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Career Guidance for Classes 8-12 | All Boards
JEE Main 2026-27
JEE Main 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit, Academic Qualification, Category-wise Requirements & More
Check if you are eligible for JEE Main 2026-27. Understand the complete eligibility criteria
including academic qualifications, age limit, category-wise requirements, number of attempts,
and important rules.
Know your eligibility before applying!
Check if you meet the basic eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026-27.
Academic
10+2 with PCM
✔ Required
Minimum Marks
75% (General) 65% (SC/ST)
✔ Required
Age Limit
No Age Limit
✔ No Restriction
Attempts
2 per year 2 consecutive years
✔ Allowed
Most candidates are eligible for JEE Main
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
Complete breakdown of JEE Main 2026-27 eligibility requirements.
Academic Qualification
Passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Candidates appearing in 10+2 in 2026-27 are also eligible
Any recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, etc.)
75% aggregate in 10+2 for General/EWS/OBC (NCL)
65% aggregate in 10+2 for SC/ST/PwD
Top 20 percentile in board exam also qualifies
Candidates from NIOS and open schooling are also eligible.
Age Limit
No age limit for JEE Main
Candidates of any age can apply
5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD in age criteria (when applicable)
No upper age restriction for appearing in exam
Born on or after October 1, 1997 (General) - old rule, now removed
Important: Age limit has been removed. Anyone can appear for JEE Main.
Number of Attempts
2 attempts per year (January & April sessions)
2 consecutive years from the year of passing 10+2
Total 4 attempts (2 sessions × 2 years)
Best of two sessions considered for final score
Candidates from 2025, 2026, 2027 batches are eligible
No limit on total attempts across multiple years.
Nationality & Other Criteria
Indian citizens are eligible
Foreign nationals (Overseas Citizens of India) can also apply
PwD candidates get 5% relaxation in cutoffs
Kashmiri migrants have special reservation
NRI candidates can also apply for NRI seats
Foreign nationals need to check specific eligibility for their category.
Category-wise Eligibility Requirements
Minimum marks requirements for different categories.
Category
Minimum Marks Required
Relaxation
Age Limit
General
75% or Top 20 Percentile
None
No Limit
EWS
75% or Top 20 Percentile
10% seat reservation
No Limit
OBC (NCL)
75% or Top 20 Percentile
27% seat reservation
No Limit
SC
65% or Top 20 Percentile
15% seat reservation
No Limit
ST
65% or Top 20 Percentile
7.5% seat reservation
No Limit
PwD
65% or Top 20 Percentile
5% horizontal reservation
No Limit
Foreign Nationals
As per university norms
Special quota
No Limit
Important: Top 20 percentile in board exam also qualifies for JEE Main eligibility, regardless of aggregate percentage.
Understanding the 75% Criteria
Detailed explanation of the minimum marks requirement.
75% Aggregate
General/OBC/EWS candidates need 75% aggregate in 10+2.
Mandatory
Top 20 Percentile
Even with lower marks, if you're in top 20 percentile, you're eligible.
Alternative
Relaxation for SC/ST
SC/ST candidates need only 65% aggregate.
Relaxed
Note: The 75% criteria is only for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. It does not apply to other colleges participating in JEE Main.
Important Rules & Updates
Key points to remember about JEE Main eligibility.
No Age Limit
Age limit removed from 2024 onwards. Anyone can appear.
2 Sessions/Year
JEE Main is conducted twice a year - January and April.
75% Criteria
General: 75%, SC/ST: 65% for NITs/IIITs/GFTIs.
Stay updated with official NTA notifications
Frequently Asked Questions - Eligibility
Common questions about JEE Main eligibility criteria.
There is no age limit for JEE Main 2026-27. Candidates of any age can apply for the exam as long as they meet the academic qualification requirements.
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. General category needs 75% aggregate or top 20 percentile. SC/ST needs 65% aggregate.
Candidates can attempt JEE Main twice a year (January and April sessions) for two consecutive years from the year of passing 10+2. No limit on total attempts.
Yes, for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, General category candidates need 75% aggregate in 10+2. SC/ST candidates need 65% aggregate.
Yes, candidates can take JEE Main after 12th. They can also appear in the exam if they are appearing in 10+2 in the current academic year.
Candidates who have passed or appearing in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are eligible. There is no age limit. Category-wise minimum marks requirements apply.
