Dreaming of studying at one of India’s top engineering institutes? NITs (National Institutes of Technology) are some of the best places to shape your engineering career. With world-class facilities, excellent faculty, and great job opportunities, an NIT degree can open many doors for you. But how do you get there? The answer lies in your performance in JEE Main, the entrance exam that determines your eligibility for admission.
If you’re planning to apply to NITs, you’re probably wondering what scores you need to get in JEE Main. The good news is that while the competition is tough, understanding the factors that affect the cutoff marks can help you plan your strategy. Your JEE Main score, your category, and your preferred branch all play a role in determining your chances of securing a seat.
This guide will walk you through the NIT admission process, explain how different factors influence cutoffs, and give you practical tips to meet the minimum marks required. Let’s get started on your path to an NIT!
Overview of NIT Admissions through JEE Main
JEE Main is one of the most important exams for students wishing to pursue undergraduate engineering courses in India. The exam is held every year and serves as the gateway for admissions to NITs, IITs, and several other prestigious engineering colleges. A student’s performance in JEE Main determines their eligibility for NIT admissions.
The JEE Main score plays a crucial role in the admission process for NITs. Based on the scores obtained, candidates are assigned a rank, and this rank is used for the subsequent counseling process for NIT admissions. A higher rank means a better chance of getting a preferred branch and college.
Reservation System and Its Impact on Cutoff Marks
India’s reservation system ensures that certain groups of students get preferential treatment in admissions. In the case of NITs, there are specific quotas for various categories such as:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 27% of total seats |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% of total seats |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 7.5% of total seats |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) | 10% of total seats |
| PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 5% of seats in each category |
The reservation system impacts the cutoff marks for each category. Reserved category students generally have a lower cutoff than the general category students, which increases their chances of getting admission with a lower JEE Main score.
Steps in the NIT Admission Process
The NIT admission process involves two main stages:
- JEE Main Examination: This is the first and most important step. Students must clear JEE Main to be eligible for NIT admissions. The exam assesses a student’s knowledge of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- JoSAA Counseling Process: After the JEE Main results are declared, candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can participate in the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counseling process. During this process, candidates are allotted seats in NITs based on their rank and preference for branch and college.
Factors Affecting Minimum Marks in JEE Mains
Several factors determine the minimum marks required to get admission to an NIT through JEE Main. Understanding these factors can help students strategize their preparation and focus on areas that might improve their chances of securing a seat in their desired college.
- Number of Applicants: The number of students appearing for JEE Main every year directly affects the cutoff. The higher the number of applicants, the more competitive the admission process becomes. This often leads to a higher cutoff as more students compete for the same number of seats.
- Difficulty Level of the Exam: The difficulty level of the JEE Main exam each year has a significant impact on the cutoff. If the exam is relatively easy, more students tend to score high marks, resulting in a higher cutoff. On the other hand, if the exam is difficult, the cutoff tends to be lower as fewer students achieve high scores.
- Previous Year Cutoff Trends: Previous year cutoff trends are important in determining the expected cutoff for the current year. While the cutoff can change based on the factors mentioned earlier, it often remains within a similar range from one year to the next. Students can refer to the previous year’s cutoff to get an idea of where they stand in the competition.
- Reservation Categories (Home State, Other State, SC/ST/OBC): The reservation policy in India also impacts the JEE Main cutoff. Students from reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) have a different cutoff compared to the General category. Additionally, students applying under the Home State quota generally have a lower cutoff than those from other states. This policy helps ensure that a diverse group of students has access to higher education.
For example, if you are from Tamil Nadu, you may have a higher chance of getting into NIT Trichy (a premier NIT) compared to a candidate from Uttar Pradesh. The cutoff for home-state students is usually lower than for students from other states. This is done to promote local talent and ensure that students from different regions of India get an equal opportunity to study at prestigious institutions.
Minimum Marks To Get Admission In NIT Through JEE Main
The minimum marks required for admission to NITs depend on several factors, including the candidate’s category, preferred branch, and the specific NIT. Let’s look at the minimum cutoff rank required for some of the top NITs.
