JEE Main Toppers List 2026 Session 2 (OUT) LIVE: 100 Percentile List; State-wise Topper Names, AIR 1 & Final Cutoff OUT

10 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

JEE Advanced Registration: Only for the Top 2.5 Lakh

Check your scorecard for the "Eligible for JEE Advanced" status. Only those who meet the 93.3+ percentile (General) or the respective category cut-offs can register. The portal will cross-verify your JEE Main 2026 Application Number.

09 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

Lower NITs: CSE vs Mechanical Choice

For candidates with an AIR between 40,000 and 60,000, the dilemma will be CSE in a new NIT (like NIT Mizoram) vs. Mechanical/Civil in a top NIT (like NIT Jamshedpur). Choice filling trends suggest students are prioritizing "Branch over Brand" in 2026.

08 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

Documents Checklist for JoSAA Registration

With JEE Advanced registration opening on April 23, ensure your Category Certificate (OBC-NCL/EWS) is issued after April 1, 2026. JoSAA will not accept older certificates, and failure to produce a valid one will result in your rank being treated as "General."

07 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

The Rise of "New IIITs": Cut-off Drops Expected

Keep an eye on IIIT Surat, IIIT Nagpur, and IIIT Lucknow. Due to the addition of more seats in these newer institutes, the closing ranks for CSE and AI branches are expected to drop slightly, offering a great opportunity for those in the 25,000 - 35,000 AIR range.

06 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

JoSAA 2026 vs CSAB 2026: Know the Difference

Important for low-rank holders: If you don't get a seat in the 6 rounds of JoSAA, don't panic. The CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board) special rounds will begin in July to fill vacant seats in NITs and IIITs, often accepting ranks much lower than the initial rounds.

05 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

PEC Chandigarh & BIT Mesra: GFTI Cut-off Forecast

Among the Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs), PEC Chandigarh (CSE) is expected to close early at an AIR of 8,000. BIT Mesra (Ranchi) remains a top choice for candidates with ranks between 15,000 and 22,000 for Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE).

04 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

The "Home State" vs "Other State" Advantage

Don’t just look at the AIR. In JoSAA counseling, NITs reserve 50% of seats for Home State candidates. If you are from a state like Home State NIT Calicut (Kerala) or NIT Durgapur (West Bengal), you might secure a seat with a rank significantly lower than the Other State (OS) quota closing ranks.

03 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

IIIT Allahabad & Gwalior: Emerging Cut-off Trends

Initial data suggests that IIIT Allahabad (IT branch) will remain highly competitive, with the closing rank expected to hover around 5,500 - 6,000. IIITM Gwalior is seeing increased demand, potentially closing its 5-year Integrated M.Tech at a rank of 9,500 for General category aspirants.

02 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

Expected "Safe" Rank for Top 3 NITs (CSE)

Based on the Session 2 percentile trends, candidates aiming for Computer Science at NIT Trichy, Surathkal, or Warangal will likely need an All India Rank (AIR) under 1,200 for the Open Category. For Female candidates under the Supernumerary quota, this could stretch up to 2,500.

01 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

JEE Advanced Registration Window Revealed

The NTA has confirmed that the top 2,50,000 qualifiers can begin their JEE Advanced 2026 registration on April 23, 2026. The registration portal (jeeadv.ac.in) will require your JEE Main Roll Number and Password for login. Ensure your category certificates are updated and ready for upload.

12 00 AM IST - 21 Apr'26

Understanding the "NTA Score" vs "Percentage"

Parents and students must remember that the NTA Score is not a percentage of marks. It is a normalized percentile indicating how many candidates scored equal to or below you in that specific shift. Your final AIR is calculated based on the better of your two NTA scores (January or April session).

11 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Scorecard Discrepancy? Check State of Eligibility

Students are advised to carefully check the "State of Eligibility" on their Session 2 scorecard. This is the state where you appeared for your Class 12 board exams, and it determines your 85% Home State Quota for NITs and IIITs. If there is an error here, it could significantly impact your JoSAA seat allocation chances.

10 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

IIIT Delhi: A Unique Research-Oriented Curriculum

IIIT Delhi is unique because it offers specialized B.Tech programs like Computer Science and Social Sciences (CSSS) and Computer Science and Design (CSD). For 2026, the closing rank for these creative-tech branches is expected to be around AIR 15,000 to 22,000 for Delhi candidates (due to the 85% state quota). Outside Delhi candidates, however, will need a much higher rank, typically under AIR 5,000. It is a top-tier choice for students looking for a modern, research-heavy education.

