NIMCET 2026 Score vs Rank: Cutoff Trends, Opening & Closing Ranks at Top NITs
Overview
If your child plans to pursue a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) from a prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT), NIMCET 2026 is the golden gateway. The NIT MCA Common Entrance Test (NIMCET) is the exclusive exam for securing MCA admissions across top NITs in India, including NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal, NIT Surathkal, and others.
One of the biggest challenges students and parents face while preparing for NIMCET is understanding what score is good enough for a top NIT and how scores translate into ranks. This becomes especially crucial during the choice-filling and counselling stages.
In this blog, we’ll help you decode:
- How does your child’s NIMCET score correlate with rank
- Expected cutoff trends based on past years’ data
- Opening and closing ranks for each NIT
- What to aim for to secure a seat in the top colleges
- And how to plan based on category-wise cutoffs
Whether your child is targeting NIT Trichy or any other NIT, this comprehensive guide will help you set realistic targets, plan better, and confidently navigate the admission journey.
Understanding NIMCET 2026: Exam Dates, Pattern & Scoring
Before we dive into score vs rank analysis, it’s important to know the exam dates, understand how the NIMCET 2026 exam is structured and how scores are calculated. This helps students and parents grasp what it takes to achieve a competitive rank.
NIMCET 2025 Dates
| Event | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| NIMCET 2025 Registration | April 2025 |
| NIMCET 2025 Application Correction | April 25 to 28, 2025 |
| NIMCET 2025 Admit Card | May 28 to June 8, 2025 |
| NIMCET 2025 Exam | June 8, 2025 |
| NIMCET 2025 Result | June 25, 2025 |
| Counselling Process NIMCET 2025 | June 29 to July 5, 2025 |
| First Round of Allotment NIMCET 2025 | July 8 to 10, 2025 |
| First Round of Online Reporting and Partial Admission Fee Payment | July 9 to 12, 2025 |
| Second Round of Allotment | July 13, 2025 |
| Second Round of Online Reporting and Partial Fee Payment (Only for Fresh Allottees) | July 15 to 17, 2025 |
| Third Round of Allotment | July 18 to 20, 2025 |
| Third Round of Online Reporting (Only for Fresh Allottees) and Online Institute Admission | July 19 to 22, 2025 |
| Announcement of Vacant Seats | July 23, 2025 |
| Fresh Choice Filling and Registration | July 24 to 26, 2025 |
| NIMCET 2025 Reporting for offline admission at the finally allotted institute for all allotted candidates | July 27, 2025 |
| NIMCET 2025 Special round of Seat allotment | July 27, 2025 |
NIMCET 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | +12 for each correct answer -3 for every wrong answer | 600 |
| Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning | 40 | +6 for each correct answer -1.5 for every wrong answer | 240 |
| Computer Awareness | 20 | +6 for each correct answer -1.5 for every wrong answer | 120 |
| General English | 10 | +4 for each correct answer -1 for every wrong answer | 40 |
| Total | 120 Questions | — | 1000 Marks |
Key Highlights
- Mathematics carries the highest weightage (600/1000 marks) – students aiming for top NITs must focus heavily here.
- Sections like Logical Reasoning and Computer Awareness offer a great return on accuracy and are relatively scoring.
- General English may carry fewer marks but plays a role in fine-tuning overall performance.
- Time management is critical – with 120 questions to attempt in 2 hours.
NIMCET 2026 Score vs Rank Analysis
One of the most frequently asked questions by NIMCET aspirants and their parents is: “What score is required for a good rank?”
Understanding how your child’s raw score in NIMCET translates into an All India Rank is crucial for setting realistic expectations and targeting the right NITs during counselling.While the actual score vs rank may vary slightly depending on the difficulty level and performance of the candidate pool, here’s an estimated analysis based on past trends:
NIMCET 2024 Score vs Rank Reference Points
| Rank | Marks |
|---|---|
| 1 | 768 |
| 2 | 707 |
| 3 | 696 |
| 24 | 610 |
| 148 | 505.5 |
| 180 | 494.5 |
| 221 | 478 |
| 241 | 472.5 |
| 347 | 450 |
| 389 | 441 |
| 422 | 432 |
| 555 | 406 |
| 754 | 376.5 |
NIMCET 2026 Score vs Rank (Expected)
| Score Range (Out of 1000) | Expected Rank Range |
|---|---|
| 750 – 770 | 1 – 5 |
| 700 – 749 | 6 – 20 |
| 650 – 699 | 21 – 50 |
| 600 – 649 | 51 – 150 |
| 550 – 599 | 151 – 300 |
| 500 – 549 | 301 – 450 |
| 450 – 499 | 451 – 650 |
| 400 – 449 | 651 – 900 |
| 350 – 399 | 901 – 1200 |
| Below 350 | 1200+ |
Note: These figures are based on trends observed in 2024 and may vary slightly for 2026.
