JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: The important JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 for aspiring candidates include educational qualifications, age limit, number of attempts, minimum marks eligibility, and pass percentage required for the examination.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026: Overview
JEE Main 2026: The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is an entrance test conducted by the NTA, which has published the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 on its official website for both the January and April 2026 sessions. Online registration for the exam will begin in November 2025. Both Class 12 passed and appearing candidates are eligible to apply for the NTA Joint Entrance Exam (Main) 2026. This outlines the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026, including necessary qualifications, age limits, and other vital information for the JEE Main exam that all applicants must fulfill for admission into India’s most prestigious engineering institutes like IITs and NITs.
If you fulfill the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026, you are eligible to begin the registration process for the exam. The eligibility criteria are specifically tailored for admission into undergraduate (UG) programs offered by participating institutes. For comprehensive information on the eligibility criteria of JEE Main 2026, aspiring candidates are encouraged to consult the detailed guide, which addresses all inquiries.
What is JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026?
To take the JEE Main 2026 exam, candidates need to fulfill the specific JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 set by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is crucial for candidates to carefully review and satisfy all the eligibility conditions specified by NTA for the JEE Main exam.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria Highlights
| Criteria | Details for JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 |
|---|---|
| Age limit | There is no age limit |
| Educational Qualification | Passed or appearing in Class 12 or equivalent |
| Year of Passing Exam | 2024, 2026 or appearing in 2026 |
| Subjects in the qualifying exam | B.E/B.Tech: Physics, Mathematics, and any one of (Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational Subjects) B.Arch: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry as compulsory subjects B.Plan: Mathematics as a compulsory subject |
| Minimum Marks | General category: 75% or top 20% in Class 12th SC/ST category: 65% or top 20% in Class 12th |
| Attempt Limit | Maximum three attempts in consecutive years |
| Board Recognition | Class 12 examination must be conducted by a recognized board |
| Nationality | Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India, Persons of Indian Origin, Non-Resident Indians, and Foreign Nationals |
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026: Qualifying Exams
| S.no | JEE Main 2026 Qualifying Examination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Completion of the Class 12 examination or an equivalent examination from a recognized board, including CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards |
| 2 | Candidates who have passed Class 12 in 2023, 2024, or are appearing in 2026 are eligible. |
| 3 | Completion of the final examination of the two-year course of the Joint Services Wing of the National Defense Academy |
| 4 | Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Vocational Examination |
| 5 | A diploma recognized by AICTE or a State board of technical education of a minimum of three years duration |
| 6 | Intermediate or two-year Pre-University exam conducted by a recognized Board/University |
| 7 | General Certificate Education (GCE) examination (London/Cambridge/Sri Lanka) at the Advanced (A) level |
| 8 | Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling with a minimum of five subjects |
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Number of Attempts & Nationality
| Criteria | Requirement for JEE Main 2026 |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026, according to NTA. Individuals who have completed their class 12 or equivalent examination in 2023, 2024, or are currently enrolled and set to complete it in 2026, are eligible to participate in the JEE Main 2026 examination, regardless of their age. |
| Number of Attempts | Candidates aiming for JEE Main 2026 must meet specific eligibility criteria regarding the number of attempts. Those who completed their class 12 in 2023 or 2024, or are currently in the process of appearing for the class 12 exams in 2024, are eligible to participate. However, candidates who completed their class 12 before 2022 or are scheduled to appear in class 12 after 2024 are not eligible for the exam. |
| Nationality | 1. Candidates applying for JEE Main 2026 must hold Indian citizenship. 2. Foreign students can also apply for JEE Main. – Non-resident Indians (NRIs) – Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) – Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) |
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2026 for Droppers
For JEE Main 2026, droppers do not have specific eligibility criteria to meet. However, there are certain considerations that droppers should take into account when applying for JEE Main
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Dropper
| Criteria | Details for JEE Mains eligibility criteria |
|---|---|
| Age | No restrictions |
| Class 12 Completion | Completed in 2023, 2024, or 2025 |
| Number of Attempts | Maximum three consecutive attempts for JEE Main |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | Required for further admission procedures |
| Subjects Studied | Physics & Mathematics are compulsory along with one of the subjects such as Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational Subjects |
JEE Main 2026 Exam Schedule
| Event | JEE Main 2026 January Session | JEE Main 2026 April Session |
|---|---|---|
| Release of Notification | November 2025 | February 2026 |
| Start of Online Registration | November 2025 | February 2026 |
| Last Date of Online Registration | December 2025 | March 2026 |
| Correction Window | December 2025 | March 2026 |
| Release of Admit Card | December 2025 / January 2026 | March / April 2026 |
| Exam Dates | January 2026 | April 2026 |
| Declaration of Result | February 2026 | May 2026 |
| Counselling and Admission | To be notified | To be notified |
Conclusion
Understanding the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 is essential for all aspiring candidates. By familiarizing yourself with the educational qualifications, age limit rules, and number of attempts clearly outlined by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and staying updated with the latest official announcements, candidates can prepare effectively for the JEE Main 2026 examination. With the right strategy, consistent dedication, and a strong study plan, students can turn their dream of studying in top engineering institutes like IITs, NITs, and IIITs into reality. Best of luck to all JEE Main 2026 aspirants!
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FAQs
Yes, generally, General category candidates need to secure at least 75% marks in Class 12 (whereas 65% for SC/ST candidates) or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards to be eligible for admission in institutes through JEE.
There is no minimum age limit for JEE Main 2026.
No, you can attempt JEE Main a maximum of three times in consecutive years.
You need to secure 75% overall aggregate in Class 12 (or top 20 percentile of your board).
It is NOT compulsory that 75% must be only in PCM.
No, you must have passed Class 12 with the required subjects to be eligible for JEE Main 2026. If your result is not declared or you haven’t passed yet, you may not be eligible for admission.
