The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized entrance exams in India for students aspiring to pursue a career in engineering. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE Mains is the gateway to various undergraduate engineering programs offered by the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other centrally funded technical institutions (CFTIs). Additionally, it serves as the qualifying exam for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The exam is conducted twice a year, giving students two chances to secure their desired rank.
JEE Mains assesses students’ proficiency in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, covering the entire syllabus of classes 11 and 12. With lakhs of students competing each year for limited seats in top institutions, the exam’s competitive nature is unparalleled. Aspiring engineers put in years of preparation to crack this exam, which opens the doors to some of the best engineering colleges in India.
This article aims to provide comprehensive information about the minimum marks required to secure admission into Computer Science programs through JEE Mains. The cutoffs for admission to Computer Science courses vary depending on factors such as the college’s reputation, the student’s category, and the year-to-year variations in exam difficulty. By understanding the key factors influencing these cutoffs, students can set realistic goals and focus their preparation efforts. Additionally, this article offers strategies for maximising JEE Mains scores to increase the likelihood of securing a seat in a top-tier Computer Science program.
Understanding JEE Mains
To fully grasp the requirements for admission into a Computer Science program, it’s essential to first understand the structure of the JEE Mains exam and how marks are awarded.
Structure of the Exam (Paper 1 and Paper 2)
JEE Mains is divided into two papers, each serving a different purpose:
Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech Admissions)
- Purpose: Paper 1 is intended for students who wish to pursue engineering courses (B.E./B.Tech). It is the more popular of the two papers and is taken by students seeking admission to Computer Science programs.
- Mode: The exam is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format.
- Subjects: The three subjects tested are Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Question Type: Paper 1 includes a mix of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value Questions (NVQs), which require students to input a numerical answer rather than select an option.
- Total Marks: The total marks for Paper 1 are 300, with 100 marks allotted to each subject.
- Duration: The exam lasts for three hours.
Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning Admissions)
- Purpose: Paper 2 is for students interested in architecture (B.Arch) or planning (B.Planning) courses. It is not typically relevant for students aiming for a Computer Science degree.
- Mode: The exam includes both a computer-based test (CBT) and a pen-and-paper drawing test, depending on the course.
- Subjects: For architecture aspirants, the exam includes Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing, while for planning aspirants, the drawing section is replaced with Planning-based questions.
Given the focus on Computer Science admissions, the emphasis in this article will be on Paper 1.
Marking Scheme
The JEE Mains marking scheme is designed to reward correct answers while penalising incorrect ones, making accuracy essential for success.
- Correct Answer: For each correct answer in the MCQ section, 4 marks are awarded.
- Incorrect Answer: For each incorrect answer in the MCQ section, 1 mark is deducted as negative marking.
- Numerical Value Questions: These questions do not have negative marking, which allows students to attempt them without the fear of losing marks.
- Unanswered Questions: No marks are awarded or deducted for questions left unanswered.
Understanding this marking scheme is crucial for devising an exam strategy. Students should focus on accuracy to avoid losing marks due to negative marking, especially in the MCQ section.
Importance of Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 for Computer Science Aspirants
For students aiming to secure a seat in a Computer Science Engineering (CSE) program, Paper 1 is the critical component of JEE Mains. Paper 1 tests the core subjects—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—that are most relevant to the field of Computer Science. Scoring well in these subjects is essential for gaining admission into top institutions offering CSE programs. Paper 2, on the other hand, is not required for students aspiring to pursue engineering in Computer Science.
Factors Affecting Minimum Marks for Computer Science
The minimum marks required to secure admission to a Computer Science program through JEE Mains are influenced by several key factors. These factors determine the cutoff marks for various institutions and categories.
1) College Preference
The type of college you aim for plays a crucial role in determining the cutoff marks for Computer Science programs. Colleges are typically categorised into three tiers based on their reputation, quality of education, and placement opportunities.
Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 Colleges
Tier 1 Colleges: These are the most prestigious engineering institutions in India, including IITs, NITs, and a few top private universities. Admission to these institutions is highly competitive, and the cutoff marks for Computer Science are generally the highest. To secure a seat in Computer Science at a Tier 1 college, students need to rank within the top 1-2% of JEE Mains test-takers. Examples include IITs, NIT Trichy, and BITS Pilani.
Tier 2 Colleges: These include well-known state engineering colleges and reputable private institutions. The competition for Computer Science seats is still strong, but the cutoff marks are slightly lower than in Tier 1 colleges. Examples include colleges like Delhi Technological University (DTU) and NSUT (Netaji Subhas University of Technology).
