Say about branch is difficult.For getting a specific branch many things matter such as number of seat available in the department ,etc To know more about JIPMER cutoffs of previous year follow this link:https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/jipmer-pg-cut-off

Merit list of selected candidatefollow this link: https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/jipmer-pg-merit-list.

For second questions I want to tell you that If you want your branch than go for counselling as early as possible as it increases the chance of getting the seat.

Hope this helps you.If any queries left than comment below.