The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains is a key milestone for students aspiring to pursue engineering in India. For those scoring in the 70-80 percentile range, while admission to top-tier institutes like IITs and NITs may seem challenging, there are still plenty of opportunities available in other reputable colleges. This article will guide students with a 70-80 percentile in JEE Mains, highlighting the colleges and courses they can consider for a successful engineering career. We will discuss national institutes like NITs and IIITs, state-level engineering colleges, and private universities that accept these percentiles. Additionally, we will cover the admission and counseling processes, providing students with a clear path to secure their seat in a suitable college. With the right approach, students can find the right institution that aligns with their goals and interests.
What is Percentile in JEE Mains?
In simple terms, the percentile score in JEE Mains represents how a student’s performance compares to others. For example, if a student has a percentile score of 80, it means that the student performed better than 80% of the total candidates who appeared for the exam.
The percentile score is calculated using the following formula:
Percentile = (Number of candidates who scored less than you/Total number of candidates) × 100
The percentile is not based on the total number of marks a student scores but on their relative performance. Therefore, two students who score the same number of marks can have different percentiles depending on the overall performance of all candidates.
For students with a percentile between 70 and 80 in JEE Mains, this range is crucial because it opens up multiple opportunities for admission to engineering colleges, though not necessarily in the most competitive ones like NITs. Students in this percentile range should focus on colleges that still offer good quality education and have decent placement records. These colleges can provide a solid foundation in engineering while being more accessible to students in this percentile bracket.
Engineering Colleges Accepting 70-80 Percentile in JEE Mains
Students in the 70-80 percentile range may not secure a seat in the top-tier National Institutes of Technology (NITs) or Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), but they can still gain admission to several respected colleges. These colleges include national-level universities, state engineering colleges, and private institutions.
| College Name | NIRF Ranking | Annual Course Fee (Approx.) |
| Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala | 101–150 | INR 1.42 Lakhs |
| GITAM (Deemed to be University), Hyderabad | 101–150 | INR 2.70 Lakhs |
| Satyam Institute, Amritsar | 101-150 | INR 60,000 to INR 2.40 Lakhs |
| GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam | 101–150 out of 300 in India | INR 9.20 Lakhs to 14.90 Lakhs |
| Amity University | 151-200 | INR 7.5–26.4 lakh |
| Annamalai University | 151-200 | INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 7 lakhs |
| Assam Downtown University, Guwahati | 101–125 band for Pharmacy | INR 1.10 Lakhs |
| Glocal University, Saharanpur | 165 | INR 95,000 |
| SAGE University, Indore | NA | INR 60,000 |
| Arya Group of Colleges, Jaipur | NA | INR 1.05 Lakhs |
| Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Indore | NA | INR 2.60 Lakhs |
| Global Research Institute of Management and Technology, Haryana | NA | INR 85,200 |
| Quantum University, Roorkee | NA | INR 1.10 Lakhs |
| Raj Kumar Goel Institute of Technology, Ghaziabad | NA | INR 2.20 Lakhs to INR 4.67 Lakhs |
| Atmiya University, Rajkot | NA | INR 85,650 |
| Bhai Gurdas Group of Institutions, Sangrur | NA | INR 1.50 Lakhs to INR 2.40 Lakhs |
| Nehru Institute of Technology, Coimbatore | NA | INR 2.00 Lakhs |
List of Engineering Colleges that Offer Direct Admission
| College Name | Annual Course Fee (Approx.) |
| School of Aeronautics, Neemrana | Rs 1.80 Lakhs |
| Maharaja Agrasen College of Engineering & Technology | Rs 1.45 Lakhs |
| Aurora’s Engineering College, Hyderabad | Rs 37,400 |
| University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun | Rs 3.52 Lakhs |
| Siksa o Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar | Rs 2.35 Lakhs |
| Gaikwad Patil Group of Institutions, Nagpur | Rs 90,000 |
| Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai | Rs 3.85 Lakhs |
| Shobhit University, Meerut | Rs 1.10 Lakhs |
| Sigma Group of Institutes, Vadodara | Rs 1.80 Lakhs to Rs 2.60 Lakhs |
| Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) | Rs 3.23 Lakhs |
| Marwadi University, Rajkot | Rs 98,000 to Rs 1.25 Lakhs |
| Rai University, Ahmedabad | Rs 71,600 |
| BM Group of Institutions, Gurgaon | Rs 80,000 |
| MH Cockpit Aviation Academy, Chennai | Rs 2.25 Lakhs |
| Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College, Punjab | Rs 90,000 |
| Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi | Rs 2.90 Lakhs |
| Amity University, Jaipur | Rs 1.52 Lakhs |
| Amritsar Group of Colleges, Punjab | Rs 1.28 Lakhs |
| Adithya Institute of Technology, Coimbatore | Rs 1.50 Lakhs to Rs 2.00 Lakhs |
| OM Sterling Global University, Hisar | Rs 75,000 |
List of NIT Colleges Between 80-90 Percentile in JEE Main
| College Name | NIRF Ranking | Popular Courses | Annual B.Tech Course Fees (Approx.) |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT), Durgapur | 44th in the Engineering category93rd in the Overall category | Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology | INR 1.79 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jalandhar | 58th in the Engineering category101–150th in the overall category | Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering | INR 1.64 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur | 71st in the engineering category36th in the architecture category | Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering | INR 71,110 |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT), Meghalaya | 72nd in the Engineering category | Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering | INR 1.55 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT), Agartala | 82nd in the Engineering category | Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering | INR 1.51 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT), Puducherry | 97th among engineering colleges | Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering | INR 1.45 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT), Goa | 101–150 in the Engineering category | Electronics and Communication Engineering | INR 1.33 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hamirpur | 101–150 in the Engineering category | Electronics and Communication Engineering | INR 1.8 Lakhs |