Why does Score vs Rank Analysis Matter?
- Helps students set a realistic score target based on their desired NIT and category.
- Guides your preparation strategy by identifying the score threshold for each tier of college.
- Informs choice filling during counselling, ensuring your child doesn’t miss out due to lack of data.
Previous Year NIMCET 2024 Marks vs Rank Analysis
The NIMCET 2024 exam was held on June 8, 2024, and the results were announced on June 28, 2024. The exam was conducted for a total of 1000 marks. Below, we shared a detailed analysis of NIMCET 2024 Marks vs Rank.
| NIMCET 2024 Marks (Out of 1000) | NIMCET 2024 Rank Range |
|---|---|
| Above 700 | 1 to 3 |
| 700 to 600 | 4 to 20 |
| 600 to 540 | 21 to 40 |
| 540 to 500 | 41 to 70 |
| 500 to 450 | 71 to 150 |
| 450 to 425 | 151 to 200 |
| 425 to 400 | 201 to 250 |
| 400 to 380 | 251 to 350 |
| 380 to 360 | 351 to 450 |
| 360 to 340 | 451 to 550 |
| 340 to 320 | 551 to 650 |
Expected NIMCET 2026 Cut-Off Trends
Cut-offs are the minimum ranks or scores required to secure admission into various NITs through NIMCET. These vary every year based on multiple factors and differ for each institute, category, and sometimes even branch.
Refer to the table below for the expected NIMCET 2026 cut-offs, categorized by each participating NIT.
| NIT Campus Name | GEN | GEN-PH | SC | SC-PH | ST | ST-PH | OBC | OBC-PH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIT, Agartala | 662 | NA | 4263 | NA | NA | NA | 1711 | NA |
| Motilal Nehru NIT, Allahabad | 213 | 1238 | 2381 | 4519 | 4893 | NA | 576 | 2107 |
| Maulana Azad NIT, Bhopal | 315 | 4065 | 3159 | NA | 4892 | NA | 834 | 4331 |
| NIT, Calicut | 261 | NA | 2277 | NA | 4239 | NA | 641 | NA |
| NIT, Jamshedpur | 511 | 1487 | 3681 | NA | 2821 | NA | 1280 | 4671 |
| NIT, Kurukshetra | 545 | 4469 | 4178 | NA | 1603 | NA | 1596 | NA |
| NIT, Raipur | 639 | 1778 | 4248 | NA | 4812 | NA | 1709 | NA |
| NIT, Karnataka, Surathkal | 175 | 1138 | 1915 | NA | 3303 | NA | 500 | 1868 |
| NIT, Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) | 34 | 897 | 632 | NA | 1052 | NA | 174 | NA |
| NIT, Warangal | 97 | NA | 1222 | NA | 2468 | NA | 300 | NA |
Factors Influencing NIMCET Cut-Offs
- Number of Applicants: More aspirants increase competition.
- Exam Difficulty Level: Tougher exams may result in lower cut-offs.
- Seat Availability: NITs with more seats generally have slightly relaxed cut-offs.
- Category-Based Reservation: Cut-offs significantly differ for General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates.
- Candidate Preferences: Popular NITs and branches (like CS) have higher cut-offs.
Past Cut-Off Trends
Analyzing past cut-offs helps parents and students make informed decisions during counselling and understand what’s realistically achievable based on their rank.
