Getting into an IIT is a dream for many students, but the road to achieving this goal can seem challenging. One common question students often have is whether their Class 10 marks matter for IIT admissions. The answer might surprise you. While your Class 10 performance doesn’t directly impact your eligibility for JEE, the foundation you build during these early years plays a crucial role in your preparation. To secure a spot in one of the top IITs, you need to focus on excelling in JEE Main and JEE Advanced, the two exams that decide your fate.
This article will guide you through the JEE eligibility criteria, explain what matters more than Class 10 marks, and offer expert tips on how to approach your studies. Whether you’re aiming for IIT or simply want to understand the process better, read on to find out how to set yourself up for success.
How Much Percentage Required For IIT In Class 10?
IITs do not have any specific requirement for Class 10 marks in their eligibility criteria for JEE. Your performance in Class 10 does not directly impact your ability to appear for JEE Main or JEE Advanced. Therefore, there is no set percentage that you must achieve in Class 10 to qualify for the JEE exams. However, the skills and foundation you build in Class 10, especially in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, will play an essential role in your preparation for JEE.
JEE Advanced 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced 2025 are set to ensure that only those students who meet specific academic and performance standards are allowed to participate in the exam. The criteria are designed to maintain the rigor of the IIT admissions process and ensure that candidates are adequately prepared for the challenging nature of the exam. Below is an in-depth look at the eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced 2025.
Criterion A1 – Performance in JEE (Main) 2025
The first and most crucial requirement for appearing in JEE Advanced 2025 is that the candidate must have qualified JEE Main 2025. However, it is not just a matter of passing the exam; candidates must perform exceptionally well to be among the top 2,50,000 successful candidates in JEE Main. The JEE Main exam will be conducted in two papers: Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) and Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning). The top 2,50,000 candidates in the B.E./B.Tech. paper, based on their performance, will be eligible for JEE Advanced 2025.
The number of candidates to be shortlisted from each category is predetermined, and the percentages are as follows:
| Sl No. | Category | Number of “Top” candidates | |
| 1 | OPEN | 96187 | 101250 |
| 2 | OPEN-PwD | 5063 | |
| 3 | GEN-EWS | 23750 | 25000 |
| 4 | GEN-EWS-PwD | 1250 | |
| 5 | OBC-NCL | 64125 | 67500 |
| 6 | OBC-NCL-PwD | 3375 | |
| 7 | SC | 35625 | 37500 |
| 8 | SC-PwD | 1875 | |
| 9 | ST | 17812 | 18750 |
| 10 | ST-PwD | 938 | |
In this list, the candidates are categorized based on their performance, and the selection is done category-wise. Additionally, it is important to note that a 5% horizontal reservation is available for PwD (Persons with Disabilities) candidates within each of these categories. The total number of candidates might slightly exceed 2,50,000 if there are tied ranks or scores in any category.
Criterion A2 – Age Limit
To be eligible for JEE Advanced 2025, the candidate must meet the age requirement. Candidates must have been born on or after October 1, 2000. This ensures that only students within a specific age group are allowed to participate. However, there is an age relaxation for candidates belonging to certain categories. SC, ST, and PwD candidates are granted a five-year age relaxation, meaning they must have been born on or after October 1, 1995. This relaxation is aimed at providing more opportunities for candidates from these categories.
It is essential to note that candidates who fall outside of this age range will not be eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2025, regardless of their performance in JEE Main.
Criterion A3 – Number of Attempts
Another important eligibility criterion for JEE Advanced 2025 is the number of attempts a candidate can make. Candidates can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years. This means that if a candidate appears for JEE Advanced in 2025, they can also appear for the exam again in 2026, provided they meet all the other eligibility criteria.
This rule ensures that candidates are not attempting the exam multiple times over many years, allowing only a limited number of attempts to maintain fairness and give all candidates an equal chance.
Criterion A4 – Appearance in Class XII (or Equivalent) Examination
A critical eligibility requirement for JEE Advanced 2025 is that the candidate must have appeared for the Class XII (or equivalent) examination for the first time in either 2024 or 2025. The candidate should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in Class XII (or equivalent).
The Class 12 (or equivalent) exam must have been declared by the Board in the year 2024 or 2025. Candidates who appeared for the Class 12 exam earlier than 2024 are not eligible for JEE Advanced 2025, irrespective of the combination of subjects they studied.
