The JEE Main Cut Off for the SC category in 2026 has become a major talking point because competition has increased sharply this year. More than 13 lakh students appeared for the exam, and as a result, every percentile now matters. Therefore, if you belong to the SC category, you must clearly understand how the Cutoff for SC works, what percentile you need, and how this cutoff decides your path to JEE Advanced and top engineering colleges. For complete preparation updates, exam guidance, and expert insights, you can also explore resources available at SPM & Lalans Official Website.
With Session 1 scores already declared by the National Testing Agency, students have started analysing trends. Consequently, this detailed guide explains everything related to the JEE Main Cut Off for SC in simple language, using real data, past trends, and practical insights.
JEE Main Session 1 Result 2026: What Changed This Year
The National Testing Agency declared the JEE Main Session 1 Result 2026 on 16 February 2026. Over 13 lakh candidates competed this year, which raised the overall cutoff pressure. Moreover, 12 students scored a perfect 100th percentile, showing how intense the competition has become.
Because of this high participation, the JEE Main Cut Off for the SC category is expected to remain stable but slightly competitive compared to earlier years. Candidates can already check their NTA percentile score and qualifying status on the official portal.
Why the JEE Main Cutoff for SC Category 2026 Matters
The Main Cut Off for SC decides two crucial things.
First, it determines your eligibility for JEE Advanced 2026.
Second, it influences your chances of admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JoSAA counselling.
Therefore, if you aim for top institutes, you must track the Main Cut Off for SC closely and plan your next steps carefully, especially before Session 2.
Expected JEE Main Cut Off for SC Category 2026 (Percentile)
Based on Session 1 performance, previous year trends, and competition levels, experts expect the Cut Off for the SC category to fall within the following range:
| Category | Expected Qualifying Percentile (2026) |
| SC | 60–62 percentile |
This expected range indicates the minimum percentile required to qualify for JEE Advanced 2026. However, the final JEE Main Cut Off will be released only after Session 2 results.
JEE Main Cutoff for SC vs Other Categories (2026 Expected)
Understanding category-wise cutoffs helps you judge where you stand.
| Category | Expected Percentile |
| General | 93.2 – 94.1 |
| Gen-EWS | 81–82 |
| OBC-NCL | 79–80 |
| SC | 60 – 62 |
| ST | 47 – 49 |
| PwD | 0.001 – 1 |
Clearly, the Cut Off for SC offers relaxation as per reservation norms, yet competition within the category remains strong. If you want to understand how category cutoffs differ, especially for OBC candidates, you can also read the detailed analysis on the JEE Main OBC Cut Off 2026 expected trends.
JEE Advanced Eligibility Through JEE Main Cutoff
To appear in JEE Advanced 2026, you must score equal to or above the JEE Main Cut Off. Additionally, you must fall within the top 2.5 lakh candidates across all categories. However, apart from the cutoff, candidates must also satisfy specific academic and attempt-related rules. You can check the complete JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 guide to understand all conditions in detail.
Therefore, clearing the JEE Main Cut Off does not guarantee admission but opens the door to the next stage.
Expected JEE Main Cut Off for SC for NITs, IIITs & GFTIs
While the qualifying cutoff allows you to appear for JEE Advanced, admission cutoffs decide college entry. These cutoffs depend on ranks, not percentiles.
Expected NIT Cutoff 2026 for SC Category
| NIT | Expected SC Closing Rank |
| NIT Trichy | 3,500 – 4,000 |
| NIT Surathkal | 4,000–5,000 |
| NIT Warangal | 4,200 – 5,200 |
| NIT Rourkela | 7,000 – 9,000 |
| NIT Jalandhar | 10,000–12,000 |
Older NITs maintain tight cutoffs, so a strong rank beyond the JEE Main Cutoff becomes essential.
Expected IIIT Cutoff 2026 for SC Category
| IIIT | Expected SC Rank |
| IIIT Hyderabad (CSE) | 2,500–3,000 |
| IIIT Allahabad (IT) | 6,500–7,000 |
| IIIT Delhi (CSE) | 8,000–9,000 |
| IIIT Gwalior (CSE) | 7,000–8,500 |
Demand for CSE and IT keeps these cutoffs competitive even for SC candidates.
