Worried about the 75% criteria in JEE? It’s a common concern among students aiming for top engineering colleges. The pressure to score high in boards while preparing for JEE can be overwhelming. We understand the stress and confusion surrounding this requirement.
This article clears all your doubts about the 75% criteria in JEE 2026. We provide accurate information and guidance to help you navigate the JEE eligibility requirements with confidence
Is the 75% Criteria Removed for JEE 2026?
The short answer is no. The 75% criteria is still a requirement for JEE 2026. The goal of the 75% criteria is to ensure that students admitted to these prestigious institutions have a strong foundation in their core subjects. It’s a way of making sure you’re well-prepared for the challenges of engineering studies.
Now that we know where things stand for 2026, let’s review what this rule means for students.
What is the 75% Criteria for JEE Main?
The 75% criteria is a very important rule for students who want to get into top engineering colleges in India. This rule can be a little confusing, so let’s understand it in simple terms.
What is the 75% Criteria?
The 75% criteria means that you need to score at least 75% in your Class 12 board exams or be in the top 20 percentile of your board to be eligible for the admission in the top colleges. This rule is like a filter that ensures only students with good academic records can move on to the next step of the engineering entrance process. It’s a way to maintain the quality of students entering these prestigious institutions.
Which Exams Does it Apply To?
The 75% criterion applies not only to the JEE Main exam but also to the JEE Advanced exam, the subsequent step after JEE Main for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). So, even if you don’t meet the 75% criteria, you can still appear for JEE Main and try to qualify for JEE Advanced through other ways.
Who Does it Apply To?
The 75% criteria applies to students in the general and OBC categories. However, for students belonging to the SC, ST, or PWD categories, the minimum aggregate marks required in their Class 12 board exams is 65%. This relaxation is in place to provide equal opportunity to students from marginalised backgrounds.
Knowing if the rule changed or not is just the start. The reasons behind it matter even more.
Why the Confusion About the 75% Criteria?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government waived the 75% criteria for JEE Main admissions. This meant that students did not need to score 75% in their 12th-grade board exams to be eligible for admission.
This relaxation caused some students to believe that the criteria had been permanently removed. However, the government has since reinstated the criteria, leading to confusion among students who were not aware of the change.
Misinterpretations of Eligibility
Another reason for the confusion is that some students misunderstand the eligibility requirements for JEE Main. They believe that they need to score 75% in their 12th-grade board exams to even appear for the JEE Main exam.
However, this is not true. There is no minimum percentage required to appear for the JEE Main exam. The 75% criteria only applies to admissions to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other CFTIs participating in the JOSAA counselling process.
Clarifying the 75% Criteria
To clear up the confusion, it is important to understand the following points:
- The 75% criteria is still in effect. Students who want to be eligible for JEE Main admissions must score at least 75% in their 12th-grade board exams or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
- There is no minimum percentage required to appear for the JEE Main exam. Students can appear for the exam even if they do not meet the 75% criteria.
- The 75% criteria only applies to admissions. It does not affect a student’s eligibility to appear for the exam.
- There are some exceptions to the 75% criteria. For example, students from SC/ST and PWDs categories need to score at least 65% in their 12th-grade board exams to be eligible for admissions.
Different groups have different ideas about the 75% rule. But should it even exist? Let’s look at the arguments.
Should the 75% Criteria Be Removed?
Some say the 75% rule is fair, others say it’s not. We’ll present both sides clearly so you can decide what makes sense.
Arguments for Removal
- Reduces stress on students: The pressure to excel in both board exams and JEE preparation can be overwhelming. Removing the 75% criteria allows students to focus on their JEE preparation without the added burden of maintaining a high percentage in their board exams. This can lead to improved mental health and well-being.
- Focuses on JEE performance: The JEE Advanced exam is designed to assess a student’s aptitude for engineering and technology. The 75% criteria might not accurately reflect a student’s potential in these fields. By removing it, the selection process can focus solely on the JEE performance, which is a more relevant indicator of their capabilities.
- Increases inclusivity: The 75% criteria can be a barrier for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who might not have access to the same resources and opportunities as their peers. Removing the criteria can make the JEE Advanced exam more accessible to a wider range of students, promoting diversity and inclusivity in the field of engineering.
Arguments Against Removal
- Ensures well-rounded candidates: The 75% criteria ensures that students have a strong foundation in all subjects, not just those relevant to engineering. This helps produce well-rounded candidates who are equipped to handle the diverse challenges of a university education and beyond.
- Maintains a certain academic standard: The 75% criteria acts as a filter, ensuring that only students with a certain level of academic competence can qualify for the admission into top colleges. This helps maintain the high standards of the exam and the institutions that use its results for admissions.
- Fairness to students who worked hard in boards: Many students put in significant effort to achieve a high percentage in their board exams. Removing the 75% criteria could be perceived as unfair to these students, as their hard work would no longer be rewarded in the selection process.
The 75% rule debate is complex. But what are the actual rules for JEE 2026? Let’s get into the details.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026 (In-Depth)
Forget the rumours. Here’s the complete list of what you need to be eligible for JEE Main 2026, clear and simple.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
| JEE Main Eligibility Criteria (Age) | No specific age limit for appearing in JEE Main exists. However, candidates must have passed their Class 12th examination or equivalent in the previous or current year. |
| JEE Main Eligibility Qualification | Candidates should have passed the 10+2 exam or an equivalent examination from a reputable board, such as the CBSE, ICSE, or any state or central board. |
| Percentage | General category candidates must secure a minimum of 75% aggregate marks in their qualifying examination. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum aggregate requirement is 65%. |
| Year of Appearance | Candidates who have appeared for their Class 12th or equivalent examination in the year 2022 or 2023 are eligible for JEE Main 2026. |
| Attempts | Candidates are allowed to attempt JEE Main for a maximum of three consecutive years. However, for admission to IITs, the number of attempts is limited to two in consecutive years. |
| Admissions to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs | To get admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), candidates must qualify for JEE Main and also meet the eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced, the next stage of the engineering entrance examination. |
| Nationality | The applicant must be an Indian citizen. Other foreign nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and so on, can also apply. |
| Subjects | The qualifying examination should include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. |
JEE Main Eligibility: Subject Wise Criteria
| Course | Compulsory Subjects |
| B.E/B.Tech | Mathematics, Physics, and either Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology |
| B.Arch | Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry |
| B.Planning | Mathematics (compulsory), and any other subjects as specified by the respective authorities. |
Conclusion
The 75% criteria for JEE is here to stay. It hasn’t gone anywhere! While this might seem difficult, remember it’s a fair rule for everyone. It ensures that students joining top engineering colleges have a strong foundation in their studies. So, focus on your boards as well as your JEE preparation. With hard work and the right balance, you can achieve your dream of getting into a good engineering college.
