What is the first step to JEE Main 2026? If you believe it is just about filling out the application form. Think again. It is checking the eligibility. So, missing JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 means you cannot even appear for the exam. It helps:
- Standardise candidate selection across India
- Ensure fairness in admissions
- Check if you are academically ready for the challenges of engineering.
Failing to meet these criteria = automatic disqualification. It is as simple as that.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026: Highlights
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Nationality | Indian, NRI, PIO, OCI, foreign nationals |
| JEE Main age limit 2026 | None |
| Education | Passed or appearing in Class 12 in 2024, 2025, 2026 |
| Attempts Allowed | Max 3 consecutive years (6 attempts total) |
| Subjects for B.Tech | Physics + Maths + 1 (Chemistry/Biology/Biotech/Vocational) |
| Subjects for B.Arch | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Subjects for B.Planning | Mathematics |
| Admission Marks (NITs+) | Gen: 75% or top 20 percentile; SC/ST/PwD: 65% |
| State Code | Based on the Class 12 exam centre location (for NITs/IIITs/CFTIs) |
Keep checking jeemain.nta.nic.in for official updates.
Eligibility Based on Qualifying Exam for JEE Main 2026
Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026. Recognised boards include:
- CBSE, ICSE, or any State Board
- NIOS (with five subjects)
- Cambridge High School Certificate or IB Diploma
- Any other equivalent board recognised by AIU
Subjects:
- Physics and Mathematics are mandatory
- One additional subject: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational
- At least five subjects overall
Important: Diploma holders can apply for B.E./B.Tech but cannot take admission in NITs, IIITs, or CFTIs through JEE Main.
Eligibility Based on Year of Passing
- JEE Main 2026 eligibility for Class 12 students: Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2023, 2024, or are appearing in 2025 are eligible.
- Passing before 2023 = ineligible.
State Code of Eligibility
Your State Code matters for NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs admissions.
- Determined by the location of your Class 12 board exam, not your residence or birthplace.
- For improvement exams, original state code counts.
- NIOS candidates: based on the study centre.
- International students: a permanent Indian address in the passport decides the code.
Example: You live in Noida but studied in Delhi. Your code = Delhi (DL).
Eligibility for NITs IIITs and CFTIs
- General category: 75% marks in Class 12 or top 20 percentile
- SC/ST: 65%
- Minimum marks are verified during counselling.
For B.Arch and B.Planning:
- 10+2 passed with at least 50% aggregate
- B.Arch: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- B.Planning: Mathematics
Age Eligibility for NITs IIITs and CFTIs
Good news for droppers- there’s no age limit in JEE Main eligibility for droppers. Institutes like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs may have their own age rules.
Each candidate can attempt the exam for a maximum of three consecutive years.
Remember, JEE Main is held twice a year: in January and April. Appearing in both sessions in the same academic year usually counts as one attempt towards your three-year limit.
JEE Main Eligibility for Repeaters/Droppers
Droppers still have plenty of options:
- Must have cleared Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or 2026
- No age restriction
- Maximum 3 consecutive attempts
- Minimum marks as per category norms
- Must have covered at least five subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
New Changes in JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
Some updates to watch for:
- SC/ST/PwD minimum JEE Main qualification marks required are relaxed: now 40% in PCM
- Transgender category: now officially eligible
- Age limit for repeaters: increased from 20 to 22 years
These changes make the exam more inclusive and fair.
Qualifying Subjects for JEE Main 2026
| Course | Mandatory Subjects | Optional / Additional Subjects |
| B.Tech | Physics, Mathematics | Chemistry, Biology, Biotech, or Technical Vocational |
| B.Arch | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | — |
| B.Planning | Mathematics | — |
Counselling Eligibility
To participate in JEE Main Counseling 2026:
- Must have passed Class 12 from a recognised board
- Scored minimum marks in PCM (Gen: 75%, SC/ST: 65%, PwD: 50%, EWS: 75%)
- Valid documents: PAN, Aadhaar, photo, signature
- Registered and appeared in JEE Main 2026
Conclusion
Knowing who can apply for JEE Main 2026 is the first step. Go through the age limits. Check out the relaxations on minimum marks. Remember, each and every detail counts. Droppers or first-timers? Check all boxes before applying. Bookmark NTA’s official JEE Main site. Review the information bulletin as soon as it’s released.
FAQs on JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
Q1. Is there any age limit for JEE Main 2026?
No, there is no age limit. Having said that, you might still come across some institutes that may have their own criteria.
Q2. Can diploma holders apply for NITs?
No, diploma holders can appear for JEE Main. They are ineligible for NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs.
Q3. How many attempts are allowed?
A maximum of 3 consecutive years is permissible. Since there are two exams per year, you have 6 chances to hit the nail.
Q4. What are the qualifying subjects for B.Tech?
Physics and Mathematics are a must. Plus one of either Chemistry/ Biology/ Biotech/ Technical Vocational Subjects.
Q5. Are there relaxations for SC/ST/PwD candidates?
Yes, minimum aggregate marks in PCM are now 40% for SC/ST/PwD.
