99.5 should be the new 99
So many people here are aiming for 99%ile, but thats an outdated milestone especially at this day and age where 99 is going to be at 17-18k. If you are general male, forget tier 1, you might not even get cse at tier 2 NIT (without Home state).
so if you want circuital branches at tier 1 NITs, aim for 99.5+ instead of just crossing 99 (especially for general male)