JEE Main 2026: Everything You Need to Know
(Updated as per NTA Information Bulletin 2026)
Before starting your JEE preparation, it's important to know whether you are eligible to appear for JEE Main 2026. Many students get confused about passing years, subjects, the 75% rule, attempts, and diploma eligibility.
This guide gives you the clearest, simplest, and fully accurate
breakdown of all rules.
1. Who Can Apply? (Educational Qualification)
You are eligible for JEE Main 2026 if you have passed Class 12 / 10+2 or an equivalent qualifying exam from:
Indian Boards
- CBSE, ICSE/ISC, all State Boards
- NIOS (with minimum 5 subjects)
- BOSSE (Board of Open Schooling & Skill Education, Sikkim)
International Boards
- IB, IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
- AIU-recognised foreign boards
Other Qualifications
- Higher Secondary Vocational Exams
- Two-year Pre-University Exams
- NDA Joint Services Wing final exam
- 3-year Diploma recognised by AICTE/State Technical Board
- Any equivalent public exam recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
If Class 12 is not a public exam, you must have passed at least one
public board exam earlier.
2. Year of Passing – Final NTA Criteria
You are eligible for JEE Main 2026 if you:
- Passed Class 12 in 2024, OR
- Passed Class 12 in 2025, OR
- Are appearing in 2026
Not eligible: Students who passed in 2023 or earlier.
Important Clarification
Your first passing year counts.
If you passed 12th in 2023 (PCB) and re-appeared for Maths (2024), your passing year is still 2023 — NOT eligible.
3. Required Subjects (For B.Tech Paper 1)
You must have studied minimum 5 subjects in Class 12:
Mandatory Subjects
- Physics
- Mathematics
One of the following
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Technical Vocational Subject
Plus two more
- Language (English/Hindi/regional)
- One elective
For B.Arch/B.Plan, Mathematics is compulsory.
4. Age Limit – No Upper Age Limit
NO
Age Limit!
There is NO age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026. Any student can appear as long as the passing year meets the criteria.
Some institutes may have their own age criteria — check separately.
5. Number of Attempts
You can attempt JEE Main:
- 3 consecutive years after Class 12
- 2 sessions each year (January & April)
- Total attempts: 6
- Maximum opportunities
6. The 75% Rule (For Admission Only)
This rule does NOT apply to exam eligibility. It applies only if you want admission into NITs, IIITs, CFTIs through JEE Main.
You need:
75%
General/OBC
In Class 12
65%
SC/ST
In Class 12
OR
Top 20 percentile in your board
You can still APPEAR in JEE Main with lower marks — only admission is affected.
7. Diploma Students
Diploma students CAN appear for JEE Main Paper 1.
They CANNOT get admission to NITs/IIITs/CFTIs via JEE Main rank.
They usually enter engineering through:
- Lateral entry (direct 2nd year)
- State-level counselling
- Private colleges
8. Nationality Eligibility
Eligible candidates include:
- Indian citizens
- OCI
- PIO
- NRIs
- Foreign nationals
9. State Code of Eligibility (Important for JoSAA Counselling)
Your state code = the state in which you passed Class 12.
Special rules:
- NIOS students: State of study centre
- OCI students abroad: All India quota seats (not Home State quota)
Important Note: Residence DOES NOT decide the state code.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility – Final Summary Table
| Category | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Passing Year Eligibility | 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 |
| NOT Eligible | Passed Class 12 in 2023 or earlier |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Total Attempts Allowed | 6 attempts (3 years × 2 sessions/year) |
| Mandatory Subjects (B.Tech) | Physics, Mathematics |
| Third Science Subject Options | Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Technical Vocational |
| Total Subjects Required | Minimum 5 subjects |
| Minimum Marks to Appear | No minimum marks |
| Marks for Admission (NIT/IIIT/CFTI) | 75% (Gen/OBC), 65% (SC/ST), OR Top 20 percentile |
| Eligible Institutes | NITs, IIITs, CFTIs |
| Nationality | Indian, OCI, PIO, NRI, Foreign nationals |
| Accepted Qualifying Exams | CBSE, ISC, State Boards, NIOS, BOSSE, IB, IGCSE, Diploma (3-year), HSC Vocational, NDA Wing, AIU-recognised exams |
| Diploma Students | Can appear; NOT eligible for NIT/IIIT/CFTI admission through Paper 1 |
| State Code of Eligibility | Based on state where Class 12 exam was passed |
Why Understanding Eligibility Matters
Understanding the correct eligibility helps you:
- ✔ Plan preparation confidently
- ✔ Avoid last-minute surprises
- ✔ Use attempts wisely
- ✔ Understand admission rules properly
- ✔ Focus on what truly matters – preparation
You're Ready to Apply!
This guide is clear, accurate, and reflects NTA's 2026 rules exactly.
Now that you know you're eligible, it's time to focus on what really matters – crushing that exam!