JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Rules Announced: Age Limit, Attempts, Marks
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• Updated on 14 Jan, 2026, 4:19 PM, by Ishita Tanwar
The National Testing Agency has released the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026. The rules clarify age limit, qualifying examination, number of attempts, and admission requirements for participating institutes
The National Testing Agency has officially released the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria for candidates planning to appear in the upcoming engineering entrance examination. Aspirants must meet all prescribed conditions to be eligible for the exam and subsequent admissions. The eligibility rules cover requirements related to age limit, qualifying examination, number of attempts, and admission criteria for centrally funded technical institutions.
JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Appearing in the Exam
Candidates applying for JEE Main 2026 must satisfy the basic conditions laid down by the testing agency. These criteria determine whether a candidate can appear in the examination. There is no age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026. Candidates who have passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025, or those appearing in 2026, are eligible to apply. For subject requirements:
- Paper 1 (BTech): Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one subject from Chemistry, Biology, or a Technical Vocational subject
- Paper 2A (BArch): Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects
- Paper 2B (BPlan): Mathematics as a compulsory subject
JEE Main 2026 Number of Attempts and Exam Cycles
JEE Main is conducted twice every year, allowing candidates multiple opportunities to improve their scores. As per the eligibility rules, candidates can appear for the exam in three consecutive years after passing Class 12. This means a candidate can attempt JEE Main a maximum of six times, with two attempts each year. For 2026, the examination will be held in January and April sessions.
JEE Main 2026 Class 12 Marks Requirement
There is no minimum percentage requirement in Class 12 to appear for JEE Main 2026. Candidates can sit for the exam regardless of their Class 12 marks. However, the 75 percent marks criterion applies only at the time of admission to institutes such as NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Candidates belonging to reserved categories may be eligible for relaxation as per prevailing admission norms.
Qualifying Examinations Accepted for JEE Main 2026
Candidates must have passed one of the recognised qualifying examinations to be eligible. These include:
- Class 12 examination conducted by a recognised central or state board
- Intermediate or pre-university examination
- Senior Secondary examination from NIOS
- Diploma recognised by AICTE or state technical boards
- International qualifications recognised as equivalent to the Class 12 system
Important Advisory for Aspirants
Candidates are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria before filling out the JEE Main 2026 application form, as applications may be cancelled if any condition is not met. Meeting the exam eligibility does not automatically guarantee admission, as institute-level criteria apply separately. Further updates related to application dates, admit cards, and counselling schedules will be announced through official notifications in due course.
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