Alternative Engineering Colleges for JEE Main Students with Low Class 12 Scores

Many students who excelled in the JEE Main exam are facing challenges due to not achieving the required 75% in their Class 12 board exams. However, there are numerous prestigious engineering colleges that do not enforce this requirement. This article explores alternative institutions where students can gain admission based on their JEE Main scores, including IIIT Delhi, IIIT Hyderabad, and others. Discover the eligibility criteria and a list of colleges that welcome students with lower Class 12 marks, ensuring that aspiring engineers have viable pathways to pursue their education.

By Ambika Singh Jun 3, 2026, 10:55 IST

Opportunities for Students with Lower Class 12 Marks

A considerable number of students who excelled in this year's JEE Main have not achieved the required 75 percent in their Class 12 board exams. This has resulted in many being unable to meet the eligibility criteria for admission into IITs and other central technical institutions. However, there is no need for these students to lose hope. Numerous esteemed engineering colleges across India do not mandate a 75 percent score in Class 12 for admission, allowing students to pursue their academic goals based on their JEE Main results.

Eligibility Criteria and Alternatives

As a result, many students found themselves ineligible for IITs, NITs, and other central institutes. Some have pointed to the new on-screen marking system implemented by CBSE as a reason for their lower scores. According to the guidelines, General category students must achieve at least 75 percent in Class 12 or rank in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the requirement is lowered to 65 percent.

Institutes Without 75% Marks Requirement

**Admission Opportunities at Various Institutes**

Students who did not meet the 75 percent threshold in their Class 12 exams can still apply to several prestigious institutions based on their JEE Main scores. Notable options include:

IIIT Delhi: Requires 70% in Class 12

IIIT Hyderabad: Accepts valid JEE Main scores

IIIT Bangalore: Accepts valid JEE Main scores

DTU, Delhi

NSUT, Delhi

Thapar Institute, Patiala: Minimum 60% required

Manipal University, Jaipur

MIT Pune: Minimum 50% required

VJTI Mumbai: Minimum 45% required

Amity University: Minimum 60% required

Additional Options for Aspiring Engineers

**Other Noteworthy Institutions**

Moreover, students can consider institutions like IGDTUW, HBTU Kanpur, MAIT Delhi, LNMIIT Jaipur, IET Lucknow, ICT Mumbai, SPIT Mumbai, PICT Pune, and UIT Chandigarh as excellent alternatives.