Mastering the IIITH UGEE: Selection Ratio and Cutoff Trends 2026
- Divya Shinde
- Dec 23, 2025
- 4 min read
For engineering aspirants in India, the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) is more than just a college; it is a hub of world-class research and technical excellence. While JEE Main is the traditional route to enter this prestigious institution, the Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE) has emerged as a high-stakes, research-focused alternative.
If you are aiming for the 2026 admissions cycle, understanding the UGEE selection ratio and cutoff trends is critical to your strategy. This blog provides an in-depth analysis of past data and future predictions to help you navigate one of India’s most competitive engineering entrance exams.
1. What Makes UGEE Different?
Unlike JEE Main, which focuses on speed and accuracy across standard PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) topics, UGEE is designed to identify students with a research mindset. The exam grants admission to five-year Dual Degree programs where students earn both a B.Tech and an MS by Research.
The exam consists of two primary sections:
SUPR (Subject Proficiency Test): A 60-minute test evaluating 11th and 12th-grade PCM knowledge.
REAP (Research Aptitude Test): A 120-minute test focusing on critical thinking, data interpretation, and analytical reasoning.
2. Analyzing UGEE Selection Ratio and Cutoff Trends (2022–2025)
To predict the 2026 landscape, we must look at how the cutoffs have evolved. Cutoffs are released in two forms: sectional marks for the interview call and closing ranks for the final seat allotment.
Sectional Marks for Interview Shortlisting
To even be considered for the interview, a candidate must first clear the SUPR cutoff. Once SUPR is cleared, the REAP score becomes the deciding factor.
Year | SUPR Cutoff (Qualifying) | REAP Cutoff (For Interview Call) |
|---|---|---|
2023 | 22 / 50 | 68 / 100 |
2024 | 14 / 50 | 66 / 100 |
2025 (Exp) | 12.75 / 50 | 68 / 100 |
2026 (Pred) | 15 – 18 / 50 | 70+ / 100 |
Closing Rank Trends by Program
The "CSD" (Computer Science + MS in CSE) remains the most sought-after branch, consistently closing at the highest ranks.
Program Code | 2023 Closing Rank | 2024 Closing Rank | 2025 Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
CSD (CSE Dual) | 82 | 104 | 83 |
ECD (ECE Dual) | 189 | 200 | 233 |
CLD (Comp. Linguistics) | 175 | 136 | 141 |
CND (Natural Sciences) | 225 | 204 | 200 |
Note: Ranks fluctuate based on the difficulty of the REAP section and the performance of the top 1,000 candidates.
3. Detailed UGEE Selection Ratio Analysis
The selection ratio for UGEE is notoriously narrow, making it statistically harder to crack than many IITs. While IIIT Hyderabad does not officially release the exact number of applicants, data from student forums and expert estimations paint a clear picture.
The Numbers Game
For the 2026 cycle, it is estimated that between 40,000 and 60,000 students will apply for the UGEE exam. However, the total number of seats across all dual-degree programs is approximately 120 to 150.
Stage | Estimated Number of Candidates | Selection Ratio |
|---|---|---|
Total Applicants | 50,000+ | 1:1 (Starting Point) |
Qualified for Interview | 800 – 1,000 | ~1.6% to 2% |
Final Selection (Seats) | 120 – 150 | ~0.25% to 0.3% |
This selection ratio highlights that only 1 out of every 300 to 400 applicants successfully secures a seat. The filter starts at the UGEE selection ratio and cutoff trends, where the SUPR section acts as a qualifying gate, and the REAP section determines your rank for the interview shortlist.
4. 2026 Expected Cutoffs: What to Aim For?
Based on the increasing popularity of IIITH and the growing number of JEE aspirants looking for research-oriented paths, we expect the 2026 cutoffs to be slightly more aggressive.
For an Interview Call: Aim for a total score of 95–105 out of 150. Specifically, strive for 20+ in SUPR and 75+ in REAP.
For CSD (Top Choice): You likely need an AIR (UGEE Rank) under 80.
For ECD: You should target an AIR under 200.
Factors Influencing 2026 Trends
Diversity Initiative: IIIT Hyderabad aims to ensure that at least 25% of shortlisted candidates for interviews are women, which may influence the specific cutoff marks for female candidates.
Exam Difficulty: If the REAP section features more subjective or multi-step logic puzzles, the raw marks cutoff might drop, but the competitive rank remains tight.
Increased Awareness: More coaching institutes are now providing specialized UGEE modules, leading to better-prepared candidates and higher average scores.
5. Preparation Strategy for the 2026 Cycle
To beat the narrow selection ratio, your preparation must be distinct from your JEE Main routine.
Focus on REAP: This is the rank-deciding section. Practice puzzles, linguistics-based logic, and data interpretation. Your ability to think on your feet is more important than memorizing formulas.
SUPR as a Gatekeeper: Don’t ignore SUPR. If you don't clear the minimum threshold here, your REAP score—no matter how high—will not be evaluated.
The Interview Matters: Unlike JEE, the final merit list at IIITH heavily weighs your performance in the personal interview. They look for passion for research and "coachability."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the expected UGEE selection ratio and cutoff trends for 2026?
The 2026 selection ratio is expected to be approximately 0.3%, with only 150 seats available for over 50,000 applicants. The cutoff for an interview call is predicted to be around 95-105 marks out of 150, depending on the paper's difficulty level.
2. Does clearing the UGEE cutoff guarantee admission?
No. Clearing the written cutoff only qualifies you for the interview round. The final selection is based on a combined evaluation, with the interview playing a massive role in determining if you are fit for a research-heavy 5-year program.
3. Is there negative marking in UGEE 2026?
Yes, there is typically a 25% negative marking scheme. In SUPR, you get +1 for correct and -0.25 for wrong. In REAP, it is generally +2 for correct and -0.5 for wrong.
4. Which is better: JEE Main or UGEE for IIIT Hyderabad?
It depends on your goal. JEE Main is for the 4-year B.Tech (Single Degree), while UGEE is for the 5-year Dual Degree (B.Tech + MS). If you have an interest in research and innovation, UGEE is the better route.
Final Thoughts
The road to IIIT Hyderabad via UGEE is challenging, but the reward is a degree from one of the best engineering institutions in Asia. By keeping a close eye on the UGEE selection ratio and cutoff trends, you can set realistic targets and tailor your preparation to stand out in the REAP section.
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