What is the IIT cutoff scene? Do SC/ST get benefits from it?

The IIT cut-off system ensures that candidates meet a minimum standard of academic excellence to be eligible for admission. However, it varies by category to account for the different social and economic challenges faced by students. For candidates belonging to the SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe) categories, the IIT cut-off is significantly lower compared to that for General category students. This is a result of the reservation system designed to promote educational equality and provide these students with a fair chance to access higher education.

For SC and ST candidates, IITs offer reserved seats, which constitute a substantial portion of the total available seats. The exact percentage of seats reserved is:

• 15% of the total seats are reserved for SC candidates.
• 7.5% of the total seats are reserved for ST candidates.

These reserved seats come with the benefit of lower cut-offs, allowing SC and ST candidates to gain admission with comparatively lower marks. However, the candidates still need to meet the eligibility criteria and qualify in the JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams.

Benefits SC/ST candidates get:

• Relaxed Cut-offs: SC/ST candidates generally have lower cut-off marks in comparison to General category candidates, giving them a better chance of admission.
• Specialized Counseling: SC/ST candidates often have separate counseling rounds to ensure that they are given due preference for available seats.
• Support for Learning: Some IITs provide special support programs for SC/ST students, including remedial classes, mentoring, and financial assistance.