JEE Advanced 2026 OBC-NCL cutoff is expected to require a minimum aggregate of around 69–81 marks out of 360 to qualify, with IIT-wise OBC-NCL closing ranks ranging from under 500 at top IITs to over 10,000 at newer institutes for less competitive branches.
JEE Advanced 2026 results are scheduled for July 25, 2026. Students in the OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer) category must clear two cutoff thresholds: the minimum qualifying marks to earn a rank in the OBC-NCL merit list, and the IIT-specific opening and closing ranks assigned during JoSAA counselling. Based on JoSAA 2024 and 2025 allotment data, OBC-NCL students with ranks under 1,000 can access CSE at old IITs, while ranks up to 6,000–8,000 can secure seats at newer IITs in popular branches.
- Expected minimum OBC-NCL qualifying aggregate: around 69–81 marks out of 360 (based on 2023–2025 trends).
- Minimum marks per subject (Physics, Chemistry, Maths): approximately 11–12 marks each out of 120.
- OBC-NCL students hold 27% horizontal reservation across all sanctioned IIT seats.
- IIT Bombay CSE OBC-NCL expected closing rank 2026: approximately 400–450.
- Newer IITs admit OBC-NCL students with ranks up to 8,000–12,000 in certain branches.
| Direct Link – JEE Advanced 2026 Official Website (ACTIVE) — jeeadv.ac.in |
JEE Advanced 2026 OBC-NCL Minimum Qualifying Cutoff
To secure a rank in the OBC-NCL category merit list, you must meet separate subject-wise and aggregate mark thresholds set by the Joint Admission Board (JAB). These thresholds are lower than General category thresholds and are calculated as a proportion of the maximum marks in JEE Advanced 2026.
The table below shows expected qualifying marks across categories based on JEE Advanced 2024 and 2025 official cutoffs:
| Category | Min. Marks in Each Subject (out of 120) | Min. Aggregate (out of 360) |
|---|---|---|
| General (CRL) | ~18 | ~108 |
| OBC-NCL | ~11–12 | ~69–81 |
| GEN-EWS | ~11–12 | ~69–81 |
| SC | ~9 | ~54 |
| ST | ~9 | ~54 |
Expected values based on JEE Advanced 2023 and 2024 official qualifying cutoffs. Actual 2026 figures will be declared with results on July 25, 2026.
JEE Advanced 2026 IIT-wise OBC-NCL Opening and Closing Ranks (Expected)
The figures below are projected OBC-NCL opening and closing ranks for 2026, derived from JoSAA 2024 and 2025 final allotment data. Closing ranks represent the last OBC-NCL rank allotted in the final JoSAA round. Actual 2026 ranks will be published during JoSAA 2026 counselling after results on July 25, 2026.
| IIT | Branch | Expected OBC-NCL Opening Rank | Expected OBC-NCL Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | Computer Science and Engineering | 148 | 420 |
| IIT Bombay | Electrical Engineering | 490 | 820 |
| IIT Bombay | Mechanical Engineering | 780 | 1,380 |
| IIT Delhi | Computer Science and Engineering | 175 | 465 |
| IIT Delhi | Electrical Engineering | 580 | 935 |
| IIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | 900 | 1,650 |
| IIT Madras | Computer Science and Engineering | 280 | 610 |
| IIT Madras | Electrical Engineering | 650 | 1,055 |
| IIT Kanpur | Computer Science and Engineering | 375 | 720 |
| IIT Kanpur | Electrical Engineering | 790 | 1,220 |
| IIT Kharagpur | Computer Science and Engineering | 500 | 975 |
| IIT Kharagpur | Mechanical Engineering | 1,200 | 2,095 |
| IIT Roorkee | Computer Science and Engineering | 620 | 1,145 |
| IIT Roorkee | Electrical Engineering | 1,100 | 1,795 |
| IIT Hyderabad | Computer Science and Engineering | 900 | 1,500 |
| IIT Guwahati | Computer Science and Engineering | 1,100 | 1,900 |
| IIT BHU Varanasi | Computer Science and Engineering | 1,300 | 2,200 |
| IIT Indore | Computer Science and Engineering | 1,500 | 2,800 |
| IIT Patna | Computer Science and Engineering | 2,800 | 4,500 |
| IIT Jodhpur | Computer Science and Engineering | 3,000 | 5,200 |
| IIT Mandi | Computer Science and Engineering | 4,000 | 6,800 |
| IIT Dharwad | Computer Science and Engineering | 5,000 | 8,200 |
| IIT Palakkad | Computer Science and Engineering | 5,500 | 9,000 |
| IIT Tirupati | Computer Science and Engineering | 6,000 | 10,500 |
JEE Advanced OBC-NCL Qualifying Cutoff Trends (2023–2025)
The minimum qualifying marks for OBC-NCL have varied year to year with paper difficulty. A harder paper sets a lower absolute qualifying mark even though the same percentage criteria apply. Tracking this trend helps you gauge your 2026 prospects.
