The JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria is one of the most important things every engineering aspirant must understand before applying for the exam. Many students prepare well but face issues during admission because they overlook eligibility rules.
This blog explains everything you need to know about JEE Main eligibility, including age limit, number of attempts, educational qualification, subject requirements, Class 12 marks, and a complete application checklist.
What Is JEE Main?
JEE Main is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to undergraduate programs such as:
B.E. / B.Tech
B.Arch
B.Planning
The exam is conducted in multiple sessions, giving students more than one chance in the same year. However, appearing in the exam is allowed only if the eligibility conditions are met.
JEE Main 2026 Age Limit
One of the most common questions students ask is whether there is an age limit for JEE Main 2026.
Is there any age limit?
No, there is no upper age limit to appear for JEE Main 2026.
Candidates of any age can apply, provided they meet other eligibility criteria.
Year of passing Class 12
Candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026.
Even though there is no age restriction for JEE Main, students must still check the age rules of the institutions they are applying to, as some institutes may have separate criteria.
JEE Main 2026 Number of Attempts
Understanding the JEE Main 2026 number of attempts is crucial for planning your exam strategy.
How many attempts are allowed?
A candidate can appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years
Since the exam is held twice a year, this allows a maximum of six attempts
For example, if a student appears for the first time in 2024, they can appear in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Appearing in both sessions of a year is optional, and the best score is considered for ranking.
Educational Qualification for JEE Main 2026
To be eligible for JEE Main 2026, candidates must meet the following academic requirements.
Class 12 or Equivalent Examination
To meet the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria, candidates must have passed or be appearing in:
Class 12 from a recognized board (CBSE, ISC, State Boards)
Or equivalent examinations such as:
Pre-University course
Diploma recognized by AICTE or State Board
International boards like IB or Cambridge
Subject Requirements for JEE Main 2026
The JEE Main subject requirements depend on the course applied for.
For B.E. / B.Tech
Candidates must have studied:
Physics
Mathematics
One of the following:
Chemistry
Biology
Biotechnology
Technical Vocational Subject
For B.Arch
Candidates must have studied:
Physics
Mathematics
Chemistry (mandatory)
For B.Planning
Candidates must have studied:
Mathematics (mandatory)
Not meeting the subject criteria can lead to application rejection, even if other conditions are fulfilled.
Class 12 Marks Requirement for JEE Main 2026
There is often confusion regarding minimum percentage requirements.
Is there a minimum percentage required?
For appearing in JEE Main 2026:
There is no minimum Class 12 percentage requirement.For admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs:
Candidates usually need:75% marks in Class 12, or
To be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board
This rule applies during admission, not while filling the JEE Main application form.
Nationality Criteria
Candidates of different nationalities can apply for JEE Main 2026.
Eligible candidates include:
Indian nationals
NRIs
PIOs
OCI candidates
Foreign nationals (subject to institute-specific rules)
Foreign and OCI candidates may need additional documentation during admission.
JEE Main 2026 Application Checklist
Before filling out the application form, ensure you have the following ready:
Valid email ID and mobile number
Class 10 and Class 12 details
Scanned passport-size photograph
Scanned signature
Category certificate (if applicable)
PwD certificate (if applicable)
Valid photo ID proof
Payment method (debit/credit card or net banking)
Carefully verify all details before submission, as corrections are limited after final submission.
Important Points to Remember
There is no age limit for JEE Main 2026.
You can attempt the exam for three consecutive years only.
Subject combinations must match the course applied for.
Class 12 marks matter at the admission stage, not application stage.
Always cross-check details before submitting the application form.
Conclusion
Understanding the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria is the first and most important step in your engineering entrance journey. Many students lose opportunities due to simple mistakes such as incorrect subject selection or misunderstanding attempt limits.
Before applying, carefully review your academic background, number of attempts used, and course requirements. Proper planning and awareness of eligibility rules will help you focus fully on preparation without unnecessary stress.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, start preparing early and use both exam sessions wisely to maximize your score.
FAQ’s:
1. Is there any age limit for JEE Main 2026?
No. There is no upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2026. Candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the educational eligibility criteria.
2. How many attempts are allowed for JEE Main 2026?
A candidate can appear in JEE Main for three consecutive years. Since the exam is conducted twice each year, this allows a maximum of six attempts in total.
3. Can a student who passed Class 12 in 2023 apply for JEE Main 2026?
No. Candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or be appearing in 2026, to be eligible for JEE Main 2026.
4. Is there any minimum percentage required in Class 12 for JEE Main 2026?
There is no minimum percentage requirement to appear for JEE Main 2026. However, for admission to institutes like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, candidates usually need 75% marks or to be in the top 20 percentile of their board.
5. Which subjects are required in Class 12 for JEE Main 2026?
For B.E. / B.Tech, candidates must have studied:
Physics
Mathematics
One of the following: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject
Subject requirements vary for B.Arch and B.Planning courses.
