JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Marks Required

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. 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.

Conclusion

You should carefully verify eligibility before applying for JEE Main 2026. Even if you qualify in 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.