The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is one of the most prestigious engineering entrance exams in India. It opens doors to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and serves as the gateway to JEE Advanced for admission into IITs.
To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, the NTA follows a reservation policy in accordance with the rules set by the Government of India. The JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026 aims to provide fair representation to candidates belonging to different categories such as SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD.
In this article, we will explain the JEE Main 2026 reservation policy, category-wise percentage of seats, and eligibility requirements for reserved categories.
JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria Overview
The reservation system in JEE Main 2026 ensures that candidates from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds get fair access to premier engineering institutions. The seats in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs are divided based on All India Quota (AIQ) and Home State/Other State quota.
The Government of India’s reservation policy is strictly followed during JEE Main counselling conducted by JoSAA and CSAB.
Key Highlights of JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Class (OBC-NCL) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 5% (within each category) |
These percentages apply to All India Quota (AIQ) seats in Central Government Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) such as NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
JEE Main 2026 Reservation Policy
1. Scheduled Caste (SC) – 15% Reservation
Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category are eligible for 15% reserved seats in JEE Main 2026.
-
The SC list is issued by the Government of India.
-
Students must provide a valid caste certificate issued by a competent authority in the prescribed format during counselling.
-
The certificate must be original and uploaded correctly while filling the application form.
2. Scheduled Tribe (ST) – 7.5% Reservation
Candidates from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category receive 7.5% reservation in JEE Main.
-
The ST list varies across states and union territories and is recognized by the Government of India.
-
The ST certificate should be issued by a government-authorized officer and verified during the counselling process.
3. Other Backward Class (OBC-NCL) – 27% Reservation
The Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) category has 27% of seats reserved under JEE Main 2026.
-
Candidates must belong to the OBC-NCL list issued by the Central Government (not the state list).
-
The Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) status is mandatory.
-
The OBC-NCL certificate must be issued on or after April 1, 2025, for it to be valid for JEE Main 2026.
-
Candidates who fall under the Creamy Layer of OBC are not eligible for reservation and are treated as General Category.
4. Economically Weaker Section (EWS) – 10% Reservation
Introduced in 2019, the EWS category provides 10% reservation to candidates who belong to the General category but come from economically weaker backgrounds.
-
The EWS reservation is available only to those who do not fall under SC/ST/OBC categories.
-
The annual family income should be below ₹8 lakh.
-
Candidates must not possess agricultural land above 5 acres or a residential plot of 100 square yards (in notified municipalities).
-
The EWS certificate must be issued by a competent authority and should be valid for the current financial year.
5. Persons with Disability (PwD) – 5% Reservation
A 5% horizontal reservation is provided to candidates with benchmark disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. This applies within each category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS).
-
Candidates must have at least 40% disability to qualify.
-
Valid PwD certificate issued by a government hospital or authority is mandatory.
-
The disability may include visual impairment, hearing loss, locomotor disability, autism, or other specified conditions.
-
Candidates can also request for scribe/reader assistance during the exam by following NTA’s guidelines.
JEE Main 2026 Reservation in Different Institutions
The reservation policy may vary slightly depending on the type of institution. Here’s a general distribution:
| Institution Type | Reservation Basis |
|---|---|
| NITs | 50% Home State quota, 50% Other State quota |
| IIITs & GFTIs | 100% seats under All India Quota |
| Central Government Colleges | Follow Government of India reservation norms |
| State Engineering Colleges (via JEE Main) | Follow respective State Government reservation policies |
Documents Required to Claim Reservation in JEE Main 2026
Candidates claiming reservation must upload and produce valid and original certificates during JEE Main registration and counselling.
List of Documents:
| Category | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | Caste Certificate issued by competent authority (in central government format) |
| OBC-NCL | OBC-NCL Certificate (issued on or after April 1, 2025) |
| EWS | Income and Asset Certificate (as per Government format) |
| PwD | Disability Certificate (40% or more disability) |
| General | No certificate required |
Important Note:
If a candidate fails to produce valid category certificates at the time of counselling, their claim for reservation will not be considered, and they will be moved to the General category.
How to Apply Reservation During JEE Main 2026 Registration
-
Visit the official website – jeemain.nta.nic.in.
-
During registration, select your category (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD) carefully.
-
Upload the scanned copy of your category certificate in the prescribed format.
-
Double-check your details before final submission.
-
Once submitted, the category cannot be changed during the correction window unless supported by valid documents.
Benefits of Reservation in JEE Main 2026
-
Relaxed cut-off marks: Reserved category candidates have lower cut-offs in both JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
-
Increased chances of seat allotment: More opportunities in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
-
Eligibility relaxation: Reserved candidates often get age relaxation and qualifying marks relaxation.
-
Financial assistance: Many central and state government scholarships are available post-admission.
The JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria plays a vital role in promoting equal educational opportunities for students from all sections of society. Understanding your category eligibility and ensuring correct documentation can help you secure your rightful seat in top engineering institutions.
Before registering, go through the official notification at jeemain.nta.nic.in and ensure all your certificates are updated and valid. At Aakash Institute, our expert mentors guide students not only in JEE preparation but also in understanding exam eligibility, reservation norms, and counselling procedures — so you can focus on what truly matters: your success.
JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria FAQs
1. What is the reservation percentage for OBC candidates in JEE Main 2026?
OBC-NCL candidates receive 27% reservation in JEE Main 2026, as per Government of India rules.
2. Who can avail the EWS quota in JEE Main 2026?
General category candidates with an annual family income below ₹8 lakh and no other category benefits can apply under the EWS quota (10%).
3. How much reservation is available for PwD candidates in JEE Main 2026?
PwD candidates with at least 40% disability receive 5% horizontal reservation within their respective categories.
4. Is the OBC-NCL certificate from the state valid for JEE Main?
No. Only the Central Government OBC-NCL list is valid for JEE Main. Certificates must be issued on or after April 1, 2025.
5. Can I change my reservation category after submitting the JEE Main form?
You can make corrections during the form correction window, but you must provide valid proof for any category changes.