| Institute Name | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad | 25 | 180 |
| National Institute of Technology Agartala | 665 | 759 |
| National Institute of Technology Karnataka Surathkal | 30 | 114 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | 407 | 560 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | 572 | 728 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | 292 | 523 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | 601 | 727 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | 452 | 711 |
| National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur | 282 | 509 |
| National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra | 198 | 291 |
| National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra | 303 | 397 |
| National Institute of Technology Trichy | 1 | 52 |
| National Institute of Technology Warangal | 133 | 238 |
| Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal | 388 | 578 |
NIMCET 2024 Round 2 Counselling cut-off: Opening and Closing Ranks
| Institute Name | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| National Institute of Technology Agartala | 760 | 781 |
| National Institute of Technology Karnataka Surathkal | - | - |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | 760 | 781 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | 562 | 570 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | 735 | 738 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | 528 | 529 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | 741 | 757 |
| National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur | - | - |
| National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra | 399 | 399 |
| National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra | 242 | 242 |
| National Institute of Technology Trichy | - | - |
| National Institute of Technology Warangal | - | - |
| Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal | 371 | 373 |
| Indian Institute of Information Technology Bhopal | 581 | 593 |
NIMCET 2024 Round 3 Counselling cut-off: Opening and Closing Ranks
| Institute | Category | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal | ST | 6056 | 6056 |
| National Institute of Technology Agartala | OBC-NCL | 877 | 880 |
| National Institute of Technology Agartala | Open | 783 | 797 |
| National Institute of Technology Agartala | SC | 3941 | 3941 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | OBC-NCL | 875 | 875 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | SC | 4157 | 4157 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | ST | 7469 | 7929 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | ST | 6429 | 6429 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | SC | 4234 | 4242 |
| National Institute of Technology Patna | ST | 7771 | 7956 |
| National Institute of Technology Raipur | SC | 3913 | 3915 |
| Indian Institute of Information Technology Bhopal | SC | 3709 | 3709 |
| Indian Institute of Information Technology Bhopal | ST | 6836 | 6836 |
How to Use Cut-Off Data Effectively?
- Match your expected rank (from our previous section) with last year’s closing ranks.
- Create a priority list of NITs and branches before counselling.
- Keep backup options ready if your preferred NIT has a tighter cut-off.
NIMCET 2026 Seat Matrix
For NIMCET 2026, 1,033 seats are available across 11 participating institutes. The institutions accepting NIMCET scores this year include:
- NIT Agartala
- MNNIT Allahabad
- MANIT Bhopal
- NIT Jamshedpur
- NIT Kurukshetra
- NIT Patna
- NIT Raipur
- NITK Surathkal
- NIT Trichy
- NIT Warangal
- IIIT Bhopal
The detailed seat allocation for each participating institute is provided below.
| NAME OF THE INSTITUTE | QUOTA | OC | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | PWD-OC | PWD-OBC | PWD-SC | PWD-ST | PWD-EWS | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIT Agartala | 25 | 15 | 08 | 03 | 06 | 00 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 60 | |
| MNNIT Allahabad | 45 | 29 | 16 | 08 | 11 | 02 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 116 | |
| MANIT Bhopal | 44 | 30 | 16 | 08 | 11 | 02 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 115 | |
| NIT Delhi | 03 | 03 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 10 | |
| NIT Delhi (Self-Financing) | 06 | 03 | 03 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 15 | |
| NIT Jamshedpur | 45 | 30 | 16 | 08 | 10 | 02 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 115 | |
| NIT Kurukshetra | 25 | 16 | 09 | 05 | 06 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 01 | 00 | 64 | |
| NIT Kurukshetra (Self-Financing) | 17 | 11 | 06 | 02 | 04 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 01 | 01 | 42 | |
| NIT Raipur | 43 | 27 | 15 | 08 | 11 | 02 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 110 | |
| NIT Meghalaya | 08 | 05 | 03 | 01 | 02 | 00 | 00 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 20 | |
| NIT Tiruchirappalli | 45 | 29 | 16 | 08 | 11 | 02 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 115 | |
| NIT Warangal | ALL INDIA | 22 | 16 | 08 | 04 | 5 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 01 | 58 |
| NIT Patna (Data Sciences & Informatics) | 15 | 10 | 06 | 03 | 04 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 40 | |
| NIT Patna (Data Sciences & Informatics) (Self-Financing) | 15 | 10 | 06 | 03 | 04 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 40 | |
| NIT Patna (AI & IoT) | 15 | 10 | 05 | 03 | 04 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 40 | |
| NIT Patna (AI & IoT) Self-Financing | 15 | 10 | 06 | 03 | 04 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 40 | |
| IIIT Bhopal | 29 | 19 | 10 | 06 | 08 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 75 | |
| IIIT Vadodara (Gandhinagar Campus) | 46 | 31 | 17 | 09 | 11 | 02 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 120 | |
| IIIT Vadodara (International Campus - Diu) | 34 | 23 | 13 | 07 | 09 | 02 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 90 | |
| TOTAL | 497 | 327 | 180 | 91 | 123 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 09 | 07 | 1285 |
NIMCET Expected Closing Ranks 2026
The ten participating NITs will likely maintain a closing rank trend similar to 2019 for admissions. However, candidates must meet the anticipated NIMCET 2026 cutoff to be eligible for admission to any NITs.
