Getting into an IIT is a big goal for many students. JEE Advanced is the only way to enter these top institutes, but qualifying is not easy. The minimum marks needed to qualify change every year. For SC category students, the reservation system provides some relaxation, but competition remains strong.
Many students scoring around 40 marks in JEE Advanced ask, “Will I qualify?” In 2024, the SC category cutoff was 56 marks, while in 2023, it was 43. This means that a score of 40 may not be enough, but it depends on that year’s cutoff. Understanding past trends, rank predictions, and admission chances can help you plan better.
This article explains JEE Advanced cutoffs for the SC category, admission chances in top IITs, and ways to improve your score. If you are aiming for IITs, knowing this information is crucial for your preparation.
Understanding JEE Advanced Marks and Ranking System
JEE Advanced has a specific scoring pattern. To qualify, students must meet both subject-wise and overall aggregate marks. The final score in JEE Advanced is based on performance in three subjects—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Each subject has a minimum required score.
- The total marks are the sum of scores in all three subjects.
JEE Advanced has a varying total score each year. The paper consists of multiple-choice, numerical, and integer-type questions. The marking scheme includes full, partial, and negative marks.
Calculation of Final Score:
- Marks from Paper 1 and Paper 2 are added.
- Subject-wise scores are compared to the qualifying marks.
- The aggregate score determines the rank.
Reservation System for SC Category in IITs
SC candidates get 15% of the total seats in IITs. There are relaxed qualifying marks and separate rank lists.
40 Marks in JEE Advanced for SC Category – Qualify or Not?
If a student scores 40 marks in JEE Advanced, qualification depends on the official cutoff. The SC category cutoff changes every year based on exam difficulty and student performance.
In 2024, the SC cutoff was 56 marks, while in 2023, it was 43 marks. A score of 40 is close to previous cutoffs but may not be enough to qualify. However, if the exam is more difficult in a given year, the cutoff may drop, increasing the chances of qualification.
Students should check the official cutoff once released. Even if 40 marks do not qualify, preparing for JoSAA counseling or other engineering entrance exams can be a good backup.
Minimum marks to qualify JEE Advanced 2024
| Rank List | Minimum Marks in Each Subject | Minimum Aggregate Marks |
| Common rank list (CRL) | 9 | 97 |
| GEN-EWS rank list | 8 | 88 |
| OBC-NCL rank list | 8 | 88 |
| SC rank list | 5 | 56 |
| ST rank list | 5 | 56 |
| Common-PwD rank list (CRL-PwD) | 5 | 56 |
| GEN-EWS-PwD rank list | 5 | 56 |
| OBC-NCL-PwD rank list | 5 | 56 |
| SC-PwD rank list | 5 | 56 |
| ST-PwD rank list | 5 | 56 |
| Preparatory course rank lists | 3 | 31 |
Minimum marks to qualify JEE Advanced 2023
| Rank List | Minimum Marks in Each Subject | Minimum Aggregate Marks |
| Common rank list (CRL) | 8 | 86 |
| OBC-NCL rank list | 7 | 77 |
| GEN-EWS rank list | 7 | 77 |
| SC rank list | 4 | 43 |
| ST rank list | 4 | 43 |
| Common-PwD rank list (CRL-PwD) | 4 | 43 |
| OBC-NCL-PwD rank list | 4 | 43 |
| GEN-EWS-PwD rank list | 4 | 43 |
| SC-PwD rank list | 4 | 43 |
| ST-PwD rank list | 4 | 43 |
| Preparatory course (PC) rank lists | 2 | 22 |
Minimum marks to qualify JEE Advanced 2022
| Rank List | Minimum Marks in EachSubject | Minimum AggregateMarks |
| Common rank list (CRL) | 5 | 55 |
| OBC-NCL rank list | 5 | 50 |
| GEN-EWS rank list | 5 | 50 |
| SC rank list | 3 | 28 |
| ST rank list | 3 | 28 |
| Common-PwD rank list (CRL-PwD) | 3 | 28 |
| OBC-NCL-PwD rank list | 3 | 28 |
| GEN-EWS-PwD rank list | 3 | 28 |
| SC-PwD rank list | 3 | 28 |
| ST-PwD rank list | 3 | 28 |
| Preparatory course (PC) rank lists | 1 | 14 |
Minimum marks to qualify JEE Advanced 2021
| Rank List | Minimum Marks inEach Subject | Minimum AggregateMarks |
| Common rank list (CRL) | 6 | 63 |
| OBC-NCL rank list | 5 | 56 |
| GEN-EWS rank list | 5 | 56 |
| SC rank list | 3 | 31 |
| ST rank list | 3 | 31 |
| Common-PwD rank list (CRL-PwD) | 3 | 31 |
| OBC-NCL-PwD rank list | 3 | 31 |
| GEN-EWS-PwD rank list | 3 | 31 |
| SC-PwD rank list | 3 | 31 |
| ST-PwD rank list | 3 | 31 |
| Preparatory course (PC) rank lists | 0 | 9 |
Factors Influencing Cutoff for SC Candidates
The SC category cutoff for JEE Advanced changes every year based on multiple factors. These factors determine the minimum marks required to qualify for IIT admissions. Understanding them helps students predict trends and set realistic goals.
