JEE Advanced 2026 Cutoff Witnesses Significant Rise Across Categories
The release of JEE Advanced 2026 results has brought with it a notable shift in qualifying marks, with most categories experiencing a substantial upward trend compared to the previous year. This year’s examination saw intensified competition, resulting in an approximate 18-mark increase in the minimum qualifying threshold for the general category. Understanding these revised benchmarks is essential for candidates aiming to secure a place in the coveted rank lists and participate in the JoSAA counselling process for IIT admissions.
It is important to note that qualifying for the rank list requires more than just meeting the overall minimum score. Candidates must also achieve the prescribed minimum marks in each of the three subjects—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—individually. This dual requirement ensures a balanced performance across all subjects.
Minimum Marks Required for JEE Advanced 2026 Rank Lists
The table below outlines the minimum marks necessary for inclusion in various category-wise rank lists for JEE Advanced 2026. Candidates must secure both the per-subject minimum and the aggregate minimum to be considered eligible.
Category-Wise Qualifying Marks for 2026
- Common Rank List (CRL) / General: A minimum of 8 marks in each subject and 92 marks in total is mandatory.
- OBC-NCL and GEN-EWS: Candidates in these categories need to secure at least 7 marks per subject and an aggregate of 82 marks.
- SC, ST, and PwD Categories: The qualifying threshold is set at 4 marks in each subject and a total of 46 marks.
- Preparatory Course (PC) Rank List: For this list, a minimum of 2 marks per subject and 23 marks overall is required.
Detailed Breakdown of Minimum Marks (2026)
- Common Rank List (CRL): 8 per subject, 92 total
- OBC-NCL Rank List: 7 per subject, 82 total
- GEN-EWS Rank List: 7 per subject, 82 total
- SC Rank List: 4 per subject, 46 total
- ST Rank List: 4 per subject, 46 total
- CRL-PwD Rank List: 4 per subject, 46 total
- OBC-NCL-PwD Rank List: 4 per subject, 46 total
- GEN-EWS-PwD Rank List: 4 per subject, 46 total
- SC-PwD Rank List: 4 per subject, 46 total
- ST-PwD Rank List: 4 per subject, 46 total
- Preparatory Course (PC) Rank List: 2 per subject, 23 total
Comparative Analysis: JEE Advanced 2025 Qualifying Marks
To provide context to this year’s increase, the qualifying marks from the previous year are presented below. This comparison highlights the significant upward movement in cutoffs across all categories.
Category-Wise Qualifying Marks for 2025
- Common Rank List (CRL): 7 per subject, 74 total
- OBC-NCL Rank List: 6 per subject, 66 total
- GEN-EWS Rank List: 6 per subject, 66 total
- SC Rank List: 3 per subject, 37 total
- ST Rank List: 3 per subject, 37 total
- CRL-PwD Rank List: 3 per subject, 37 total
- OBC-NCL-PwD Rank List: 3 per subject, 37 total
- GEN-EWS-PwD Rank List: 3 per subject, 37 total
- SC-PwD Rank List: 3 per subject, 37 total
- ST-PwD Rank List: 3 per subject, 37 total
- Preparatory Course (PC) Rank List: 1 per subject, 18 total
Minimum Percentage Scores for JEE Advanced 2026
Alongside the absolute marks, the exam authorities have also released the minimum percentage scores required for each rank list. This percentage is calculated based on the total marks of the examination, providing another perspective on the qualifying criteria.
Category-Wise Minimum Percentage (2026)
- Common Rank List (CRL): Candidates must achieve a minimum of 7.30% in each subject and 25.56% of the total marks.
- OBC-NCL and GEN-EWS: The required minimum is 6.51% per subject and 22.78% in aggregate.
- SC, ST, and All PwD Categories: A minimum of 3.65% in each subject and 12.78% of the total marks is necessary.
- Preparatory Course (PC): The threshold is set at 1.83% per subject and 6.39% of the aggregate marks.
Detailed Breakdown of Minimum Percentages (2026)
- Common Rank List (CRL): 7.30% per subject, 25.56% total
- OBC-NCL Rank List: 6.51% per subject, 22.78% total
- GEN-EWS Rank List: 6.51% per subject, 22.78% total
- SC Rank List: 3.65% per subject, 12.78% total
- ST Rank List: 3.65% per subject, 12.78% total
- CRL-PwD Rank List: 3.65% per subject, 12.78% total
- OBC-NCL-PwD Rank List: 3.65% per subject, 12.78% total
- GEN-EWS-PwD Rank List: 3.65% per subject, 12.78% total
- SC-PwD Rank List: 3.65% per subject, 12.78% total
- ST-PwD Rank List: 3.65% per subject, 12.78% total
- Preparatory Course (PC) Rank List: 1.83% per subject, 6.39% total
JEE Advanced 2025 Minimum Percentage Scores for Reference
The following figures from the previous year’s examination illustrate the percentage-based cutoffs for 2025, further emphasizing the notable increase in 2026.
Category-Wise Minimum Percentage (2025)
- Common Rank List (CRL): 5.83% per subject, 20.56% total
- OBC-NCL Rank List: 5.25% per subject, 18.50% total
- GEN-EWS Rank List: 5.25% per subject, 18.50% total
- SC Rank List: 2.92% per subject, 10.28% total
- ST Rank List: 2.92% per subject, 10.28% total
- CRL-PwD Rank List: 2.92% per subject, 10.28% total
- OBC-NCL-PwD Rank List: 2.92% per subject, 10.28% total
- GEN-EWS-PwD Rank List: 2.92% per subject, 10.28% total
- SC-PwD Rank List: 2.92% per subject, 10.28% total
- ST-PwD Rank List: 2.92% per subject, 10.28% total
- Preparatory Course (PC) Rank List: 1.46% per subject, 5.14% total
The substantial increase in qualifying marks this year reflects the heightened level of competition and the overall performance of candidates in JEE Advanced 2026. Aspirants who have met these criteria can now look forward to the next stage of the admission process, while those who fell short may consider their options for future attempts.