In case a candidate appeared for the Class 12 examination in 2023, they will only be eligible if their examination board declared the results after June 28, 2023. If the results were declared before this date but the candidate’s result was withheld for some reason, they will not be eligible for JEE Advanced 2025.
Exception to Criterion A3 and A4
In a landmark decision, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has allowed candidates who withdrew from their courses and dropped out between November 5, 2024, and November 18, 2024, to register for JEE Advanced 2025. This decision allows candidates who had previously enrolled in an IIT or similar institution but chose to leave their courses during this period to still appear for JEE Advanced.
These candidates must meet the conditions mentioned in Criterion A1 and Criterion A2 and be otherwise eligible. To get more details, prospective candidates must refer to Annexure VI of the Information Brochure for the necessary steps they need to follow.
Criterion A5 – Earlier Admission at IITs
Candidates who have been admitted to an IIT under any academic program, as listed in the JoSAA Business Rules of 2024, are not eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2025. This includes candidates who accepted their seat in any IIT but did not attend classes or withdrew from the course. However, there are some exceptions to this criterion:
- Candidates who were admitted to a preparatory course in any IIT for the first time in 2024 are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2025.
- Candidates who were allocated a seat in IIT through JoSAA 2024, but did not report to the reporting center or withdrew their seat before the last round of seat allotment, are also eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2025.
- Candidates whose admission was cancelled for any reason before the last round of seat allotment for IITs are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2025 as long as they meet all other criteria.
In all of these cases, the candidates must still satisfy the requirements outlined in Criterion A1 to Criterion A4.
What Matters More Than Class 10 Percentage?
While Class 10 marks may be important for assessing a student’s early academic performance, they do not directly impact eligibility for IIT admissions. The real focus should be on the following key factors, which matter far more when it comes to cracking JEE and securing admission to prestigious IITs.
1) Class 12 Board Marks
One of the most critical aspects for IIT admission is a candidate’s performance in Class 12. While there is no specific minimum percentage required for JEE Advanced eligibility, it is important to note that some institutes, such as NITs, require a 75% minimum in Class 12 to qualify for admission through JEE Main. Although IITs do not have a similar specific cutoff for Class 12, candidates must pass their board exams with a minimum score to be eligible for JEE Advanced.
This makes Class 12 marks important, as they demonstrate your understanding of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—core subjects for JEE preparation. Focusing on excelling in your Class 12 exams not only ensures you meet the eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced but also strengthens your knowledge base for the exam.
2) JEE Main and Advanced Performance
The most significant factor for IIT admission is your performance in JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Main is the first step to qualify for JEE Advanced, and only the top 2.5 lakh candidates in JEE Main will be eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. The key focus should be on excelling in both exams.
JEE Advanced, in particular, is the exam that directly determines whether you get a seat in an IIT. The exam is highly competitive, and the marks you score in JEE Advanced will be the deciding factor for your admission to the IITs. Your rank in JEE Advanced, not your Class 10 percentage, will determine the IIT you are eligible for and the branch of study you can pursue.
3) Consistency in Preparation
While your performance in JEE is essential, what matters most is how consistently you prepare. A disciplined study schedule, focusing on problem-solving, regular revisions, and staying updated with the syllabus, can significantly impact your JEE results. Many students who perform modestly in Class 10 end up excelling in JEE because they approach their preparation with a solid strategy and consistent effort.
Developing problem-solving skills, taking regular mock tests, and continuously challenging yourself to improve is crucial. The ability to solve complex problems quickly and accurately is what makes a successful JEE candidate, and this requires more than just a strong academic foundation from Class 10.
4) Building Conceptual Understanding
Another factor that matters more than Class 10 percentage is the depth of understanding in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. JEE requires students to apply concepts in innovative ways to solve problems. A clear understanding of the basics, which you build in Class 11 and 12, will help you tackle complex questions in JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
While many students focus on rote learning, it is crucial to focus on mastering the fundamentals. Strong conceptual clarity in subjects like Algebra, Trigonometry, Mechanics, and Organic Chemistry forms the backbone of successful JEE preparation. A deep understanding of the core concepts makes it easier to handle tougher topics later and gives you an edge in the exam.
5) Regular Practice and Mock Tests
Regular practice and mock tests are some of the most effective ways to gauge your preparedness for JEE. Completing practice questions and taking regular mock exams will help you get comfortable with the exam pattern, improve your time management, and build your confidence. These tests provide a simulated experience of the actual exam, allowing you to identify areas where you need improvement.