09 30 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Impact of Class 12 Board Marks On JEE Main Rankings

While the JEE Main rank is purely based on the NTA score, the "75% criteria" remains a mandatory eligibility filter for JoSAA. Candidates must have scored 75% aggregate (65% for SC/ST) in their Class 12 Boards or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards. Even if you score 100 percentile in JEE Main, failing to meet this board requirement will disqualify you from NIT/IIT admissions. Double-check your board results before locking choices.

09 15 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

PwBD Candidate Statistics

For candidates in the PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) category, 4,994 candidates registered across both sessions, with 4,800 appearing for the exam. This group remains a key part of the JoSAA seat allocation process under the 5% horizontal reservation policy.

09 02 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Gender Distribution: 5.3 Lakh Females Appeared

Detailed statistics show that 5,31,593 female candidates and 10,06,875 male candidates appeared for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) this year. The data also highlights that 15 Third Gender candidates registered, with 10 candidates appearing for the exams across both sessions.

09 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

PEC Chandigarh And BIT Mesra: The Elite GFTIs

For students who miss out on top NITs, Punjab Engineering College (PEC) Chandigarh, and Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra are excellent alternatives. These GFTIs have a legacy equivalent to older NITs and strong industry ties. CSE closing ranks at PEC Chandigarh usually hover around AIR 15,000. These institutes participate in JoSAA and should be strategically placed in your choice list if your rank is between 15,000 and 30,000.

08 54 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Gender/Category-wise Distribution (Candidates Registered)

This table highlights the diversity of applicants for the April session:

08 30 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

DASA Scheme For NRI And Foreign Candidates

The Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme is the entry point for NRIs and OCI candidates into NITs and IIITs. Unlike domestic students, DASA candidates are ranked based on their JEE Main scores but under a separate quota. The cut-offs for DASA are generally more relaxed than the domestic General category, but top branches at NIT Trichy still require high percentiles. International students should ensure their SAT/JEE scores are uploaded correctly on the DASA portal.

08 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Strategic Choice Filling: The "Order Of Preference" Rule

A common mistake in JoSAA is filling too few choices. Students are advised to fill at least 40-50 choices, spanning a range of colleges and branches. The JoSAA computer algorithm works from "Choice 1" downwards; once it finds a seat you are eligible for, it locks it and ignores all lower choices. Therefore, even if you have a high rank, placing a lower-tier college at Choice 1 will result in you getting that college and losing out on better options.

07 43 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Result Announced! (April 20)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 results on the official website. Over 11.23 lakh candidates who appeared for the BE/B.Tech (Paper 1) exam can now access their final NTA scores, All India Ranks (AIR), and category-wise rankings.

• Credentials Needed: Application Number and Date of Birth. 

07 37 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

NTA Issues Clarification: Final Answer Key Remains Unchanged

 Following social media concerns regarding specific questions in Chemistry (08 April, Shift 2) and Physics (02 April, Shift 2), the NTA has officially confirmed that after expert re-evaluation, the published final answer keys remain unchanged.

07 30 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

NIT Calicut And NIT Rourkela: Top Choices In South And East

NIT Calicut and NIT Rourkela are the preferred choices for students in the South and East regions, respectively. Both institutes are expected to have CSE closing ranks between AIR 8,000 and 12,000 for the General category. For students interested in Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering, these institutes offer some of the best research facilities in the country. A percentile between 98.5 and 99.0 is usually sufficient to enter these prestigious campuses in non-CS branches.

07 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Normalization Challenges In The April 5th And 6th Shifts

Early student feedback suggests that the Mathematics section on April 5 and 6 was significantly longer than other shifts. NTA's normalization process will take this into account, meaning students in these "tougher" shifts might get a higher percentile with lower raw marks. If you scored 180 in a tough shift, your percentile could be equivalent to someone scoring 210 in an easier shift. This "balancing act" is what makes the final NTA scorecard the only true measure of rank.

06 40 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

IIIT Allahabad IT Branch: The "Silicon Valley" Of NIT+ System

IIIT Allahabad’s Information Technology (IT) program is often considered superior to CSE at many NITs due to its specialized curriculum. For the 2026 session, the closing rank for the General category is anticipated to be extremely tight, likely around AIR 4,500 to 5,500. The institute's high coding culture and average packages exceeding ₹30 LPA make it a "dream" choice. Students with a 99.5+ percentile should keep this institute at the top of their preference list.