List of Colleges Other than NITs Accepting 80-90 Percentile in JEE Main
| College Name | Courses |
| IIITM Gwalior | Computer Science and Engineering |
| IIIT Allahabad | Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering |
| University of Engineering and Management, Jaipur | Civil Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering |
| BITS Ranchi | Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering |
| KIIT University | Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering |
| Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar | Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering |
| Jaipur Engineering College, Jaipur | Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Engineering |
| CMR Institute of Technology, Kolkata | Computer Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering |
| College of Engineering, Pune | Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering |
Private Universities for 70-80 Percentile in JEE Mains
While the most competitive institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs may be out of reach for students in the 70-80 percentile range in JEE Mains, private universities can be an excellent alternative. Many private institutions have their own admission processes, and they accept JEE Main scores alongside other factors like class 12 marks or their own entrance exams. These universities offer a range of engineering programs, and some even provide better flexibility in terms of admission criteria, course options, and overall student experience.
- Shiv Nadar University (SNU): Shiv Nadar University, located in Greater Noida, is one of the prominent private universities in India. Founded by the Shiv Nadar Foundation, the university offers a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning.
- VIT University (VIT): VIT University, headquartered in Vellore, is a renowned private institution that consistently ranks among the top private engineering universities in India. It is particularly well-known for its VIT Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE).
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES): UPES, located in Dehradun, is a specialized private university focusing on energy, petroleum, and related fields. However, it also offers several engineering programs for students who want to pursue careers in diverse sectors such as aviation, robotics, and infrastructure.
- Amity University: Amity University, with campuses in Noida, Jaipur, Lucknow, and other cities, is one of India’s top private universities. Amity is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced faculty, and comprehensive academic programs. It also accepts JEE Main scores for admission to its engineering courses.
Advantages of Choosing Private Universities for 70-80 Percentile Students
- Flexibility in Admission Criteria: One of the biggest advantages of private universities is the flexibility they offer. Many private institutions have relaxed admission criteria compared to public institutions like NITs or IIITs. This allows students with JEE Main percentiles in the 70-80 range to apply for courses that might not be available at public institutions.
- Variety of Courses: Private universities often offer a wide range of engineering programs, including some specialized fields like Petroleum Engineering, Robotics, and Renewable Energy. This gives students more options based on their interests and career goals.
- Industry Tie-ups and Placement Opportunities: Many private universities, such as VIT, Manipal, and UPES, have strong industry connections and provide excellent placement opportunities. These institutions regularly host placement drives with top multinational companies, offering students a chance to secure high-paying jobs.
- Holistic Development: Private universities often emphasize overall development, providing students with exposure to extracurricular activities, research, and innovation. This helps students develop skills that are essential in today’s competitive job market.
Admission Process and Counseling in JEE Mains
After the JEE Mains results are declared, the next important step for students is the admission process. For students with a percentile score in the range of 70-80, securing a seat in the right engineering college requires careful planning and following the right procedure. The admission process involves multiple steps, including centralized counseling for national-level institutions and separate counseling for state-level institutions. This section will provide a detailed explanation of how the admission process works, how to participate in counseling, and the steps involved in both centralized and state-wise procedures.
Centralized Counselling (JoSAA)
For students aiming to get admission into National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other government-funded technical institutions, JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) is the primary body responsible for conducting the counseling process. JoSAA is responsible for seat allotment across several participating institutes, and it conducts the centralized counseling process for all eligible students.
The counseling process for JEE Mains is extremely important because it determines the institution and course a student will be allotted. Students with a 70-80 percentile in JEE Mains are not guaranteed admission to the most competitive courses or institutions like IITs, but they can still secure a seat in NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges that accept this percentile. During counseling, students have the chance to choose from available institutions and courses based on their preferences and ranks.
