For many students in India, getting an admission in any of the NITs is their dream come true. Nevertheless, it is not very easy to achieve a high percentile rank in JEE Main. But here is the bottom line: even if you belong to the lower percentile, you are not out of luck to get into an NIT — if you strategize effectively and have a contingency plan in mind.

It is now time to analyze how a student with a low percentile score can still dream of getting into NITs and how much planning and awareness can help him succeed.

The percentile rank of a candidate in the JEE Main examination determines the rank of that candidate in the list of students who appeared for the examination.

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JEE Main percentile is the rank of a student out of the total competing students who appeared in the examination. Most students believe that a percentile below 90 sentences them to a life of failure in attaining their dream of joining a good engineering college. However, this isn't entirely true. Even in NITs, students with lesser percentiles are admitted to some extent, especially in the home state quota, SC/ST/OBC/EWS quota, and for a few less popular branches.

Low JEE Main Percentile: List of NITs That Candidates Can Get Through

Below is the list of NITs that are likely to admit students having low percentile rank, particularly under certain quotas:

1. NIT Mizoram

NIT Mizoram is one of the new NITs established in 2010, located in Aizawl. Because of the less competition, the cut-offs are relatively low. In the home state quota or category reservation, candidates having percentiles even as low as the 60s have been given admissions.

2. NIT Nagaland

Even the admission to the branches like Civil or Mechanical Engineering in NIT Nagaland has remained open for students with moderate JEE Main percentile scores.

3. NIT Puducherry

With a smaller intake and limited competition, especially for specific categories, NIT Puducherry has accepted students with percentiles as low as 75–80.

4. NIT Sikkim

Students from the northeastern states or those applying through reserved categories have a better chance here even with lower percentiles.

5. NIT Arunachal Pradesh

This NIT has shown flexibility in cut-offs, particularly in non-core branches. A student with around 70-75 percentile has found admission here in past years.

Use Reservation & Home State Quota Wisely

Many students forget the power of quotas. If you belong to SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS categories, your chances of securing a seat improve significantly even at lower percentiles. Additionally, the home state quota gives local students preference in NITs situated in their respective states.

If your percentile is low, research which NITs are in your home state and check past year cut-offs category-wise. This research could open up doors you didn’t know existed.

Be Flexible With Branch Choices

Another important strategy is to be flexible about the engineering branch. Everyone dreams of Computer Science, but even with a high percentile, it's competitive. If your goal is to get into an NIT, consider core branches like Mechanical, Civil, or Chemical. These often have lower cut-offs and can still lead to excellent career opportunities.

You can always work on switching your branch after the first year based on performance or upskill later through certifications and specializations.

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Smart Backup Strategy for Low Percentile Students

Here’s how you can develop a smart backup strategy if your JEE Main percentile is not up to the mark:

• Apply to multiple NITs where cut-offs are generally low and check if your category or home state works to your advantage.
• Look into IIITs and GFTIs that also participate in the JoSAA counselling process; some of them have low cut-offs for specific quotas.
• Participate actively in CSAB special rounds after JoSAA rounds. These rounds often help in filling vacant seats, and many students with low percentiles get placed here.
• Prepare for other state-level entrance exams simultaneously (like MHT-CET, WBJEE, etc.) to widen your options.
• Don’t miss out on private and deemed universities that offer good placements and learning environments. Use your JEE Main score to gain direct admissions in many such institutes.

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Why Mock Tests Matter—Even in Backup Strategy

Whether you’re targeting top NITs or looking for backup options, practicing with mock tests is critical. The more familiar you are with the exam pattern, time pressure, and difficulty level, the better you’ll perform.

Use the JEE Main mock test 2025 to analyze your weak areas, understand time management, and simulate the real test environment. These insights can help boost your score, even with limited time left.

There are plenty of platforms offering JEE Main mock tests for free, which can be a game-changer for students who may not want to invest heavily but still want to practice effectively.

Final Thoughts

Not scoring a top percentile in JEE Main does not mean your dream of getting into an NIT is over. It simply means you need to think strategically, research smartly, and keep all your options open. Utilize your home state quota, apply for lesser-known NITs, be open to different branches, and use JEE Main mock test 2025 resources to boost your preparation even at the last moment.

Remember, a low score isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning of a smarter path forward.