06 20 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Understanding The CSAB Special Rounds For Vacant Seats

If a student does not get a desirable seat during the six regular rounds of JoSAA, they can participate in the CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board) Special Rounds. CSAB rounds are conducted specifically to fill leftover seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs after the main counselling ends. Historically, some seats in lower-tier NITs have been allotted at ranks as low as 60,000 or 70,000 in these rounds. It is the last chance for students with moderate ranks to secure a government college seat.

06 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Why Percentile Accuracy Matters For Tie-Breaking Ranks?

In 2026, the NTA scorecard will display percentiles up to seven decimal places (e.g., 99.9876543). This extreme precision is designed to minimize ties among the 11.23 lakh Session 2 candidates. Even a difference in the fifth decimal place can move your All India Rank by hundreds of positions. Students should not ignore these decimals when comparing their scores with previous years' JoSAA closing ranks, as the "rank inflation" is often hidden in these small digits.

05 40 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

NIT Warangal Expected Closing Ranks For Core Branches

NIT Warangal is a powerhouse for core engineering, particularly in Electrical and Mechanical branches. For 2026, the closing rank for Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) is expected to be around AIR 10,000 to 15,000 for General (OS) candidates. Mechanical Engineering might see a closing rank closer to 20,000. Students who want the NIT Warangal brand name but have a slightly lower percentile should target these core branches, as they offer excellent placement opportunities in the public sector (PSUs).

05 20 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Recap of 2025 Female Toppers: Regional Distribution

In the previous academic cycle, female toppers emerged from a wide range of states, with Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh leading the list. The highest NTA score among females last year was a perfect 100, held by Sanvi Jain and Parekh Meet Vikrambhai. This diversity highlights that the gender-neutral competition is narrowing. Female aspirants in 2026 should look at these benchmarks not just for inspiration, but to gauge the rising cut-offs in the "Female-only" seat pool.

05 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

The "Slide" Option In JoSAA: Strategy For Top Branches

During the JoSAA counselling, the "Slide" option is a powerful tool for students who have secured a seat in a specific institute but want a better branch in that same college. For example, if you get Mechanical at NIT Warangal but want CSE, choosing "Slide" ensures you stay at Warangal while waiting for a vacancy in CSE. This is safer than the "Float" option for students who are geographically restricted or specifically want the prestige of a particular NIT. Mastering these technicalities is key to "acing" the seat allotment process.

04 45 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

NIT Surathkal CSE Cut-off Projections For 2026

NIT Surathkal (Karnataka) consistently ranks as the second-best NIT in India, and its CSE closing ranks are highly competitive. For the General category (Other State), the closing rank is projected to be around AIR 1,500 to 2,200. The campus's unique location and stellar placement record make it a favorite for students from North and West India. Candidates with a percentile of 99.8 or higher stand a strong chance of securing a seat here in the early JoSAA rounds.

04 30 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Expected Opening Ranks For New-Age AI And Data Science Branches

With the tech industry evolving, specialized branches like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science are seeing higher demand than traditional ECE or IT. In top IIITs like IIIT Lucknow and IIIT Gwalior, the closing ranks for AI branches are expected to hover between AIR 3,500 and 8,000. These branches often close earlier than Mechanical or Civil engineering in top NITs. Students with a rank under 10,000 should prioritize these future-ready branches if they have a passion for machine learning.

04 24 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Stay Patient During High Traffic On Result Portal

When the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 result link is first activated, the official website often faces heavy traffic and might slow down. Students are advised to remain patient and avoid multiple refreshes. You can also check your results via alternative methods like DigiLocker if the main site is unresponsive. Your digital scorecard is a legal document, so ensure all details like your name, category, and state of eligibility are correctly mentioned.Session 1 Retrospective:

In the January session, 12 candidates achieved a perfect 100 percentile (notable toppers included Shreyas Mishra and Shubham Kumar). However, those scores were relative only to the January cohort.

04 15 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Previous Topper Insights: How 100-Percentilers Choose Branches

Reflecting on the 2025 toppers, nearly 90% of the 56 students who scored a perfect 100 percentile opted for Computer Science at IIT Bombay or IIT Delhi after JEE Advanced. However, for those who prioritize the "NIT+ System," the top choice remains CSE at NIT Trichy or Surathkal. Toppers often suggest that the choice between a top-tier NIT branch and a lower-tier IIT branch should depend on long-term research interests. Most 100-percentilers use their JEE Main rank only as a backup while focusing entirely on the May 17 Advanced exam.

