IIT Madras CSE Cutoff 2026
Computer Science & Engineering · Chennai, Tamil Nadu
IIT Madras CSE — Category-wise Cutoff 2025–26
Based on 2025 JoSAA closing ranks. Category ranks estimated using standard multipliers. 2026 cutoffs may vary ±5–10%.
| Category | OS Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| OPEN | ~164 |
| OBC-NCL | ~82 |
| SC | ~36 |
| ST | ~23 |
| EWS | ~139 |
Who Can Get This Seat? (OPEN OS)
Safe
Under 128
Very likely admission. Your rank is well within the cutoff.
Target
128 – 172
Likely admission. Rank is close to cutoff — keep as primary choice.
Reach
172 – 200
Uncertain. Include as a reach choice alongside safe options.
About IIT Madras CSE
IIT Madras's Computer Science & Engineering programme is the most sought-after engineering seat in India. With a 2025 OPEN OS closing rank of ~164, only the very top JEE rankers qualify. The programme produces India's highest density of tech entrepreneurs, international placees, and competitive programmers.
Strategy for This Choice
- 1You need a JEE rank under ~200 (Reach zone) for this seat. Only top 0.1% of JEE aspirants qualify — ensure your mock scores are consistently above this level before targeting.
- 2IIT Madras CSE graduates are placed at both product companies (Google, Microsoft, etc.) and finance firms. Strengthening competitive programming from first year onwards dramatically improves your placement prospects.
- 3During JoSAA counselling, use the Float and Slide options in every round to automatically upgrade to better choices if seats open. Do not Freeze until Round 5–6 unless you are fully satisfied with your current allotment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What JEE rank is required for IIT Madras CSE?
The 2025 JoSAA OPEN Other-State (OS) closing rank for IIT Madras Computer Science & Engineering was approximately 164. OBC-NCL candidates need a rank under ~82, SC under ~36, ST under ~23, and EWS under ~139. 2026 cutoffs may vary ±5–10%.
Is IIT Madras CSE worth choosing over a higher-ranked college in a different branch?
It depends on your priority — branch vs college brand. CSE is a high-demand branch with strong placement. Choosing a lower-ranked college's CSE can often give better placement outcomes than a higher-ranked college's core branch.
What is the placement for IIT Madras CSE?
The overall median placement at IIT Madras is approximately ~₹22 LPA. CSE/IT/Maths branches typically see higher packages than the institute median, often 20–40% above it.
How do I fill choices for IIT Madras CSE in JoSAA?
Fill IIT Madras Computer Science & Engineering as a choice in JoSAA, then add options above and below as safety nets. Include all category-specific versions you qualify for (OPEN, OBC-NCL, EWS etc.) as separate choices. Use Float and Slide options to maximise your upgrade chances across rounds.
Is IIT Madras CSE the right choice for your rank?
Expert JoSAA Counselling — ₹999
60-min 1-on-1 session. Know exactly where to rank this branch in your 50+ choice list, how to use Float/Slide, and which alternatives to keep as backup.