Can I appear for JEE Advanced 2025 after two attempts and 86 percentile in 2024?

Ans: Durga Dinesh, With CRL 86,989 and OBC-NCL rank around 27,000, IIIT Dharwad DSAI through CSAB 2026 is possible but not guaranteed. Your observation is correct: 2025 CSAB Special Round closing for DSAI OBC-NCL was around CRL 86,797, so you are only about 192 ranks away. Since cutoffs can shift by a few hundred or few thousand depending on vacancies, withdrawals, and choice filling, you should definitely participate in CSAB and keep DSAI above lower-preference branches. CSAB officially publishes special-round opening/closing ranks after JoSAA vacancy rounds. Between CSE and DSAI, choose CSE first if available, because it is broader and keeps options open in software, AI, data, cybersecurity, and higher studies. Choose DSAI next because IIIT Dharwad’s curriculum includes data science/AI-focused learning and the institute reports decent placement figures, though 2025 data is still ongoing.

So your choice order can be CSE > DSAI > ECE at IIIT Dharwad. Also fill IIIT Kottayam/Kurnool/Ranchi/Una/Nagpur lower branches as backups along with 4-5 reputed Private Engineering Colleges as backup options.

Please note, success in any career depends less on the degree itself and more on how you invest your time. Focus on honing technical, communication, presentation, and leadership skills. Build a strong professional profile through projects and internships, actively network with alumni and industry experts, and maintain visibility on platforms like LinkedIn. Additionally, developing emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial to navigate your career path with confidence. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

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