The JEE Main 2026 April attempt eligibility criteria have been officially released. Aspirants looking to appear for the JEE Main 2026 exam in the April session must meet certain age, educational qualifications, and attempt limits to be eligible. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the eligibility guidelines, helping candidates ensure that they meet all the necessary requirements.
JEE Main 2026 April Attempt Eligibility: Key Criteria
To be eligible for the JEE Main 2026 April attempt, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Age Limit for JEE Main 2026
The age limit for candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026 varies based on the candidate’s year of birth and the respective category they belong to.
- General Candidates: The candidate must have been born on or after 1 October 2001.
- SC/ST/PwD Candidates: The candidate must have been born on or after 1 October 1998.
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL): Same as General candidates, born on or after 1 October 2001.
2. Educational Qualifications for JEE Main 2026
The educational qualifications required for eligibility in the JEE Main 2026 April attempt are as follows:
- Class 12th Pass or Appearing Candidates:
- Candidates who have passed or are appearing for the Class 12th or equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025 are eligible to appear for the JEE Main April 2026 session.
- Students who are appearing in the Class 12th board exams in 2026 are also eligible to sit for the JEE Main 2026 April attempt.
- Minimum Marks:
- There are no specific minimum marks required in the Class 12th exam for eligibility, but candidates must have taken the following subjects in their qualifying exam:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- There are no specific minimum marks required in the Class 12th exam for eligibility, but candidates must have taken the following subjects in their qualifying exam:
- Number of Subjects: The candidate must have appeared in at least five subjects in the Class 12th exam. Students who have appeared for vocational subjects should ensure they meet the eligibility for Mathematics and Physics.
3. Number of Attempts for JEE Main 2026
A candidate can appear for JEE Main a certain number of times. The JEE Main 2026 eligibility for the number of attempts is as follows:
- Maximum Number of Attempts: Candidates can appear for the JEE Main exam up to three times (i.e., three consecutive years), including the January and April sessions.
- Candidates who have already appeared in January 2026 can still appear for the April 2026 attempt.
- Previous Attempts: Candidates who appeared in JEE Main 2024 or 2025 but did not qualify or wish to improve their scores can attempt the exam again, provided they meet the age limit and other eligibility requirements.
4. Other Requirements for JEE Main 2026
- Nationality: Only Indian citizens are eligible to appear for the exam. However, foreign nationals may have different eligibility requirements.
- Number of Subjects: Students must have studied Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry as part of their Class 12th curriculum to be eligible for the JEE Main 2026 April attempt.
- Qualifying Exam: Candidates must have appeared for their Class 12th or equivalent exam from a recognized board. Students from any recognized central or state board (such as CBSE, ICSE, etc.) are eligible to apply.
How to Apply for JEE Main 2026 April Attempt?
The JEE Main 2026 April attempt application process will be available on the official NTA JEE website. Candidates will need to:
- Register online with valid personal details.
- Fill out the application form, including academic qualifications and personal information.
- Upload necessary documents such as:
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Signature and left thumb impression
- Class 12th mark sheet or equivalent certificate
- ID proof (Aadhaar, passport, etc.)
- Pay the application fee using any online payment methods.
- Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation page.
Expected Dates for JEE Main 2026 April Attempt
The expected timeline for the JEE Main 2026 April attempt is as follows:
- Application Form Release: February 2026
- Last Date for Application Submission: March 2026
- Admit Card Release: March 2026
- Exam Date: April 2026 (Exact dates to be announced by NTA)
- Result Declaration: May 2026
JEE Main 2026: Conclusion
The JEE Main 2026 April attempt eligibility criteria ensure that only the right candidates can appear for the exam. Candidates must carefully review the age limit, educational qualifications, and number of attempts before applying. Students are encouraged to begin preparing early and check the official NTA website for any updates regarding the application process and other important announcements. Stay updated with the NTA JEE Main website to ensure timely application submission and further notifications.