Through mock tests, you can also track your progress and focus on areas where you are weak. The more problems you solve, the better you get at recognizing patterns and applying the right strategies during the actual exam.
6) Mental Resilience and Stress Management
Finally, mental resilience and the ability to handle stress matter more than any Class 10 score. JEE preparation is intense, and the pressure can be overwhelming at times. Students who can stay focused, manage stress, and maintain a positive mindset are often more successful in the long run.
Staying calm under pressure, believing in your abilities, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are key traits that help students succeed in competitive exams like JEE. Regular physical exercise, a healthy diet, and proper sleep can help reduce stress and keep you energized during your preparation journey.
Expert Tips for Class 10 Students Targeting IIT
If you are in Class 10 and already thinking about getting into an IIT, you’re on the right track. Starting early can give you a big advantage. You have time to build strong fundamentals and develop smart study habits. Below are expert tips for Class 10 students who are serious about cracking JEE in the future.
1) Focus on Conceptual Clarity
Start by building a clear understanding of the concepts taught in Class 10. Do not just aim to score marks—aim to understand why and how things work. Mathematics and Science are the most important subjects if you’re aiming for IIT. Make sure you understand:
- The logic behind algebra and geometry problems.
- The reason why chemical reactions happen the way they do.
- How physical laws apply to real-world examples.
Do not rely on rote learning. If you find a concept difficult, watch videos, ask your teachers, or use reference books to make it clear. Conceptual clarity is key because JEE questions are often tricky and test how well you understand the subject, not just how much you remember.
2) Start Early JEE Preparation (If Possible)
If you’re already confident in your Class 10 subjects, you can slowly begin JEE preparation. Many students start reading NCERT Class 11 books in the second half of Class 10. This gives you more time to understand the difficult topics of Class 11, which form the base for JEE.
You can also join a foundation course if available. These courses are specially designed for students in Classes 9 and 10. They help you prepare for Olympiads and build the thinking skills needed for JEE.
However, don’t get too stressed about finishing JEE topics early. The idea is to build a strong base, not to rush.
3) Develop Problem-Solving Skills
JEE is not just about knowing formulas; it is about applying them in tricky situations. This means you need to practice solving problems regularly. Try the following:
- Solve questions from Class 10 Olympiad books in Maths and Science.
- Take part in Science or Maths Olympiads to test your thinking ability.
- Solve puzzles and logic-based questions to improve your analytical skills.
The more problems you solve, the better your speed, accuracy, and confidence will become.
4) Learn to Manage Time
Start practicing time management even in Class 10. Make a study timetable and stick to it. Divide your time between schoolwork, revision, and self-study. Try studying in small sessions of 45 minutes to 1 hour with breaks in between.
Time management is a major skill required during JEE preparation. If you learn it early, you’ll be better prepared to handle the pressure in Class 11 and 12.
5) Avoid Overstress on Class 10 Marks
While it’s good to aim for a high score in your board exams, don’t stress over it too much. IITs do not check your Class 10 marks. Focus on learning rather than just scoring. A strong base in Class 10 helps you in the long run, but remember, your actual JEE performance will matter the most.
In short, treat Class 10 as a training ground. Build your basics, develop a habit of solving problems, and train yourself to study smart. With the right mindset and steady preparation, you’ll be ready to take on JEE in the years ahead.
Conclusion
While your Class 10 marks don’t directly affect your eligibility for JEE or IIT admissions, they lay the groundwork for your future success. The key to cracking JEE lies in consistent effort, smart preparation, and a strong grasp of core concepts in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Focus on building a solid foundation during Class 10, and use that as a stepping stone for your Class 11 and 12 preparation.
Remember, your JEE Main and Advanced performance will ultimately determine your IIT admission, not your Class 10 percentage. Stay committed to your studies, follow a well-structured preparation plan, and develop problem-solving skills. By doing so, you will be well-equipped to face the challenges ahead and turn your IIT dream into a reality.
FAQs
1) Can I crack JEE if I scored less than 60% in Class 10?
Yes, it is possible. With disciplined preparation in Class 11 and Class 12, many students improve their performance and crack JEE with a top rank.
2) Do IITs check Class 10 marks during admission?
No, IITs do not check your Class 10 marks. Your JEE Advanced rank and Class 12 passing certificate are all that matter for admission.
3) Which is more important: Class 10 marks or JEE rank?
JEE rank is the only deciding factor for IIT admission. Class 10 marks are not considered during the admission process.
