBC-NCL | EWS | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 93.2362181 | 79.6757881 | 81.3266412 | 60.0923182 | 46.6975840 |
| 2023 | 90.7788642 | 73.6114227 | 75.6229025 | 51.9776027 | 37.2348772 |
| 2022 | 88.4121383 | 67.0090297 | 63.1114141 | 43.0820954 | 26.7771328 |
| 2021 | 87.8992241 | 68.0234447 | 66.2214845 | 46.8825338 | 34.6728999 |
| 2020 | 90.3765335 | 72.8887969 | 70.2435518 | 50.1760245 | 39.0696101 |
These percentiles represent the minimum qualifying benchmarks from NTA official cutoff data.
Marks vs Percentile: What Students Need to Know
While students often ask about minimum marks, the official cutoff is released in percentile form. Here's what you need to understand:
- A tough paper may result in lower marks but higher percentile
- An easier paper may push cutoff marks higher
Focusing on accuracy and consistency is more effective than chasing a fixed marks number.
Safe Target Scores for JEE Main 2026
Experts recommend the following safe target scores:
- General Category: 100+ marks
- OBC-NCL / EWS: 90+ marks
- SC / ST: 75+ marks
Scoring above these marks improves your chances of qualifying and provides a buffer against cutoff fluctuations.
Important Exam Details
The JEE Main 2026 examination will be conducted in two sessions:
- Session 1: 21 January to 30 January 2026
- Session 2: 2 April to 9 April 2026
For Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), the exam will be conducted in two shifts:
- Morning Shift: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Preparation Strategy
Students should not limit their preparation to just clearing the cutoff. Aiming comfortably above the expected minimum marks provides security against fluctuations in cutoff trends.
The official JEE Main 2026 cutoff will be released after results. Students are advised to stay updated and continue focused preparation. Remember, the goal is not just to qualify but to secure a rank that opens doors to your dream engineering college.
Start your preparation early, focus on building strong fundamentals, and practice regularly. With consistent effort and the right strategy, you can achieve your target score in JEE Main 2026.
