JEE Main 2026: NIT Rourkela records higher closing ranks in CSE, ECE, AI; core engineering branches stable
JEE Main Registration 2026: The JEE session 1 exams will be conducted from January 21 to 30, while the Session 2 exams are scheduled from April 2 to 9, 2026.
The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, recorded a rise in closing ranks for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electrical Engineering (EE), and other branches in the seat allotment, indicating shifts in candidate preference and competition patterns across core and emerging disciplines. JEE Main 2026 Registration LIVE
As per JoSAA’s last year’s final round data, the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) branch closed at Rank 3,431 under the Open category (outside state quota), higher than 2,940 in 2024.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) programme saw a similar rise, closing at 4,448 compared to 3,983 last year. The Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) branch also remained highly competitive, closing at 5,785, marginally up from 5,721 in 2024.
In contrast, core branches such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Civil Engineering recorded relatively stable or broader cut-offs. Mechanical closed at 15,035, Electrical at 10,623, and Civil at 25,282, showing only minor variations from last year’s ranks. Chemical Engineering continued in mid-range demand with a closing rank of 18,034.
AI, data science continue to outpace traditional disciplines
On the other hand, specialised branches such as Bio Technology, Mining Engineering, and Industrial Design continued to have higher closing ranks — ranging between 27,000 and 53,000 — reflecting lower demand relative to computer-based disciplines.
In integrated and dual-degree programmes, NIT Rourkela reported wide rank bands. The Chemistry (Integrated MSc) programme closed between 34,430 and 43,806, while Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (Dual Degree) closed between 35,129 and 47,131.
The data indicates that emerging technology branches—especially those linked with computing and electronics—remain more competitive than traditional core engineering programmes. This aligns with national admission trends where Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and related disciplines are drawing higher interest due to expanding career and research opportunities.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 Session 1 exams from January 21 to 30, while Session 2 exams are scheduled from April 2 to 9, 2026. Registration for the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is ongoing, and candidates can apply till November 27, 2025, through the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
Also readJEE Main 2026: Wider gap in NIT cut-offs for home and other-state quotas; outsiders need better rank
JEE Main Registration 2026: NIT Rourkela cut-off trends
The NIT Rourkela cut-off data released by JoSAA shows increased competition for computing and electronics branches, while core engineering and dual-degree programmes saw stable or wider rank ranges. The table below presents opening and closing ranks across major disciplines for 2023 to 2025.
Programme | Closing Rank 2025 | Opening Rank 2024 | Closing Rank 2023 |
Architecture (5 Years, Bachelor of Architecture) | 550 | 464 | 716 |
Artificial Intelligence (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 4448 | 3125 | 3983 |
Bio Medical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 34766 | 28053 | 37811 |
Bio Technology (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 32227 | 21536 | 29495 |
Ceramic Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 34022 | 30050 | 36000 |
Ceramic Engineering and M.Tech Industrial Ceramic (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 45200 | 36588 | 39253 |
Chemical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 18034 | 15345 | 18958 |
Chemical Engineering (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 20944 | 21024 | 22091 |
Chemistry (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 43806 | 42967 | 48289 |
Civil Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 25282 | 17880 | 25893 |
Computer Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 3431 | 591 | 2940 |
Electrical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 10623 | 6573 | 10462 |
Electronics and Communication Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 5785 | 3958 | 5721 |
Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 9555 | 7450 | 10785 |
Food Process Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 40010 | 34557 | 41605 |
Industrial Design (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 24030 | 27601 | 29601 |
Life Science (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 51669 | 38622 | 45442 |
Mathematics (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 24786 | 21341 | 28659 |
Mechanical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 15035 | 12405 | 15037 |
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 30135 | 24831 | 28678 |
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 35129 | 25209 | 35955 |
Mining Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology) | 35731 | 29168 | 31895 |
Mining Engineering (5 Years, Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree)) | 41212 | 30720 | 32461 |
Physics (5 Years, Integrated Master of Science) | 23219 | 17440 | 22008 |
Follow us for the latest education news on colleges and universities, admission, courses, exams, research, education policies, study abroad and more..
To get in touch, write to us at news@careers360.com.
