Table of Contents
- JEE Main Eligibility Criteria Highlights
- What's New in Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main?
- Eligibility for JEE Main Based on Nationality
- JEE Main Eligibility Criteria Based on Educational Qualification
- JEE Mains Age Limit
- JEE Main Maximum Number of Attempts
- JEE Main Eligibility Criteria Based on Subject Combination
- JEE Main State of Eligibility
- JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: Admissions to NITs, IIITs and CFTIs
- JEE Main Eligibility Criteria for Droppers
- JEE Main Reservation of Seats
- JEE Main Eligibility Criteria for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria is that you must have secured at least 75% aggregate marks in 10+2 and passed out in 2025, 2026 or appearing in 2027 from any recognised university. The subject requirements vary depending on the JEE Main paper. For JEE Main Paper 1 (BTech), Physics and Maths as compulsory subjects and any one subject among Chemistry/Biology/Technical Vocational Subject. For BArch, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are compulsory subjects in Class 12th. For BPlan, Mathematics must be a compulsory subject in class 12 to appear for the JEE Main exam.
JEE Main eligibility criteria will be released by the conducting authorities along with the JEE Main information brochure 2026. If you intend to appear for JEE Main must check the eligibility criteria on the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in. You can attempt the JEE Main exams two times a year and up to six attempts in three consecutive years after completion of class 12.
Also Read: JEE Main Dress Code 2026
Must Check: JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines and Instructions
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria Highlights
JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 involves candidates who have passed class 12 with PCM subjects/ 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics can apply for JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch). Applicants must secure 75% marks in class 12 for the General category and 65% for the SC and ST categories.
- B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1): The prescribed subject combination makes it mandatory for you to have studied Physics and Mathematics with one subject from Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology.
- For B. Arch. (Paper 2): The subject combination prescribed makes it mandatory for you to have studied and passed Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
- For B. Planning (Paper 3): You must have studied Mathematics in the 12th standard.
- Eligibility Criteria for Improvement Students: If you appears for the class XII examination in a particular state and, after passing, decides to take up an improvement exam in another state, the first exam in which you passed will be taken into consideration.
Recommended: JEE Main 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips
JEE Main Eligibility criteria: Reserved and Unreserved Category
Check the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 mentioned in the table below for reserved and unreserved categories.
| Criteria | Eligibility of General and OBC | Eligibility for Reserved Categories |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks (For Admission in NITs, IIITs, IITs, and CFTIs) | 75% marks in class 12 aggregate | 65% marks in aggregate |
| Age Limit | There are no age limit criteria for JEE Main. However, students are advised to ensure the age limit criteria of the institute, they are applying for. | |
| Maximum Number of Attempts | 2 times a year, for three consecutive years | |
| Number of Subjects in Qualifying Examination | 5 Subjects | |
| Year of Passing Class 12 | 2023, 2024 or appearing in 2026 | |
What's New in Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main?
This section is updated as per the changes by NTA in the eligibility criteria. NTA announced new criteria for you appearing in JEE Main 2026. These new JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 are mentioned in the points below.
Valid Citizen ID: To appear for JEE Main 2026, each candidate - Indian or Foreigner must have a valid ID with them. Indian candidates should have an Aadhar card/Voter’s ID or other valid citizen ID. Foreign candidates must possess their Passports with a sanctioned visa.
Provision for Candidates from Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya, and Assam: Candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026 from these states will be required to choose their JEE Main exam centres from these states themselves. Along with this, they will have to submit the details mentioned below,
- Passport Number
- Ration Card
- Bank Account Number or any other Govt. ID Number
No Significance of Class 12 Marks: Class 12 will not significantly contribute to the JEE Main score 2026. The calculation for the All India Rank will be done solely on your performance in JEE Main 2026.
Suggested: Most Easy and Scoring Chapters for JEE Main 2026
Eligibility for JEE Main Based on Nationality
JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 state that regarding nationality, only the state code in which you have passed your 12 standard examinations is considered for making you eligible for the JEE Main exam.
- Any aspiring candidate who has passed or is appearing in class 12th from NIOS should select the state code of JEE Main eligibility according to the study center's state.
- For Indian candidates who pass the class XII (or equivalent) examination from an institution abroad, the state code of JEE Main eligibility will be decided based on the permanent address in India as given in the passport.
