JEE Mains (Joint Entrance Examination – Mains) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate engineering courses in India. It serves as the gateway to some of the top engineering colleges, including the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Government-Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). It is also the preliminary exam for students aiming to appear for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission into the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
For students aspiring to pursue engineering, JEE Mains is a critical exam. The score obtained in this exam determines their eligibility for various engineering institutions across the country. While IITs and NITs require high percentiles for admission, a wide range of private and state-level engineering colleges also accept JEE Mains scores. Achieving a good score in JEE Mains can significantly enhance your chances of getting into a well-reputed institution.
Achieving an 80 percentile in JEE Mains means that you have scored better than 80% of the students who appeared for the exam. While this percentile may not be sufficient to secure admission into highly competitive institutions like the IITs, NITs, or IIITs, it is still considered a decent score for many state-level and private engineering colleges.
In this article, we will explore what it means to score 80 percentile in JEE Mains. We will cover topics such as the calculation of percentiles, factors that affect percentile scores, and how an 80 percentile compares with previous years’ cutoffs. We will also provide a detailed list of colleges that accept students with an 80 percentile, along with factors to consider when selecting a college. Finally, we will offer tips for college applications and admission processes at an 80 percentile score.
Understanding 80 Percentile in JEE Mains
The percentile in JEE Mains is calculated using a normalisation process. Since the exam is conducted in multiple sessions and shifts, there can be slight variations in the difficulty level of each session. To ensure fairness, the NTA uses a normalisation procedure based on percentile scores to equalise the performance of students across different shifts.
The percentile score is calculated as: Percentile Score = (100 x Number of candidates who scored below you) / Total number of candidates
For example, if 100,000 students appeared for the exam, and you scored better than 80,000 students, your percentile would be: Percentile = (100 x 80,000) / 100,000 = 80
Factors Affecting Percentile
Several factors influence the percentile score in JEE Mains, including:
- Raw Score: The marks you obtain in the exam before normalisation.
- Session Difficulty: If the exam session you appeared for was more difficult, the normalisation process may slightly boost your percentile.
- Number of Candidates: A higher number of candidates in a particular shift can affect the percentile.
- Top Scorers: The performance of the top scorers in your session can also impact your percentile, as it is calculated relative to their scores.
What Does an 80 Percentile Score Indicate?
An 80 percentile score in JEE Mains means that you performed better than 80% of the students who appeared for the exam. However, it does not translate to your raw marks; it is a relative ranking. With an 80 percentile, you might have a raw score in the range of 60 to 70 out of 300, depending on the difficulty of the exam.
While it may not be sufficient for top-tier institutions like the IITs, NITs, or IIITs, it can secure admission into many private, state-level, and some government-funded technical institutions.
Comparison of 80 Percentile with Previous Years’ Cutoffs
Each year, the cutoffs for JEE Mains change based on several factors, such as the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the exam, and the availability of seats. In previous years, students with an 80 percentile were able to secure admissions in state engineering colleges and reputable private institutions, though not in highly competitive branches like Computer Science or Electronics at top colleges.
To give you an idea of how 80 percentile compares with previous years’ cutoffs, here’s a table summarising cutoff trends:
| Year | General Category Cutoff Percentile | OBC Category Cutoff Percentile | SC/ST Category Cutoff Percentile |
| 2020 | 90.3 | 72.8 | 50.1 |
| 2021 | 87.9 | 68.0 | 46.0 |
| 2022 | 88.4 | 67.0 | 45.7 |
From the table above, it’s clear that an 80 percentile score is lower than the general category cutoff for highly competitive institutions. However, it is still a respectable score for securing admission in many other engineering colleges.
Now that you understand what 80 percentile means, let’s explore the colleges that accept this score.
Colleges Accepting 80 Percentile in JEE Mains
While an 80 percentile may not secure a seat in NITs, IIITs, or IITs, there are several other prestigious institutions that offer admission with this score. These include private engineering colleges, state-level institutions, and some government-funded technical institutes. Below is a detailed list of colleges accepting 80 percentile in JEE Mains, categorised by different types of institutions.
Top-Tier Government Colleges
These government colleges are funded by the state or central government and offer quality education at an affordable fee structure. Many of these colleges reserve seats for local students and may have different cutoffs based on the state quota.
| College Name | Location | Specialisations | Last Year’s Cutoff Percentile |
| Punjab Engineering College (PEC) | Chandigarh | Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical | 79-85 |
| College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) | Pune, Maharashtra | Computer Science, E&TC, Mechanical | 75-85 |
| Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET) | Lucknow, UP | Electrical, Computer Science | 78-83 |
| Jadavpur University | Kolkata, West Bengal | Electrical, Mechanical, Civil | 76-85 |
| Government College of Engineering | Amravati, Maharashtra | Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics | 75-83 |
| Delhi Technological University (DTU) | Delhi | IT, Computer Science, Mechanical | 78-86 |
Reputed Private Engineering Colleges
Private engineering colleges offer various courses and facilities, but their fee structure tends to be higher than government colleges. They also provide good infrastructure, placements, and industry exposure.