Expected GFTI Cutoff 2026 for SC Category
| GFTI | Expected SC Rank |
| PEC Chandigarh | 13,000 – 15,000 |
| Assam University | 26,000 – 30,000 |
| Mizoram University | 28,000 – 31,000 |
Here, the JEE Main Cut Off allows wider admission possibilities, especially for mid-range ranks.
JEE Main 2026 Marks vs Percentile for SC Category
JEE Main reports scores in percentile form, not raw marks. Therefore, the same marks may give different percentiles each year.
For 2026, higher competition means you may need slightly higher marks to cross the JEE Main Cut Off compared to previous years. Use expected ranges only as guidance, not as guarantees.
Expected Opening and Closing Ranks for SC Category (2026)
| Category | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
| SC | 1,800 – 2,400 | 6,000 – 7,500 |
These ranks vary based on institute, branch, and quota, but they clearly show the competitive zone for SC candidates.
Previous Year Trends: JEE Main Cut Off for SC (2020–2025)
Analyzing past data helps predict future movement in the Cut Off for SC.
| Year | SC Cutoff Percentile |
| 2025 | 61.15 |
| 2024 | 60.09 |
| 2023 | 51.97 |
| 2022 | 43.08 |
| 2021 | 46.88 |
| 2020 | 50.17 |
From this data, you can clearly see a steady rise after 2023, mainly due to higher participation and tougher normalization.
JEE Main Cut Off for SC: Key Takeaways
- The JEE Main Cut Off for SC in 2026 is expected to be around 60–62 percentile
- Clearing the cutoff makes you eligible for JEE Advanced, but it does not guarantee admission
- Admission cutoffs depend on rank, branch, and institute
- Competition within SC category has increased year after year
How Session 2 Can Change the JEE Main Cutoff for the SC Category
The cutoff for the SC category does not get finalized after Session 1. Instead, Session 2 plays a decisive role. Many SC candidates treat Session 1 as a trial attempt. Therefore, they return stronger in Session 2 with better accuracy and time control. As a result, the Cut Off may shift slightly upward if overall performance improves.
Moreover, Session 2 usually witnesses fewer careless mistakes. Consequently, normalization tightens, and marginal percentile differences become critical. Hence, SC candidates who sit close to the expected cutoff range must aim for a safe buffer rather than just crossing the minimum.
Role of Normalization in JEE Main Cutoff for SC
Normalization strongly impacts the Cut Off for SC because the exam runs across multiple shifts. Even if you score the same raw marks as another candidate, the percentile may differ based on shift difficulty.
For SC candidates, this means:
- Easier shifts may push the JEE Main Cut Off slightly higher
- Tougher shifts may offer percentile relief
- Accuracy matters more than attempting extra questions
Therefore, instead of chasing marks, SC aspirants must focus on stable percentile growth.
JEE Main Cut Off for SC and Branch Allocation Reality
Many students misunderstand the JEE Main Cut Off by assuming it guarantees preferred branches like CSE or ECE. In reality, the cutoff only ensures eligibility, not branch choice.
For example:
- A candidate clearing the JEE Main Cut Off with a lower rank may still enter an NIT, but in a core or interdisciplinary branch
- Branch upgrades depend on closing ranks, not just qualifying percentiles
Thus, SC candidates must align expectations with rank trends rather than cutoff numbers alone.
Home State Quota Impact on JEE Main Cutoff
The home state quota significantly affects admissions even after clearing the JEE Main Cut Off. In many NITs, SC candidates from the home state receive admission at relatively higher ranks compared to all-India quota candidates.
This means:
- SC candidates from less competitive states benefit more
- The Northeast and newly established NITs offer better rank flexibility
- Strategic choice filling becomes crucial
Hence, the JEE Main Cutoff should always be evaluated along with state-wise admission data.
JEE Main Cut Off vs JEE Advanced Cut Off
Although connected, these two cutoffs serve different purposes.
- The JEE Main Cutoff qualifies you for JEE Advanced
- The JEE Advanced cutoff decides IIT eligibility
Many SC candidates clear the JEE Main cutoff but fail to prepare adequately for JEE Advanced. Therefore, once you cross the JEE Main Cut Off , you must immediately shift focus to advanced-level problem-solving.
Mistakes SC Candidates Must Avoid Around JEE Main Cutoff
Several SC aspirants lose opportunities despite clearing the JEE Main Cut Off due to avoidable errors.