1) Number of Candidates Appearing for the Exam
The total number of SC category candidates appearing for JEE Advanced directly impacts the cutoff. If more students take the exam, competition increases, and the cutoff may rise. On the other hand, if fewer candidates appear, the cutoff might be lower.
For example, if 25,000 SC students take the exam in one year and only 20,000 the next year, the cutoff in the second year is likely to be lower due to reduced competition.
2) Difficulty Level of the Exam
The complexity of the JEE Advanced paper plays a crucial role in determining cutoffs. If the paper is extremely tough, fewer students score high marks, leading to a lower cutoff. Conversely, if the exam is relatively easy, more students achieve higher scores, pushing the cutoff up.
For instance, in years when JEE Advanced had tricky Mathematics or lengthy Physics questions, the overall performance of students dropped, resulting in a lower cutoff.
3) Previous Year Trends and Analysis
Cutoff marks generally follow patterns based on student performance, difficulty levels, and seat availability. Here is a comparison of SC category cutoffs over the past four years:
- 2024: 56 marks (Higher due to increased competition)
- 2023: 43 marks (Moderate cutoff, easier paper than 2024)
- 2022: 28 marks (Significantly lower due to tougher exam)
- 2021: 31 marks (Similar trend to 2022, paper difficulty affected cutoffs)
Colleges Accepting 40 Marks in JEE Advanced
Scoring 40 marks in JEE Advanced may not be enough to qualify, as the SC category cutoff in 2024 was 56 marks and in 2023, it was 43. However, students scoring close to the cutoff still have options for admission to IITs and other good engineering colleges.
1) Possible IITs and Courses for 40 Marks in JEE Advanced
Admission to IITs depends on cutoff trends, seat availability, and category-wise ranks. While 40 marks may not be sufficient for top IITs like IIT Bombay or IIT Delhi, students can explore IITs with lower closing ranks for the SC category.
Based on previous years’ trends, students with lower ranks in the SC category have been able to secure seats in newer IITs and less competitive branches. Some IITs where students with 40-50 marks might have a chance include:
- IIT Bhilai
- IIT Goa
- IIT Jammu
- IIT Dharwad
- IIT Palakkad
- IIT Tirupati
These IITs usually have higher closing ranks for SC candidates compared to older IITs.
Possible Courses Available at IITs for SC Candidates with 40 Marks
Students with lower JEE Advanced scores may have a chance of admission in specific branches with lower demand. Some courses that might be available at newer IITs include:
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Since cutoff trends change every year, students should check JoSAA counseling data to find the best options.
2) Admission to NITs and IIITs Through JEE Main
If a student does not qualify for JEE Advanced, they can still get admission to NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded technical institutes (CFTIs) based on JEE Main scores.
Steps to Consider:
- Check your JEE Main score and rank.
- Participate in JoSAA counseling.
- Apply for NITs and IIITs with lower closing ranks for SC category students.
Some NITs where SC students with lower JEE Main ranks might get admission include:
- NIT Agartala
- NIT Mizoram
- NIT Sikkim
- NIT Arunachal Pradesh
Similarly, some IIITs with higher SC category closing ranks include:
- IIIT Kalyani
- IIIT Bhagalpur
- IIIT Una
3) State Government Engineering Colleges
Many state universities and government engineering colleges offer admission through state-level entrance exams or JEE Main scores. Some good options include:
- Jadavpur University (West Bengal)
- Punjab Engineering College (Punjab)
- Delhi Technological University (DTU)
- College of Engineering Pune (COEP)
SC candidates often get reservation benefits, increasing their chances of admission in state colleges.
4) Private Engineering Colleges
Many private colleges offer admissions based on JEE Main or their own entrance exams. Some reputed private colleges with good placement records include:
- VIT Vellore
- SRM University
- Manipal Institute of Technology
- Shiv Nadar University
These colleges also offer scholarships and fee waivers for SC category students.
How to Improve Your JEE Advanced Marks From 40 Marks
Improving JEE Advanced marks requires strategy and practice. Here are five tips:
1) Build a Strong Foundation in Basic Concepts
The foundation of your JEE Advanced preparation should always be based on a strong understanding of basic concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Without mastering the fundamental principles, it becomes difficult to solve complex problems that often appear in JEE Advanced.
- Physics: Focus on topics such as Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, and Modern Physics. These areas form the backbone of many problems in the exam. Work on understanding concepts and solving simple to advanced level problems to strengthen your grasp on them.
- Chemistry: In Organic Chemistry, you need to be clear on reaction mechanisms and functional groups. In Inorganic Chemistry, focus on periodic properties, chemical bonding, and coordination compounds. For Physical Chemistry, ensure you’re comfortable with calculations involving thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry.