04 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Choice Filling Strategy For JoSAA 2026

The most critical part of JoSAA is the "Choice Filling" sequence. Students should always list their "dream" colleges at the top, followed by realistic options, and finally "backup" colleges. Never put a college you wouldn't join above one you would, as the system allots the highest possible preference available for your rank. Locking your choices before the deadline is mandatory to participate in the seat allotment rounds.
 

03 45 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Last Minute Tips For JEE Advanced Aspirants

If your Session 2 result places you in the top 2.5 lakh, you have approximately four weeks left for JEE Advanced. Focus on multi-concept problems and previous years' IIT papers rather than just formula-based JEE Main questions. Since the Advanced exam tests depth over speed, a shift in preparation strategy is required immediately after the NTA results. Ensure you register for the Advanced exam as soon as the portal opens in late April.
 

03 30 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Exploring Opportunities In GFTIs With Moderate Ranks

Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs) like BIT Mesra and PEC Chandigarh offer excellent infrastructure for students with moderate ranks. These colleges often have closing ranks extending up to AIR 40,000 or 50,000 for certain engineering branches. For candidates who do not make it into the top NITs, GFTIs represent a high-value alternative with lower fees and solid placement records. Choosing the right GFTI can be as beneficial as a mid-tier NIT.
 

03 15 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Document Verification Process For JoSAA Counselling

Once a seat is allotted in JoSAA 2026, candidates must undergo online document verification. This involves uploading your Class 10 and 12 certificates, JEE Main scorecard, and a valid medical certificate. If you belong to a reserved category (OBC-NCL/EWS), your certificate must be issued on or after April 1, 2026. Any discrepancy in documents can lead to immediate cancellation of the allotted seat, so students must verify their details now.
 

03 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Safe Percentile For Top IIITs Like Allahabad And Gwalior

IIIT Allahabad is famous for its Information Technology (IT) program, which often sees closing ranks as high as AIR 5,000. Other top IIITs like Gwalior, Lucknow, and Jabalpur generally close their computer-related branches within the AIR 10,000 to 18,000 range. For these institutes, a percentile above 98.5 is considered a "safe" zone for General category students. The competition is intense as these colleges are preferred for their high placement packages.
 

03 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

State-Wise Topper Trends Highlight Regional Excellence

Historically, states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan have dominated the top 50 ranks. Coaching hubs like Kota and Hyderabad continue to produce a high concentration of 100-percentilers. This year’s state-wise list will also highlight the performance of female toppers and category-wise leaders. Regional performance often dictates the cut-offs for Home State (HS) quotas in local NITs during the JoSAA rounds.
 

02 45 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Difference Between Qualifying Cutoff And Admission Cutoff

Many students confuse the "Qualifying Cutoff" for JEE Advanced with the "Admission Cut-off" for NITs. The qualifying cut-off only determines if you can sit for the IIT entrance exam. The admission cut-off (opening and closing ranks) is released by JoSAA and varies for every college and branch. Just qualifying for JEE Advanced does not guarantee an NIT seat; you must have a rank that falls within the institute's specific closing range.
 

02 45 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Impact Of Unique Candidates On All India Ranks

The total number of unique candidates across both sessions is a critical factor in determining your final rank. With nearly 1.7 million unique aspirants likely this year, a 99 percentile could translate to a rank around 17,000. This "Rank vs Percentile" shift means students might need a higher percentile than previous years to secure their preferred branch. The NTA will use a precise normalization formula to ensure fairness across all April shifts.
 

02 30 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Normalization Process For April Session Explained

NTA uses a multi-session normalization process to ensure that no student is disadvantaged by a "tougher" shift. The raw marks are converted into NTA scores (percentiles) ranging from 100 to 0. This ensures that the difficulty level of Paper 1 across different dates from April 2 to April 8 is mathematically balanced. Your final All India Rank is then calculated by merging the best of your two session scores.
 

02 30 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

NIT Trichy CSE Opening And Closing Rank Trends

National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy remains the most sought-after destination for top rankers in the NIT system. For the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) branch, the opening rank is expected to be under AIR 1,000 for the Open Category (Other State). Last year, the closing rank for the same branch was approximately 5,000. Students aiming for this prestigious institute need a percentile score of 99.9 or higher to be competitive in Round 1 of JoSAA.
 

