What Is Top 20 Percentile in Maharashtra HSC?

By Arzoo Yadav Published: 8 May, 2025 Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".qmrpd-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-40px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

The top 20 percentile means the highest-scoring 20% of students in a board exam. It's a key eligibility criterion for IIT admissions via JEE Advanced. Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".odsxq-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".iqicd-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-55.5px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

Why Is It Important?

Students who don't score 75% in Class 12 can still qualify for IITs if they are in the top 20 percentile of their respective board, including Maharashtra HSC. Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".oukan-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".oqfks-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".zncgd-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-75px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

Previous Year (2024) Cutoffs

In 2024, the Maharashtra HSC top 20 percentile cut-off for General category was 378/500, while for OBC it was 383. SC and ST cutoffs were slightly lower. Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".qbeol-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".sbaee-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".alicx-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-73px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

2023 Cutoff Comparison

In 2023, cutoffs were lower—General: 348/500, OBC: 352, SC: 331, ST: 323. This shows that percentile cutoffs can vary significantly each year. Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".zwasq-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".ecxru-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".brzxo-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-74.5px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

What to Expect in 2025?

In 2025, strict exam supervision was introduced. Experts believe this may reduce high scores, lowering the top 20 percentile cutoff compared to 2024. Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".qcbtz-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".rgkiq-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".ewkbz-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-73.5px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

Anti-Cheating Measures in 2025

The Maharashtra board placed squads at exam centers, installed cameras, and took strict actions against cheating. This may bring more realistic results. Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".malis-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".neawo-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".wqqbq-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-75px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".rujar-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-91px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

How Cutoff Is Calculated

The percentile is based on the total marks in 5 subjects—PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math), one language, and one highest-scoring subject. Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".klcxm-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".enmzs-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".amzqm-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-74px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

For JEE Advanced Eligibility

To appear in JEE Advanced, students must either score 75% in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percentile of their board exam—whichever is more beneficial. Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".ffbtg-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".snjgm-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".jpxrx-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-74.5px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

Keep Checking Official Updates

The 2025 official cutoff is yet to be declared. Students should follow MSBSHSE and JEE websites for accurate updates and announcements. Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".lujqb-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".bfkbj-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".cocqd-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-91px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

Final Tip for Students

Focus on overall marks, not just PCM. Being in the top 20 percentile can be your ticket to IITs even if your percentage is below 75%. Stay updated! Image: Freepik [{ "selector": ".ggmnb-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".uiatq-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 30px)) scale(0.15)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0px) scale(1)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".jqotn-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-76.5px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }] Next Story