160 Marks in JEE Main 2026 Predicted Percentile Score and Rank
A score of 160 in JEE Main 2026 is strong, likely yielding a 98-99 percentile and ranks from 9,150 to 11,850. With this score you can secure core engineering branches, even CSE, in leading NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
JEE percentiles are calculated based on the relative performance of all the applicants. It also depends on how the paper difficulty level was set, the total number of applicants, and how those applicants have perceived the question paper. After analyzing the past years' scoring trends, our expert,Mahima Guptashares -"If we consider the recent trend, the score of 160 in JEE Main is mostly translated into a very high percentile. You are most likely to fall in the 98-99 percentile range, with ranks falling between 9,150 and 11,850. This is a very good range for core engineering branches, like CSE in the leading NITs, IIITs and GFTIs."At the score, the aspirant is competitive to get admission into reputed engineering colleges. However, percentiles cannot be decided. It depends on various factors. Therefore, instead of focusing only on the marks, a student must understand how to convert these marks into a percentile and get a higher rank to get into the top engineering institutes.
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160 Marks in JEE Main 2026 Predicted Percentile Score & Rank
If we look at the recent trends, a score of 160 in JEE Main 2026 will fall under a high percentile range, the upper 98 to 99 range. If the paper is tough and a candidate scores 160 marks, then this percentile can even come close to the 98.2 to 99+ range. However, in the case of easy question papers, the percentile might be lower, as the average score might be high.
| Marks | Expected Percentile for Easy Paper | Expected Rank for Easy Paper (Approx.) | Expected Percentile for Moderate Paper | Expected Rank for Moderate Paper (Approx.) | Expected Percentile for Tough Paper | Expected Rank for Tough Paper (Approx.) |
| 169 marks | 98.2+ | ≲ 27,000 | 98.72+ | ≲ 19,200 | 99.39+ | ≲ 9,150 |
| 168 marks | 98.14+ | ≲ 27,900 | 98.68+ | ≲ 19,800 | 99.37+ | ≲ 9,450 |
| 167 marks | 98.09+ | ≲ 28,650 | 98.64+ | ≲ 20,400 | 99.35+ | ≲ 9,750 |
| 166 marks | 98.04+ | ≲ 29,400 | 98.6+ | ≲ 21,000 | 99.33+ | ≲ 10,050 |
| 165 marks | 97.98+ | ≲ 30,300 | 98.56+ | ≲ 21,600 | 99.31+ | ≲ 10,350 |
| 164 marks | 97.92+ | ≲ 31,200 | 98.52+ | ≲ 22,200 | 99.29+ | ≲ 10,650 |
| 163 marks | 97.86+ | ≲ 32,100 | 98.48+ | ≲ 22,800 | 99.27+ | ≲ 10,950 |
| 162 marks | 97.79+ | ≲ 33,150 | 98.43+ | ≲ 23,550 | 99.25+ | ≲ 11,250 |
| 161 marks | 97.73+ | ≲ 34,000 | 98.38+ | ≲ 24,300 | 99.23+ | ≲ 11,550 |
| 160 marks | 97.66+ | ≲ 35,100 | 98.33+ | ≲ 25,050 | 99.21+ | ≲ 11,850 |
Use CollegeDekho'sJEE Main rank predictor 2026tool to accurately evaluate your rank based on the calculated scores.
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Can I get an NIT with 160 Marks in JEE Mains 2026?
The entrance to NIT is still in your favour at this score in JEE Main. The reason behind this is the concern of branch preference and other factors, which will be equally important.
For General Category Candidates
With 160 marks:
Chances of securing mid- to high-tier NITs improve
ECE and even CSE may be possible in newer or mid-ranked NITs, especially if the paper was tough
Core branches like Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical become realistic options
However, top NITs with CSE or ECE are still highly competitive. Cut-offs may still exceed this range for General category students.
For Reserved Category Candidates
Candidates from OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwD categories have significantly better prospects:
Access to better NITs and higher-demand branches
A better chance of securing CSE/ECE in several institutes
Category cut-offs combined with the home state quota greatly enhance chances
Overall, 160 marks place candidates in a comfortable position during JoSAA counselling, especially with flexible branch preferences.
College and Branch Opportunities for 160 Marks in JEE Main 2026
At a score of 160 marks, students have multiple college options, both government and private.
Potential College Options
Some colleges are listed below that you should definitely target at 140.
GFTIs (Government Funded Technical Institutions) such as theCentral University of Jammuand theCentral University of Punjab
Strong tech-focused programs with IIITs as IIIT Bhagalpur and IIIT Una
Top state engineering colleges
Some middle-ranking NITs likeNIT Raipur,NIT Srinagar
Reputed private universities such asDTUandNSUTaccepting JEE Main scores
Candidates should not limit themselves only to NITs. Several IIITs and GFTIs offer excellent placement outcomes, particularly in tech and interdisciplinary branches. Based on estimated percentile ranks, assess which colleges you might get a seat in using ourJEE Main 2026 college predictortool.
Likely Branches at 160 Marks
Depending on rank and category, students can target:
Computer Science Engineering (possible in some institutes)
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Emerging branches like Data Science or AI in newer institutes
For many aspirants, choosing a strong branch in a slightly lower-ranked college may provide better long-term outcomes than opting for a lower branch in a higher-ranked institute.
Getting a score of 160 in JEE Main 2026 is actually a very good score. Candidates with this score will be placed in a high percentile bracket with excellent potential. Students with this score have a high chance of getting admission into top NITs and other state government colleges. You will get a chance to choose your own branch.
Students may also reach out toCollegeDekhomentors who will help them understand percentile trends and branch preference better.
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