Lowest Rank to Get Into Old IITs (2026): Branch-Wise Cutoff, Safe Rank & Strategy
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
Introduction - Lowest Rank to Get Into Old IITs
Engineering aspirants preparing for JEE Advanced 2026 often ask one crucial question — what is the lowest rank to get into old IITs? The answer depends on branch preference, category, seat type, and yearly competition. Old IITs such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Roorkee remain the most competitive institutes in India due to their placements, legacy, and research ecosystem.
This detailed guide explains the expected lowest rank to get into old IITs for 2026 using the latest JoSAA cutoff trends from 2024–2025. You will also learn branch-wise cutoff analysis, category variations, safe rank strategy, and counselling tips.
What Are Old IITs?
Old IITs are the first generation IITs established before 2001. These institutes consistently rank among India’s top engineering colleges due to strong academics, infrastructure, and global reputation.
List of Old IITs
IIT Bombay
IIT Delhi
IIT Madras
IIT Kanpur
IIT Kharagpur
IIT Roorkee
These IITs offer high placement packages, strong alumni networks, and top research output, making admission extremely competitive.
Why Cutoffs Matter for IIT Admission
Admission to IITs happens through JEE Advanced + JoSAA counselling. Each round releases opening and closing ranks for every branch and category.
Cutoffs are influenced by:
Exam difficulty
Number of applicants
Seat availability
Category reservation
Branch popularity
Authorities release cutoffs as opening and closing ranks, which determine admission chances for aspirants.
Lowest Rank to Get Into Old IITs (2026 Expected)
Based on JoSAA 2025 and previous trends, the expected lowest rank to get into old IITs in 2026 varies by branch.
CSE Cutoff Trend (General Category)
IIT | Expected Lowest Rank (CSE) |
IIT Bombay | 60–70 |
IIT Delhi | 110–130 |
IIT Madras | 160–180 |
IIT Kanpur | 240–270 |
IIT Kharagpur | 400–430 |
IIT Roorkee | 470–520 |
These estimates align with recent cutoff patterns where IIT Bombay closed near AIR 66 and IIT Delhi around AIR 113 in 2025 JoSAA rounds.
Conclusion: For CSE in old IITs, you generally need AIR under 500 (General category).
Branch-Wise Lowest Rank to Get Into Old IITs
Not everyone targets CSE. Many students secure admission with higher ranks by choosing other branches.
1. Electrical Engineering
IIT Bombay / Delhi: AIR 400–800
IIT Madras / Kanpur: AIR 800–1500
IIT Kharagpur / Roorkee: AIR 1500–2500
2. Mechanical Engineering
IIT Bombay / Delhi: AIR 1500–2500
IIT Madras / Kanpur: AIR 2500–3500
IIT Kharagpur / Roorkee: AIR 3500–5000
3. Civil Engineering
IIT Delhi closing rank ~4200
IIT Madras / Roorkee ~4500–6000
Example: IIT Delhi Civil Engineering closed near AIR 4228 in 2025 JoSAA data.
Conclusion: Mechanical and Civil branches allow entry to old IITs with ranks up to ~6000.
Overall Lowest Rank to Get Into Old IITs (All Branches)
If branch flexibility is high, you can enter old IITs even with higher ranks.
IIT Bombay overall closing ranks reached ~4777 across B.Tech programs.
Lower-demand branches in IIT Delhi closed around AIR 8000 in some programs.
Safe estimate: Lowest rank to get into old IITs = AIR 5000–9000 (branch dependent)
Category-Wise Lowest Rank to Get Into Old IITs
Reservation significantly affects closing ranks.
CSE Expected Category Cutoffs
IIT | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
IIT Bombay | 45–55 | 28–35 | 13–18 | 20–25 |
IIT Delhi | 85–95 | 45–55 | 23–28 | 32–38 |
IIT Madras | 80–90 | 68–75 | 28–32 | 40–45 |
Reserved category candidates can enter top IIT branches with relatively higher AIR due to reservation policies.
