These programs often function as a reliable “backup route” to obtain the coveted IIT tag, enabling students to benefit from world-class infrastructure, strong peer groups, and academic flexibility, while later transitioning into careers in technology, analytics, or finance.
IIT Cutoffs: The IIT admission landscape for 2026 continues to reflect a clear contrast between traditional, specialized core branches and highly sought-after technology-focused programs.
While Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at top IITs typically wraps up admissions within the elite AIR 100–500 range, several specialized branches remain accessible to candidates ranked anywhere from 10,000 to beyond 15,000.
Branches such as Agricultural and Food Engineering, Mining Engineering, Textile Technology, and Environmental Science consistently record the lowest cutoffs, meaning they have comparatively higher closing ranks.
At IIT Kharagpur, Agricultural and Food Engineering has historically closed around 10,500–11,500. In contrast, Mining Engineering at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad often extends much further, frequently reaching the 15,000–16,000 range in the later rounds of JoSAA counselling.
In the same vein, Textile Technology at IIT Delhi stands out as a smart option for candidates aiming for the prestigious “Delhi IIT tag” with a rank close to 6,000. Although these branches are vital to core industrial sectors, they remain less competitive due to the strong inclination of students toward software and IT-driven careers.
Opting for such branches is often a calculated academic move. Many students leverage the exceptional IIT ecosystem, influential alumni base, and interdisciplinary opportunities to later pivot toward fields like data science, finance, management consulting, or entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, some of the most relaxed cutoffs are observed in Integrated M.Sc. programs—particularly in Geology, Geophysics, and Chemistry. These programs can occasionally offer entry into elite institutes such as IIT Bombay or IIT Roorkeeat ranks that may not qualify for conventional B.Tech programs.
IIT Branches with the Lowest Cutoffs
| Branch Name | Representative IIT | Est. Closing Rank (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining Machinery Engineering | IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | 15,500 – 16,500 |
| Applied Geology (5-Year) | IIT Kharagpur / Roorkee | 12,500 – 14,500 |
| Agricultural & Food Engineering | IIT Kharagpur | 10,500 – 11,500 |
| Biological Sciences | IIT Madras | 9,500 – 10,000 |
| Textile Technology | IIT Delhi | 5,800 – 6,200 |
Understanding Low-Cutoff IIT Branches
For IIT admissions in 2026, many aspirants face the classic dilemma of choosing between a top-ranked IIT campus and a high-demand branch. For candidates in the General category, the branches listed above—often closing well beyond the 5,000–10,000 rank range—represent some of the most accessible entry points into the IIT ecosystem. Despite the overwhelming competition for computer science seats, these lesser-contested streams come with notable advantages:
- Mining & Agricultural Engineering: Offered at institutes like IIT Kharagpur and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, these departments cater to major industrial sectors. Graduates frequently secure roles in both core engineering and non-core domains such as consulting, analytics, and operations, even with comparatively higher entry ranks.
- Applied Geology & Biological Sciences: Ideal for students inclined toward research careers or those seeking admission to prestigious campuses like IIT Bombay or IIT Madras, these five-year Integrated M.Sc./B.S. programs provide academic depth along with the IIT brand.
- Textile Technology at IIT Delhi: A popular strategic choice, this branch allows students to tap into the same elite networking opportunities, startup ecosystem, and exposure enjoyed by peers in CSE or Electrical Engineering—while studying in the national capital.