Here is a list of private colleges that accept an 80 percentile in JEE Mains.
| College Name | Location | Specialisations | Last Year’s Cutoff Percentile |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | IT, ECE, CSE, Mechanical | 75-85 |
| Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) | Manipal, Karnataka | CSE, Mechanical, Biotechnology | 75-85 |
| Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | Vellore, Tamil Nadu | Computer Science, EEE, Civil | 78-85 |
| Amity University | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | Biotechnology, CSE, ECE | 75-85 |
| PES University | Bangalore, Karnataka | Mechanical, CSE, EEE | 78-85 |
| Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) | Ranchi, Jharkhand | IT, CSE, ECE | 78-85 |
State-Level Engineering Colleges
Many state-level engineering colleges admit students based on JEE Mains percentile scores. These colleges offer engineering degrees in various specialisations and tend to have more affordable fees than private institutions.
| College Name | Location | Specialisations | Last Year’s Cutoff Percentile |
| Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical | 75-85 |
| Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology | Nagpur, Maharashtra | IT, Computer Science, ECE | 77-83 |
| Netaji Subhas University of Technology | Delhi | IT, Mechanical, ECE | 75-82 |
| Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering | Nagpur, Maharashtra | Computer Science, Electrical | 75-83 |
| Government College of Technology | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | Electrical, Mechanical, CSE | 75-83 |
| Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Civil, Mechanical, ECE | 75-85 |
Government-Funded Institutions (GFTIs)
Government-Funded Technical Institutions (GFTIs) are another option for students who score around 80 percentile. These colleges, though less competitive than NITs and IIITs, still offer quality education and good facilities.
| College Name | Location | Specialisations | Last Year’s Cutoff Percentile |
| National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) | Sonipat, Haryana | Food Technology, Mechanical, Electrical | 75-82 |
| National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology (NIFFT) | Ranchi, Jharkhand | Metallurgy, Mechanical, Production | 75-83 |
| Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Una | Una, Himachal Pradesh | CSE, IT, ECE | 75-83 |
| Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET) | Sangrur, Punjab | Electrical, Civil, Mechanical | 75-83 |
| IIIT Dharwad | Dharwad, Karnataka | CSE, IT, Electronics | 75-82 |
While these are some of the colleges that accept 80 percentile, there are many other factors to consider when choosing a college. Let’s explore these factors in the next section.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a College at 80 Percentile
Selecting a college is a critical decision that can impact your future career. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a college with an 80 percentile in JEE Mains.
1) College Reputation and Rankings
The reputation and ranking of a college play a significant role in shaping your education and career opportunities. Reputable colleges tend to have experienced faculty, better research opportunities, and strong industry connections. You can refer to national and international rankings, such as the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), to evaluate the reputation of a college.
2) Course Offerings and Specializations
Different colleges have strengths in different engineering branches. Some may excel in Computer Science, while others may have well-established mechanical or civil engineering departments. Make sure to choose a college that offers the specialisation you are interested in and provides a well-rounded curriculum in that field.
3) Infrastructure and Facilities
Good infrastructure is essential for a comprehensive learning experience. When considering a college, check whether it has well-equipped labs, libraries, and modern facilities. Research opportunities and technical workshops are also important aspects of a college’s infrastructure.
4) Location and Campus Life
The location of a college can impact your overall college experience. Colleges located in cities tend to have better industry exposure, internship opportunities, and access to corporate networks. Campus life, including extracurricular activities, clubs, and student organisations, is also a crucial factor. A vibrant campus can contribute to your personal growth and provide valuable opportunities for networking.
5) Placement Records and Alumni Network
A strong placement record is an important indicator of a college’s success in preparing students for the job market. Before choosing a college, research its placement statistics, average salary packages, and the companies that recruit from the campus. A well-established alumni network can also be beneficial for mentorship and job referrals.
6) Fee Structure and Financial Aid Options
The cost of education can vary significantly across institutions. Private engineering colleges tend to have higher fees, while government institutions are more affordable. Make sure to evaluate the overall cost, including tuition fees, hostel charges, and other expenses. Additionally, check for scholarships, financial aid, and loan options if necessary.
Now that you know what factors to consider, let’s move on to some tips for your college applications.
Tips for College Applications at 80 Percentile
Applying to colleges can be challenging, but having the right strategies helps. This section will provide useful tips to strengthen your application and improve your chances of admission.
1) Research and Shortlist Colleges
Begin by thoroughly researching colleges that accept an 80 percentile in JEE Mains. You can use resources such as college websites, forums, and ranking agencies to gather information about each college. After gathering data, create a list of colleges that fit your criteria, including location, specialisation, and placement opportunities.
2) Prepare for College Interviews and Group Discussions
Some colleges require students to participate in interviews or group discussions as part of their admission process. Prepare well for these rounds by practising common interview questions and participating in mock group discussions. Clear communication and confidence are key factors that interviewers look for in candidates.
3) Focus on Extracurricular Activities and Achievements
In addition to academic performance, colleges also value students who are well-rounded and have achievements in extracurricular activities. Highlight your involvement in sports, arts, community service, or leadership roles in your application. These accomplishments can help distinguish you from other candidates.
4) Submit Strong Application Materials
Your application materials, including your JEE Mains score, academic records, and a well-crafted personal statement, are crucial for securing admission. Ensure that all your documents are up-to-date and presented in a professional manner. A compelling personal statement can highlight your strengths and goals, making a positive impression on the admissions committee.
5) Explore Alternative Admission Options (If Applicable)
If you do not secure admission into your desired college, explore alternative options. Some private colleges offer management quota seats, and many institutions conduct their own entrance exams in addition to JEE Mains. You can also consider diploma-to-degree programs, lateral entry options, or pursuing engineering through other state entrance exams.
Conclusion
Scoring an 80 percentile in JEE Mains is a commendable achievement, even if it does not qualify you for the IITs, NITs, or IIITs. However, there are still many excellent college options available for students with this score. From reputed private institutions to government-funded technical colleges, there are numerous paths for engineering aspirants.
When choosing a college, it is important to consider factors such as reputation, specialisation, infrastructure, location, and placement records. Additionally, focus on building a strong college application and preparing for interviews and group discussions if required.
By selecting the right college and making the most of available opportunities, you can build a successful engineering career, even with an 80 percentile in JEE Mains.
