NewsIMTS3,000 rank difference exists between home-state and other-state quotas for NIT admissions, analysis of past five years' JoSAA counselling data reveals. JEE Main 2026 registration is open till November 27, with exams scheduled in two sessions – January 21-30 and April 2-9. Results will be announced on February 12 and April 20. At NIT Tiruchirappalli, the 2025 Computer Science Engineering closing rank for other-state candidates was 1449, while home-state candidates could secure admission with a rank of 4569. Similar patterns were observed at NIT Warangal and NIT Surat, where outside candidates needed significantly better ranks. The seat matrix at most NITs allocates 50% seats to home-state candidates and 50% to candidates from other states. The National Testing Agency has increased exam cities from 284 to 323 this year and clarified that calculators will not be allowed during the computer-based test. (Updated 3 Nov 2025, 19:24 IST; source: link)
Home-State vs Other-State: The 3,000 Rank Gap at NITs
Students applying to National Institutes of Technology (NITs) through JEE Main 2026 should understand the significant difference between home-state and other-state quotas. Analysis of the past five years of JoSAA counselling data shows approximately a 3,000 rank gap between these quotas. For example, at NIT Tiruchirappalli, students from outside Tamil Nadu needed a rank of 1449 to secure Computer Science Engineering seats in 2025, while home-state candidates could get in with a rank of 4569. Similar patterns exist at other premier NITs like Warangal and Surat.
JEE Main 2026: Key Dates and Admission Process
JEE Main 2026 registration remains open until November 27, with exams scheduled in two sessions: January 21-30 and April 2-9. Results will be announced on February 12 and April 20 respectively. Most NITs follow a 50-50 seat distribution between home-state and other-state candidates. This quota system significantly impacts admission chances based on a student's state of residence. The National Testing Agency has expanded exam centers from 284 to 323 cities this year to improve accessibility. Students should note that calculators will not be permitted during the computer-based test.
Key Points
- 3,000 rank difference exists between home-state and other-state quotas for NIT admissions, analysis of past five years' JoSAA counselling data reveals.
- JEE Main 2026 registration is open till November 27, with exams scheduled in two sessions – January 21-30 and April 2-9.
- Results will be announced on February 12 and April 20.