- Mathematics: Ensure you have a good command over areas like Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, and Trigonometry. These topics are frequently tested in JEE Advanced and require a solid understanding of formulas, theorems, and problem-solving techniques.
Spend significant time on these subjects, especially those you find challenging, and use concept-building books and online resources to clarify doubts. Your focus should be on understanding the theory behind each concept rather than just memorizing it.
2) Practice Regularly and Solve Previous Years’ Papers
The more problems you solve, the better your chances of performing well in JEE Advanced. Regular practice is crucial to mastering problem-solving techniques and increasing speed and accuracy. Here’s how you can make the most of practice:
- Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers: Analyzing and solving previous years’ papers is one of the best ways to understand the exam pattern and level of difficulty. It helps you get a clear idea of the types of questions asked and the weightage of each topic. Aim to solve at least 10 years’ worth of JEE Advanced question papers before the exam.
- Take Mock Tests: Mock tests help you simulate actual exam conditions. They improve your time management skills and help identify weak areas where you need further improvement. Mock tests also help you learn how to handle the pressure of solving problems within the exam’s strict time limits. Start with easy mock tests and gradually move on to more difficult ones as your preparation progresses.
- Solve a Variety of Problems: While practicing, don’t just focus on easy questions. Aim to solve problems of varying difficulty levels. Some problems in JEE Advanced are known to be very challenging, and solving difficult problems can help you gain an edge over other candidates.
3) Focus on Time Management
JEE Advanced is a time-bound exam, and how well you manage your time can have a significant impact on your performance. With 3 hours allotted per paper, you’ll need to be quick and efficient.
- Set Time Limits for Practice: While practicing at home, set a timer for solving problems. Practice solving problems with time constraints to mimic the pressure of the exam environment. As you improve, aim to reduce the time taken for each question without compromising accuracy.
- Prioritize Questions in the Exam: In the actual exam, some questions may take longer to solve than others. Develop the skill of prioritizing questions based on their difficulty. Start with the questions that you find easiest and solve them first. This helps build momentum and boosts your confidence. Only move on to more difficult questions once you’ve completed the easier ones.
- Time Per Question: Aim to spend approximately 1.5 to 2 minutes on each Multiple Choice Question (MCQ). For more complex problems, give yourself around 3-4 minutes. Practice under these time constraints to become more efficient.
4) Strengthen Your Weak Areas
While focusing on all subjects is important, you must identify and work on your weak points to ensure balanced preparation.
- Self-Assessment: Take regular mock tests to identify which areas need improvement. Are you struggling with Calculus in Mathematics or Electrochemistry in Chemistry? Do you find Optics or Fluid Mechanics difficult in Physics? Once you identify weak areas, focus on them intensively.
- Targeted Practice: After identifying the areas where you lack proficiency, work on these topics separately. Look for problems specifically from those areas and try to solve them under time constraints. If necessary, refer to other textbooks or seek help from your teachers or peers to clarify doubts.
- Revision and Doubt Solving: Never leave any topic incomplete. Make a schedule to review your doubts regularly. Discuss tricky problems with your teachers or classmates, or consult online forums and video tutorials.
5) Revise Regularly
As the exam date approaches, regular revision is essential to reinforce what you’ve learned and keep it fresh in your mind. Ensure you go over all the key concepts, formulas, and problem-solving techniques that are vital for each subject.
- Subject-wise Revision: Dedicate specific days for revising each subject. For instance, you could allocate Sundays to review Physics, Mondays for Chemistry, and Tuesdays for Mathematics. Break down each subject into smaller chapters and focus on the most important ones during each revision session.
- Formula Sheets: Create formula sheets for each subject and keep them handy. Reviewing these regularly will help you memorize key formulas and concepts for quick reference during exams.
- Conceptual Clarity: During revision, focus on understanding concepts deeply rather than rote learning. If you have conceptual clarity, it will help you solve unfamiliar problems more effectively.
6) Stay Consistent and Disciplined
JEE Advanced preparation is a long-term commitment, and consistency is the key. Develop a daily study routine and stick to it. Make sure you allocate sufficient time for each subject, revise regularly, and practice mock tests frequently.
Conclusion
JEE Advanced cutoffs for SC category students change every year based on competition and exam difficulty. A score of 40 marks might not be enough to qualify, as the cutoff in 2024 was 56 marks. However, students should not lose hope. With the right preparation and strategy, they can improve their scores and secure a seat in an IIT.
Understanding the reservation system, past trends, and minimum marks required for different IITs can help students set realistic goals. Those who do not qualify can explore preparatory courses or plan for the next attempt.
Admission to IITs requires consistent effort, smart study techniques, and time management. Focus on strengthening weak areas, practicing mock tests, and revising key concepts. With determination and the right approach, students can achieve their dream of studying at an IIT.
