5 Years of IIT JEE Advanced: Toppers’ Scores Decline; Fewer SC, More Female Candidates Qualify
An analysis of the last five years of JEE Advanced results (2020–2024) reveals major shifts in performance trends, diversity, and representation among qualifiers for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The data indicates a gradual decline in toppers’ scores, fewer Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates making it to the merit list, but a steady rise in the number of female candidates qualifying.
Decline in Toppers’ Scores
In 2020, the All India Rank (AIR 1) scored 352/396 (≈89%), one of the highest in the exam’s history.
By 2024, the top score had fallen to 314/360 (≈87%), showing a slight but noticeable dip.
Experts attribute the trend to the increasing difficulty level of papers, with more emphasis on analytical and application-based questions, rather than direct formula-based problems.
Representation of Female Candidates on the Rise
Over the last five years, the number of female candidates qualifying JEE Advanced has increased by almost 35%.
In 2020, around 6,000 female candidates qualified, whereas by 2024, the figure rose to over 8,100.
The introduction of the supernumerary quota for female students has played a significant role, ensuring more gender diversity in IIT classrooms.
Decline in SC Candidates
On the other hand, data shows a decline in the number of Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates qualifying for IIT admission.
In 2020, over 3,400 SC candidates qualified, but the number dipped to just over 2,900 in 2024.
Educationists argue that rising cut-offs and tough competition in the general category have indirectly affected representation from marginalised groups.
Category-Wise Trends (2020–2024)
| Category | 2020 Qualifiers | 2024 Qualifiers | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | ~17,000 | ~19,200 | Increasing |
| OBC-NCL | ~9,800 | ~10,100 | Stable |
| SC | ~3,400 | ~2,900 | Decreasing |
| ST | ~1,600 | ~1,500 | Slight dip |
| Female (overall) | ~6,000 | ~8,100 | Significant rise |
(Figures based on IIT JEE Advanced official result reports, 2020–2024)
Expert Opinions
According to coaching experts, the growing difficulty of the exam has made it harder for students from underprivileged backgrounds to compete, as they often lack access to advanced preparation tools. Meanwhile, the increase in female representation is being celebrated as a positive step towards inclusivity in IITs.
Looking Ahead
With JEE Advanced 2025 scheduled for May 2025, stakeholders expect IITs to continue their focus on diversity by strengthening category-wise support measures. The upcoming years will be crucial in observing whether these trends—declining topper scores, fewer SC qualifiers, and increasing female representation—continue or see a reversal.
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