JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit & 12th Marks

JEE Main 2026 examination functions as a standardized computer-based test which evaluates candidates for undergraduate engineering programs. The examination consists of two distinct papers. Paper 1 targets B.E. and B.Tech courses. B.Arch and B.Planning students must take Paper 2. Candidates need to fulfill certain requirements for their exam eligibility. The selection process establishes these rules to maintain fairness during candidate evaluation. The basic eligibility requirements depend on whether an applicant has completed their qualifying examination. The year of passing Class 12 is a primary factor. Only students who passed in 2024, 2025 or appearing in 2026 are eligible. Candidates must verify these details before they begin to complete their application form.

The primary JEE Main eligibility depends on the Class 12 board exams. Candidates must have passed the 10+2 system or equivalent. Qualifying exams include those conducted by central or state boards. Intermediate pre-university exams also count as valid qualifications.

Students from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) can also apply. They must have at least five subjects in their curriculum. Candidates who have completed a three-year diploma are also eligible. These students usually apply for JEE Main to qualify for JEE Advanced exam.
Qualifying Years for JEE Main 2026

There is no JEE age limit for candidates appearing in JEE Main. Anyone of any age can take the examination. The examination candidates need to meet the Class 12 passing year requirement. The final admission process will enforce institutional age restrictions which might affect candidates.

The JEE mains attempt limit is a crucial factor for planning. Candidates can appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years. The three years of eligibility begin when students complete their Class 12 education. If a student passes in 2024, they can try in 2024, 2025, and 2026. The number of JEE attempts which students can make depends on the three-year period starting from their Class 12 completion date.

JEE Main eligibility marks in 12th vary based on the purpose. For merely appearing in JEE Main, there is no minimum percentage. Candidates only need a "pass" status in their board exams. However, admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs require higher scores.

The minimum percentage for JEE Mains admission is usually 75%. This applies to General and OBC categories. For SC and ST categories, the requirement is 65%. Alternatively, being in the top 20 percentile of the respective board is sufficient. This rule is often called the 75% eligibility criteria.

JEE Main eligibility marks in 12th subject wise are strictly defined. For B.E. or B.Tech, Physics and Mathematics are compulsory. Candidates must also have one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, or Biology. A technical vocational subject is also an acceptable third option.

Each subject must have a passing grade in the board results. Total aggregate is calculated based on five subjects. These include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, a language, and one elective. Candidates failing in any of these five subjects cannot seek admission.

Compulsory Subject List

Physics

Mathematics

Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational subject

Language subject

Any other elective subject

Repeaters are students who appeared for the exam in previous years. Droppers are students who took a gap year for preparation. Both groups are eligible if they meet the passing year criteria. A student passing 12th in 2025 can take the 2026 exam as a dropper.

The “how many attempts for JEE Mains” rule applies here clearly. A dropper who passed 12th in 2023 would be ineligible for 2026. The gap should not exceed two years after the first 12th attempt. Droppers must provide their original 12th mark sheet during verification.

JEE Main eligibility marks in 12th for obc and other groups follow relaxation norms. Reserved category candidates get a 10% relaxation in the aggregate percentage. The JEE Main eligibility marks in 12th for SC/ST is 65%. OBC-NCL and EWS candidates must still secure 75% for NIT/IIIT admissions.

Candidates must produce valid category certificates. These certificates must follow the format prescribed by the NTA. The OBC-NCL certificate should be issued after April 1, 2025. This ensures the current financial status of the candidate is accurate.

Aspirants can check their JEE eligibility through a straightforward process. Candidates should follow these steps to verify their status:

• The official NTA JEE website requires users to visit its homepage.
• Information Bulletin for 2026 can be downloaded from the website.
• The section on "Eligibility Criteria" requires reading for this purpose.
• The applicant needs to confirm their Class 12 passing year through verification.
• Subject requirements must be checked according to the selected paper.
• The applicant needs to verify whether they meet the percentage requirements established by the target institution.

Candidates should do this before paying the application fee. The JEE Main results will be cancelled if someone makes false eligibility claims.

Candidates must prove their identity through three different checkpoints during the examination process. Initially, candidates upload digital copies during registration. The verification process begins with candidates uploading their documents which then continues to physical document verification at JoSAA counselling. Students must maintain all academic records together with their personal records at all times.

Required Document for JEE Main eligibility Checklist:

• Class 10 Marksheet (for date of birth proof)
• Class 12 Marksheet (for JEE Main eligibility marks in 12th)
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• PwD Certificate (if applicable)
• EWS Certificate (if applicable)
• Passport (for foreign nationals)

Paper 2 has different requirements compared to Paper 1. For B.Arch, candidates must have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. They need an aggregate of 50% in these three subjects. A total aggregate of 50% in the qualifying exam is also mandatory.

For B.Planning, only Mathematics is a compulsory subject in Class 12. Candidates must secure 50% marks in Mathematics. They also need 50% marks in the overall aggregate. These specific JEE Main eligibility marks in 12th subject wise are vital for architecture aspirants.

The Joint Seat Allocation Authority will upload the detailed JoSAA 2026 eligibility criteria on its official website. Candidates can check the JoSAA eligibility criteria on this page as well. Students who meet the eligibility conditions can participate in the JoSAA counselling.

Candidates who satisfy the eligibility criteria can complete the JoSAA 2026 registration and choice filling. The eligibility criteria for JoSAA 2026 is different for JEE Main and JEE Advanced candidates. The JoSAA 2026 will be held in six rounds for admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. The authority will release the JoSAA 2026 dates online on the official website.

JEE Main Result Out 16 February, 2026

The National Testing Agency has officially declared the JEE Main result on 16 February, 2026. Candidates can now access the JEE result link on the official website. Use your application number and password to check the JEE Mains result 2026.

JEE Main result for Session 1 shows subject-wise percentile scores. Students can download the JEE Main results 2026 from jeemain.nta.nic.in portal. This JEE Result is mandatory for admission to NITs and IIITs.

NTA has also published the JEE Main rank list for the first session. Check the IIT JEE Main 2026 scorecard to see your qualifying status.

How to Check JEE Result

• Visit the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in
• Click on the JEE main 2026 session 1 result link.
• Enter your login credentials to view the IIT JEE Mains result.
• Download the JEE Main scorecard for future counselling rounds.

The JEE Mains result helps students plan their next academic steps. High scorers inM JEE Main result can now register for JEE Advanced.

Summary of Key Marks and Percentages

The question of ‘how many marks are required to clear JEE Main’ is common. This depends on the yearly cutoff for different categories. Clearing the cutoff allows a student to enter the rank list. However, “how much percentage is required for IIT admission” remains a fixed 75% for most.