List of Colleges for 80-90 Percentile in JEE Mains 2026
Achieving an 80-90 percentile in JEE Mains 2026 opens doors to solid engineering college options across India. This range typically translates to ranks between 1,66,000 and 2,46,000, based on official NTA trends from previous sessions. Adjusted for 2026, it remains valid due to stable normalization processes.
JEE Mains, conducted by NTA in January and April 2026, uses percentiles to rank over 10 lakh candidates. Scores in this bracket exclude top IITs but qualify for JoSAA counselling in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Private colleges also accept these via direct or state-level admissions.
Government institutes like lower-tier NITs prioritize home-state quotas here. Private ones offer branches like ECE or Mechanical with modern facilities. Fees vary: government around INR 70,000-1.8 lakhs annually, private INR 6-24 lakhs total.
Locations span North (Punjab, Delhi), East (West Bengal, Odisha), South (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka), and Northeast (Meghalaya, Agartala). Focus on counselling rounds for spots in CSE or core engineering.
This percentile suits aspirants aiming for affordable quality education. Official sources like JoSAA and NTA confirm cutoffs hover around CRL ranks 1.5-2.5 lakhs for 2026 sessions. Prepare for state quotas to maximize chances.
Upcoming sections detail colleges by type, fees, and locations. Always check NTA’s 2026 updates for final eligibility.
Understanding the Percentile Range and Expected Rank
JEE Main 2026 uses percentile scores to rank candidates fairly across multiple shifts. An 80-90 percentile range means your score is better than 80-90% of all test-takers.
Based on NTA official trends from January 2025 and April 2025 sessions, the expected Common Rank List (CRL) for this percentile bracket in 2026 falls approximately between 1,66,000 and 2,46,000. Slight variation occurs due to total candidates and difficulty normalization.
| Percentile Range | Expected CRL Rank (2026 projection) | Approximate Marks (out of 300) |
|---|---|---|
| 80-82 | 2,20,000 – 2,46,000 | 65–80 |
| 82-85 | 1,95,000 – 2,20,000 | 80–92 |
| 85-88 | 1,75,000 – 1,95,000 | 92–105 |
| 88-90 | 1,66,000 – 1,75,000 | 105–115 |
These ranks qualify candidates for JoSAA counselling in lower-ranked NITs, many IIITs, and several GFTIs under home-state and other-state quotas. Top branches like CSE remain tough, but core branches (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical) and newer specializations become accessible.
NTA releases category-wise ranks separately. OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and EWS candidates with 80-90 percentile often get better institute options due to reserved seats. Gender-neutral and female-supernumerary seats also improve chances in this range.
Ranks shift slightly every year based on total appearances (usually 10–12 lakh). Official JoSAA 2025 closing ranks serve as the best reference until 2026 counselling begins. Always verify exact cutoffs during choice filling.
This percentile suits students targeting affordable government colleges or reputed private institutes through management quota or state counselling. Focus on home-state advantage for maximum benefit.
Top NITs Accepting 80-90 Percentile
National Institutes of Technology (NITs) remain the most preferred government engineering colleges after IITs. For 80-90 percentile (CRL rank ~1,66,000 to 2,46,000), admission is realistic in newer or lower-ranked NITs, especially under home-state quota.
JoSAA 2025 closing ranks serve as the closest reference for 2026 projections. Below are NITs where core branches (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical) or newer specializations close within this rank range.
