CENTAC JET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The CENTAC JET 2026 (Centralized Admission Committee Joint Entrance Test) serves as the gateway for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses such as Engineering, Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, and other professional programs in the Union Territory of Puducherry. Understanding the CENTAC JET eligibility criteria is crucial for prospective candidates to ascertain their qualification status and ensure they meet the necessary academic and residency requirements before applying.

Educational Qualifications Required

For engineering aspirants, candidates must have successfully completed their 12th standard (or equivalent) examination from a recognized education board. This completion should include subjects like Physics and Mathematics, along with any one of the following optional subjects: Chemistry, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or Biology. Aspirants must have secured a minimum aggregate of 45% marks in these subjects for the general category, while reserved categories (such as OBC, SC, ST, and other backward groups) are eligible with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks.

Candidates seeking admission to medical/dental courses such as MBBS or BDS through CENTAC must have cleared the 12th standard or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Botany/Zoology as core subjects. They are also required to have qualified the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is mandatory for admission to medical and allied health courses. The minimum mark requirement here is 50% aggregate marks for unreserved categories and a relaxation to 40% for reserved categories.

Age Criteria and Domicile Requirements

An upper age limit is generally set, with candidates expected to be under 21 years of age as of July 1st of the admission year. There is a relaxation of three years for candidates belonging to reserved categories. Furthermore, candidates should preferably be residents of the Union Territory of Puducherry. However, admissions can also be granted to candidates from other states based on their qualifying exam merit or through national-level entrance exams such as JEE Main for engineering courses.

Additional Requirements and Reservation Policy

Applicants must ensure that all documents submitted during the admission process, including academic certificates, domicile proofs, and identity proofs, are genuine and verifiable. CENTAC follows strict guidelines regarding reservation, with vertical and horizontal reservations provided as per government norms to socially and educationally backward classes, persons with disabilities (PwD), children of freedom fighters, ex-servicemen, and sports quota holders.

Key Points for CENTAC JET 2026 Candidates

• Minimum 12th standard pass with specified subjects is mandatory.
• Minimum aggregate marks: 45% general, 40% reserved categories for engineering.
• NEET qualification is compulsory for medical and dental courses.
• Maximum age generally 21 years with reserved category relaxation.
• Residency preference for Puducherry domiciles but allowances for others exist.
• Reservation categories and seat allocations follow Government of Puducherry norms.

FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum educational qualification required for applying to CENTAC JET 2026?

Ans. Candidates must have passed the 12th class or equivalent examination from a recognized board to be eligible for CENTAC JET 2026 admission. For engineering programs, candidates should have completed 12th with Physics and Mathematics, along with one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or Computer Science as subjects.

Q2. What are the minimum marks required in the qualifying exam for CENTAC JET 2026?

Ans. For general category candidates, a minimum aggregate of 45% in the qualifying exam is mandatory. Reserved category candidates (OBC/SC/ST and others) have a relaxation and need to secure at least 40% marks. For medical courses like MBBS, candidates need at least 50% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories) in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Q3. Are there any age limits prescribed for CENTAC JET 2026 applicants?

Ans. Yes, the maximum age limit for most courses is generally 21 years as of July 1 of the examination year. There is a relaxation of 3 years for SC category candidates.

Q4. What nationality or domicile requirements must candidates meet for CENTAC JET 2026?

Ans. Candidates are typically required to fulfill domicile requirements, with priority given to Puducherry residents. However, candidates from other states may be considered based on entrance exam scores such as JEE Main or NEET, depending on the course applied for.

Q5. How are admissions conducted for different courses under CENTAC JET 2026?

Ans. Admission for engineering programs is based on qualifying exam marks and JEE Main scores. Medical courses like MBBS/BDS admission is based on NEET scores. Other courses have eligibility based on the candidate's qualifying examination performance along with domicile and category criteria.

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