A JEE Main rank of four lakh twenty-one thousand eight hundred eight may not secure a seat in the top-tier NITs, it still leaves room for several promising opportunities. Not all NITs have the same level of competition, and some—with more relaxed cutoffs could still be within reach,

especially if you're open to exploring less sought-after branches. Additionally, your category (such as OBC, SC, ST, or EWS) plays a crucial role in determining cutoffs, and reserved category candidates often benefit from significantly lower closing ranks. Participating in JoSAA counseling is key, as it allows you to carefully consider your options and make informed choices based on your rank, category, and academic interests.

Moreover, thinking strategically about your strengths and areas of interest can help you find programs that align well with your goals, even if they're not in the most competitive branches.

Lastly, if admission through JoSAA doesn’t work out, many reputable private engineering colleges also accept JEE Main scores and offer excellent academic environments. With the right mindset and a thoughtful approach, you still have a great chance of building a successful engineering career.