Tier 3 Colleges: These are lesser-known engineering colleges that may be located in rural areas or smaller towns. The cutoff marks for Computer Science in these institutions are generally lower, making them accessible to students who may not have secured a top rank in JEE Mains.
Government vs. Private Institutions
Government Institutions: Government-funded institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs tend to have higher cutoff marks for Computer Science. This is due to the limited number of seats and the high demand for Computer Science as a discipline in these well-reputed institutions.
Private Institutions: Private engineering colleges and universities also offer Computer Science programs, but the cutoffs can vary widely. Some private institutions, such as BITS Pilani and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), are highly competitive, while others may have more relaxed admission criteria.
Location (Urban vs. Rural)
The location of the college can also affect the minimum marks required for admission. Colleges located in urban areas, especially in major metropolitan cities, tend to have higher cut offs due to higher demand. On the other hand, rural colleges or those in less popular locations may have lower cutoffs, offering an alternative for students with lower JEE Mains scores.
2) Category
In India, reservation policies play a significant role in determining the cutoff marks for admission into Computer Science programs.
General, OBC, SC, ST, and Other Categories
General Category: For students in the general (unreserved) category, the cutoff marks for Computer Science are typically the highest. Admission to Computer Science programs in IITs and NITs often requires students to score in the top percentile of JEE Mains.
OBC (Other Backward Classes): Students belonging to the OBC category benefit from reservation policies that lower the cutoff marks compared to the general category. This allows OBC students to secure admission with slightly lower scores.
SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe): Reservation policies for SC and ST students significantly reduce the cutoff marks required for admission to Computer Science programs. This enables students from these backgrounds to gain entry into top engineering colleges.
EWS (Economically Weaker Section): The EWS category provides reserved seats for economically weaker students from the general category. This category typically has lower cutoffs compared to the unreserved general category but higher than OBC, SC, or ST categories.
Reservation Policies and Their Impact on Cutoff Marks
India’s reservation system ensures that a certain percentage of seats in government and government-aided institutions are reserved for students from specific categories. This significantly impacts the cutoff marks for various categories, allowing students from reserved categories to gain admission with fewer marks compared to general category students. For instance, a student from the SC or ST category might be able to secure a seat in Computer Science with a JEE Mains score that would not be sufficient for a general category student.
3) Year-to-Year Variations
The cutoff marks for Computer Science programs can fluctuate from year to year due to several factors.
Fluctuations in Exam Difficulty Level
Each year, the difficulty level of the JEE Mains exam can vary. If the exam is particularly challenging in a given year, the overall scores of students may be lower, resulting in lower cutoff marks. Conversely, if the exam is relatively easy, the cutoffs may rise as students achieve higher scores on average.
Number of Applicants and Their Performance
The number of students appearing for JEE Mains and their overall performance also influence cutoff marks. In years with a higher number of applicants or when a large percentage of students perform well, the competition for seats in Computer Science programs increases, leading to higher cutoffs.
Changes in Admission Policies
Changes in admission policies, such as the introduction of new categories (e.g., EWS) or changes in the number of available seats, can affect cutoff trends. An increase in the number of seats may lead to lower cutoffs, while a decrease in seats or changes in reservation policies may result in higher cutoffs.
Minimum Marks in JEE Mains to Get Computer Science
The minimum marks required to secure admission into a Computer Science program through JEE Mains vary depending on the type of institution. Below is a detailed analysis of the cutoff ranks for different categories of colleges.The following table provides approximations of marks for the given cutoff ranks.
JEE Advanced Marks out of 360 | Ranks |
190+ | 1-500 |
190-170 | 501-1000 |
170-155 | 1001-1500 |
154-145 | 1501-2000 |
146-135 | 2001-2500 |
136-130 | 2501-3000 |
129-125 | 3001-3500 |
124-120 | 3501-4000 |
119-115 | 4001-4500 |
114-110 | 4501-5000 |
IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology)
Although admission to IITs is determined through JEE Advanced, students must first qualify for JEE Advanced by securing a good rank in JEE Mains. The JEE Mains marks required to qualify for JEE Advanced vary based on category, but typically, students aiming for Computer Science at IITs need to score well in both JEE Mains and JEE Advanced.