The counseling process involves multiple rounds, and seats are allotted based on the availability of seats, the student’s preferences, and their rank. Students with higher percentiles generally have a better chance of securing their preferred courses and institutions, but students in the 70-80 percentile range can still find viable options.
Step-by-step Process for 70-80 Percentile Students
1) Online Registration
The first step in the counseling process is online registration. Students need to visit the official JoSAA website and create an account. They must enter their personal details, JEE Main score, and other required information. It is important to keep the login credentials secure, as students will need them for subsequent stages of the process.
2) Choice Filling
Once the registration is complete, students are required to fill in their preferred choices of colleges and courses. This step allows students to select multiple options based on their preferences. For example, a student may choose NIT Durgapur for Computer Science, IIIT Allahabad for Electronics, and other options as per their interest and the availability of seats.
Tip: It is recommended that students list all possible options they are willing to consider, even if they are not their first choices. This ensures that they have a higher chance of getting a seat in the allotted rounds.
3) Document Verification
After completing the registration and filling in preferences, students must undergo document verification. This is an important step to confirm that the student meets all the eligibility requirements for admission. Students are required to upload scanned copies of their documents, such as:
- JEE Main scorecard
- Class 12th mark sheet and certificates
- Date of Birth proof (e.g., Birth Certificate or Class 10th certificate)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Photo ID proof (e.g., Aadhar Card or Passport)
- After verification, students will be allowed to participate in the next stages of counseling.
4) Seat Allotment
After document verification, the first round of seat allotment takes place. JoSAA will release the allotment list based on the students’ preferences, their rank, and seat availability. Students will be allotted seats in one of their selected institutes or courses. The seat allotment is provisional, and students have the option to either accept or reject the seat.
- If a student accepts the allotted seat, they must pay the seat acceptance fee.
- If a student is not happy with the allotted seat, they can choose to participate in further rounds of counseling.
The seat allotment process is conducted in multiple rounds, and as the rounds progress, the availability of seats may change, and students may have a better chance of getting their preferred courses.
5) Acceptance and Fee Payment
If students accept the allotted seat, they must pay the seat acceptance fee to confirm their admission. This fee is usually nominal, but it must be paid within a specified time frame. Failure to pay the fee will result in the cancellation of the seat.
After paying the fee, students must report to the respective institute for document verification and to complete the final admission process. At this stage, students may also be required to pay the full tuition fee or part of it.
6) Reporting to the Allotted College
After the seat acceptance and fee payment, students need to physically report to the allotted college or institute. This step involves document verification at the college level. Students must bring all original documents and a set of photocopies for verification. After verification, students will be officially admitted to the college and the course.
Important Note: If a student does not report to the allotted institute within the given deadline, the seat will be canceled, and they may lose the opportunity to join that particular institute.
Rounds of JoSAA Counseling
JoSAA counseling generally takes place in multiple rounds. Here is a brief overview of how the rounds work:
- Round 1: Seat allotment based on initial preferences and rank.
- Round 2 and subsequent rounds: Further seat allotments will take place based on the availability of seats and other factors. Students who were not satisfied with the first round of allotment may be allotted different seats in subsequent rounds.
Students can accept or reject seats in each round, but they should keep an eye on the cutoff trends to make informed decisions about whether to continue with the process.
State-wise Counselling Procedures
Apart from JoSAA, some state-level colleges conduct their own counseling procedures. These state-level counseling processes are independent of JoSAA and have their own set of rules and regulations. For students with a 70-80 percentile, participating in state-level counseling may offer more opportunities for securing a seat.
State Engineering Colleges Counselling
Each state in India has its own centralized counseling system for admission to state engineering colleges. These state-level counseling processes are often conducted through separate portals. For example:
- Maharashtra has the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) counseling for its state engineering colleges.
- Uttar Pradesh has UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination) counseling.
- Tamil Nadu conducts counseling through the Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA).
- In these state-level counseling processes, students who have appeared for JEE Mains may also be eligible for admission, but the weightage of JEE scores may vary from state to state.
Conclusion
For students with a 70-80 percentile in JEE Mains, there are still a wealth of opportunities to pursue a successful engineering career. While top institutes like IITs and NITs may be more competitive, national-level universities such as IIITs, as well as a variety of state-level and private colleges, offer excellent alternatives. Institutions like Shiv Nadar University, VIT, Manipal University, and UPES provide strong academic programs, industry connections, and solid placement records. Moreover, state-level colleges often have lower cutoffs, making them a viable option for local students. By carefully considering all available options and understanding the admission process, you can find a college that aligns with your interests and career aspirations. Whether through JoSAA counseling or state-specific procedures, staying informed and proactive will help you secure a seat in a college where you can thrive and achieve your engineering goals.
