The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the official JEE Main information bulletin every year, specifying who can apply for the exam. While the 2026 brochure is yet to be released, the eligibility rules generally remain consistent. Based on the previous few years, here is the expected JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria - including age limits, attempt rules, qualifying exam requirements, Class-12 marks for NIT/IIIT admissions, and guidelines for NIOS/foreign board students.

This guide also includes a quick application checklist to help you prepare before the registration window opens.

1. Year of Passing / Qualifying Exam Eligibility

To appear for JEE Main 2026, students must meet the following expected criteria:

1. Candidates who passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024 or 2025, OR
2. Students who will appear in 2026.

Eligible: 2024, 2025, 2026

Not eligible: 2023 or earlier

Accepted qualifying exams include:

1. CBSE, CISCE (ISC)
2. State board Class 12
3. NIOS Senior Secondary
4. Recognized foreign boards (equivalence required)
5. 10+2 or 2-year pre-university exam
6. 3-year diploma (for JEE Main only; not valid for NIT/IIIT admission)

2. Age Limit for JEE Main 2026

Good news - no age limit for appearing in JEE Main.

However:

1. You must satisfy the year-of-passing rule.
2. Institutions like IIITs/NITs do not impose separate age limits.

3. Number of Attempts (Important)

NTA allows candidates to attempt JEE Main for three (3) consecutive years from their qualifying year.

1. If you passed in 2024, you can attempt: 2024, 2025, 2026
2. If you passed in 2025, you can attempt: 2025, 2026, 2027
3. If appearing in 2026, you can attempt: 2026, 2027, 2028

Also:

JEE Main is conducted twice a year (January & April).

Both sessions count as one attempt for that year.

4. Subject Combination Requirements

You must have studied the following subjects in Class 12 (or equivalent):

For B.E./B.Tech (Engineering)

1. Physics – compulsory
2. Mathematics – compulsory
3. One of the following: Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational Subject

For B.Arch (Architecture)

1. Mathematics – compulsory
2. Physics & Chemistry recommended (as per most boards/courses)
3. Must qualify the Aptitude test conducted in JEE Main Paper 2A

For B.Planning

1. Mathematics – compulsory (no Physics/Chemistry required)

5. Class-12 Marks Requirement (For Admission to NITs/IIITs/CFTIs)

To take JEE Main, there is no minimum percentage needed.

But for admission to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, candidates must have:

1. 75% marks in Class 12 (aggregate)
2. OR be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board
3. SC/ST candidates need 65%

Note: Many private colleges that use JEE Main score may have separate eligibility percentages.

6. NIOS and Foreign Board Students - Special Rules

NIOS Students

Eligible if their study centre is government-approved.

Must choose their state code of eligibility based on:

1. Place of residence
2. Study centre location (if permitted)

Foreign Board Students

Eligible if the board is recognized by AIU/DoE/MoE.

Must obtain equivalency certificate if required.

State code is assigned based on permanent Indian address.

7. Reservation Criteria (Expected to Continue for 2026)

1. GEN-EWS: 10%
2. OBC-NCL: 27%
3. SC: 15%
4. ST: 7.5%
5. PwD: 5% horizontal reservation
6. Female candidates: Relaxation in some institutes

8. Documents Required for JEE Main 2026 Application

Keep the following scanned and ready:

Mandatory Documents

1. Class 10 certificate (for DoB)
2. Class 12 mark sheet (if passed)
3. Recent passport-size photograph
4. Signature (candidate + parent/guardian)
5. Valid ID proof: Aadhaar/Passport/PAN/School ID
6. Category certificate (if applicable)
7. PwD certificate (if applicable)

Optional

1. Domicile certificate (for state quota admissions later)

9. Quick Checklist - Before You Apply

1. Passed in 2024/2025 or appearing in 2026
2. Physics & Maths studied (for B.Tech); Maths (for B.Planning)
3. Class 12 % meets NIT/IIIT admission rules
4. Board recognized (NIOS/foreign board acceptable)
5. Scanned documents ready
6. Working email ID & mobile number
7. Know your state code of eligibility
8. Check session preference (January/April)

10. Tips for JEE Main 2026 Preparation

1. Start with NCERTs, then move to standard books (H.C. Verma, RD Sharma, etc.).
2. Solve previous year papers (last 10–12 years).
3. Attempt mock tests on NTA Abhyas app.
4. Revise formula sheets weekly.
5. Analyze performance after every mock.