A category-wise comparison of candidate ranks with the expected closing ranks for each institute is provided below.
| NIT Campus Name | GEN | GEN-PH | SC | SC-PH | ST | OBC | OBC-PH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIT Agartala | 1-665 | NA | 1-4265 | NA | NA | 1-1713 | NA |
| Motilal Nehru NIT, Allahabad | 1-215 | 1-1238 | 1-2383 | 1-4521 | 1-4895 | 1-578 | 1-2109 |
| Maulana Azad NIT, Bhopal | 1-317 | 1-4065 | 1-3161 | NA | 1-4894 | 1-836 | 1-4333 |
| NIT, Calicut | 1-263 | NA | 1-2279 | NA | 1-4241 | 1-643 | NA |
| NIT Jamshedpur | 1-513 | 1-1487 | 1-3683 | NA | 1-2823 | 1-1282 | 1-4673 |
| NIT Kurukshetra | 1-547 | 1-4469 | 1-4180 | NA | 1-1605 | 1-1598 | NA |
| NIT Raipur | 1-641 | 1-1778 | 1-4250 | NA | 1-4814 | 1-1711 | NA |
| NIT, Karnataka, Surathkal | 1-177 | 1-1138 | 1-1917 | NA | 1-3305 | 1-502 | 1-1870 |
| NIT, Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) | 1-36 | 1-897 | 1-634 | NA | 1-1054 | 1-176 | NA |
| NIT Warangal | 1-99 | NA | 1-1224 | NA | 1-247 | NA | NA |
Strategies to Improve Rank and Secure Desired NIT
Securing a top rank in NIMCET 2026 requires a well-planned preparation strategy. With 1000 marks up for grabs and tough competition for around 1,000+ MCA seats across 11 institutes, your child needs a focused, innovative approach to reach their desired NIT.
Here are parent and student-friendly strategies to boost performance and maximize chances of success:
1. Focus Heavily on Mathematics (600 Marks)
- Mathematics alone accounts for 60% of the total score.
- Build a strong foundation in Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, and Probability.
- Practice conceptual questions and focus on speed + accuracy.
- Daily revision of formulas and short tricks can significantly improve scores.
2. Target Scoring Sections: Reasoning & Computer Awareness
- Logical Reasoning (240 marks) and Computer Awareness (120 marks) are relatively high scores.
- Regular mock tests and puzzles sharpen logical ability.
- For Computer Awareness, refer to MCA-level basics like data structures, programming logic, and operating systems.
3. Don’t Ignore General English
- Though it carries just 40 marks, a few well-attempted questions can improve your overall score and rank.
- Practice vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction, and comprehension.
- Use mobile apps or flashcards for daily vocab drills.
4. Take Full-Length Mocks & Analyze
- Attempt full-length NIMCET mock tests at least once a week.
- Focus on time management, complete the paper in 110–115 minutes.
- After each mock, analyze weak areas and revise concepts accordingly.
5. Optimize Negative Marking Strategy
- NIMCET has strict negative marking:
- –3 for Mathematics
- –1.5 for Reasoning & Computer Awareness
- –1 for English
- Attempt only what you’re confident about.
- Teach your child to leave tough questions unanswered instead of guessing blindly.
6. Maintain Consistency & Revision
- Make a weekly revision schedule.
- Maintain a formula notebook and shortcut collection.
- Keep at least 2 hours daily for revision before the exam in the last 2 months.
Parent Tip: Encourage a healthy routine, balanced study hours, and regular breaks to avoid burnout. Emotional and mental support is just as important as academic guidance.
Counseling Process and Seat Allotment
Once the NIMCET 2026 exam results are declared, the next crucial phase is the counseling process. This is when your child’s rank and preferred NITs come into play. The NIMCET counseling process follows a detailed, structured format to ensure that every candidate has a fair chance at securing their seat in one of the prestigious NITs.
Understanding the steps involved in the counseling process is key to strategizing seat allocation effectively and increasing the chances of securing your desired NIT.
Step-by-Step Guide to the NIMCET Counseling Process
Registration for Counseling
After the results are declared, candidates must register online on the official NIMCET counseling portal.
Ensure all personal details, categories, and academic information are filled in correctly.
Verification of documents, including mark sheets, category certificates, etc., will be required.
Choice Filling & Locking
Once registered, candidates must fill in their preferred NITs and branches (MCA programs).
Prioritize top NITs (based on rank) and consider backup options for peace of mind.
Lock the choices to confirm the filled preferences for the counseling process.
