IIT Statistics: What the Numbers Say About JEE Admissions

If you’re aiming for an IIT, the stats matter. Knowing the latest rank trends, cutoffs and seat distribution helps you set realistic goals and plan smarter. Below we break down the most useful numbers you’ll see on the IIT portal, plus a few quick tips on how to use them.

Rank Trends and What They Mean

Every year the JEE Advanced rank list shifts a bit. In the past five years, the top 100 ranks have stayed under 500, but the 10,000‑rank bracket has widened. That means if you score around a 9,000 rank, you still have a chance at several branches in the newer IITs, while the older ones tighten their cutoffs.

What’s interesting is the growth of open seats in newer campuses like IIT Bhubaneswar and IIT Gandhinagar. Their opening ranks often sit between 8,000 and 12,000, giving more flexibility for students who miss the top 5,000 mark.

Cutoff Patterns Across Branches

Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) remains the toughest branch. In the top three IITs, the opening cutoff for CSE averages around 250‑300 rank. Mechanical and Electrical follow with cutoffs near 1,500‑2,000. If you target a branch with a medium cutoffs like Civil or Metallurgy, aim for a rank under 5,000 to increase your odds.

Another useful stat is the closing rank. For many branches, the closing rank can be up to three times the opening rank. So a CSE opening at 300 could close around 900. Knowing both numbers helps you shortlist colleges before seat allocation.

Don’t forget reservation seats. The cutoffs for SC, ST and PwD categories are typically 20‑30% lower than the general category. If you belong to any of these groups, check the specific category cutoffs on the official IIT website.

Finally, keep an eye on the total seats per branch. Some IITs add new seats each year to meet demand. For example, IIT Delhi added 100 extra seats in CSE for 2025, which lowered the cutoff by roughly 150 ranks compared to the previous year.

Use these stats to set a target rank, pick realistic branches and make a backup plan. The numbers change, but the pattern stays the same: aim higher than your minimum, and keep an eye on both opening and closing ranks.

Good luck with your prep, and remember that the right data can turn a tough goal into a reachable one.