Year-Wise Trend of Old IIT Cutoffs
CSE Closing Rank Trend (General)
Year | IIT Bombay | IIT Delhi | IIT Madras |
2024 | 68 | 116 | 159 |
2025 | 66 | 113 | 170 |
2026 | Expected similar |
Cutoffs fluctuate slightly each year depending on competition but remain stable overall.
Safe Rank Target for JEE Advanced 2026
Based on trend analysis:
Goal | Safe Rank |
CSE in old IITs | Under 300 |
Circuital branches | Under 1500 |
Core branches | Under 4000 |
Any branch in old IIT | Under 8000 |
This strategy helps aspirants set realistic preparation targets.
Factors Affecting Lowest Rank to Get Into Old IITs
Branch popularity (CSE highest)
Institute reputation
Seat increase or decrease
Difficulty level of JEE Advanced
Gender-neutral vs female seats
JoSAA counselling strategy
JoSAA Counselling Tips to Get Old IIT with Higher Rank
Fill maximum choices
Prioritize branch vs college decision
Track round-wise cutoff movement
Use mock allotment wisely
Keep backup branches
Cutoffs often drop in later rounds, increasing chances of admission.
Mistakes Students Make While Predicting IIT Rank
Assuming only CSE matters
Ignoring dual degree programs
Not considering female supernumerary seats
Filling fewer choices in counselling
Comparing wrong category cutoffs
Avoiding these mistakes improves admission probability.
Strategy to Improve Chances of Old IIT Admission
Target rank instead of marks
Attempt full syllabus mock tests
Focus on accuracy to avoid negative marking
Strengthen Physics and Mathematics
Revise frequently
Future Trends: IIT Cutoff Prediction for 2026–2028
Stable cutoff range expected
Slight increase in competition
More interdisciplinary branches may ease entry
AI & Data Science programs gaining popularity
FAQ Section
Q1. What is the lowest rank to get into old IITs in 2026?
The lowest rank to get into old IITs in 2026 is expected around AIR 5000–9000 for less competitive branches, while CSE requires AIR under 500.
Q2. Can I get old IIT with 5000 rank?
Yes, with AIR 5000 you can get Mechanical, Civil, or dual degree programs in IIT Kanpur, Kharagpur, or Roorkee.
Q3. Which IIT has the lowest cutoff among old IITs?
IIT Roorkee and IIT Kharagpur generally have comparatively higher closing ranks among old IITs.
Q4. Is CSE possible in old IIT with rank 1000?
No, CSE in old IITs usually closes under AIR 500 for General category.
Q5. Does category reservation affect lowest rank to get into old IITs?
Yes, reservation significantly increases closing ranks for OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates.
Conclusion
Understanding the lowest rank to get into old IITs helps aspirants set realistic preparation goals and counselling strategies. For JEE Advanced 2026, students targeting CSE in old IITs should aim for AIR under 300, while flexible branch aspirants can secure admission up to AIR 8000 depending on category and program.
Cutoff trends remain stable with minor fluctuations each year, meaning consistent preparation, smart counselling choices, and realistic expectations are key to securing admission in your dream IIT.
Official Links for IIT Admission 2026
Use the official portals below to stay updated with notifications, counselling schedules, and cutoff releases related to IIT admissions:
1. JEE Advanced 2026 Official Website https://jeeadv.ac.in→ Check exam date, syllabus, eligibility, admit card, and result updates.
2. JoSAA Counselling Portal https://josaa.nic.in→ Register for counselling, fill choices, view seat allotment, and download cutoff ranks.
3. JEE Main Official Website (NTA) https://jeemain.nta.nic.in→ Access JEE Main scorecard, percentile data, and eligibility updates for JEE Advanced.
4. IIT Admission Information Portal https://www.iitd.ac.in (or respective IIT websites)→ Visit individual IIT websites for branch details, seat matrix, and academic information.
5. Previous Year Opening & Closing Ranks (JoSAA OR-CR Portal) https://josaa.nic.in/or-cr→ Analyze branch-wise and category-wise cutoff trends for better counselling strategy.
Comments