A complete guide to the safe JEE Main 2026 score and percentile targets for B.Tech Computer Science Engineering (CSE) in GFTIs, covering general and reserved category expectations.
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A safe score for B.Tech CSE in JEE Main 2026 is expected to be 200+ marks for admission into top Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). According to the JoSAA Seat Matrix 2025, there are a total of 40 GFTIs in India. In this article, we discuss the category-wise safe score for B.Tech CSE across top, mid-tier, and lower-tier GFTI colleges to help aspirants set realistic targets.
Safe Score Range Expected for B.Tech CSE in GFTIs in 2026
A safe score is generally higher than the official cutoff marks declared after the JEE Main results. Since cutoff scores change every year based on several factors, students should aim for a safe score rather than the minimum cutoff.
Based on cutoff trends from 2024 and 2025, the expected safe score for B.Tech CSE in GFTIs in 2026 is as follows:
| Name of GFTIs | Expected Marks | Approximate Percentile Range |
|---|---|---|
| Top GFTIs (e.g., BIT Mesra, IIEST Shibpur) | 160–180+ | 94–96+ |
| Good / Mid-tier GFTIs (e.g., Assam University, SPA Delhi, Sant Longowal) | 140–170 | 92–95 |
| Other / Regional GFTIs (Lower Demand) | 120–150 |
90–93 |
Also Read: Safe Score in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech CSE in NITs, IIITs & GFTIs
Category-wise Expected Safe Score for B.Tech in CSE (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS)
The safe score in JEE Main varies significantly across categories, colleges, and branches. Admissions to GFTIs follow the reservation norms set by NTA and JoSAA.
| Category | Safe Percentile Range | Competition / Relaxation Level |
|---|---|---|
| General | 92–97 | High competition, aim for 120+ |
| OBC | 85–92 | Moderate relaxation |
| General EWS | 87–94 | Good option in mid-tier GFTIs |
| SC | 65–85 | Significant relaxation |
| ST | 55–75 | Highest relaxation |
Useful Articles Related to B.Tech in other specialisations from GFTIs:
What is the Percentile vs Marks Logic in JEE Main 2026?
JEE Main is conducted in multiple shifts across two sessions, and NTA uses a normalisation process to convert raw marks into percentiles to ensure fairness.The JEE Main percentile reflects your performance relative to other candidates.
-
250+ marks → ~99.5–100 percentile
-
150–199 marks → ~98–99 percentile
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120–149 marks → ~95–98 percentile
Formula used by NTA:
Percentile = 100 × (Number of candidates with equal or lower score ÷ Total number of candidates in the session)
Factors That Influence Safe Score for B.Tech CSE in 2026
The final cutoff for B.Tech CSE in GFTIs will be released after the JEE Main 2026 results. The safe score is influenced by several key factors:
1. Difficulty Level of the Paper
The difficulty level varies across shifts. Tougher shifts generally lead to lower cutoffs, while easier shifts push cutoffs higher.
2. Popularity of CSE
With the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and IT sectors, CSE remains the most preferred branch, leading to higher cutoffs at GFTIs.
3. JoSAA and CSAB Counselling
Admissions to GFTIs are conducted through JoSAA counselling, followed by CSAB for vacant seats. For CSE, seats are usually filled by JoSAA Round 2, making the competition intense.
Relevant Articles Related to JEE Main Safe Scores and Percentile in 2026:
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| Safe Score in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech AI & Machine Learning | Safe Score & Percentile in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech AI & ML in NITs |
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| Safe Score in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech Electrical Engineering | Safe Score & Percentile in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech Electrical Engineering in IIITs |
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| Safe Score & Percentile in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech CSE in IIITs | Safe Score & Percentile in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech Civil Engineering in IIITs |
| Safe Score & Percentile in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech ECE in GFTIs | Safe Score & Percentile in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech ECE in IIITs |
| Safe Score & Percentile in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech AI & ML in NITs | Safe Score & Percentile in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech ECE in NITs |
| Safe Score in JEE Main 2026 for B.Tech Civil Engineering | - |
Conclusion
Computer Science Engineering (CSE) continues to be the most sought-after branch among JEE aspirants due to its strong placement opportunities and long-term career growth. To maximise the chances of securing B.Tech CSE at top GFTIs, candidates should aim for a safe score of 200+ marks in JEE Main 2026. Strategic preparation, understanding percentile trends, and targeting a score well above the cutoff can significantly improve admission prospects in top Government Funded Technical Institutes.
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