Cut-off FAQs

Understanding FYJC cut-offs, merit lists, and how to use them for admission planning.

FYJC Cut-off FAQs

Cut‑off is simply the last student’s percentage who got admission in a particular college + stream + category in that round; if your percentage is equal or higher, you have a chance there in that round.

1. What is FYJC cut‑off?

  • FYJC cut‑off is the minimum SSC (10th) percentage needed to get a seat in a specific college + stream + category in a given round.
  • Example: If Commerce (Open) cut‑off in a college is 90% in Round 1, the last Open student who got that college had 90%; anyone below 90% did not get it in that round.

2. Who decides the cut‑off?

  • Cut‑offs are not fixed by hand; they are the natural result of:
    • Number of seats in that college/stream/category.
    • Number of students who applied and their percentages.
    • Their preference order in the option form.
  • The central FYJC software prepares merit & allotment lists; cut‑off is just the last admitted student’s marks.

3. Where can I see official cut‑off lists?

You can check cut‑offs at:

  • Official portal mahafyjcadmissions.in → Cut‑off List section (region wise).
  • PDF / search tools for Round‑wise cut‑offs (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Amravati, etc.).
  • Education news portals that summarise top colleges’ cut‑offs after each merit list.

4. Are cut‑offs different for each round?

Yes, every round has its own cut‑offs:

  • Round 1 usually has highest cut‑offs, as top scorers get their first choices.
  • Round 2 and later rounds may show small drops, especially where seats remain vacant.
  • In some special rounds, cut‑offs can drop more if many quota seats are surrendered back to CAP.

5. Are cut‑offs different for Open, SC, ST, OBC, Girls etc.?

Yes, cut‑offs are usually category‑wise and sometimes gender‑wise:

  • Separate cut‑offs for Open, SC, ST, VJ, NTB, NTC, NTD, OBC, SBC, SEBC, EWS.
  • In 2025, many regions also show separate cut‑offs for girls (Women quota); for some top colleges, girl cut‑off is even a bit higher than general because of demand.

Always check your own category + gender cut‑off, not just general Open.

6. Why are some college cut‑offs so high (like 90–95%)?

Cut‑offs are high when:

  • College is very popular (top reputation).
  • Limited seats in that stream/division.
  • Huge number of high‑scoring students put it as first preference.

For example, top Mumbai commerce colleges often close Round‑1 cut‑offs above 90% in Open category.

7. Why did cut‑off increase compared to last year?

Cut‑off can go up if:

  • More high‑scoring students apply to that college in that year.
  • Students from all over Maharashtra can now apply to any region, increasing competition.
  • College or stream has fewer seats in that year.

This is why last year’s cut‑off is only a guide, not a guarantee.

8. Can cut‑off also go down in next round?

Yes, cut‑off can drop slightly in later rounds when:

  • Some students don’t confirm admission or cancel, leaving seats vacant.
  • Minority/In‑house/Management seats are surrendered to general pool, increasing seats.

But for some very top colleges, cut‑offs may stay almost the same or even go higher when they close early.

9. How can I use last year’s cut‑off to plan my choices?

Use last year’s cut‑offs as a reference, not as fixed rules:

  • If your percentage is much lower than last year’s cut‑off, that college is a risky/dream option.
  • If your marks are slightly below last year’s cut‑off, you might still try it in lower preference, hoping cut‑off drops.
  • Always add some colleges where last year’s cut‑off is equal or below your marks as safe options.

The Information Booklet even advises checking earlier round cut‑offs while deciding preference order.

10. My percentage is below cut‑off of my dream college. Should I still add it?

Yes, but as a lower‑risk preference:

  • Put dream colleges (slightly above your marks) in earlier preferences, but
  • Also add realistic and safe colleges (cut‑off ≤ your marks) below them.

Don’t make a list of only impossible high‑cut‑off colleges, otherwise you may get no seat in early rounds.

11. Why is cut‑off for Self‑Finance / Unaided colleges lower?

Because:

  • Their fees are higher, so fewer high‑scoring students choose them.
  • Demand is more spread out, so cut‑off often settles a bit lower than top aided/government colleges in same area.

These colleges act as good backup options for students with lower marks but some budget flexibility.

12. Why are Arts cut‑offs sometimes lower than Commerce/Science?

In many years, especially in Mumbai/Pune:

  • Commerce in top colleges is extremely popular → high cut‑off.
  • Science also has high demand for NEET/JEE coaching integrated colleges.
  • Arts often has slightly lower demand, so Arts cut‑offs can be lower or drop more in later rounds.

However, in a few elite colleges, Arts also closes at 90%+ because of brand and limited seats.

13. Does reservation really change cut‑off?

Yes, each reserved category has its own smaller seat bucket, so cut‑offs differ:

  • Some reserved categories may have lower cut‑offs than Open, helping eligible students with proper certificates.
  • In very high‑demand colleges and streams, even reserved cut‑offs can be quite high because many reserved students have strong marks.

Always check that you have valid documents before depending on reserved cut‑off.

14. Will I automatically get a seat if my marks are above cut‑off?

Above last year’s cut‑off means you have a good chance, but not 100% guarantee:

  • Cut‑off changes every year based on new students and their preferences.
  • If suddenly many higher‑scoring students apply to that college in this year, cut‑off can move up.

Think of cut‑off as minimum of previous year, not a fixed rule.

15. How is cut‑off different from merit list?

  • Merit list = list of all students who are allotted seats in that round (with their colleges).
  • Cut‑off list = only shows last admitted percentage for each college + stream + category; it summarises the merit outcome.

Checking both gives better understanding: merit list for your own allotment and cut‑off for planning next rounds.

16. What if I am just 0.2% below the cut‑off?

In that particular round, if your marks are below the published cut‑off (even slightly), then you did not make it in that category/stream/college for that round. But in next rounds, if cut‑off drops, you might still get that college – so keep it in your preferences along with safer options.

17. Is there a single PDF with all regions’ cut‑offs?

Yes, for each round the department or portal usually publishes:

  • Region‑wise or combined cut‑off lists (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Amravati etc.).
  • Some portals also provide college‑wise round‑2 cut‑off tables for Commerce/Science/Arts.

You can also search college name + “FYJC cut‑off Round X 2025” to get quicker idea from education sites.

18. Quick tips for using cut‑offs smartly

  • Always check official cut‑offs on the FYJC portal, not only on social media.
  • Use last year’s cut‑off as a guide when making your first preference list.
  • After each round, see current cut‑off movement and then edit your preferences for next round (add safer colleges if needed).
  • Remember: cut‑off is a result, not a rule; your real control is on what preferences you choose and how widely you apply.