| NIT Name | Location | Typical Closing Rank (OS Quota 2025) | Common Branches Available | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIT Agartala | Tripura (Northeast) | 2,00,000 – 4,50,000 | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Production | ₹1.5 – 1.8 lakh |
| NIT Meghalaya | Shillong, Meghalaya | 2,20,000 – 5,00,000 | Mechanical, Electrical, Civil | ₹1.5 – 1.8 lakh |
| NIT Mizoram | Aizawl, Mizoram | 2,50,000 – 6,00,000 | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical | ₹1.5 – 1.8 lakh |
| NIT Manipur | Imphal, Manipur | 2,30,000 – 5,50,000 | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical | ₹1.5 – 1.8 lakh |
| NIT Nagaland | Chümoukedima, Nagaland | 2,80,000 – 6,50,000 | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical | ₹1.5 – 1.8 lakh |
| NIT Sikkim | Ravangla, Sikkim | 2,40,000 – 5,80,000 | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical | ₹1.5 – 1.8 lakh |
| NIT Arunachal Pradesh | Jote, Arunachal Pradesh | 2,50,000 – 6,00,000 | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical | ₹1.5 – 1.8 lakh |
| NIT Puducherry | Karaikal, Puducherry | 1,80,000 – 3,50,000 | Mechanical, Civil, Electrical | ₹1.4 – 1.7 lakh |
| NIT Goa | Farmagudi, Goa | 1,50,000 – 2,80,000 | Mechanical, Civil, Electrical (borderline) | ₹1.4 – 1.7 lakh |
| NIT Hamirpur | Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh | 1,20,000 – 2,20,000 | Civil, Mechanical (home-state advantage) | ₹1.8 – 2.0 lakh |
Home-state quota significantly lowers closing ranks in most NITs. For example, 90 percentile candidates often secure seats in NIT Agartala or NIT Meghalaya under home-state. Other-state quota remains tougher but possible for ranks under 2,00,000.
These NITs offer decent infrastructure, placements (average 5–9 LPA), and government recognition. Check JoSAA portal during 2026 counselling for exact round-wise closing ranks.
Top IIITs Accepting 80-90 Percentile
Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) focus mainly on IT, Computer Science and related fields. For 80-90 percentile (CRL rank ~1,66,000 to 2,46,000), several newer and lower-ranked IIITs offer seats under JoSAA counselling, especially in home-state or other-state quotas.
JoSAA 2025 closing ranks provide the best reference for 2026 projections. Listed below are IIITs where admission is realistic in this percentile range for most branches.
| IIIT Name | Location | Typical Closing Rank (OS Quota 2025) | Common Branches Available | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIIT Una | Una, Himachal Pradesh | 2,00,000 – 4,00,000 | CSE, IT, ECE | ₹2.0 – 2.3 lakh |
| IIIT Kalyani | Kalyani, West Bengal | 1,80,000 – 3,50,000 | CSE, IT | ₹2.0 – 2.3 lakh |
| IIIT Sonepat | Sonepat, Haryana | 1,90,000 – 3,80,000 | CSE, IT | ₹2.0 – 2.3 lakh |
| IIIT Manipur | Imphal, Manipur | 2,50,000 – 5,00,000 | CSE, ECE | ₹2.0 – 2.3 lakh |
| IIIT Vadodara International Campus Diu (IIITV-ICD) | Diu, UT | 2,20,000 – 4,20,000 | CSE, IT | ₹2.1 – 2.4 lakh |
| IIIT Kottayam | Kottayam, Kerala | 1,70,000 – 3,20,000 | CSE, AI & Data Science (borderline) | ₹2.0 – 2.3 lakh |
| IIIT Ranchi | Ranchi, Jharkhand | 1,80,000 – 3,50,000 | CSE, ECE, IT | ₹2.0 – 2.3 lakh |
| IIIT Nagpur | Nagpur, Maharashtra | 1,50,000 – 2,80,000 | CSE, ECE (home-state advantage) | ₹2.1 – 2.4 lakh |
| IIIT Pune | Pune, Maharashtra | 1,40,000 – 2,50,000 | CSE, ECE (borderline for 88-90 percentile) | ₹2.1 – 2.4 lakh |
| IIIT Bhagalpur | Bhagalpur, Bihar | 2,30,000 – 4,50,000 | CSE, Mechatronics, ECE | ₹2.0 – 2.3 lakh |
Home-state quota opens more seats in IIITs located in smaller states. CSE remains the most competitive branch even in these institutes. Average placements range from 6–12 LPA with good companies visiting newer IIITs.
Monitor JoSAA 2026 counselling rounds closely. Spot rounds often fill remaining seats at lower ranks. These IIITs provide strong IT-focused education with modern labs and growing alumni networks.
Top GFTIs Accepting 80-90 Percentile
Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs) offer quality engineering education at affordable fees. For 80-90 percentile (CRL rank ~1,66,000 to 2,46,000), many GFTIs provide seats through JoSAA counselling, particularly in core and emerging branches.
