Passing Marks Out of 300 in JEE Mains 2026

Sakshi Gautam

Updated On: January 05, 2026 02:32 PM

JEE Main passing marks out of 300 are not fixed; they depend on yearly cutoffs and category. For 2026, JEE Main predicted qualifying marks are 85-95 for General, 70-80 for EWS, 70-85 for OBC, 50-60 for SC, and 40-50 for ST. These determine eligibility for JEE Advanced or college entry.
Passing Marks Out of 300 in JEE Mains

One of the hardest entrance exams for engineering to get into in India is the JEE Main examination. Passing marks in JEE Main on a scale of 300 are the first question that most of the aspiring engineers ask. However, the answer is not that simple. To start with, JEE Main is not like board exams, which are known for having a standard "pass mark". The qualification, on the other hand, is determined by the change in cutoffs that occur every year. JEE Mains passing marks out of 300 varies for different categories of students. If we take the past trends into account, JEE Main qualifying marks for General category this year would be around 85-95 marks, for EWS would be 70-80, for OBC 70-85, for SC 50-60, and for ST 40-50. A proper grasp of JEE Main passing marks 2026 requires one to know the results and their evaluation.

Also Check - Predicted Marks for 97 Percentile in JEE Main 2026

What Does “Passing” Mean in JEE Main?

The meaning of passing in JEE Main is relative to your objective.

  • Some students will see it as qualifying for JEE Advanced if they can pass.

  • Others will see it as gaining admission to engineering colleges through JoSAA or state counselling, which is, after all, the same thing.

  • For a lot of people, it just means getting enough points to get into a respectable private or government college.

These different goals require different score levels.

Minimum Eligibility to Appear for JEE Advanced Exam

NTA states that you need to score at least a minimum required score in JEE Mains to qualify for the JEE Advanced exam to be obtained by the candidates.

JEE Main Qualifying Marks Out of 300 Estimation

Based on recent trends of JEE scores, here is an estimated idea:

Category

Estimated JEE Main Passing Marks (Out of 300)

General

85–95

EWS

70–80

OBC-NCL

70–85

SC

50–60

ST

40–50

These are approximate marks. These marks may change every year depending on exam difficulty and the number of enrolled candidates.

Why Do JEE Passing Marks Change Every Year?

Passing marks for JEE Main are not predetermined. The examination implements a percentile system. The following factors affect the cutoff:

  • The level of difficulty in the paper

  • The number of students taking the exam

  • The candidates’ performance

  • The reservation criteria for different categories

Generally, in the case of a difficult exam, the cutoff goes down. In the case of an easy exam, the opposite is true.

Quick Links:

JEE Mains 2026 Merit List JEE Main 2026 Result
JEE Main 2026 College Predictor JEE Main Rank Predictor 2026

JEE Main Passing Marks vs Good Score

Scoring the minimum qualifying marks might not give you an opportunity to top college.

JEE Main Marks Range

Admission Chances / Interpretation

80–100 marks

Qualifying range for many categories

120–150 marks

Good chance for mid-tier NITs and IIITs

180+ marks

Strong chance for top NITs

220+ marks

Very high rank and top college options

So while passing marks help you move forward, higher scores give you better choices.

Category-Wise Importance of JEE Mains Passing Marks

The category of the student is a major factor in determining passing marks.

  • The cut-offs for the reserved categories are lower compared to the others.

  • The general category students are subjected to higher competition.

  • Small numbers can result in a drastic difference in the rank.

You must check the category-wise JEE Main cutoffs 2026 instead of just looking at the general numbers. Keep track of the JEE Main minimum score to give the JEE Advanced exam.

How to Safely Cross JEE Mains Passing Marks?

If your goal is just to clear the qualifying range, then these strategies will help you.

  • As physics and chemistry are strong subjects, they can be highly scoring.

  • Win over the negative marking by not answering the questions you are not sure about.

  • Study the NCERT books and get hold of the concepts.

  • Keep doing mock tests and judging yourself.

Based on rank and category, CollegeDekho advisers assist students in comprehending JEE Main passing results, realistically analysing their scores, and selecting the best engineering colleges and counselling alternatives.

Hence, by now, you know there is no particular number that you need to get in JEE Mains. The cutoff changes every year.  The category-wise criteria along with the students overall score will determine the JEE Mains minimum marks to qualify. In other words, students are not officially given a "pass" or "fail" status. Rather, they are ranked according to the performance of all those who sat for the exam.

If you get around 85-100 score, you can get into Tier-2 colleges. But to get into top colleges, you need to get a comparatively higher score. Students must focus on building their concepts and planning wisely for college. JEE Main is a gateway, not the final destination.

JEE Main Rank Wise College Articles

List of Colleges Expected for 20,000 Rank in JEE Main 2026 List of Colleges Expected for 30,000 Rank in JEE Main 2026
List of Colleges Expected for 35,000 Rank in JEE Main 2026 List of Colleges Expected for 40,000 Rank in JEE Main 2026
List of Colleges Expected for 45,000 Rank in JEE Main 2026 List of Colleges Expected for 55,000 Rank in JEE Main 2026
List of Colleges Expected for 70,000 Rank in JEE Main 2026 List of Colleges Expected for 80,000 Rank in JEE Main 2026
List of Colleges Expected for 85,000 Rank in JEE Main 2026 List of Colleges Expected for 90,000 Rank in JEE Main 2026




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FAQs

Is there a fixed passing mark out of 300 in JEE Main?

No, JEE Main does not have a fixed passing mark. Qualification depends on yearly cutoffs, percentile scores, and category-wise criteria decided by the exam authority.

Is it possible to improve college options with a moderate JEE Main score?

Yes, students can improve options through state counselling, choosing suitable branches, private universities, or by focusing on skill development alongside college selection.

Why do JEE Main passing marks change every year?

Passing marks change due to factors like exam difficulty, number of candidates, overall performance, and category-wise reservation norms.

Can I get an engineering college with just passing marks in JEE Main?

Yes, scoring within the passing range can help you secure admission in private colleges or lower-tier government colleges, though top NITs require higher scores.

How many marks are required to qualify for JEE Advanced?

To qualify for JEE Advanced, candidates usually need around 85–95 marks for the General category, while reserved categories have lower cutoff ranges depending on the year.

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Quick Icon Quick Facts

  • Quick Facts Passing marks change annually, based on cutoffs.
  • Quick Facts Cutoffs depend on exam difficulty and candidate numbers.
  • Quick Facts Category plays a major role in determining passing marks.
  • Quick Facts Minimum scores are needed to qualify for JEE Advanced.
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