JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates seeking to appear for JEE Main 2026 must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to ensure a streamlined and fair selection process. The guidelines encompass requirements related to educational qualifications, attempts, age, subjects, nationality, and marks for subsequent admissions.

Quick Glance on JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualification

• The primary requirement is that candidates must have either qualified Class 12/equivalent in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026 from any recognized board or university.
• Acceptable qualifying examinations include examinations from recognized central or state boards, NIOS, two-year pre-university exams, public/university exams in India or abroad recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Higher Secondary Certificate vocational exams, advanced level exams (like GCE), International Baccalaureate diploma, and equivalent diplomas for technical education (AICTE recognized).

2. Subjects in Qualifying Examination

• For admission to B.E./ B. Tech courses, Physics and Mathematics are compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or Technical Vocational Subject in Class 12 or equivalent.
• For B. Arch, candidates must have studied Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
• For B. Planning, Mathematics is again mandatory at the qualifying level.

3. Year of Passing

• Only those who have completed their qualifying exam in 2024, 2025, or are appearing for it in 2026, are eligible to apply.

4. Age Limit

• There is no age limit for candidates applying for JEE Main 2026. Anyone who meets the academic and exam year requirements can apply, irrespective of age.

5. Number of Attempts

• Candidates can attempt the JEE Maina maximum of three consecutive years from the year of passing their Class 12/equivalent exam.

6. Nationality

• Indian nationals, as well as foreign nationals, are eligible to apply. Candidates from all education boards, including NIOS and international boards, can submit their applications provided equivalence is certified by AIU if required.

7. Minimum Marks (For Admission to Institutes)

• To be eligible for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, candidates must secure at least 75% marks in Class 12/equivalent or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
• For SC/ST candidates, the minimum qualifying mark is 65%.
• Importantly, these percentage criteria apply only at the time of admission to the institutes, not for appearing in the JEE Main

8. Board Equivalence

• Candidates who have qualified exams from boards outside India or from boards not explicitly specified need to provide an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) confirming that their exam is equivalent to the Indian 10+2 system.

Essential Points to Remember

• Applicants who do not meet these criteria—even if they clear the exam—will not be considered for counselling or admission.
• Candidates should always refer to the official notification for any updates prior to registration, as criteria details may undergo changes close to the application timeline.

Click Here For JEE Main 2026  Application Form

FAQs

Q1. Is there any age restriction for appearing in JEE Main 2026?

Ans. There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026; candidates of any age who meet other eligibility conditions can apply.

Q2. Can a candidate who passed Class 12 in 2023 apply for JEE Main 2026?

Ans. No, candidates who passed Class 12 in 2023 are not eligible for JEE Main 2026. Only those who passed in 2024, 2025, or are appearing in 2026 are eligible.

Q3. Is it mandatory to secure 75% marks in Class 12 to appear for JEE Main 2026?

Ans. No, candidates do not need any minimum percentage of marks in Class 12 to appear for JEE Main. However, the 75% (or top 20 percentile) criterion is required for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs; for SC/ST students, it's 65%.

Q4. What combinations of subjects are required in Class 12 for eligibility?

Ans. Physics and Mathematics are compulsory, along with one additional subject from Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational for B.E./ B. Tech. Mathematics is mandatory for B. Arch and B. Planning programs.

Q5. How many times can a candidate attempt JEE Main?

Ans. A candidate can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years beginning from their year of passing Class 12/equivalent examination, with two attempts possible each year (January and April sessions).