Expected Minimum Marks for Computer Science in Different IITs
The minimum marks required for Computer Science at various IITs depend on the prestige and ranking of the institution. Below are the approximate JEE Mains cutoffs (in percentile) needed to qualify for JEE Advanced and secure admission into Computer Science programs at top IITs:
College Name | Closing Rank (General-All India) 2024 | Closing Rank (OBC-All India) 2024 | Closing Rank (SC-All India) 2024 | Closing Rank (ST-All India) 2024 | Closing Rank (EWS-All India) 2024 |
IIT Bhubaneswar | 3685 | 1237 | 596 | 356 | 466 |
IIT Bombay | 68 | 50 | 32 | 13 | 23 |
IIT Mandi | 3118 | 1274 | 761 | 371 | 489 |
IIT Delhi | 116 | 89 | 50 | 23 | 35 |
IIT Indore | 1389 | 649 | 329 | 168 | 218 |
IIT Kharagpur | 415 | 209 | 137 | 67 | 67 |
IIT Hyderabad | 656 | 302 | 182 | 82 | 112 |
IIT Jodhpur | 3061 | 1404 | 789 | 396 | 416 |
IIT Kanpur | 252 | 132 | 96 | 54 | 51 |
IIT Madras | 159 | 82 | 72 | 29 | 42 |
IIT Gandhinagar | 1708 | 750 | 338 | 207 | 264 |
IIT Patna | 3144 | 1135 | 681 | 404 | 445 |
IIT Roorkee | 481 | 236 | 144 | 75 | 90 |
ISM Dhanbad | 3846 | 1273 | 699 | 304 | 528 |
IIT Ropar | 2379 | 1084 | 548 | 419 | 291 |
IIT Varanasi | 1071 | 524 | 262 | 163 | 187 |
IIT Guwahati | 623 | 364 | 181 | 100 | 128 |
IIT Bhilai | 6516 | 2470 | 1021 | 612 | 1018 |
IIT Goa | 5371 | 2002 | 1024 | 519 | 776 |
IIT Palakkad | 6199 | 2069 | 1097 | 564 | 819 |
IIT Tirupati | 5024 | 1727 | 1057 | 492 | 727 |
IIT Jammu | 6310 | 2341 | 1093 | 635 | 945 |
IIT Dharwad | 6375 | 2225 | 1295 | 607 | 906 |
NITs (National Institutes of Technology)
The National Institutes of Technology (NITs) admit students based on their JEE Mains scores and offer some of the most sought-after Computer Science programs after IITs.The following table provides approximations of marks for the given cutoff ranks.
JEE Main Rank 2024 | JEE Main Marks |
1 | 300 |
55 – 24 | 271 – 280 |
103 – 55 | 263 – 270 |
402 – 103 | 241 – 262 |
979 – 402 | 221 – 240 |
2004 – 979 | 201 – 220 |
3900 – 2004 | 181 – 200 |
7000 – 3900 | 161 – 180 |
12200 – 7000 | 141 – 160 |
21000 – 12200 | 121 – 140 |
35000 – 21000 | 100 – 120 |
Cutoff Analysis for Top NITs Offering Computer Science
College Name | General | OBC | EWS | SC | ST |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar | 9578 | 3693 | 1576 | 2109 | 812 |
Malviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur | 4535 | 1605 | 709 | 1015 | 433 |
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal | 8372 | 3320 | 1310 | 1993 | 738 |
Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad | 4050 | 1568 | 674 | 1072 | 418 |
National Institute of technology, Agartala | 19544 | 6951 | 3133 | 3682 | 1464 |
National Institute of Technology, Calicut | 4185 | 1442 | 643 | 843 | 269 |
National Institute of Technology, Delhi | 7256 | 3404 | 1316 | 1512 | 443 |
National Institute of Technology, Durgapur | 8331 | 3043 | 1224 | 1934 | 458 |
National Institute of Technology, Goa | 11384 | 4746 | 1845 | 2445 | 626 |
National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur | 11396 | 4196 | 1908 | 2773 | 1084 |
National Institute of Technology,Surathkal | 1441 | 519 | 309 | 324 | 153 |
National Institute of Technology, Megalaya | 20013 | 6373 | 3117 | 3059 | 1031 |
National Institute of Technology, Nagaland | 31298 | 10561 | 5233 | 4460 | NA |
National Institute of Technology, Patna | 12992 | 4742 | 2201 | 2894 | 963 |
National Institute of Technology, Puducherry | 16917 | 6354 | 2844 | 3160 | 792 |
National Institute of Technology, Raipur | 11549 | 4208 | 1778 | 2860 | 974 |
National Institute of Technology, Sikkim | 26007 | 9886 | NA | 3803 | 1764 |
National Institute of Technology, Arunachal Pradesh | 27312 | 10941 | 4986 | 4295 | 1794 |
National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur | 7519 | 2729 | 1143 | 1784 | 748 |
National Institute of Technology, Manipur | 29637 | 11064 | 5178 | 4720 | 1922 |
National Institute of Technology, Mizoram | 30186 | 11236 | 5219 | 3963 | 1943 |
National Institute of Technology, Rourkela | 2824 | 1022 | 414 | 523 | 202 |
National Institute of Technology, Silchar | 11104 | 3782 | 1709 | 2425 | 806 |
National Institute of Technology, Srinagar | 21355 | 7130 | 3485 | 3702 | 1630 |
National Institute of Technology, Trichy | 1190 | 369 | 190 | 204 | 123 |
National Institute of Technology, Uttarakhand | 16840 | 6517 | 2606 | 3720 | 1516 |
National Institute of Technology, Warangal | 2030 | 629 | 321 | 409 | 409 |
Sardar VallabhbhaiNational Institute of Technology, Surat | 6745 | 2708 | 1043 | 1926 | 568 |
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur | 5438 | 1903 | 801 | 1610 | 376 |
National Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh | 17508 | 6215 | 2942 | 3468 | 940 |
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur | 13340 | 5642 | 2108 | 3155 | 1349 |
Other Reputed Colleges
Apart from IITs and NITs, several other well-known engineering institutions in India offer strong Computer Science programs.
