NIRF Rank #1 · Est. 1959 · Chennai

JEE Advanced 2026 Cutoff for IIT Madras – Branch-wise Ranks

CSE closing rank ~128 · ECE ~487 · Data Science (5yr) ~498 · Mech ~910 · India's NIRF #1 Institute

About IIT Madras

IIT Madras, established in 1959 in Chennai, is India's top-ranked engineering institution by NIRF for multiple consecutive years (NIRF #1, 2025). It is renowned for its strong research culture, excellent faculty, and sprawling 620-acre campus in the heart of Chennai.

IIT Madras has pioneered online education through NPTEL and offers India's first BS Degree in Data Science & Applications via online mode. The campus-based programmes remain highly competitive, with JEE Advanced and JoSAA counselling as the entry route.

IIT Madras Branch-wise Cutoff 2026 (General Category, All India)

BranchOpening RankClosing Rank
Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)B.Tech2~128
Data Science & AI (5-yr Dual Degree)Dual Degree128~498
Electronics & Communication Engg (ECE)B.Tech139~487
Engineering Design (5-yr Dual Degree)Dual Degree501~1201
Mechanical EngineeringB.Tech488~910
Electrical EngineeringB.Tech488~1000
Chemical EngineeringB.Tech911~1601
Aerospace EngineeringB.Tech1602~2801
Civil EngineeringB.Tech2802~4201
Ocean Engineering (Dual Degree)Dual Degree4202~6501
Metallurgical & Mat. EngineeringB.Tech2801~4500

* Approximate ranks based on JoSAA 2025 data. JoSAA 2026 has concluded (final round, July 16, 2026) — verify the latest closing ranks at josaa.nic.in.

Why IIT Madras Excels Despite Higher CSE Cutoff

IIT Madras CSE closing rank (~128) is higher than IIT Bombay (~67) and IIT Delhi (~98), primarily because of location preference — many top rankers choose IIT Bombay or Delhi for their metropolitan location and ecosystem.

However, IIT Madras consistently outperforms all IITs in NIRF ranking due to research publications, patents, industry revenue, and faculty quality. Its Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI (RBCDSAI) and Centre for Innovation are world-class research hubs.

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Frequently Asked Questions – IIT Madras Cutoff 2026

Common questions about IIT Madras JEE Advanced 2026 branch-wise opening and closing ranks

1
What rank is needed for IIT Madras CSE in JEE Advanced 2026?
IIT Madras CSE (Computer Science & Engineering) B.Tech programme has an approximate closing rank of AIR 128 for General category via JoSAA. The opening rank is AIR 2 (as the AIR 1 holder may opt for IIT Bombay or Delhi). This is slightly higher than IIT Bombay (CR ~67) and IIT Delhi (CR ~98) due to location preference.
2
What is the Data Science programme cutoff at IIT Madras?
IIT Madras offers a 5-year Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech) in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. The closing rank is approximately AIR 498 for General category. This is a popular programme given the demand for AI/ML expertise, and candidates with ranks around 130–498 often consider it strongly.
3
Why is IIT Madras ranked #1 by NIRF despite having higher cutoffs than IIT Bombay/Delhi?
NIRF ranking evaluates research output, faculty quality, publications, patents, peer perception, and income metrics — not just student intake quality. IIT Madras consistently tops NIRF due to exceptional research output, external funding, and graduate outcomes. The slightly higher cutoff ranks reflect location preference rather than academic quality differences between the top IITs.
4
Can I get IIT Madras with a rank of 500?
Yes. With an AIR of 500 in JEE Advanced 2026, you can access IIT Madras branches like Data Science & AI (5-yr Dual Degree, CR ~498), ECE (CR ~487), Mechanical Engineering (CR ~910), Chemical Engineering (CR ~1601), and Engineering Design (CR ~1201). CSE B.Tech (CR ~128) would not be accessible at rank 500.
5
IIT Madras vs IIT Bombay – which should I choose?
Both are excellent institutions. IIT Madras (NIRF #1) leads in research metrics and has a strong academic culture in Chennai. IIT Bombay (NIRF #3) offers Mumbai's industry ecosystem and strong placement records in finance. If you prioritize research/academia, IIT Madras is a compelling choice. If you prefer entrepreneurship/finance/industry, IIT Bombay may suit better. Both have exceptional CSE programmes.

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Disclaimer

Cutoff ranks are based on JoSAA 2025 data, shown as prior-year reference. JoSAA 2026 has concluded (final round, July 16, 2026) — verify the latest closing ranks on josaa.nic.in.