Check complete WBJEE Eligibility Criteria 2026 including age limit, educational requirements, course-wise qualifications, marks, domicile rules, and documents needed.
Understanding the WBJEE eligibility criteria 2026 is a foundational step to appear in the WBJEE 2026 exam as it ensures you are qualified to apply, avoids rejection, and helps in strategizing your preparation and application process.
For WBJEE 2026, candidates must have completed their Class 12 or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or Computer Science. In this article, we will walk you through the WBJEE eligibility criteria, reservation criteria and documents required for verification.
WBJEE Eligibility Criteria 2026
To appear for WBJEE 2026, candidates need to fulfill certain eligibility conditions set by the exam authorities. These cover nationality, age, educational background, and course-specific requirements. It’s important to meet these criteria not only during application but also throughout admission and counselling.
- Nationality: Only Indian citizens are eligible. In some cases, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) may also apply under specific conditions.
- Domicile: For seats reserved under the West Bengal quota, candidates may need to prove they are residents of the state by submitting a domicile certificate during the WBJEE application process
- Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. Most courses have no upper age limit, except Marine Engineering, which caps the age at 25 years.
- Educational Qualification: Applicants must have passed, or be appearing for, the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from a recognized board, with the required subject combination.
- Minimum Marks: For general category students, a minimum of 45% aggregate in the three core subjects is needed, while reserved category students need 40%.
- English Requirement: A minimum of 30% marks in English at the 10+2 level is mandatory.
Course‑wise WBJEE Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for WBJEE 2026, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements for different courses. Each program, be it Engineering, Pharmacy, Architecture, or Marine and Mining Engineering has specific academic qualifications, minimum marks, and other criteria that candidates must meet.
The table below summarizes the key WBJEE 2026 eligibility details for each course, making it easier to check whether you qualify before starting the application process.
|
Course |
Educational Qualification |
Minimum Marks Required |
|
Engineering |
|
|
|
Pharmacy |
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Biology. |
As per Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) norms. |
|
Architecture (B.Arch) |
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics. |
Minimum 50% in PCM combined + 50% overall in 12th. |
|
Marine Engineering |
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics. |
60% aggregate in PCM; minimum 50% in English in Class 10 or 12. |
What is the Age Criteria for WBJEE 2026?
Age is an important eligibility factor for WBJEE 2026. While most courses only require candidates to be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026, some programs like Marine Engineering also have an upper age limit.
The table below clearly outlines the minimum and maximum age requirements for different courses, helping applicants confirm their eligibility before applying.
|
Course |
Minimum Age |
Maximum Age |
|
General Courses (Engineering, Pharmacy, Architecture, Mining, etc.) |
17 years (as of December 31, 2026) |
No upper age limit |
|
Marine Engineering |
17 years (as of December 31, 2026) |
25 years (as of December 31, 2026) |
What is the Application‑Time vs Admission‑Time Eligibility for WBJEE 2026?
WBJEE 2026 eligibility is checked at multiple stages to ensure only qualified candidates proceed. While students appearing for their Class 12 exams can apply, final admission depends on passing the qualifying exam with the required subjects and marks.
Additional criteria, such as age, domicile, and category certificates, are also verified during counselling to confirm eligibility.
|
Stage |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|
At the Time of WBJEE Application |
Candidates appearing in their Class 12 exams in 2026 can apply, provided they meet subject combination and board recognition requirements. |
This allows students who are yet to pass 10+2 to register for the exam. |
|
At the Time of WBJEE Counselling |
Candidates must have passed the qualifying exam (10+2 or equivalent) with the required subjects and minimum marks. Additional documents like age proof, domicile certificate, and category certificates must also be verified. |
If a candidate fails to meet any of these requirements during document verification, admission may be cancelled. |
Documents Required for WBJEE Eligibility Verification
During the counselling or admission stage, candidates must present certain documents to verify their eligibility. The exact list can vary based on participating institutes and the WBJEE counselling authority’s latest guidelines, so candidates are advised to refer to the official counselling documents or information bulletin.
- Class XII Mark Sheet
- Class X Mark Sheet
- Domicile Certificate
- Category Certificate if applicable
- Birth Certificate for age proof
- Photo ID Proof
- Any special certificates: e.g., NATA score for Architecture, medical fitness or vision certificate
Understanding the WBJEE 2026 eligibility criteria is the first and most crucial step for any aspirant. Knowing the requirements for nationality, age, academic qualifications, minimum marks, and course-specific conditions ensures that you apply with confidence and avoid last-minute surprises during counselling or admission.
By checking your eligibility early and keeping the necessary documents ready, you can focus on preparing for the exam without stress. Following these guidelines carefully makes the entire application and admission process smoother and increases your chances of securing a seat in your desired course.
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Minimum age for WBJEE 2026 is generally 17 years by December 31. -
Candidates must have passed 10+2 with required subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology. -
Specific subject combinations are mandatory for various courses. -
Reservation criteria apply as per state government norms for eligible categories.