Name of the Institute | Gender Type | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
Atal Bihari Vajpayee IIIT & Management, Gwalior | Gender-Neutral | 5382 | 7757 |
IIIT Kota | Gender-Neutral | 12721 | 22296 |
IIIT Guwahati | Gender-Neutral | 3104 | 3218 |
IIIT Kalyani | Gender-Neutral | 10563 | 14772 |
IIIT Sonepat | Gender-Neutral | 4100 | 6409 |
IIIT Una | Gender-Neutral | 8007 | 10959 |
IIIT Chittoor | Gender-Neutral | 1427 | 3688 |
IIIT Vadodara | Female-only | 14659 | 28372 |
IIIT Design & Manufacturing, Kancheepuram | Gender-Neutral | 2499 | 2879 |
Pt. Dwarka Prasad Mishra IIIT Design & Manufacture, Jabalpur | Gender-Neutral | 834 | 1624 |
IIIT Manipur | Gender-Neutral | 14099 | 16697 |
IIIT Tiruchirappalli | Gender-Neutral | 22539 | 28888 |
IIIT Dharwad | Gender-Neutral | 5412 | 6081 |
IIIT Design & Manufacturing, Kurnool | Gender-Neutral | 8927 | 12994 |
IIIT Kottayam | Gender-Neutral | 5104 | 9154 |
IIIT Ranchi | Gender-Neutral | 25997 | 32560 |
IIIT Nagpur | Gender-Neutral | 4230 | 4824 |
IIIT Pune | Gender-Neutral | 4202 | 16952 |
IIIT Bhagalpur | Gender-Neutral | 6345 | 9151 |
IIIT Bhopal | Gender-Neutral | 1496 | 3080 |
IIIT Surat | Gender-Neutral | 1114 | 3039 |
IIIT Agartala | Gender-Neutral | 10387 | 13517 |
IIIT Raichur | Gender-Neutral | 1941 | 2994 |
State-Level Engineering Colleges
Delhi Technological University (DTU): DTU is a top-ranked state engineering college in Delhi, and its Computer Science program is highly competitive.
Name of Branch | General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST |
Information Technology (IT) | 13630 | 25531 | 60789 | 101902 | 364991 |
Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) | 10452 | 22685 | 47719 | 82623 | 286214 |
NSUT (Netaji Subhas University of Technology): Another leading state college in Delhi, NSUT’s general category cutoff for Computer Science is usually within the top 6000 ranks.