| Year | Min. Marks per Subject (OBC-NCL) | Min. Aggregate (OBC-NCL) | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | 72 | 360 |
| 2024 | 12 | 81 | 360 |
| 2023 | 11 | 69 | 360 |
The OBC-NCL qualifying aggregate has ranged between 69 and 81 marks from 2023 to 2025. For 2026, the expected range remains 69–81 marks depending on paper difficulty. Students who score at least 80 marks per subject and 240 aggregate in their JEE Advanced attempt can confidently expect a rank in the OBC-NCL list.
Factors That Affect JEE Advanced 2026 OBC-NCL Cutoff
Several variables influence where the OBC-NCL cutoff settles in 2026. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations before JoSAA rounds begin.
- Paper difficulty: A tougher paper lowers absolute qualifying marks but also reduces high scorers, which can tighten closing ranks at premier IITs.
- Number of OBC-NCL qualified students: A larger pool of students clearing the qualifying threshold intensifies competition for every IIT seat in this category.
- Seat matrix changes: New seats added at existing IITs, or new IIT campuses, generally expand the closing rank outreach for OBC-NCL students.
- Supernumerary seats for female students: Female OBC-NCL students benefit from additional supernumerary seats added above the regular seat matrix, giving them more relaxed closing ranks than the broader OBC-NCL pool.
- JoSAA round upgrades: Closing ranks typically loosen between Round 1 and Round 5 as students upgrade seats and earlier allotments become vacant. Waiting for later rounds can help students with borderline ranks.
JEE Advanced 2026 OBC-NCL Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What is the expected minimum qualifying aggregate for OBC-NCL in JEE Advanced 2026?
Ans. Based on 2023–2025 trends, the expected minimum qualifying aggregate for OBC-NCL is 69–81 marks out of 360, with approximately 11–12 marks required per subject out of 120. The exact cutoff depends on paper difficulty and will be announced with results on July 25, 2026.
Ques. Which OBC-NCL rank is required for IIT Bombay CSE?
Ans. Based on JoSAA 2024–2025 allotment data, an OBC-NCL rank of approximately 420 or better is needed for Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay. This figure is expected and subject to change in the 2026 JoSAA rounds.
Ques. Can an OBC-NCL student with rank 5,000 get into an IIT?
Ans. Yes. Based on previous-year trends, OBC-NCL ranks in the 3,000–6,000 range can secure seats at newer IITs such as IIT Jodhpur, IIT Mandi, and IIT Dharwad in CSE and related branches. The exact options in 2026 will depend on the final seat matrix.
Ques. Is the OBC-NCL closing rank the same across all IITs?
Ans. No. Each IIT has its own demand-driven opening and closing ranks in each branch, set through the JoSAA counselling process. OBC-NCL closing ranks range from under 500 at IIT Bombay CSE to over 10,000 at newer IITs in some branches.
Ques. When will the official JEE Advanced 2026 OBC-NCL cutoff be released?
Ans. The minimum qualifying cutoff for OBC-NCL and all other categories will be published on July 25, 2026 when the JEE Advanced 2026 results are declared at jeeadv.ac.in. IIT-specific opening and closing ranks will be available during JoSAA 2026 counselling rounds that follow results.
Ques. What is the OBC-NCL reservation percentage in IITs?
Ans. OBC-NCL students are entitled to 27% horizontal reservation in IIT seats. Female students in the OBC-NCL category also benefit from additional supernumerary seats added above the regular seat matrix, which further improves their chances of securing a seat.
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