Common mistakes include:
- Not registering for JEE Advanced after qualifying
- Poor JoSAA choice filling
- Ignoring lower-demand branches with good future scope
- Waiting only for top NITs and missing GFTIs
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve outcomes after crossing the JEE Main Cut Off.
Psychological Pressure Around JEE Main Cutoff for SC
The pressure around the JEE Main Cut Off often affects performance negatively. Many candidates panic if their percentile falls close to the cutoff line.
However:
- Many successful SC candidates entered good colleges with mid-range ranks
- Engineering success depends more on consistency than college tag
- GFTIs and IIITs also offer strong academic exposure
Therefore, candidates must treat the JEE Main Cut Off as a gateway, not a final verdict.
College Options for SC Candidates Slightly Above the Cutoff
If you score just above the JEE Main Cut Off, you still have multiple options:
- State NITs with Home State quota
- IIITs offering newer tech branches
- GFTIs with stable placement records
Thus, even marginal clearance of the JEE Main Cut Off can lead to solid academic pathways.
Why SC Cutoff Has Risen After 2023
The rise in the JEE Main Cutoff for SC after 2023 happened due to:
- Increased SC participation
- Better access to online learning
- More awareness of reservation benefits
- Improved performance consistency
This trend indicates that future cutoffs may remain stable or slightly increase, making early preparation essential.
How to Safely Beat the JEE Main Cutoff in Session 2
To stay safely above the JEE Main Cut Off , candidates should:
- Focus on NCERT-based questions
- Strengthen Physics numericals and Chemistry theory
- Attempt mock tests in exam-like conditions
- Avoid random guessing
A disciplined strategy ensures you do not just cross but comfortably exceed the cutoff. Students who prefer structured classroom guidance and expert mentoring can consider joining SPM Lalans Coaching – the best coaching for JEE in Guwahati, where focused preparation programs help aspirants stay well above the JEE Main Cut Off.
Final Words
The JEE Main Cutoff for the SC category in 2026 reflects rising competition but still provides meaningful opportunities. Therefore, stay focused, track Session 2 updates closely, and aim well above the minimum cutoff to secure a strong rank. Consistent preparation and smart analysis can still take you to your dream engineering college.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between the qualifying cutoff and the admission cutoff in JEE Main?
The qualifying cutoff and admission cutoff serve two completely different purposes in the JEE process, and understanding this difference is essential for every SC candidate. The JEE Main Cutoff as a qualifying cutoff simply decides whether you are eligible to appear for the next stage, which is JEE Advanced 2026. Once you cross this minimum percentile, you enter the list of candidates who can register for JEE Advanced, but no college seat is guaranteed at this stage. On the other hand, the admission cutoff comes into play during JoSAA counselling. This cutoff depends on your All India Rank, category, institute, branch preference, seat availability, and quota. Even if you clear the JEE Main Cut Off , you may not get admission into a top NIT or IIIT unless your rank falls within the opening and closing rank range of that institute. Therefore, while the qualifying cutoff opens the door, the admission cutoff decides how far you can actually go.
2. What is a good percentile in JEE Main 2026 for SC candidates targeting NITs?
For SC candidates aiming for admission into NITs, scoring just around the JEE Main Cut Off may not be enough. While the expected cutoff is around the 60–62nd percentile, a safer and more competitive percentile usually starts from the 70th percentile or above. This range gives you a better chance of securing a seat, especially in mid-tier NITs or in branches with relatively lower demand. Moreover, if you belong to a Home State quota of an NIT, even a slightly lower percentile can work in your favour. However, for popular branches like CSE, ECE, or Mechanical Engineering, a higher percentile significantly improves your chances. Therefore, SC candidates should treat the JEE Main Cut Off as the minimum requirement and aim well above it to keep multiple college and branch options open during counselling.
3. Will the JEE Main SC Cut Off be higher than last year?
Yes, the JEE Main SC Cut Off in 2026 is expected to be slightly higher than last year. This expectation comes from multiple factors, including the increase in the number of candidates, improved preparation levels, and tighter normalization across shifts. Over the last few years, SC category cutoffs have shown a gradual upward trend, especially after 2023. Additionally, better access to online learning resources and increased awareness about reservation benefits have improved overall performance within the SC category. As a result, competition within the category itself has become stronger. Therefore, SC candidates should not rely on last year’s cutoff alone and should aim for a comfortable margin above the expected JEE Main Cutoff to stay safe after Session 2 results are finalized.
