NTA JEE

Understanding the eligibility criteria for the JEE Main 2026 examination is essential, as the regulations define two distinct categories: eligibility to appear for the exam and eligibility for admission into premier institutions. With the first session concluding in January 2026, aspirants preparing for the second session must carefully review the criteria below.

Eligibility to Appear for the Exam

These are the baseline requirements prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to allow candidates to appear for JEE Main 2026.

• Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026. Any candidate who has passed or is appearing in the Class 12 or equivalent examination may apply.
• Qualifying Examination (QE): Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent examination from a recognized Central or State board (such as CBSE, NIOS, or ICSE).
• Year of Passing: Only candidates who passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or those appearing in 2026 are eligible. Candidates who passed in 2023 or earlier are not eligible.
• Number of Subjects: Candidates must have passed Class 12 with at least five subjects. For B.E./B.Tech, Physics and Mathematics are mandatory, along with one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a Technical Vocational subject.

Eligibility for Admission (The 75% Rule)

Securing a high rank in JEE Main does not automatically guarantee admission into NITs, IIITs, or IITs. Candidates must also satisfy the following academic performance benchmarks.

Attempt Limits

The NTA has defined a fixed eligibility window that restricts the number of attempts for JEE Main.

• Maximum Attempts: Candidates may attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from their first eligible year after passing Class 12.
• Total Sessions: Since the exam is conducted twice a year (January and April), candidates can attempt up to six sessions within the three-year window.
• Dropped Years: Any skipped year is still counted. For example, if you passed Class 12 in 2025, your eligible years are 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Subject-Specific Requirements for Different Papers

JEE Main consists of different papers based on the academic program a candidate wishes to pursue.

Paper 1 (B.E. / B.Tech)

• Mandatory Subjects: Physics and Mathematics
• Optional Subject (Choose One): Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational Subject

Paper 2A (B.Arch)

• Mandatory Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry
• Aggregate Requirement: Minimum 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and 50% marks in aggregate at the Class 12 level

Paper 2B (B.Planning)

• Mandatory Subject: Mathematics
• Aggregate Requirement: Minimum 50% marks in Mathematics and 50% marks in aggregate at the Class 12 level

State Code of Eligibility

• The State Code of Eligibility refers to the state where you completed your Class 12 education, not your permanent residence.
• For example, if you studied in a boarding school in Rajasthan but your permanent residence is in Delhi, your State Code of Eligibility will be Rajasthan.
• This code determines eligibility for the 50% Home State Quota available in NITs.

Registration Essentials for 2026

Candidates planning to appear for the April 2026 session should ensure the following are in place:

• Aadhaar Authentication: Strongly recommended. Any mismatch between Aadhaar details and the application may cause verification delays at the exam center.
• Category Certificates: For OBC-NCL or EWS candidates, certificates must be issued on or after April 1, 2025 to be valid for the 2026 admission cycle.