JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Age Limit, Qualification & Attempts
The JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 has been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates aspiring to appear for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main must fulfill specific eligibility requirements related to educational qualification, age limit, and number of attempts. Understanding the JEE Main 2026 eligibility requirements is crucial before filling the application form to avoid rejection at a later stage.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main |
| Qualifying Exam | Class 12 or Equivalent |
| Minimum Percentage | 75% (General) / 65% (SC/ST) for NITs, IIITs, CFTIs |
| Age Limit | No Age Limit |
| Number of Attempts | 3 Consecutive Years |
| Year of Passing | 2024, 2025, or Appearing in 2026 |
| Nationality | Indian Nationals, OCI, PIO, Foreign Nationals |
JEE Main 2026 Age Limit
There is no age limit to appear for JEE Main 2026. Candidates of any age can appear for the examination, provided they meet other eligibility criteria. However, for admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, candidates must fulfill the age criteria specified by the respective institutions.
Educational Qualification for JEE Main 2026
Candidates must have passed or appearing in Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board. The qualifying subjects vary based on the paper:
For Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Compulsory Subjects | Physics, Mathematics |
| Optional Subjects | Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Technical Vocational Subject |
| Language | Any Language |
| Total Subjects | Minimum 5 subjects in Class 12 |
For Paper 2A (B.Arch)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Compulsory Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Minimum Marks in Class 12 | 50% aggregate in PCM |
For Paper 2B (B.Planning)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Compulsory Subjects | Mathematics |
| Minimum Marks in Class 12 | 50% aggregate |
Year of Passing Class 12
Candidates who have passed Class 12 or equivalent in:
- 2024 - Eligible for JEE Main 2026
- 2025 - Eligible for JEE Main 2026
- 2026 (Appearing) - Eligible for JEE Main 2026
Number of Attempts for JEE Main
Candidates can attempt JEE Main for a maximum of 3 consecutive years. Since JEE Main is conducted in two sessions (January and April), candidates can appear in both sessions in a given year. Both attempts in a year are counted as a single attempt.
| Class 12 Passing Year | Eligible JEE Main Years |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
| 2025 | 2025, 2026, 2027 |
| 2026 | 2026, 2027, 2028 |
Minimum Marks Required in Class 12
For admission to NITs, IIITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) through JoSAA counselling:
| Category | Minimum Percentage in Class 12 |
|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS | 75% aggregate OR Top 20 percentile |
| SC / ST / PwD | 65% aggregate OR Top 20 percentile |
Nationality Criteria
JEE Main is open to candidates of the following categories:
- Indian Nationals - Eligible for all seats
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) - Can appear, eligible for specific seats
- PIO (Person of Indian Origin) - Can appear, eligible for specific seats
- Foreign Nationals - Can appear for international/supernumerary seats
Documents Required for JEE Main 2026 Registration
- Class 10 Mark Sheet (for DOB verification)
- Class 12 Mark Sheet / Hall Ticket (if appearing)
- Recent Passport Size Photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
- Scanned Signature
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card (preferred for Indian candidates)
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Is there any age limit for JEE Main 2026?
No, there is no age limit to appear for JEE Main 2026. Candidates of any age can appear for the examination, provided they meet other eligibility criteria.
2 How many times can I attempt JEE Main?
You can attempt JEE Main for 3 consecutive years from the year of passing Class 12. Both sessions in a single year are counted as one attempt.
3 What is the minimum percentage required in Class 12 for JEE Main?
There is no minimum percentage to appear for JEE Main. However, for admission to NITs/IIITs/CFTIs, you need 75% (General) or 65% (SC/ST) OR be in top 20 percentile.
4 Can I appear for JEE Main if I passed Class 12 in 2023?
No, candidates who passed Class 12 in 2023 or earlier are not eligible for JEE Main 2026. Only 2024, 2025 pass-outs and 2026 appearing candidates are eligible.
5 Is Biology mandatory for JEE Main?
No, Biology is not mandatory. For B.Tech paper, Physics and Mathematics are compulsory. Chemistry, Biology, or other technical subjects can be optional.
6 Can diploma holders appear for JEE Main?
Yes, diploma holders from recognized polytechnics can appear for JEE Main. They are eligible if they have passed 10+2 equivalent diploma with Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/Biology.
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