JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Critaria
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before you begin tackling one of India’s biggest engineering exams, it’s also important to know the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026. At Origin Educare, not only do we have you covered in terms of academic preparation, but we want you to have knowledge about the eligibility so you can adequately participate. Below is everything you need to properly understand so you know who can apply, when they can apply, and what is the eligibility criteria.
JEE Main 2026 Exam Overview
For every serious engineering candidate looking to take the JEE Main 2026, knowing the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 is essential. This includes age limits, qualifying examinations allowed, possible subject combinations, attempts allowed, and much more. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has provided the eligibility criteria in its official announcement document.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
|
Exam Name
|
Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) 2026
|
|
Conducting Body
|
National Testing Agency (NTA)
|
|
Purpose |
Admission into NITs, IIITs, CFTIs; Qualification for JEE Advanced
|
|
Level |
National-Level Undergraduate Exam
|
|
Sessions |
Two (January & April 2026)
|
|
Mode |
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
|
|
Papers
|
Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), Paper 2B (B.Plan)
|
|
Application Mode
|
Online |
|
Official Websites
|
jeemain.nta.nic.in / nta.ac.in
|
Who Can Apply: Qualifying Examination Criteria
To be eligible under the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026, candidates must have completed the following:
- 10+2 (i.e., final examination for 12th class) conducted by CBSE/CISCE/ or a recognized board
- Two-year pre-university examination, or intermediate examination.
- Final examination of the Joint Services Wing of NDA.
- Senior Secondary examination from NIOS with five subjects.
- Any equivalent 10+2 international examination recognised by AIU.
- Three-year diploma recognised by the AICTE or State Board of Technical Education.
- GCE (A-Level) from London/Cambridge/Sri Lanka.
These wide-ranging qualifying possibilities ensure that students with different academic qualifications may appear for JEE Main 2026.
Nationality Criteria
As stated in the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026:
- Indian Citizens can apply
- Foreign Nationals, NRIs, OCIs and PIOs can apply.
- OCI/PIO candidates can apply for admission under the All India Quota.
Age Limit for JEE Main 2026
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 mentioned that there are no age limits however the candidates should comply education qualification and year of passing criteria as listed below.
Year of Appearance in Qualifying Exam
According to the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026:
- If the candidate appeared for the Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025 are permitted.
- The candidates who are appearing in 2026 are also permitted.
- Candidates who appeared in 2023 or previous year or candidates who appear in 2027 or subsequent years are not permitted.
Number of Attempts Allowed
The JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 provides an opportunity to have the number of attempts permitted:
- The number of examination are 2 examination will be taken in the year 2026 (January and April)
- A candidate can appear in both the examinations.
- So total number of attempts allowed is 6 (2 attempts per year for three consecutive years after passing Class 12)
Marks Criteria for Admission
To apply for admission in NITs, IIITs and CFTIs through JEE Main, the following different marks requirements in Class 12 must be attained:
General Category:
- Top 20 percentile in Class 12 board examination
- SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD Categories: minimum 65% marks in Class 12.
SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD Categories:
- Minimum 65% marks in Class 12
All these requirements are part of the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 and must be fulfilled along with the cutoff qualify in the examination.
Subject Requirements in Class 12
For B.E./B.Tech (Paper 1):
- Physics and Mathematics
- one more subject either Chemistry, Biology or Technical Vocational Subject
For B.Arch (Paper 2A):
- Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
For B.Plan (Paper 2B):
- Compulsory: Mathematics only
Subject combination is a crucial component of the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026.
Eligibility for Droppers (Repeaters)
Candidates who are dropping a year or repeating are still eligible under the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026:
- There is no upper age limit
- Candidates must have completed the Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026
- Maximum of three consecutive attempts are allowed
- Five subjects must have been studied including Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
- Percentage marks criteria must be met as per the categories
State Code of Eligibility
Under the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026, the state code of eligibility will be based on where the candidate took his/her Class 12 examination, not the place of residence or place of birth.
Key Highlights:
- NIOS students have to choose their study center location
- Indian nationals residing outside of India can use the address which is marked as permanent in their passport
- OCI/PIO candidates outside only qualify for the Other State/All India quota
| State | Code |
|---|---|
|
Delhi |
DL |
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
UP |
|
Gujarat |
GJ |
|
Maharashtra |
MR |
|
Tamil Nadu
|
TN |
|
Rajasthan |
RJ |
| Union Territory | Code |
|---|---|
|
Chandigarh |
CH |
|
Lakshadweep (UT) |
LD |
|
Puducherry (UT) |
PO |
JEE Advanced Eligibility through JEE Main
If you wish to join the IITs, refer to the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 regarding your eligibility for JEE Advanced:
- Candidates are required to write JEE Main 2026 and achieve the prescribed cutoff score.
- JEE Main 2026 rank within the top 2,50,000 (based on category-wise merit list)
- A candidate is allowed at most two attempts in two consecutive years
- Candidate must have passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026
Why Understanding JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 Is Important
Knowing the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 means that
- You don’t miss out on your opportunity due to your technical disqualification
- You plan your academic career as efficiently as possible
- You are aware of NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, and IITs admission requirements
At Origin Educare, our experts guide you through the finer points of eligibility and the requirements for the exam itself before you begin the curriculum.
Final Note from Origin Educare
Known and recognized, the JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 is your first milestone in the IIT-JEE journey. Every detail matters, from your subjects in Class 12 to your board percentage to the number of attempts you make.
At Origin Educare, we are not only preparing you academically, but also keeping you compliant with all of your eligibility criteria. Don’t leave your eligibility fate to chance, consult our expert counselling by the mentors today.
📩 Email: support@origineducare.com
🌐 Visit: www.origineducare.com
Now enroll in Origin Educare’s JEE Main 2026 coaching program and take another step towards your IIT dream!
FAQs on JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
No, there’s no age limit. However, candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025 or be appearing in 2026.
Candidates can appear for six attempts over three consecutive years, with two sessions per year.
Physics and Mathematics are compulsory. One of Chemistry, Biology, or a vocational subject is required for B.Tech. For B.Arch, all three—Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics—are compulsory.
Yes, NIOS students with a minimum of five subjects are eligible.
Yes. If you passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025 and meet the subject and mark criteria, you are eligible.
Yes. NRIs, PIOs, OCIs, and foreign nationals can apply under international quotas or specific state rules.
75% for General category or top 20 percentile; 65% for SC/ST/OBC candidates in Class 12.
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