JoSAA 2025 closing ranks act as the primary reference for 2026 expectations. Below are prominent GFTIs accessible in this percentile range.
| GFTI Name | Location | Typical Closing Rank (OS Quota 2025) | Common Branches Available | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assam University, Silchar | Silchar, Assam | 2,50,000 – 5,50,000 | Agricultural Engineering, CSE | ₹80,000 – 1.2 lakh |
| BIT Mesra (Off-campus) | Deoghar / Patna / Ranchi extensions | 1,80,000 – 3,80,000 | CSE, ECE, Mechanical | ₹2.8 – 3.2 lakh |
| Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya | Haridwar, Uttarakhand | 2,20,000 – 4,80,000 | Mechanical, Electrical, CSE | ₹70,000 – 1.1 lakh |
| Institute of Infrastructure Technology Research and Management | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 1,60,000 – 3,20,000 | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical | ₹80,000 – 1.3 lakh |
| J.K. Institute of Applied Physics & Technology | Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh | 2,00,000 – 4,00,000 | CSE, Electronics & Communication | ₹90,000 – 1.4 lakh |
| National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology | Aurangabad, Maharashtra | 1,90,000 – 3,90,000 | Electronics System Engineering | ₹1.0 – 1.5 lakh |
| North-Eastern Hill University | Shillong, Meghalaya | 2,80,000 – 6,00,000 | Energy Engineering, IT | ₹70,000 – 1.2 lakh |
| School of Engineering, Tezpur University | Tezpur, Assam | 2,10,000 – 4,50,000 | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical | ₹80,000 – 1.3 lakh |
| Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology | Longowal, Punjab | 1,70,000 – 3,50,000 | CSE, Food Technology, Mechanical | ₹80,000 – 1.2 lakh |
| Central University of Rajasthan | Ajmer, Rajasthan | 2,30,000 – 4,80,000 | Biomedical Engineering, CSE | ₹90,000 – 1.4 lakh |
Many GFTIs offer lower tuition compared to private colleges. Home-state or category reservations improve chances significantly. Placements vary (4–10 LPA average), but government tag adds value for higher studies or PSU jobs.
Track JoSAA 2026 counselling closely. Newer GFTIs often have vacant seats in later rounds. These institutes deliver solid technical education with moderate infrastructure growth.
Top Private Colleges Accepting 80-90 Percentile
Private engineering colleges accept JEE Main scores through their own counselling, management quota or state-level admissions. For 80-90 percentile (CRL rank ~1,66,000 to 2,46,000), several reputed private institutes offer good branches like CSE, ECE, Mechanical and IT.
These colleges often have flexible cutoffs compared to government institutes. Many participate in JoSAA for limited seats or conduct separate counselling. Below are top private options accessible in this percentile range for 2026 admissions.
| College Name | Location | Admission Route | Common Branches Available | Total Fees (Approx. 4 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | SRMJEEE / JEE Main | CSE, ECE, Mechanical, IT | ₹10 – 18 lakh |
| VIT Vellore | Vellore, Tamil Nadu | VITEEE (JEE scores sometimes considered) | CSE, ECE, Mechanical | ₹7 – 12 lakh |
| Manipal Institute of Technology | Manipal, Karnataka | MET / JEE Main | CSE, IT, ECE, Aeronautical | ₹12 – 20 lakh |
| Amity University | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | Direct / JEE Main | CSE, AI & ML, Civil, Mechanical | ₹10 – 16 lakh |
| Lovely Professional University | Phagwara, Punjab | LPUNEST / JEE Main | CSE, ECE, Aerospace, Chemical | ₹8 – 14 lakh |
| Chandigarh University | Mohali, Punjab | CUCET / JEE Main | CSE, AI & Data Science, Mechanical | ₹7 – 12 lakh |
| KIIT University | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | KIITEE / JEE Main | CSE, IT, Electronics, Civil | ₹12 – 18 lakh |
| Sharda University | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh | SUAT / JEE Main | CSE, Mechanical, Biotechnology | ₹7 – 13 lakh |
| UPES Dehradun | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | UPESEAT / JEE Main | CSE, Petroleum, Aerospace, Mechanical | ₹14 – 22 lakh |
| Bennett University | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh | JEE Main / SAT | CSE, AI, ECE | ₹15 – 20 lakh |
Private colleges provide modern infrastructure, strong placement records (average 5–15 LPA) and industry tie-ups. CSE remains highly competitive; core branches are easier to secure. Scholarships based on JEE percentile reduce fees significantly in many institutes.
