How Many Marks Does an SC Candidate Need to Score in IIT JAM to Get Into an IIT?
The IIT JAM (Joint Admission Test for MSc) is a highly competitive exam, and the cutoff marks for admission to IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) vary each year based on a range of factors, including the difficulty level of the exam and the number of candidates. For SC (Scheduled Caste) candidates, the cutoff marks are generally lower than those for the general category.
SC Candidate Cutoff Marks
Typically, the cutoff for SC candidates has ranged from about 20 to 30 of the total marks in recent years. For example, if the total marks for the IIT JAM are 100, an SC candidate might need to score between 20 to 30 marks to qualify for the programs at IITs. However, it's important to check the official IIT JAM website or the specific IITs for the most accurate and updated cutoff information, as these values can change annually.
General Candidate Cutoff Marks
The minimum marks that a candidate needs to score in the IIT JAM to get into an IIT varies based on the program they are applying for. In general, a candidate needs to score a minimum of 40-50 marks in the qualifying exam to be eligible for admission.
According to the last year's IIT JAM opening and closing rank, anything between 30-40 marks will surely get into some top IITs. For any subject, 30-40 marks is always safe. For mathematics, a score of 30 marks is often sufficient to secure a seat in top IITs.
Personal Experience and Tips
A friend, who was an SC candidate, secured a position at IIT Delhi with a rank of around 1,400. Based on this, it is always a good idea to aim for at least a rank in the 1,000-1,500 range to ensure a competitive position in the exam.
It's important to note that the cutoff varies each year and can depend on the subject and the specific IIT. Therefore, candidates should aim to score at least 25 marks for general IITs, and around 30 marks for older IITs. For your most preferred IIT, scoring 35 marks is often recommended. The IIT releases the opening and closing rank in three rounds, and if you do not get a seat in round 1, you should apply in round 2 and then round 3.
As the opening and closing rank for certain subjects seems to decrease in the following rounds, you should aim to get a rank of around 2,000 or lower in the exam to have a good chance of getting a seat in IITs in the first round of counseling. It is highly recommended to refer to the IIT JAM opening and closing rank for the specific subject in which you are appearing, so that you can predict this year's closing score and set your target for the JAM Exam 2020.
In summary, while the exact cutoff varies each year, aiming to score 20-30 marks for SC candidates and 40-50 marks for general candidates is a safe strategy. Stay focused, and aim to perform your best rather than focusing solely on the number of marks.