The JEE Advanced 2025 exam has come and gone, but it’s left behind a trail of tension, tired minds, and a big question: Will the cut-offs be lower this year?
If you’re one of the thousands who attempted the exam, you’re probably still processing the intensity of those questions. And you’re not alone. Experts and coaching centers across India agree — this year’s paper was tougher than usual, and that could mean some relief in the form of lower cut-offs.
Students React: “It Was Brutal!”
From Delhi to Chennai, students have described the JEE Advanced 2025 paper as one of the most challenging in recent memory. Time management was a major hurdle, and many walked out of the exam hall feeling uncertain.
“This year’s paper wasn’t just about knowing formulas — it really tested how well you understood the core concepts,” said Ananya, a student from Hyderabad.
“I did well in mock tests, but this was on a whole different level,” shared Rohan, an aspirant from Mumbai.
Let’s break down the paper:
- Physics: A nightmare for many, with deep conceptual questions from mechanics and electromagnetism.
- Mathematics: Lengthy and brain-draining. Integration, algebra, and coordinate geometry demanded speed and precision.
- Chemistry: Slightly more manageable, but still had unexpected curveballs in physical and organic sections.
Many students said they couldn’t even attempt all questions, a clear sign that the difficulty level was up this year.
What Are the Experts Saying?
Coaching giants like FIITJEE, Resonance, and Aakash BYJU’S have already released their preliminary analysis. Across the board, they agree that JEE Advanced 2025 was tougher than last year, especially in terms of question complexity and time pressure.
Because of this, experts predict a dip in cut-off scores for most categories:
- General Category: Cut-offs may drop by 5 to 10 marks.
- OBC, SC, and ST Categories: Expected to follow a similar trend.
In simpler terms: you might not need as high a score to qualify this year, thanks to the tougher paper.
“When the paper is tough, cut-offs adjust to reflect that,” explained an academic head from a leading coaching institute.
“We’re telling students not to panic. Even if your score feels low, chances are the average performance across the country is lower too.”
What This Means for You
If you came out of the exam hall worried that you didn’t do enough — take a breath. The JEE Advanced is designed to challenge even the best minds, and in years where the paper is particularly tough, the system does account for it.
Here’s what you can do now:
- ✅ Don’t guess your rank just yet — wait for the official answer keys and response sheet.
- ✅ Keep an eye on the official IIT announcements for final cut-offs and result dates.
- ✅ Start preparing for counselling and JoSAA rounds, especially if you’re confident about clearing the cut-off.
Final Thoughts
Yes, JEE Advanced 2025 was tough. But you’re tougher.
If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone — and experts are already saying there’s a good chance cut-offs will drop, giving many students a better shot at their dream IIT.
So hang in there. You’ve come this far, and the finish line is closer than you think.