Apply directly on college websites or through state counselling where applicable. Verify 2026 admission criteria on official portals as policies may update.
Fee Structure Overview
Fees vary significantly between government-funded and private colleges for students securing admission with 80-90 percentile in JEE Main 2026. Government institutes keep tuition affordable while private colleges charge higher due to better infrastructure and placement support.
Below is a realistic fee comparison based on 2025-26 official data from JoSAA, institute websites and state counselling portals. Expect minor increases for 2026-27 session.
| Institute Type | Examples | Annual Tuition Fees (Approx.) | Hostel + Mess (Annual Approx.) | Total 4-Year Cost Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Older / Top NITs (borderline cases) | NIT Goa, NIT Hamirpur | ₹1.25 – 1.80 lakh | ₹60,000 – 90,000 | ₹7 – 10 lakh | Government subsidized, low for home-state students |
| Newer NITs | NIT Agartala, NIT Meghalaya, NIT Mizoram | ₹1.50 – 1.80 lakh | ₹50,000 – 80,000 | ₹7.5 – 10.5 lakh | Similar structure, some offer fee waivers for economically weaker sections |
| IIITs (PPP / Government-aided) | IIIT Una, IIIT Kalyani, IIIT Ranchi | ₹2.00 – 2.40 lakh | ₹60,000 – 1.00 lakh | ₹10 – 13 lakh | Higher than NITs due to PPP model |
| GFTIs | Assam University, Sant Longowal Institute, Gurukula Kangri | ₹70,000 – 1.40 lakh | ₹40,000 – 80,000 | ₹4.5 – 8 lakh | Most affordable government options |
| Top Private Colleges | SRM Chennai, Manipal, KIIT Bhubaneswar | ₹2.50 – 5.00 lakh | ₹1.00 – 2.00 lakh | ₹12 – 28 lakh | Scholarships up to 50-100% possible based on JEE percentile |
| Mid-tier Private Colleges | Chandigarh University, LPU, Amity Noida | ₹1.80 – 3.50 lakh | ₹80,000 – 1.50 lakh | ₹9 – 18 lakh | Frequent merit-based fee reductions |
Government institutes charge uniform tuition across categories with relaxations for SC/ST/PwD and economically backward students. Private colleges offer scholarships for 85+ percentile candidates, sometimes reducing fees by 25-100%.
Always verify exact 2026-27 fee structure during counselling or on the official institute website. Hostel is usually mandatory in NITs/IIITs/GFTIs in initial years.
Location-Wise Distribution of Colleges
Colleges accepting 80-90 percentile in JEE Main 2026 spread across India. Location influences hostel life, travel cost, climate and job opportunities after graduation. Below is a grouped overview based on regions.
| Region | Key States/UTs | Prominent Colleges (80-90 Percentile Range) | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North India | Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand | NIT Hamirpur, IIIT Una, IIIT Sonepat, Chandigarh University, Amity Noida, Bennett University, LPU Phagwara | Proximity to Delhi-NCR job hubs, good connectivity, moderate climate | Higher competition in home-state quota, cold winters in hills |
| South India | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry | NIT Puducherry, IIIT Kottayam, SRM Chennai, VIT Vellore, Manipal Karnataka | Strong IT & manufacturing ecosystem, pleasant weather, reputed private colleges | Higher private fees, humid climate in coastal areas |
| East / Northeast India | Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Odisha | NIT Agartala, NIT Meghalaya, NIT Manipur, NIT Nagaland, NIT Sikkim, Assam University Silchar, Tezpur University, IIIT Kalyani, IIIT Ranchi | Low living cost, home-state advantage, peaceful campuses | Remote locations, limited off-campus placements |
| West / Central India | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan | IIIT Nagpur, IIIT Pune, IIIT Vadodara-ICD Diu, Institute of Infrastructure Ahmedabad, Central University Rajasthan | Industrial hubs nearby, growing startup scene, urban exposure | Hot summers in many areas, moderate competition |
North and South regions dominate private college options with better placement records. Northeast NITs suit home-state candidates seeking low-cost government seats. West India offers balanced academics and industry exposure.