Minimum Marks Required for Different NITs
NIT Cutoff For JEE Main 2025 Round 1
| Institutes – Full Name | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar | 6821 | 14502 |
| Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur | 2937 | 5629 |
| Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal | 5601 | 10863 |
| Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad | 2500 | 6364 |
| NIT Agartala – National Institute of Technology Agartala | 17769 | 66895 |
| NIT Calicut – National Institute of Technology Calicut | 2998 | 7971 |
| NIT Delhi – National Institute of Technology Delhi | 3155 | 8971 |
| NIT Durgapur – National Institute of Technology Durgapur | 3827 | 10493 |
| NIT Goa – National Institute of Technology Goa | 15961 | 16198 |
| NIT Hamirpur – National Institute of Technology Hamirpur | 12928 | 22394 |
| NIT Jamshedpur – National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur | 8299 | 11058 |
| NIT Kurukshetra – National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra | 4835 | 7993 |
| NIT Manipur – National Institute of Technology Manipur | 48088 | 166719 |
| NIT Meghalaya – National Institute of Technology Meghalaya | 59949 | 59949 |
| NIT Mizoram – National Institute of Technology Mizoram | 112390 | 350610 |
| NIT Nagaland – National Institute of Technology Nagaland | 14861 | 32418 |
| NIT Patna – National Institute of Technology Patna | 10323 | 16345 |
| NIT Puducherry – National Institute of Technology Puducherry | 23787 | 50932 |
| NIT Raipur – National Institute of Technology Raipur | 12916 | 21540 |
| NIT Rourkela – National Institute of Technology Rourkela | 4082 | 7371 |
| NIT Sikkim – National Institute of Technology Sikkim | 38627 | 170692 |
| NIT Silchar – National Institute of Technology Silchar | 9260 | 21987 |
| NIT Srinagar – National Institute of Technology Srinagar | 12528 | 22015 |
| NIT Surathkal – National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal | 1050 | 2726 |
| NIT Tiruchirappalli – National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli | 559 | 4463 |
| NIT Uttarakhand – National Institute of Technology Uttarakhand | 19599 | 28371 |
| NIT Warangal – National Institute of Technology Warangal | 1166 | 3386 |
| National Institute of Technology Arunachal Pradesh | 42519 | 78084 |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat | 3654 | 7470 |
| Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur | 3387 | 6150 |
| National Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh | 9610 | 17114 |
| Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur | 6346 | 13881 |
JEE Main 2024 cutoff for NIT Tiruchirappalli
| Program | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| Architecture (5 Years, Bachelor of Architecture) | 2 | 318 |
| Chemical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 7616 | 19178 |
| Civil Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 19131 | 30998 |
| Computer Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 1196 | 4178 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 6688 | 9043 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 2712 | 6799 |
| Instrumentation and Control Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 9828 | 14032 |
| Mechanical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 9290 | 14173 |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 18454 | 25195 |
| Production Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 14697 | 23337 |
JEE Main 2024 cutoff for NIT Karnataka, Surathkal
| Program | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| Artificial Intelligence (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 2836 | 3505 |
| Chemical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 9458 | 16375 |
| Civil Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 10933 | 25282 |
| Computational and Data Science (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 3437 | 4148 |
| Computer Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 1084 | 2628 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 5417 | 7521 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 2763 | 4872 |
| Information Technology (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 2911 | 3877 |
| Mechanical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 3340 | 12856 |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 7527 | 24523 |
| Mining Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 21936 | 34731 |
JEE Main 2024 cutoff for NIT Rourkela
| Program | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| Architecture (5 Years, Bachelor of Architecture) | 552 | 1118 |
| Artificial Intelligence (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 7885 | 12325 |
| Bio Medical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 18347 | 44273 |
| Bio Technology (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 22123 | 34087 |
| Ceramic Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 36043 | 42172 |
| Ceramic Engineering and M.Tech Industrial Ceramic (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 45521 | 51317 |
| Chemical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 20094 | 25851 |
| Chemical Engineering (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 21848 | 28870 |
| Chemistry (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 46181 | 54280 |
| Civil Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 25338 | 32946 |
| Computer Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 2379 | 7801 |
| Electrical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 13084 | 18305 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 8119 | 12873 |
| Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 11845 | 15182 |
| Food Process Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 38722 | 45352 |
| Industrial Design (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 26976 | 31444 |
| Life Science (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 22216 | 53062 |
| Mathematics (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 23934 | 50960 |
| Mechanical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 9600 | 21690 |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 23197 | 34496 |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 41527 | 46142 |
| Mining Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 24429 | 38674 |
| Mining Engineering (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 39054 | 43397 |
| Physics (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 45247 | 54658 |
JEE Main 2024 cutoff for NIT Warangal
| Program | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| Bio Technology (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 26936 | 35793 |
| Chemical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 10578 | 22384 |
| Chemistry (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 34418 | 43606 |
| Civil Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 12913 | 27249 |
| Computer Science and Engineering ( Artificial Intelligence & Data Science) (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 787 | 3387 |
