The National Testing Agency (NTA) will publish the official JEE Main 2026 cutoff percentiles after both exam sessions conclude. Until then, experts and education platforms have projected expected cutoff percentiles based on past trends and factors such as exam difficulty and candidate performance.
Expected JEE Main 2026 Cutoff Percentiles by Category
Following cutoff trends from recent years and current projections, the expected qualifying percentile cutoffs for JEE Main 2026 across categories are as follows:
These figures indicate that the General category cutoff is expected to remain high, similar to previous years, while other categories generally follow corresponding historical patterns.
What Influences JEE Main Cutoff Levels
The final cutoff percentiles for JEE Main are derived after analysing multiple factors:
- The overall number of candidates appearing in both sessions
- Difficulty level of the exam across shifts
- Performance distribution of candidates
- Total available seats and category-wise requirements
These variables are considered by the NTA when determining the official cutoff. Trends indicate that increased applicants and moderate to great difficulty levels often push the cutoff percentile slightly higher year-on-year.
JEE Main Cutoff Trends From Previous Years
Historical cutoff data provides context on how JEE Main cutoffs have shifted:
- 2025 General cutoff percentile: ~93.10
- 2024 General cutoff percentile: ~93.23
- 2023 General cutoff percentile: ~90.78
This steady trend points toward continued high cutoffs, with 2026 expected to follow a similar pattern.
How to Use Expected JEE Main Cutoff Estimates?
For JEE Main 2026 aspirants, these expected cutoff percentiles serve as benchmarks for preparation and goal setting:
- Scoring above the 93th percentile typically positions General category students well for JEE Advanced eligibility.
- Candidates from reserved categories should aim for corresponding percentile levels to increase chances of qualifying and securing admission at participating institutes.
- Awareness of cutoff trends also helps students estimate their performance potential and plan further preparation accordingly.
Students should remember that official cutoff percentiles will be published only after the NTA releases results for all JEE Main sessions. Until then, these projected figures offer valuable guidance for target setting.