Choose location based on family proximity, climate preference and post-graduation job goals. JoSAA allows choice filling by institute and branch, not just region. Check travel and hostel facilities during counselling.
Admission Tips for 80-90 Percentile Candidates
Securing a good college with 80-90 percentile in JEE Main 2026 requires strategic planning during counselling and choice filling. Follow these practical tips based on JoSAA, CSAB and private college admission trends.
- Prioritize home-state quota in NITs and IIITs – closing ranks drop significantly for home-state candidates. Fill maximum choices under home-state before other-state options.
- Keep core branches realistic – CSE and IT usually close below 1,50,000 rank even in newer NITs/IIITs. Target Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical or Production in government institutes.
- Use multiple counselling rounds wisely – participate in all JoSAA rounds (6 main + CSAB special). Float option allows upgrading to better branch/institute in later rounds.
- Fill 100+ choices – never leave choices blank. Add lower-ranked NITs, IIITs and GFTIs at the end as safety options. Use last year JoSAA closing ranks as guide.
- Check category benefits early – OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS and female-supernumerary seats improve chances. Verify category certificate validity before registration.
- Explore private colleges simultaneously – apply to SRM, Manipal, LPU, Chandigarh University during JoSAA process. Many offer scholarships for 85+ percentile.
- Monitor spot rounds and institute-level admissions – vacant seats in NITs/IIITs/GFTIs fill in CSAB special rounds or direct institute counselling at lower ranks.
- Prepare documents in advance – keep Class 10/12 marksheets, category certificate, PwD certificate (if applicable), bank details ready for fee payment and verification.
- Stay updated with official portals – check josaa.nic.in, csab.nic.in and NTA website daily during counselling period (June–August 2026 expected).
- Consider state counselling – many states (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha) accept JEE Main scores for private and government colleges outside JoSAA.
Smart choice filling and patience during rounds often convert average ranks into good branches. Start preparing documents and researching colleges now for smooth admission in 2026 session.
Admission Tips for 80-90 Percentile Candidates
Securing admission with 80-90 percentile in JEE Main 2026 needs careful strategy during counselling. JoSAA and CSAB processes run from June to August 2026. Follow these steps for better chances in NITs, IIITs, GFTIs and private colleges.
- Use home-state quota advantage – most NITs and IIITs reserve 50% seats for home-state candidates. Closing ranks drop sharply for local students. Fill all home-state choices first.
- Target realistic branches – CSE and IT close early even in newer institutes. Opt for Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Production or Metallurgy in government colleges.
- Participate in every round – JoSAA has 6 regular rounds plus CSAB special rounds. Choose “Float” to upgrade branch or institute in later rounds without losing current seat.
- Fill maximum choices – enter 100+ options during choice filling. Add lower-ranked NITs, IIITs and GFTIs as safety nets. Refer to JoSAA 2025 closing ranks for guidance.
- Leverage category reservation – OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS and female-supernumerary seats open many extra options. Ensure category certificate is valid and uploaded correctly.
- Apply to private colleges parallelly – institutes like SRM, Manipal, LPU, Chandigarh University accept JEE Main scores. Check for merit scholarships (often 20-100% for 85+ percentile).
- Monitor spot and institute rounds – vacant seats fill in CSAB special rounds or direct institute admissions at lower ranks. Keep checking official portals daily.
- Prepare documents early – keep Class 10/12 marksheets, category certificate, income certificate (for EWS), PwD certificate (if applicable) and bank details ready.
- Explore state-level counselling – states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Haryana accept JEE Main ranks for private and some government colleges outside JoSAA.
Regularly visit josaa.nic.in and csab.nic.in during counselling period. Start researching colleges and branches now. Smart planning converts 80-90 percentile into a strong engineering seat for 2026-27 session.
FAQs on Colleges for 80-90 Percentile in JEE Main 2026
Here are the most common questions students ask about admission possibilities with 80-90 percentile in JEE Main 2026. Answers are based on official JoSAA 2025 closing ranks, NTA trends and current counselling patterns.
1. Can I get CSE in any NIT with 80-90 percentile?
Very difficult in most NITs. CSE usually closes below 1,00,000–1,50,000 CRL rank even in newer NITs. Possible only in home-state quota in NIT Agartala, NIT Meghalaya or NIT Mizoram in later rounds.
