JEE Mains 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Marks, Number of Attempts and More

To apply for JEE Main 2026, you need to meet certain eligibility rules set by the NTA. These include your age, educational qualification, subjects studied in school, number of attempts, and nationality.

The official JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria haven’t been released yet, but last year’s guidelines can give you a good idea of what to expect.

On this page, you’ll find a simple overview of who can apply - whether you’re a fresher, a dropper, a diploma holder, or an improvement student. Go through the details below to make sure you’re eligible and can focus fully on your preparation.

Check: JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates for the latest updates related to important dates.

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria Major Highlights

These important points are based on last year’s guidelines and are likely to stay the same for JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026, but final details will be confirmed when NTA releases the official notification.

Students can refer to the JEE Main 2026 Registration page for more details about the registration process.

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

To get into NITs, IIITs, or CFTIs through JEE Mains 2026, you need specific marks in Class 12. There’s no minimum percentage needed to appear for the exam, but minimum marks are required for admission. See the table below for details.

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility - NIOS or Open School Students

Students from NIOS or any recognized open school can apply for JEE Main 2026 if they meet all subject and eligibility requirements set by the NTA. Check the key conditions below.

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs

Foreign nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs can apply for JEE Main 2026 if they meet the required qualifications and subject criteria.

• Must have completed a Class 12 equivalent exam recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

• State Code of Eligibility can be chosen based on the candidate’s permanent Indian address

• Must meet the same subject and percentage requirements as Indian students—usually 75% marks or top 20 percentile in the board exam.

Accepted Qualifying Examinations for JEE Main 2026 Eligibility

Until the official JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria are released, candidates should refer to last year’s rules. You are eligible for JEE Main if you have passed any of the following qualifying exams:

• Class 12th or equivalent from a recognised Central or State board

• 2-year Pre-University exam recognised by a Board or University

• Final exam of the 2-year National Defence Academy Joint Services Wing course

• Senior Secondary School Exam by NIOS with at least five subjects

• Any public school/board/university exam equivalent to 10+2

• H.S.C. Vocational Examination

• GCE exam (London/Cambridge/Sri Lanka) at Advanced (A) level

• High School Certificate from Cambridge University or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

• Class 12th equivalent from a school or university in India or abroad, recognized by AIU

Note:  If your Class 12 exam is not recognized by AIU, it will not be accepted for JEE Main eligibility.

State Code of Eligibility for JEE Main 2026: Quick Reference

The State Code of Eligibility for JEE Main 2026 refers to the state where you first passed your Class 12th (or equivalent) exam, not your home state or nationality. For NIOS students, it’s based on the location of your study center.

For students who completed Class 12 abroad, the code depends on your permanent Indian address or test center state. Always check the latest guidelines once released by NTA.

State and Union Territory Codes for JEE Main 2026

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria for NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs Admissions

Candidates must meet minimum marks and specific subject requirements in Class 12 to be admitted to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs through JEE Main 2026.

• Minimum Marks Required:

• General/OBC/EWS: 75% marks in Class 12 or top 20 percentile in their board.

• JEE Mains eligibility criteria 2026 for SC/ST: 65% marks in Class 12 or top 20 percentile.

• B.Arch / B.Planning Admissions:

• Minimum 50% aggregate in 10+2 or equivalent exam from a recognised board.

• Subject Combinations in Class 12:

• B.Tech/B.E: Physics and Mathematics (compulsory) + one of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational Subject.

• B.Arch: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry (all compulsory).

• B.Planning: Mathematics as a compulsory subject.

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Droppers

If you are a dropper planning to appear for JEE Main 2026, here’s a detailed look at the eligibility rules you need to keep in mind:

• No Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for JEE Main 2026. Droppers, regardless of their age, can apply as long as they satisfy the other eligibility conditions set by the NTA.

• Year of Passing: You must have passed your Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024, 2025, or be appearing for the exams in 2026. If you passed Class 12 before 2024, you are not eligible for JEE Main 2026.

• Number of Attempts: Candidates can appear for JEE Main a maximum of three consecutive years after passing Class 12. Since the exam is held twice a year (January and April), you can take up to six attempts in total during this period.

• Minimum Marks Requirement: There is no minimum percentage required in Class 12 to appear for the JEE Main exam itself. However, for admissions to top institutes like NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, you must have at least 75% marks (General/OBC/EWS) or 65% marks (SC/ST), or be in the top 20 percentile of your respective board.

• Subject Requirements: You need to have studied at least five subjects in Class 12. For engineering (B.E./B.Tech), Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are compulsory. Not having these core subjects or having fewer than five subjects in total can make you ineligible.

JEE Main 2026 Reservation Policy and Criteria

The Government of India follows a reservation policy in JEE Main 2026 to support candidates from reserved categories. This policy helps ensure fair access to seats in NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD candidates. Below are the official reservation percentages:

Important Study Materials Links for JEE Exams

To help you get ready for JEE Main 2026, we’ve compiled important resources. Use the links below to check notes, syllabus, papers, and more for the exam.