JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, 12th Marks for OBC/SC/ST, 75% Rule

If you are appearing for JEE Main 2026, it is mandatory to meet the eligibility criteria set by the conducting authorities. Before applying, you must carefully check the JEE Main eligibility criteria, which include educational qualifications, age requirements, and minimum percentage marks. The eligibility criteria also include JEE Main eligibility marks in 12th for OBC (65%), SC/ST (65%), and the General category (75%). Knowing the criteria in advance ensures that you don’t face any rejection during the admission or JEE Main counselling process.

Read More: JEE Main Exam Dates 2026

Who Is Eligible for JEE Main 2026?

The JEE Main eligibility criteria require the candidate to meet certain requirements, such as educational qualification, merit score, age limit, etc. The NTA is yet to release the eligibility criteria for 2026, and there can be minor changes expected. 

Given below is the basic JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026:

• Any student who has passed or is appearing in Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent exam in 2024, 2025, or 2026 is eligible to appear for JEE Main 2026.
• Candidates can attempt JEE Main a maximum of three consecutive years starting from the year of passing Class 12 from any recognised board or institution

Check This: JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 for B.E./B.Tech, B.Arch, and B.Plan

The subject requirements vary for each course in the JEE Main eligibility criteria. Here is the detailed eligibility criteria for BE, BTech, BArch and BPlan:

• For B.E./B.Tech: Candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in Class 12, along with one of Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational subjects.
• For B.Arch: Candidates must have studied Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry in Class 12. They will also have to qualify through Paper 2 
• For B.Plan: Candidates must have studied Mathematics as a compulsory subject. They will appear in Paper 2

Read More: JEE Main Syllabus 2026

Is There an Age Limit for JEE Main 2026?

No, there is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026. However, the candidate must have passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or 2026. The JEE Main participating institutions such as IITs, NITs, IIITs and GFTIs might have age restrictions for certain courses at the time of admission but there is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026 exam.

What Is the Minimum Percentage Required in Class 12 for JEE Main 2026?

No, there is no minimum percentage required in class 12 for JEE Main 2026 registration. However, the participating institutions requires a minimum percentage for admission into NITs, IITs, GFTIs and IIITs. 

Is the 75% Marks Criterion in Class 12 Mandatory for JEE Main 2026?

Yes, students must secure atleast 75% marks in class 12 to secure admission in the JEE Main participating colleges. Those who don’t meet the minimum criteria can still appear for the JEE Main exam but may not be eligible for admission.

For admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, candidates must:

• Secure at least 75% marks in Class 12 
• Be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
• A relaxation of 10% is given for reserved category candidates

Check This: JEE Main Exam Day Guidelines 2026

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria Relaxation for Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC)

The National Testing Agency has set the eligibility criteria slightly relaxed for the reserved category candidates. Here are the areas of JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria relaxation for reserved category candidates:

• SC/ST Candidates: Need a minimum of 65% marks in Class 12 instead of 75% to be eligible for NIT, IIIT, GFTI admission.

• OBC-NCL, EWS and PwD Candidates: Relaxation is provided in the cut-off marks, counselling, and seat allocation as per the government norms.

JEE Main Eligibility Marks in Class 12 – Category Wise

For every category, the minimum marks required in class 12 for the JEE Main exam eligibility differ.  The JEE Main eligibility marks in 12th for the OBC and general categories are the same. The category-wise JEE Main Eligibility Marks in Class 12 are as follows:

Category	Minimum Marks in Class 12	Purpose / Notes
General / GEN-EWS	75% OR Top 20 Percentile	Required for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
OBC-NCL	75% OR Top 20 Percentile*	Although 75% applies, OBC candidates receive relaxation in cut-off ranks and counselling reservation.
SC/ST	65% OR Top 20 Percentile	Lower minimum marks for easier access to NIT/IIIT admission.
PwD	As per the category	Must submit a valid government-approved disability certificate.

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria PDF Download

The authorities have released the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria PDF. You can download the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria from the PDF given below:

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026

Download PDF

This PDF will include the details like:

• Age limit
• Class 12 eligibility
• Category-wise marks
• Attempt limits
• Subject requirements
• Reservation relaxations
• Admission rules for NITs, IIITs, GFTIs

Documents Required to Prove JEE Main Eligibility

Several documents are required to prove your JEE Main eligibility. The list of documents required is:

1. Academic Documents

• Class 12 Marksheet

• Passing Certificate (if separate)

2. Category & Reservation Documents

• SC/ST Certificate

• OBC-NCL Certificate

• EWS Certificate

• PwD Certificate

3. Identity & Verification Documents

• Birth Certificate / 10th Marksheet

• Domicile Certificate (if applying under state quota)

4. Additional Documents 

• Name change affidavit

• Photo ID proof

• Passport-size photographs

Number of Attempts in JEE Main 2026

The authorities allow you to attempt the JEE Main 2026 exam as per the rules, and the number of attempts may vary. For JEE Main, you can attempt the exam twice every year, and you can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from the year you pass class 12th. So, in short, there are a total of six opportunities since each year has two sessions, and you can apply for three consecutive years. The number of attempts in JEE Main is:

1. Two Sessions Every Year

JEE Main is held twice a year:

• Session 1 – Session 1 is conducted in January

• Session 2 – Session 2 is conducted in April

2. Valid for Three Consecutive Years

You can appear in JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from the year you pass Class 12. 

3. Total Attempts = 6 Opportunities

As each year has two sessions and you can fill the JEE Main application form for three consecutive years, the total number of allowed attempts for the JEE Main exam is six.

JEE Main vs JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria Comparison

The JEE Main eligibility criteria differ from the JEE Advanced based on the number of attempts, age limit, and marks requirement. The difference between the JEE Main and JEE Advanced eligibility criteria is as follows:

JEE Main vs JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria Comparison

Criteria	JEE Main 2026	JEE Advanced 2026
Attempts	6 attempts (3 years × 2 sessions)	2 attempts (2 consecutive years)
Age Limit	No age limit	Born on/after Oct 1, 2006 (+ relaxations)
12th Marks Required	75% Gen/OBC, 65% SC/ST	Same: 75% / 65%
Who Can Apply	Anyone passing 12th in 2024/25/26	Top 2.5 lakh JEE Main qualifiers

Conclusion

You should carefully verify eligibility before applying for JEE Main 2026. Even if you qualify for the exam, failing to meet the admission criteria, like the 75% rule or subject requirements, may result in seat cancellation during counselling. Meeting the eligibility criteria not only ensures smooth registration but also prevents disqualification during the counselling and admission process.