2. Which is the best college I can realistically get in this percentile?
Best realistic options include NIT Hamirpur (home-state), NIT Goa, NIT Puducherry, IIIT Una, IIIT Kalyani, IIIT Ranchi or reputed private colleges like Chandigarh University and LPU with scholarships.
3. Does home-state quota make a big difference?
Yes. Home-state quota seats close at much higher ranks (often 2–4 times higher than other-state). Students from Northeast, smaller states or hilly regions get significant advantage in local NITs/IIITs.
4. Are private colleges better than lower NITs for placements?
Top private colleges (SRM, Manipal, KIIT) often have better average packages (8–15 LPA) and more company visits than newer NITs/IIITs (5–9 LPA). However, NIT tag carries long-term value for government jobs and higher studies.
5. Will fees increase for 2026-27 session?
Minor increase (5–10%) is possible in NITs/IIITs/GFTIs. Private colleges may revise fees annually. Check official websites during counselling for exact 2026-27 structure.
6. Should I wait for spot rounds or take a seat early?
Accept a reasonable seat in early rounds if you like the branch/institute. Use float option to upgrade later. Spot/CSAB rounds fill remaining vacant seats at lower ranks but options become limited.
7. Can OBC/SC/ST candidates get better colleges in this percentile?
Yes. Category ranks are much better than CRL. OBC candidates often get mid-tier NITs, SC/ST get top NITs or good IIITs even with 80-90 CRL percentile due to reserved seats.
8. What if I don’t get a seat in JoSAA counselling?
Apply to private colleges directly or through state counselling (Maharashtra, Karnataka, UPSEE equivalents). Many accept JEE Main scores and offer management quota seats.
Refer to josaa.nic.in and official NTA website for 2026 updates. Start choice filling preparation early for best results.
FAQs on Colleges for 80-90 Percentile in JEE Main 2026
Common questions asked by students who score 80-90 percentile in JEE Main and want to know realistic college options for the 2026-27 session. Answers are based on JoSAA 2025 closing ranks, NTA data and current admission trends.
1. Is it possible to get CSE in any NIT with 80-90 percentile?
CSE is very competitive. Closing ranks usually stay below 1,50,000 even in newer NITs. In home-state quota, limited seats may open in NIT Agartala, NIT Meghalaya or NIT Mizoram during last rounds or CSAB special rounds.
2. Which NIT or IIIT is considered the best in this percentile range?
Among NITs: NIT Hamirpur (home-state), NIT Goa, NIT Puducherry. Among IIITs: IIIT Una, IIIT Kalyani, IIIT Ranchi, IIIT Nagpur. These offer decent placements and infrastructure compared to other options in this rank bracket.
3. How much does home-state quota help in this percentile?
Home-state quota makes a huge difference. Closing ranks can be 2–5 times higher than other-state quota in most NITs and IIITs. Students from Northeast, hilly states or smaller states get clear advantage.
4. Are private colleges better than newer NITs for placements?
Top private colleges like SRM, Manipal, KIIT and Chandigarh University often show higher average packages (8–15 LPA) and more company visits than many newer NITs/IIITs (5–10 LPA). NIT degree still holds long-term value for PSU jobs and higher studies.
5. Will there be any fee hike for NITs/IIITs in 2026-27?
Fees usually increase by 5–10% annually. Current range is ₹1.4–2.4 lakh per year in NITs/IIITs. Check the official JoSAA website during 2026 counselling for exact revised structure.
6. Should I accept a seat early or wait for later rounds?
Accept a reasonable seat in early rounds if you like the branch or institute. Use “Float” option to upgrade later without losing current allotment. CSAB special rounds fill remaining seats but options become limited.
7. Do category students get better colleges in 80-90 percentile?
Yes. OBC-NCL, SC, ST and EWS candidates get much better institutes due to reserved seats. Many mid-tier NITs and good IIITs open up even with 80-90 CRL percentile under category rank.
8. What to do if I don’t get a seat through JoSAA counselling?
Apply directly to private colleges (SRM, LPU, Amity, Chandigarh University) or participate in state-level counselling (Maharashtra, Karnataka, UP). Many accept JEE Main scores and offer management quota seats.
Visit josaa.nic.in, csab.nic.in and official NTA portal regularly for 2026 updates. Start preparing documents and researching options early for smooth admission.
