NIT Rourkela Cut Off 2026

By Swati Singh

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Updated on 27 Jan 2026, 06:32 IST

National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela is among the premier engineering institutes in India, known for its high academic standards and competitive admissions process through JEE Main. Understanding the NIT Rourkela cut off is crucial for aspiring candidates aiming to secure a seat here. This blog covers the latest cut off trends for 2025, category-wise and branch-wise closing ranks, factors affecting cut offs, and tips for contenders.

Overview of NIT Rourkela Cut Off 2025

The cut off for NIT Rourkela in 2025 is determined by the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) following the JEE Main exam results. It varies according to the branch of engineering, student category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS), and quota (All India or Home State).

For the General category under the All-India quota, the last round closing rank for the most sought-after course, Computer Science and Engineering, was around 4245. The Home State quota saw the closing rank for the same course at approximately 7853. Other disciplines like Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering have higher cut off ranks, reflecting their relative demand and seat availability.

Category Wise NIT Rourkela Cut Off Ranks 2025 (Expected Range)

Category

Opening Rank (Lowest)

Closing Rank (Highest)

General

1,800

25,000

EWS

400

4,700

OBC-NCL

600

7,300

SC

200

5,600

ST

80

2,900

These cut offs reflect the competitive nature of admissions and the reserved seat policies applicable to various categories.

Branch Wise Closing Ranks Highlights

Branch

General Closing Rank (2025)

Computer Science & Engineering

4245

Artificial Intelligence

Around 5500-6000

Electronics & Communication

Around 6700-7000

Mechanical Engineering

20,000+

Civil Engineering

28,000+

Computer Science Engineering remains the most competitive branch with the lowest cut off ranks. On the other hand, traditional branches like Mechanical and Civil Engineering have higher cutoff ranks, offering more seats to candidates with relatively higher ranks.

Factors Influencing NIT Rourkela Cut Off

Several factors impact the cut off ranks each year, including:

  • Number of applicants appearing for JEE Main.
  • Difficulty level of JEE Main exam in the particular year.
  • Number of seats available in each category and branch.
  • Performance of candidates in JEE Main.
  • Reservation policies for different categories and domicile status.
  • Popularity and demand for specific branches like Computer Science.

Understanding these can help candidates better strategize for counseling rounds and choice filling.

Counseling and Round Wise Cut Off Changes

NIT Rourkela’s cut offs change with each round of JoSAA counseling. Initial rounds see lower closing ranks due to higher competition, whereas the last round usually closes with slightly higher ranks because of leftover seats. Aspirants should track cut off trends round-wise to maximize their chances.

Tips to Improve Admission Chances at NIT Rourkela

  • Aim for ranks well within the published closing ranks for your category and preferred branch.
  • Prioritize popular branches like Computer Science early in choice filling.
  • Keep track of counseling schedules and participate actively in choice locking and seat allotment processes.
  • Consider Home State quota if applicable, as it offers a different cut off range.

You Should Know

  • Eligibility criteria and minimum marks in Class 12 board exams for admission.
  • Reservation and quota policies at NIT Rourkela.
  • Seat matrix and intake for various B.Tech branches.
  • Placement statistics and average package offered, especially for branches like Computer Science and Electronics.
  • Cut off trends for other top NITs for comparison.

Conclusion

NIT Rourkela’s cut off ranks vary year to year and depend on multiple factors. For 2025, competitive ranks below 5000 for General category students especially in Computer Science can fetch admission, while other branches have progressively higher closing ranks. Staying informed about cut off trends and counseling rounds will help candidates navigate the admission process successfully.

Regularly consult official JoSAA portals and NIT Rourkela websites for the most updated cutoff announcements and seat details.

FAQs on NIT Rourkela Cut Off 2026

Over the years, NIT Rourkela’s cutoff trends have become increasingly competitive, especially for top branches like Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) and Electronics & Communication. With improving placement records and higher academic reputation, the closing ranks for these programs have been tightening—from around AIR 7000 in 2022 to near AIR 5000 in 2025 for the General category.

What are the lowest opening ranks for specific branches at NIT Rourkela?

Branches like Civil Engineering, Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, and Mining Engineering generally have the lowest opening ranks, often beginning from AIR 20,000–30,000 for General category candidates. In contrast, CSE and AI-related branches show much higher entry competitiveness, opening around AIR 2,500–3,500.

How does category influence the cutoff ranks at NIT Rourkela?

Category plays a major role in determining the cutoff. For instance, an OBC-NCL candidate may secure admission with a rank around AIR 3000–7000 in CSE, while the same course may close near AIR 5000 for General category. SC and ST cutoffs typically extend further, reflecting quota relaxations and seat distributions.

When will the final cutoff results be released for NIT Rourkela 2026?

The final cutoff results will be published after the completion of JoSAA Round 6 counseling, expected in July–August 2026. Candidates can check these results on the official JoSAA portal (josaa.nic.in).

What are the top factors affecting NIT Rourkela’s cutoff ranks?

Key factors include:

  • Difficulty level of the JEE Main exam.
  • Total number of applicants per branch.
  • Seat availability and reservation matrix.
  • Trends in preferred courses and institute reputation.
  • Placement reports and future career prospects.

What are the recent changes in NIT Rourkela cutoff ranks?

In 2025, CSE saw a tighter cutoff (closing near AIR 5100), while AI and Data Science-related programs rose in demand, pushing their closing ranks upward. Some traditional engineering branches, like Civil and Chemical, saw slight relaxation in ranks due to shifting candidate interests.

Which branches have the lowest opening ranks at NIT Rourkela?

The branches with consistently low opening ranks include:

  • Computer Science & Engineering (AIR 3000–3500)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AIR 4000–6000)
  • Electronics & Communication Engineering (AIR 5000–7000)
    These attract top ranks due to placement potential and interdisciplinary scope.