JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The first and most important step in preparing for the JEE Main 2026 exam is understanding the eligibility requirements. This is the single most important step in your preparation. If you don't meet the National Testing Agency's (NTA) requirements, your application could be cancelled, and you might be disqualified from the admissions process. This guide breaks down all the key rules, from age limits and qualifying exams to the crucial 75% rule for college admissions. 

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria Highlights

The NTA has provided all prospective candidates with explicit guidelines. Here is a summary of the main requirements for JEE Main 2026 eligibility. 

Age Limit:  There is no specific age restriction to take the exam. Candidates who completed their Class 12 or an equivalent examination in 2024, 2025, or are scheduled to take it in 2026 may apply, irrespective of their age.

Qualifying Exam: You need to have successfully completed your Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board.

Year of Passing: You can apply if you completed your Class 12 or an equivalent exam in 2024, 2025, or are appearing for it in 2026. Candidates who passed the examination in 2023 or before, appearing in 2027 or afterwards, are excluded.

Subjects: The required subjects in your qualifying exam depend on the paper you choose to take.

B.E./B.Tech: Physics and Mathematics are compulsory, along with one of these subjects: chemistry, biology, biotechnology, or a technical vocational subject.

Read more for  Top B.Tech courses in IITs 

B.Arch: You must have studied Physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

B. Planning: Mathematics is a compulsory subject.

Number of Attempts: Candidates can appear for the JEE Main exam up to six times across three consecutive years (two sessions per year).

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria for College Admissions (The 75% Rule)

This is one of the most important criteria for aspiring engineers. While there's no minimum percentage required to simply appear for the JEE Main exam, your Class 12 marks become very important when it comes to getting into a college.

To be eligible for admission to an NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, you must have a minimum of 75% marks in your Class 12 or an equivalent exam. For candidates belonging to the SC/ST categories, the minimum requirement is 65%. 

You can also qualify by being in the top 20 percentile of your state's Class 12 board rankings. This guideline is established by the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA), which oversees the counseling and admissions for these institutions. It's essential to understand that your JEE Main rank by itself is insufficient; you need to achieve this percentage benchmark to obtain a seat.

Read more: Top courses offered by IITs

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Droppers

If you've taken a year off after Class 12 to prepare for the JEE Main, you're considered a "dropper." The eligibility criteria for droppers are simple:

Year of Passing: You must have completed your Class 12 or an equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025. Applicants who appeared in 2023 or earlier are not qualified.

Age Limit: There is no age limit for droppers to take the exam.

Number of Attempts: The six-attempt limit is applied to droppers for a duration of three years. For example, if you completed your Class 12 in 2024, you can take the exams in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

FAQs

1. What is the age limit to apply for JEE Main? 

There is no age limit to appear for the JEE Main exam.

2. What are the qualifying marks for JEE Main 2026? 

There are no minimum marks required to appear for the exam. To gain entry into an NIT or IIIT, or GFTI, you must achieve a minimum of 75% in your Class 12 board examination (65% for SC/ST) or fall within the top 20 percentile of your board.

3. Can a student without a science background apply for JEE Main? 

No, it is necessary to have completed the required subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) in your Class 12 or an equivalent examination.

4. How many times can I take the JEE Main exam?

You get a total of six attempts. Since the exam is held twice a year, you can take it for up to three consecutive years after you pass your Class 12.

5. Does eligibility require that I have at least five subjects in my Class 12?

Yes, you must have completed at least five subjects in your Class 12, including the subjects needed for the paper you're applying for.

6. How many attempts will be available for JEE Main 2026?

NTA will organize JEE Main 2026 twice, once in January and the other in April.

7. Is the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026 released yet? 

Yes, the NTA has officially announced the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026.

8. What is the minimum percentage required in Class 12 for JEE?

Though there's no minimum percentage to take the exam, a candidate must secure at least 75% (or 65% for SC/ST) to qualify for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

9. If I live in one state and completed my Class 12 education in another, what is my State of Eligibility? 

 The state in which you passed your Class 12 or an equivalent qualifying exam is known as your State of Eligibility. It has nothing to do with the native or residence place of the applicant.

10. I am a dropper and passed Class 12 in 2023. Can I appear for JEE Main 2026? 

No, you're not qualified.  The exam is only open to applicants who passed their Class 12 in 2024 or 2025 or who are taking the test in 2026.