Before you build your preparation strategy, you must know whether you are eligible to appear for JEE and what the rules around attempts are. A common mistake is assuming eligibility without verifying: some students realise too late that their Class 12 year or subject combination makes them ineligible.
JEE Mains Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
- Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognised board.
- Compulsory subjects: Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational.
- Students who passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025 are eligible for JEE Mains 2026.
- Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible.
- Students who passed Class 12 in 2023 or earlier are NOT eligible.
Age Limit
Good News
There is NO upper age limit for JEE Mains as of 2021. NTA removed the age cap in its revised eligibility criteria. However, some IITs may have their own age requirements for specific programmes.
Minimum Marks in Class 12
For JEE Mains, there is NO minimum percentage required in Class 12 to appear for the exam. However, to be eligible for admission into NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, you must have passed Class 12 with at least 75% marks in aggregate (or be in the top 20 percentile of your board). For SC/ST candidates, the minimum is 65%.
Number of Attempts
| Scenario | Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|
| Total lifetime attempts | 6 (3 consecutive years × 2 sessions per year) |
| Per year | 2 sessions (January and April) |
| Year of passing Class 12 (first attempt year) | Session 1 + Session 2 |
| Year after passing Class 12 | Session 1 + Session 2 |
| Two years after passing Class 12 | Session 1 + Session 2 |
JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria 2026
JEE Advanced has stricter eligibility rules. Only top performers in JEE Mains are allowed to appear.
- Must be among the top 2,50,000 rank holders in JEE Mains 2026 (including all categories).
- Must have appeared in Class 12 (or equivalent) for the first time in 2025 or 2026.
- Must NOT have been admitted to an IIT (including those who paid but did not join).
- A candidate can attempt JEE Advanced at most 2 times in consecutive years.
- Performance in JEE Mains does NOT affect JEE Advanced score; the two are independent.
Minimum Marks in Class 12 for IIT Admission
To be considered for IIT admission through JEE Advanced, candidates must score at least 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST/PwD). Some IITs also require you to be in the top 20 percentile of your board.
Subject-wise Requirements
| Subject | Required For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | JEE Mains + Advanced | Mandatory |
| Mathematics | JEE Mains + Advanced | Mandatory |
| Chemistry | JEE Mains + Advanced | Mandatory |
| English | Some IITs/NITs | Not required for JEE itself |
Eligibility for Drop Year Students (Droppers)
If you passed Class 12 in 2025 and are taking a drop year to prepare for JEE 2026, you are fully eligible: this counts as your second attempt year. You get two more sessions in 2026. After 2026, if you want a third attempt year, you must have passed Class 12 in 2024: making 2026 your final eligible year.
Important for Double-Drop Students
If you passed Class 12 in 2023 or earlier, you are no longer eligible for JEE Mains 2026. The three-year window starts from your first qualifying examination year.
Common Eligibility Questions
- Can PCB students appear for JEE? Yes, if you have Mathematics as an additional subject and meet the JEE Mains requirement. Check your individual board rules.
- Is there a minimum attendance requirement? No NTA-mandated attendance for appearing, but your board may have one for issuing marksheets.
- Can I appear if I failed Class 12? No. You must have passed Class 12. You can appear for improvement exams and then register.
- Can NRI/OCI students appear? Yes. NRI/OCI candidates can appear and may be considered under the international category seats at IITs.
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