- For Indian aspirants passing the class XII (or equivalent) examination from Nepal/Bhutan, the State code of JEE Main eligibility will be determined based on the permanent address in India as given in the passport.
- For OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) or PIO (Person of Indian Origin) aspirants who complete their class 12 or any equivalent exam in India, the JEE Main state eligibility code is the same for an Indian citizen.
- Candidates who belong to this category and pass their class 12 exam from any foreign institution are eligible only for Other State Quota Seats or the All India Quota Seats (but strictly not for Home State Quota Seats). They are suitable for admission into NITs, IIEST, and other CFTIs.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria Based on Educational Qualification
Below are the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 per educational qualification requirements. The table includes a detailed description of the eligibility criteria for aspiring candidates. The table also briefly describes those who will not apply for the JEE Main 2026 exam.
JEE Main Qualification Details
Applicants must check the JEE Main 2026 education qualification details shared below.
- You must have passed the class 12/equivalent qualifying examination in 2025/2026.
- If you are appearing in the class 12 exam or any equivalent qualifying examination in 2026 are also eligible to appear in JEE Main 2026.
JEE Main Eligibility Details
The eligibility criteria required for the JEE Main 2026 application form filling are shared below for the applicants.
- If you have passed class 12 or a qualifying examination in 2025 or before, as well as those who will appear in such an examination in after 2026, are not eligible to write JEE Main 2026.
- If you appeared in class 12 or its equivalent qualifying exam in 2024-25, did not pass in 2024-25, but passed in 2025-26, are not eligible to appear in JEE Main 2026.
List of Qualifying Exams for JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Following is the list of qualifying exams for JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026.
- The 10+2 system final examination is conducted by any recognized Central/ State Board, such as the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi; Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, New Delhi, etc.
- A recognised Board or University conducts intermediate or two-year Pre-University examinations.
- Final examination of the two-year course of the Joint Services Wing of the National Defence Academy
- The National Institute of Open Schooling conducts Senior Secondary School Examination with a minimum of five subjects.
- Any Public School/ Board/ University examination in India or any foreign country is recognized as equivalent to the 10+2 system by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
- Higher Secondary Certificate Vocational Examination.
- A diploma is recognised by AICTE or a State board of technical education for at least 3 years.
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) examination (London/Cambridge/Sri Lanka) at the Advanced(A) level.
- High School Certificate Examination of the Cambridge University or International Baccalaureate Diploma of the International Baccalaureate Office, Geneva.
Also Read: JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
JEE Mains Age Limit
Regarding the JEE Main 2026 exam, there is no age limit for JEE Main 2026 application. If you have completed their class 12 from a school/institution recognised by the Government of India can attend JEE Main 2026:
- As long as you have scored above JEE Main eligibility marks in class 12/equivalent examination in 2025/2026 or is appearing for their board examinations in 2026, they are eligible to appear in JEE Main 2026 examination irrespective of their age.
- However, the institute to which you are applying may have an age limit.
- So, you must check for each college's JEE Main eligibility age criterion or look into the JEE Main eligibility criteria of the institutes they are targeting.
Year of Passing Qualifying Exam for JEE Main
You with a qualification of class 12 or an equivalent qualifying exam in 2023 or 2024 / will be appearing in class 12 or an equivalent qualifying exam in 2026 will be eligible to apply for JEE Main 2026. Eligibility for the year of passing is tabulated below.
| Passing Year | Eligibility |
| 2022 or Before | Not Eligible |
| 2023 | Not Eligible |
| 2024 | Eligible |
| 5 | Eligible |
| 2026 (Appearing) | Eligible |
| 2026 and Beyond | Not Eligible |
JEE Main Maximum Number of Attempts
You are allowed to appear for JEE Main 2026 thrice. The aspirants can do so only for three consecutive years after passing the class 12. They will not be permitted to appear for JEE Main 2026 if they have attempted the exam in the previous two years.
Read More: JEE Main Number of Attempts 2026
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria Based on Subject Combination
If you are appearing for JEE Main must have pursued at least five subjects, with Physics and Maths as their core subjects in their qualifying examinations. Those who studied less than five subjects in their qualifying exam are not eligible for JEE Main 2026.