| Computer Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 755 | 2698 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 5675 | 8257 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 3393 | 4979 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (VLSI Design and Technology) (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 4321 | 5099 |
| Mathematics (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 16739 | 24458 |
| Mathematics and Computing (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 3134 | 4017 |
| Mechanical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 10328 | 15135 |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 27910 | 34826 |
| Physics (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 21884 | 36199 |
JEE Main 2024 cutoff for NIT Calicut
| Program | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| Architecture (5 Years, Bachelor of Architecture) | 68 | 271 |
| Bio Technology (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 13404 | 28517 |
| Chemical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 19284 | 27476 |
| Civil Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 25853 | 35519 |
| Computer Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 4488 | 8965 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 12281 | 15443 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 4211 | 11991 |
| Engineering Physics (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 15963 | 21345 |
| Materials Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 29466 | 32361 |
| Mechanical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 15470 | 21214 |
| Production Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 27562 | 36082 |
JEE Main 2024 cutoff for NIT Durgapur
| Program | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| B.Tech in Mathematics and Computing (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 10599 | 15542 |
| Bio Technology (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 22024 | 42229 |
| Biotechnology (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 33148 | 33148 |
| Chemical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 27424 | 32454 |
| Chemical Engineering (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 34322 | 34971 |
| Chemistry (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 45561 | 48604 |
| Civil Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 26676 | 38543 |
| Computer Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 5446 | 12184 |
| Electrical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 19094 | 21755 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 10363 | 15814 |
| Mechanical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 16861 | 30279 |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 27401 | 40861 |
JEE Main 2024 cutoff for NIT Delhi
| Program | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| Aerospace Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 17286 | 19263 |
| Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 9112 | 11270 |
| Civil Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 24991 | 29986 |
| Computer Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 5477 | 9814 |
| Electrical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 12341 | 20164 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 11775 | 13698 |
| Mechanical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 8622 | 22753 |
| VLSI Design and Technology (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 12387 | 16048 |
JEE Main 2024 cutoff for NIT Patna
| Program | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| Architecture (5 Years, Bachelor of Architecture) | 2368 | 3956 |
| Chemical Technology (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 42131 | 42131 |
| Civil Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 35673 | 43793 |
| Civil Engineering with Specialization in Construction Technology and Management (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 45306 | 45306 |
| Computer Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 8776 | 16284 |
| Computer Science and Engineering with Specialization in Cyber Security (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 19041 | 20055 |
| Computer Science and Engineering with Specialization in Data Science (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 17106 | 18845 |
| Electrical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 24670 | 28839 |
| Electrical Engineering with Specialization In Power System Engineering (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 26330 | 31518 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 16778 | 23841 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering with Specialization in Microelectronics and VLSI System Design (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 25928 | 26647 |
| Material Science and Engineering (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 46666 | 46666 |
| Mathematics and Computing Technology (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 20655 | 20655 |
| Mechanical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 30464 | 37123 |
| Mechanical Engineering with Specialization in Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 41021 | 43864 |
| Mechatronics and Automation Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 24616 | 32823 |
Tips to Meet the Minimum Marks for NIT Admission in JEE Mains
Securing admission to an NIT through JEE Mains requires more than just basic preparation—it requires smart, consistent, and strategic effort. While the competition is intense, you can significantly improve your chances of meeting the minimum marks required for NIT admissions by following some key strategies. Below are effective tips to help you score well in JEE Mains and increase your chances of admission.

1) Start Early and Plan Ahead
The first step to achieving a high score is to start your preparation early. Ideally, you should begin preparing for JEE Mains at least 1 to 2 years before the exam. The earlier you start, the more time you have to cover the entire syllabus, revise, and take mock tests. Create a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each subject. Set short-term goals like completing a chapter in a week, followed by regular revision. Don’t leave any subject for the last minute as it may lead to unnecessary stress.
Key Points:
- Start preparing early to cover the syllabus thoroughly.
- Create a study schedule and stick to it.
- Set weekly goals and track your progress.
2) Focus on High-Weightage Topics
JEE Mains covers a vast syllabus, but some topics appear more frequently in the exam and carry more marks. Prioritizing these high-weightage topics can help you score more with less effort. Focus on key areas like Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Electrodynamics in Physics, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry in Chemistry, and Calculus, Algebra, and Coordinate Geometry in Mathematics.
Focusing on these important topics will allow you to master the essential concepts while also saving time for revision and practice. Don’t, however, ignore other topics completely—every subject and topic is important for a balanced score.