Course Name | 2023 | 2022 |
BTech in Computer Science & Engineering(CSDA) | 8194 | 9078 |
BTech In Computer Science & Engineering (IOT) | 9676 | 9660 |
Private Universities and Deemed-to-Be Universities
Name Of The College | Admission Through |
PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore | TNEA, JEE Main |
SASTRA University, Thanjavur | JEE Main, Sastra University |
SSN College of Engineering, Kalavakkam | JEE Main, TNEA |
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala | Thapar JEE, JEE Main |
Amity School of Engineering, Noida | JEE Main |
Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University College of Engineering, Pune | MHT CET, BVP CET, JEE Main |
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra | JEE Main |
BS Abdur Rahman University, Chennai | JEE Main, Crescent Institute Engineering Admission Test (CIEAT) |
CV Raman College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar | Odisha JEE, JEE Main |
Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Gandhinagar | Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information & Communication Technology (DAIICT), JEE Main, GUJCET |
GH Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur | Maharashtra Common Entrance MHT CET, JEE Main |
GITAM University, Visakhapatnam | GITAM GAT, GITAM, NATA, JEE Main |
Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida | JEE Main, JIIT PGCET, JAYPEE |
Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan | JEE Main |
Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur | AP EAMCET, JEE Main, KLU EEE, NATA |
Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune | MHT CET, JEE Main |
Nirma University, Ahmedabad | JEE Main, NATA, GUJCET |
Shiv Nadar University, Dadri | JEE Main |
Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science, Indore | MP B.E Admission, JEE Main |
Vignan University, Guntur | AP EAMCET, JEE Main |
Army Institute of Technology, Pune | JEE Main |
Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore | KCET, COMEDK UGET, JEE Main |
Bhilai Institute of Technology, Durg | JEE Main, Chhattisgarh Pre-Engineering Test (CG PET) |
BLDEA’s VP Dr PG Halakatti College of Engineering and Technology, Bijapur | COMEDK UGET, JEE Main, Karnataka CET (KCET) |
Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh | JEE Main |
Chitkara University, Patiala | |
DAV Institute of Engineering and Technology, Jalandhar | JEE Main |
DIT University, Dehradun | JEE Main, NATA |
Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad | JEE Main, Haryana Admission |
Fr C Rodrigues Institute of Technology, Navi Mumbai | MHT CET, JEE Main |
Gandhi Institute for Technological Advancement, Bhubaneswar | Odisha JEE, JEE Main |
Graphic Era University, Dehradun | JEE Main |
Haldia Institute of Technology, Haldia | JEE Main, West Bengal JEE (WBJEE) |
Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata | JEE Main, West Bengal JEE (WBJEE) |
ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad | ITSAT, JEE Main |
Institute of Engineering and Management, Kolkata | WBJEE, JEE Main |
JECRC University, Jaipur | JEE Main, NATA |
KJ Somaiya College of Engineering, Mumbai | JEE Main, MHT CET |
KLE Technological University, Hubli | KCET, COMEDK UGET, JEE Main |
Lakshmi Narain College of Technology, Bhopal | MP B.E Admission, JEE Main |
Lovely Professional University, Phagwara | JEE Main, LPU NEST |
Madhav Institute of Technology and Science, Gwalior | NATA, JEE Main |
Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam | JEE Main, KEAM |
MIT College of Engineering, Pune | MHT CET, JEE Main |
Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering, Mumbai | NPAT UG, JEE Main |
Strategies to Maximise JEE Mains Score
Achieving a high score in JEE Mains is crucial for securing a seat in a top Computer Science program. Here are some effective strategies to help students maximise their JEE Mains score:
1) Effective Study Plan and Time Management
Creating a structured and well-organised study plan is the first step toward success in JEE Mains. Allocate time to each subject—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—based on your strengths and weaknesses. Make sure to cover the entire syllabus while leaving enough time for revision. Stick to your schedule and avoid distractions to stay focused.
2) Understanding the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Thoroughly understanding the JEE Mains syllabus and exam pattern is essential for effective preparation. Focus on high-weightage topics and practice solving questions that are commonly asked in previous years. The JEE Mains syllabus includes several important topics from classes 11 and 12, so make sure you are familiar with the detailed syllabus for each subject.
3) Practice and Mock Tests
Regular practice is the key to mastering the concepts tested in JEE Mains. Taking mock tests helps simulate the actual exam environment and improves time management. Phodu Club’s JEE Main Test Series offers a range of practice tests designed to mirror the difficulty and format of the real exam. These tests help you assess your preparation and identify areas for improvement.
4) Tips for Time Management During the Exam
Time management during the exam is crucial for maximising your score. Start by answering questions you are confident about, and avoid spending too much time on any one question. Leave difficult questions for the end, and keep an eye on the clock to ensure you finish the paper on time.
5) Importance of Accuracy and Avoiding Negative Marking
In JEE Mains, accuracy is just as important as speed. Since there is negative marking for incorrect answers, it’s essential to avoid guessing unless you are reasonably confident about the answer. Focus on answering questions accurately to avoid losing marks due to incorrect responses.
Conclusion
Securing admission into a Computer Science Engineering (CSE) program at a top-tier engineering college in India is a challenging but achievable goal. To get there, students need to perform well in JEE Mains, one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country. Understanding the factors that influence cutoff marks, such as the type of college, category, and yearly variations, helps students set realistic goals and focus their preparation efforts.
By implementing effective study strategies, practising regularly with mock tests, and focusing on time management and accuracy during the exam, students can maximise their JEE Mains scores and improve their chances of securing a seat in a prestigious Computer Science program. Consistency, discipline, and hard work are the keys to success in JEE Mains, and with the right approach, students can achieve their dreams of becoming successful computer science engineers.