The other institutes participating in the JoSAA/CSAB admission process may also use the criteria mentioned earlier. In the case of state university-affiliated colleges, the state university will release a separate list for admission decided by the university per year.
| Criteria | Description |
| Permitted | Must have passed the class 12/qualifying examination with at least five subjects |
| Not Permitted | Four subjects are not enough to write the exam and if such candidates appear by furnishing wrong information, their rank/result will not be declared. |
| B.E./B.Tech. |
Language |
| B.Arch. | Must have passed the qualifying examination with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, or 10+3 Diploma in Mathematics |
| B.Plan | Must have passed the qualifying examination in Mathematics. |
JEE Main State of Eligibility
JEE Main's state code of eligibility refers to the code corresponding to the state from which you have passed or are appearing for the class 12 or equivalent qualifying examination. This state code enables you to become eligible for appearing in the JEE Main 2026 exam, and this code is independent of your native place or residence.
You can refer to the table for state codes (State name and state code). The table consists of all the states where the JEE Main 2026 exam will be conducted and the corresponding state codes.
| Cities | Code |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands (UT) | 01 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 02 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 03 |
| Assam | 04 |
| Bihar | 05 |
| Chandigarh (UT) | 06 |
| Chhattisgarh | 07 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli (UT) | 08 |
| Daman & Diu (UT) | 09 |
| Delhi (NCT) | 10 |
| Goa | 11 |
| Gujarat | 12 |
| Haryana | 13 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 14 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 15 |
| Jharkhand | 16 |
| Karnataka | 17 |
| Kerala | 18 |
| Lakshadweep (UT) | 19 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 20 |
| Maharashtra | 21 |
| Manipur | 22 |
| Meghalaya | 23 |
| Mizoram | 24 |
| Nagaland | 25 |
| Odisha | 26 |
| Pondicherry (UT) | 27 |
| Punjab | 28 |
| Rajasthan | 29 |
| Sikkim | 30 |
| Tamil Nadu | 31 |
| Tripura | 32 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 33 |
| Uttarakhand | 34 |
| West Bengal | 35 |
| Telangana | 36 |
| Foreign/OCI/PIO/Nepal/Bhutan | 98 |
Note: The state code to determine JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 for improvement students is determined in the following way.
Suppose you appear for the improvement exam from a different state than when they passed the initial class 12 or equivalent qualifying exam. In that case, your state code of eligibility will be from where you first passed the class 12 or equivalent exam.
- Indian Nationals who appeared for the Class 12 board exam can choose the state where their permanent residence lies, per their passport.
- If you appeared for the improvement exam from a state different from the one where they initially gave the board examination, the form where the exam was first given must be chosen.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: Admissions to NITs, IIITs and CFTIs
JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 for admissions to NITs, IITs, and CFTIs have been mentioned below as pointers for the appearing candidates.
- Admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs requires a minimum of 75% in the 12th grade or placement in the top 20% of their class (65% for SC/ST applicants).
- JEE Main 2026 Admission (B.Arch/B.Planning): Applicants must have obtained a 50% overall score on the 10+2 exam or an equivalent exam from a recognized board.
JEE Main 2026: Subject Combinations for Admissions
JEE Mains subject combination details for the admission process are shared below for the applicants.
- The JEE Main criteria for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JEE Main 2026 is that the applicants must have passed the prerequisite exam.
- B.Tech/B.E.: Physics, Math, and other subjects, such as Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational, are required.
- Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry for B.Arch.
- B. Planning: A passing grade in math on the qualifying exam is required.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria for Droppers
As per the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026, there is no specific JEE Main age limit to apply for 2026. However, there is a criterion for the year of passing class 12th; candidates who have taken a gap year post class 12 or are reappearing for the exam may follow the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria for droppers mentioned below.
- You must hold 75 per cent of the criteria in JEE Main 2026 for droppers or fall in the top 20th percentile of their respective boards.
- SC/ST candidates should have a 65% aggregate to qualify for the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026.
- You can appear only three times in succession for JEE Main.
- To appear for JEE Main 2026, you should have completed their class 12 exams in 2025 or 2026.
- You must have completed their 12th in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology/Biotechnology classes.
JEE Main Reservation of Seats
As per the Government of India rules, you belonging to specific categories are admitted to seats reserved for them based on the relaxation criteria. The reservation of seats in the JEE Main exam was introduced to give an equal opportunity to candidates from weaker sections of society.
