JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Qualification, Attempts

Before applying for the exam, every aspirant must clearly understand the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026. These criteria are defined by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and determine whether a candidate is eligible to appear for the exam and later seek admission through JEE Main scores.

The eligibility rules cover educational qualifications, subjects studied, year of passing, age limit, number of attempts, nationality, and special conditions for droppers, open-school students, and diploma holders. Meeting these conditions is mandatory to avoid disqualification at any stage of the examination or admission process.

Educational Qualification Required for JEE Main 2026

To be eligible for JEE Main 2026, a candidate must have completed or be appearing in a qualifying examination equivalent to Class 12.

Who Is Eligible Based on Qualification

Candidates fulfilling any one of the following conditions can apply:

• Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025

• Appearing for Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2026

Accepted Qualifying Examinations

• Class 12 examination conducted by a recognized Central or State Board

• Senior Secondary Examination from a recognized open schooling system

• Any equivalent examination recognized by Indian education authorities

Important Clarification:There is no minimum percentage requirement in Class 12 to appear for the JEE Main 2026 exam.

Subjects Required in the Qualifying Examination

The subject combination studied in Class 12 plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for different papers of JEE Main 2026.

Subject Requirements by Course

Candidates who do not meet the subject requirements for a specific paper are not eligible to apply for that paper.

Year of Passing the Qualifying Examination

The year in which a candidate passed or is appearing for Class 12 determines eligibility for JEE Main 2026.

Eligible Passing Years

• Candidates who passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025

• Candidates appearing for Class 12 examination in 2026

Not Eligible

• Candidates who passed Class 12 before 2024 are generally not eligible for JEE Main 2026.

This rule ensures fairness by allowing only recent academic batches to participate.

Age Limit for JEE Main 2026

Is There Any Age Limit?

• No age limit is prescribed by NTA for appearing in JEE Main 2026.

• Candidates of any age can apply, provided they meet the educational and subject requirements.

Institute-Level Restrictions

While there is no age limit for the exam, some institutes may have their own age criteria for admission. Candidates must check admission rules of individual colleges during counselling.

Number of Attempts Allowed in JEE Main 2026

JEE Main is conducted in two sessions every year (January and April), allowing multiple opportunities to candidates.

Attempt Rules

• A candidate can appear in JEE Main for three consecutive years after passing Class 12.

• With two sessions per year, a candidate gets a maximum of six attempts.

• Candidates may appear in one or both sessions in a year.

• The best score out of all attempts in a year is considered for ranking.

This system helps students improve their performance without penalty.

Nationality Criteria for JEE Main 2026

JEE Main 2026 is open to candidates from various national backgrounds.

Eligible Nationalities

• Indian citizens

• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

• Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)

• Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)

• Foreign nationals

Foreign and overseas candidates must meet academic requirements and may need to follow institute-specific admission guidelines.

Minimum Marks Requirement for Admission 

It is very important to understand the difference between eligibility to appear for the exam and eligibility for admission.

Board Marks Requirement for Admission

For admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, candidates must satisfy one of the following:

• At least 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST candidates), OR

• Be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board

Key Point

• This rule does not apply to appearing in the JEE Main exam.

• It applies only at the time of admission and counselling.
  
  

Eligibility for Droppers Appearing in JEE Main 2026

Droppers are candidates who have already passed Class 12 and are taking a gap year to prepare again.

Eligibility Conditions for Droppers

• Passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025

• Subject requirements fulfilled

• Attempts remaining as per the three-year rule

• No age restriction

Droppers are treated at par with regular candidates in terms of eligibility.

Eligibility for Open School and NIOS Candidates

Candidates who completed their education through open schooling systems are also eligible.

Conditions

• Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 from a recognized open board

• Must have studied required subjects

• Must meet passing year criteria

Open school candidates are fully eligible as long as subject and academic rules are followed.

Eligibility for Diploma Holders

Candidates with a three-year diploma qualification:

• Are eligible to appear for JEE Main

• Must check institute-specific rules for diploma-based admissions

• Should meet subject and passing year requirements

Admission opportunities for diploma holders may vary by institute.

Difference Between Exam Eligibility and Admission Eligibility

This distinction helps candidates understand why qualifying the exam does not always guarantee admission.

Key Points Candidates Must Remember

• JEE Main 2026 has no age limit

• Passing year and subject combination are crucial

• Multiple attempts are allowed within limits

• Board marks matter only during admission

• Eligibility must be verified before application submission

Failure to meet eligibility criteria can result in cancellation of candidature at any stage.