The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced is one of the most challenging and prestigious engineering entrance exams in India. It serves as the gateway to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which are among the top engineering institutions in the world. Every year, thousands of students aspire to secure a seat in an IIT, but the competition is fierce, and only the best make it through.
JEE Advanced is the second phase of the IIT entrance process, following the JEE Main exam. Only those who rank among the top candidates in JEE Main are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. The exam tests students' understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at a deep and conceptual level.
The minimum marks required to get into an IIT vary each year and depend on several factors:
Difficulty Level of the Exam: The toughness of the paper significantly impacts the cutoff. If the paper is difficult, the cutoff tends to be lower, and vice versa.
Number of Candidates Appearing: The more candidates that appear for the exam, the higher the competition, which can influence the cutoff marks.
Total Number of Seats Available: With more seats available, the cutoff may be slightly lower, while fewer seats can drive it higher.
Category of the Candidate: IITs have reservation policies for different categories, such as General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD. The cutoffs for reserved categories are typically lower than those for the General category.
The cutoff marks for JEE Advanced vary based on the categories. The table below shows the category-wise list of marks in JEE for IIT:
Category | Minimum percentage of marks in each subject | Minimum percentage of aggregate marks |
Common Rank List | 10 | 35 |
OBC-NCL Rank List | 9 | 31.5 |
GEN-EWS Rank List | 9 | 31.5 |
SC Rank List | 5 | 17.5 |
ST Rank List | 5 | 17.5 |
Common-PwD Rank List | 5 | 17.5 |
OBC-NCL-PwD Rank List | 5 | 17.5 |
GEN-EWS-PwD Rank List | 5 | 17.5 |
SC-PwD Rank List | 5 | 17.5 |
ST-PwD Rank List | 5 | 17.5 |
Preparatory Course | 2.5 | 8.75 |
While it's impossible to predict the exact cutoff for 2024, we can look at previous years' trends to get a rough idea. Here’s a general breakdown based on past data:
General Category: The cutoff for the General category usually hovers around 25-30% of the total marks. In recent years, the cutoff for the Common Rank List (CRL) has been between 85-90 marks out of 360.
OBC-NCL Category: For OBC-NCL candidates, the cutoff tends to be around 70-75% of the General category cutoff, which translates to approximately 70-75 marks out of 360.
SC/ST Category: SC and ST candidates typically have a cutoff that is about 50-55% of the General category cutoff, resulting in a requirement of 45-50 marks out of 360.
PwD Category: The cutoff for PwD candidates is usually about 40-45% of the General category cutoff, translating to around 35-40 marks out of 360.
Thorough Preparation: Focus on building a strong conceptual understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Regular practice and solving previous years' papers can significantly improve your performance.
Time Management: Efficiently manage your time during preparation and while attempting the exam. Prioritize topics based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and to identify areas where you need improvement.
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the latest exam patterns, syllabus changes, and any announcements from the JEE Advanced authorities.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and take breaks during your study sessions to keep your mind fresh and focused.
Securing a seat in an IIT through JEE Advanced requires not just hard work but also a strategic approach. While the minimum marks required to get into an IIT vary each year, understanding the factors that influence these cutoffs and preparing accordingly can significantly increase your chances of success. Keep yourself motivated, stay focused on your goals, and you can achieve your dream of becoming an IITian in 2024.