02 15 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Role Of Female Supernumerary Seats In Admissions

To promote gender diversity, JoSAA continues to offer supernumerary seats for female candidates across all NITs and IIITs. These seats are specifically reserved and often have a much more relaxed closing rank compared to gender-neutral seats. Female aspirants should check previous years' "Female-only" closing ranks to better strategize their choice list. This policy has successfully helped many students get into top-tier branches at slightly lower ranks.
 

02 15 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Expected Qualifying Cut-off For JEE Advanced 2026

Based on the high volume of candidates this year, the qualifying percentile for the General category is expected to stay between 93 and 95. For OBC-NCL and EWS candidates, the range is projected at 79-81 and 80-82, respectively. Meeting this cut-off is essential for the top 2.5 lakh candidates to register for the JEE Advanced exam scheduled for May 17, 2026. Students falling just above the cut-off should immediately shift their focus to the Advanced syllabus
 

02 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Top 10 NITs Expected Closing Ranks For CSE

Securing a seat in the top 10 NITs (including Warangal, Surathkal, and Rourkela) requires a high degree of precision in rank. For the General category, CSE branches in these institutes typically close between AIR 3,000 and 12,000. Candidates with percentiles between 98.8 and 99.5 have a strong chance of landing a core branch in these top-tier colleges. Lower-ranked NITs may offer CSE up to AIR 25,000, depending on the category.
 

02 00 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Understanding JoSAA 2026 Counselling Registration Dates

With JEE Main results acting as the gateway to the NIT+ system, students must prepare for the JoSAA 2026 registration starting tentatively on June 2, 2026. The counselling process will likely consist of six rounds, covering admissions to 31 NITs, 26 IIITs, and 40 GFTIs. Only those who secure a rank within the required category-wise closing ranks will be eligible for seat allotment. Early preparation of documents like the Category Certificate and Class 12 marksheet is highly recommended.
 

01 45 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

JoSAA Mock Seat Allotment Importance For Aspirants

The JoSAA 2026 counselling will feature two rounds of mock seat allotment to help students understand their standing. These rounds are based on the real-time choices filled by all candidates and provide a "trial" result before the actual Round 1 allotment. It is a crucial period for students to re-order their preferences if they are not getting their desired colleges. Missing the mock rounds can lead to poor decision-making during the final choice-locking phase.
 

01 45 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Anticipation Builds For 100 Percentile Toppers List

As the results go live, all eyes are on the elite "100 Percentile Club." In Session 1, 12 students achieved this perfect score, including toppers from Rajasthan, Delhi, and Telangana. Experts predict that Session 2 might see a higher number of perfect scorers due to the increased level of preparation and competition in the final attempt. The official toppers list will categorize winners by state, gender, and category.
 

01 30 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

IIIT Hyderabad And IIIT Bangalore Admission Criteria

While most IIITs participate in JoSAA, premier institutes like IIIT Hyderabad and IIIT Bangalore have their own separate registration processes based on JEE Main percentiles. IIIT Hyderabad usually closes its CSE branch at an extremely high percentile, often rivaling top IITs. Students interested in these research-heavy institutes must monitor their official websites separately from the JoSAA portal. A rank within the top 1,000 is typically required for their flagship programs.
 

01 27 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

NTA Releases JEE Main Session 2 Final Answer Key; Results Coming SOON

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Final Answer Key today, April 20. This final key, now available as a public PDF on jeemain.nta.nic.in, incorporates all valid corrections made after reviewing candidate objections from the April 2–8 exams. With the evaluation process complete, the Session 2 Results and scorecards are expected to be uploaded to the portal at any moment. Over 11.23 lakh aspirants should keep their application numbers ready to check their final NTA scores, All India Ranks (AIR), and JEE Advanced qualifying status.
 

01 15 PM IST - 20 Apr'26

Home State Vs Other State Quota Benefits

Students should carefully analyze the Home State (HS) quota benefits for their local NITs during choice filling. In many cases, the closing rank for HS candidates is significantly lower (more relaxed) than the Other State (OS) quota. For instance, a student from NIT Surathkal's home state might get a top branch at a rank where an OS student would be ineligible. Understanding these quotas is vital for maximizing seat allotment chances in JoSAA Round 1.