Seat Allotment
The seat allotment process will allocate seats in NITs based on rank, category, and preferences.
There may be multiple rounds of seat allotment (usually 2-3 rounds), where candidates can get better options depending on availability.
If a candidate doesn’t get the seat they prefer in the first round, they can wait for the next round or accept the seat allotted.
Document Verification
After the seat is allotted, the candidate must report to the designated NIT for document verification.
Original documents and copies like caste certificates, academic marksheets, and identity proof will be checked.
Fee Payment & Seat Confirmation
After document verification, candidates must pay the admission fee to confirm their seat.
The seat is confirmed once the fee is paid and verified and the candidate’s admission process is complete.
Reporting to the Allotted NIT
Candidates must report all necessary documents to the allotted NIT within the given time frame.
Missing the deadline may lead to the cancellation of the allotted seat.
Key Dates and Documents Required
- Important Dates: Keep track of the NIMCET counseling dates, including the registration, seat allotment, and document verification deadlines.
- Documents Needed for Verification:
- Rank card and scorecard
- 12th-grade marksheet
- Birth certificate
- Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs (as per specifications)
Tip: Keep the documents ready and verified to avoid last-minute issues during counseling.
Tips for Effective Counseling Strategy
- Fill in all preferences – Choosing more NITs and branches is better than fewer to increase your chances.
- Participate in every counseling round – Don’t hesitate to participate in subsequent rounds for better seat allocation.
- Be strategic – Consider factors like location, reputation, and branch preferences while filling in your choices.
With these strategies, your child can confidently navigate the counseling process and make an informed decision about their MCA program.
Conclusion
The NIMCET 2026 journey is not just about cracking a challenging exam, it’s about strategy, preparation, and clarity at every step. From understanding how scores convert to ranks to choosing the right NIT based on past trends and category-wise cut-offs every detail matters.
Whether your child is targeting NIT Trichy, Warangal, Surathkal, or any of the 11 participating institutes, it’s essential to be well-informed and well-prepared.
That’s where Tarkashastra steps in.
How Tarkashastra Can Help
At Tarkashastra, we specialize in coaching students for competitive exams after Class 12 including NIMCET, CLAT, IPMAT, and more. Our programs are parent-friendly, data-backed, and focused on building fundamental strategies, not just solving questions.
- Tailored study plans & mentorship
- Score improvement strategies
- Weekly mock tests with performance analysis
- One-on-one guidance for choice filling and counseling
Want Your Child to Crack NIMCET 2026?
Visit www.tarkashastra.co.in to explore our NIMCET coaching solutions and book a free counseling session with our experts.
Let’s help your child secure a seat at one of India’s top NITs — the smart way.
. What Is a Good Score in NIMCET 2026 for Admission to Top NITs?
A score of 650+ out of 1000 is considered excellent and can secure a top rank within the first 50. With this score, your child can confidently aim for NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, or NIT Warangal, among the most competitive institutes.
For mid-tier NITs like Bhopal and Jamshedpur, a score of 550–600 can still offer strong admission chances.
2. How Is the NIMCET 2026 Rank Calculated From the Score?
NIMCET 2026 is conducted for a total of 1000 marks. The final All India Rank (AIR) is calculated based on:
The total marks obtained across four sections (Math, Reasoning, Computer Awareness, English)
In case of a tie in marks:
Higher marks in Mathematics are given priority
If still tied, marks in Logical Reasoning, Computer Awareness, and English are considered
If the tie still persists, the candidate older in age is ranked higher
3. How Many Seats Are Available in NIMCET 2026 Across All NITs?
There are 1,033 MCA seats available across 11 participating institutes through NIMCET 2026, including:
10 National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
1 Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT Bhopal)
Each NIT has a different number of seats and category-wise seat allocation based on government norms.
4. Do Reserved Categories Have Separate Cut-Off Ranks in NIMCET?
Yes. OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD candidates have separate category-wise cut-offs. This means they can secure seats at higher ranks (lower scores) than General category candidates.
Note: Candidates must submit valid certificates during counseling to avail of reservation benefits.
5. Can I Get an NIT With a NIMCET Rank Above 1000?
Yes, but it depends on:
Category: Reserved category candidates have better chances
Choice of NITs: Institutes like NIT Agartala, NIT Raipur, and NIT Patna tend to accept higher ranks
Counseling Round: Seats open up in later rounds due to upgradation or withdrawal
For the General category, admission becomes challenging above Rank 1200. However, backup options and smart choice filling can still make it possible.