Key Points:
- Prioritize high-weightage topics to maximize your score.
- Review past year question papers to identify commonly asked topics.
3) Practice with Mock Tests
Mock tests are an essential tool in your preparation. They help you familiarize yourself with the JEE Main exam pattern and improve your time management skills. Taking mock tests under timed conditions simulates the actual exam experience, which reduces exam-day anxiety and helps you gain confidence. You can identify your strengths and weaknesses by analyzing your performance after each test. Use these insights to fine-tune your study plan, focusing more on areas where you’re scoring lower.
One excellent way to practice is by opting for the Phodu Club JEE Main Test Series. This test series is designed to provide you with a realistic exam experience. It offers full-length mock tests that replicate the JEE Main pattern and difficulty level, allowing you to evaluate your performance and track your improvement over time.
By taking regular tests from a reliable series like Phodu Club, you can:
- Gain exposure to a variety of question types and difficulty levels.
- Practice managing time effectively, helping you finish the exam on schedule.
- Receive detailed performance reports that highlight your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make data-driven decisions about where to focus your revision.
4) Revise Regularly
Regular revision is key to retaining what you learn. It’s easy to forget concepts if you don’t revise them frequently. Dedicate time every week to go over previously studied material. Make use of concise notes, formula sheets, and problem sets to keep things clear and fresh in your mind. In the final months before the exam, your focus should mainly be on revision and solving previous year papers, rather than learning new topics.
Make sure to revise both theoretical concepts and problem-solving techniques. This will ensure that you’re prepared for all types of questions—conceptual as well as numerical.
Key Points:
- Set aside time each week for revision.
- Use notes and formula sheets for quick revisions.
- Focus on revision in the last few months.
5) Strengthen Your Weak Areas
It’s natural to find some topics more challenging than others, but it’s important to address these weaknesses early on. Whether it’s a subject or a particular topic, dedicate extra time to understanding the concepts that you struggle with. Break down the topic into simpler sub-concepts and master each one. If needed, seek help from teachers, tutors, or online resources.
Consistent practice in weak areas is essential to improve your understanding. For example, if you find Calculus difficult, practice a wide variety of problems from different sources, and try to understand the underlying principles behind each solution. Gradually, these weak areas will turn into strengths.
Key Points:
- Identify weak topics early and focus on them.
- Seek help from teachers, tutors, or online forums if needed.
- Practice regularly to improve weak areas.
6) Time Management and Exam Strategy
Time management during your preparation and on the exam day is critical. During your preparation phase, ensure you allocate time for each subject according to its difficulty and your strengths. Don’t spend too much time on a single topic; move on once you have a basic understanding.
On exam day, manage your time wisely by attempting the easier questions first and saving more time-consuming ones for later. Don’t dwell too long on a single question. Remember, every question carries equal marks, so focus on maximizing the number of correct answers within the given time.
Key Points:
- Manage your preparation time for all subjects equally.
- Prioritize easier questions during the exam to ensure maximum attempts.
- Avoid spending too much time on one question.
7) Stay Motivated and Positive
JEE preparation can be a long and stressful journey, but staying motivated and positive is key to maintaining your focus. Set small milestones and reward yourself when you achieve them—whether it’s completing a difficult chapter or scoring well in a mock test. Surround yourself with supportive people, whether it’s family, friends, or fellow aspirants. Positive reinforcement can help you stay determined throughout your preparation.
Remind yourself of your goal—to secure admission in an NIT—and keep pushing forward, even during difficult times. A positive mindset will help you perform better under pressure, especially during the exam.
Key Points:
- Set small goals and reward yourself for reaching them.
- Stay motivated and positive to maintain focus.
- Seek support from friends, family, or online communities.
Conclusion
Getting into an NIT through JEE Main is a big achievement, and while it requires hard work and focus, it’s definitely within reach. By understanding the admission process, knowing how the cutoff marks work, and following the right strategies for preparation, you can greatly increase your chances of securing a seat in your desired branch and NIT.
Remember, your JEE Main score is the key to unlocking this opportunity, but with dedication and smart planning, you can meet or even exceed the minimum marks needed. Focus on your strengths, address any weak areas, and keep practicing regularly with mock tests and revisions. And don’t forget—staying positive and healthy is just as important as your studies!
With the right mindset and a clear plan, you’ll be one step closer to turning your dream of studying at an NIT into a reality. Keep pushing forward, and best of luck with your JEE Main preparation!