- Disability Benefits: Candidates with 40% or more disability will benefit from reservation for admission into NITs/ IIITs and CFTIs. However, those candidates must belong to the reservation category, as the Government of India (GOI) mentioned.
- No Letters/ Emails: Letters or emails addressed to the JEE Main Secretariat regarding the reservation criteria will be entertained.
The name of all those categories is mentioned in the table below.
| Categories with Relaxation Under JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria | Relaxation Percentage |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) - Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) | 27% |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Persons with Disability (PWD) | 3% |
| General - Economically Weaker Section (Gen-EWS) | 10% |
JEE Main Institute-Wise Reservation of Seats
JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 for reservation of seats followed by various institutions is given below:
| Institution | Criteria Laid Out |
| NIT (Home Quota) | 50% of seats are reserved for candidates belonging to the state where the NIT is situated |
| NIT (Other State Quota) | 50% of seats are reserved for candidates who do not belong to the state where the NIT is situated |
| State Engineering Colleges | State Quota |
| Government Funded Technical Institutions | Based on the All India Quota |
| Centre Funded Institutes | Home Quota/State Quota/All India Quota |
| State-Funded Institutes | Home Quota/State Quota/All India Quota |
| IIIT | Home Quota/State Quota/All India Quota |
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
Candidates with a disability should fill in the type and percentage of disability correctly in the online application form for JEE Main 2026.
Scribe/ Reader: You can opt for their scribe/reader or submit the request to the centre superintendent. Only the candidates with 40% or more disabilities will be provided with a scribe/reader upon request.
Essentials for Reader/ Scribe: The centre superintendent will identify the scribe/ reader when a request is received from the candidate and will be allowed to meet the scribe a day before the examination to verify the suitability of the scribe.
Additional Hour: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed that candidates with a disability (PwD) and persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) will receive an additional hour for the JEE Main exam, which lasts four hours. The actual JEE Main exam duration is 3 hours.
Also Read: JEE Mains Passing Marks 2026
FAQs on JEE Main Eligibility Criteria
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for JEE Mains 2026?
JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 involves the candidates passing the class 12th exam or any equivalent qualifying examination in 2023 or 2024. Candidates appearing in the class 12th exam or any equivalent qualifying test in 2026 are also eligible to appear in JEE Main 2026.
Q: What is the 12th percentage required for JEE Mains for OBC?
The 12th percentage required for IIT for OBC must be at least 75% to meet the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026.
Q: Are there any JEE age limit criteria for the year 2026?
No, there is no age restriction based on JEE eligibility criteria 2026. Candidates appearing just need to meet the other eligibility criteria prescribed to appear for JEE Main 2026. The candidates must have passed class 12 class or any equivalent qualifying examination in 2023 or 2024.
Q: Do the candidates have to upload any category certificate for JEE Main 2026?
If the applicant belongs to either of the categories mentioned above, they must attach the certificate that testifies the same. If the certificate is not in the candidate's possession, they may stick to a self-declaration for now.
Q: Does the eligibility for JEE Mains 2026 give any preference to the state of birth of a candidate?
The state of eligibility does not depend on the candidate's place of birth or residence. The conditions where candidates pass their qualifying exam will be considered for eligibility. In case candidates take their qualifying exam in Nepal/Bhutan, the state of their permanent residence will be considered.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria to apply for NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs?
The JEE eligibility criteria for applying for NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs is passing the 12th class with a minimum of 75% marks (65% for SC/ST candidates).
Q: Which marks will be considered if a candidate appears more than once in any paper?
The highest marks scored out of the two attempts will be considered if the candidate appears for improvement in four or five subjects.
Q: Is there any eligibility to appear for the third time for JEE Main?
Yes, candidates can appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years. Applicants must remember they can appear for the exam for only three consecutive years.
Q: Is there any separate eligibility requirement for international applicants?
Foreign nationals who do not fall under the NRI or OCI category need not write JEE Main for admission into IITs. They can directly appear for JEE Advanced.
Q: What is the 75 percent criteria in JEE Mains 2026?
According to the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026, candidates must have secured at least 75 marks in class 12 or equivalent or candidates must fall under the top 20 percentile.
