JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Qualification, Attempts & 75% Rule

JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Preparing for JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria? This complete guide gives you everything you need to know about age limit, educational qualification, number of attempts, the 75% rule, subject requirements, admission eligibility to top engineering colleges, and relevant updates for Session 2 (April 2026). Whether you’re a current Class 12 student, a dropout, or planning to reattempt, this blog breaks down the requirements in easy-to-understand language.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What are the core eligibility criteria for JEE Mains 2026?

• Is there an age limit to apply?

• How many total attempts are allowed?

• What does the 75% rule mean and where does it apply?

• What subjects and qualifying exam requirements are needed?

• How eligibility affects admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

Let’s dive into everything you should know for JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria!

What Is JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

The JEE Mains Session 2 2026 eligibility criteria represent the set of rules defined by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to determine who can apply for and appear in JEE Main 2026. These criteria ensure that only candidates who meet certain academic and regulatory standards are allowed to take the exam.

The eligibility rules cover:

• Age limit

• Educational qualification (Class 12 or equivalent)

• Number of attempts

• Minimum marks (75% rule)

• Requirement of subjects in qualifying exam

Understanding these criteria thoroughly is crucial before filling the application form. Failing to meet even one requirement can lead to disqualification or loss of opportunity.

1. Age Limit for JEE Mains 2026

One of the top questions students search for is whether there is an age bar to appear for the JEE Main exam.

Important Point: For JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria, there is NO age limit to appear for the exam. Candidates of any age can register as long as they meet the other eligibility requirements, such as passing Class 12 or equivalent.

This means that whether you’re 17, 25, 30, or older, you can still sit for JEE Main 2026 if you have completed or are appearing in the qualifying exam in the required year.

2. Educational Qualification — What You Must Have

To be eligible for JEE Mains Session 2 2026, candidates must satisfy the following:

a. Qualifying Exam

• You must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognized board.

• Candidates appearing in Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible to apply.

b. Year of Passing

• Passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or

• Currently appearing in 2026 exams.

c. Subjects Required

Depending on the course you choose:

• B.E./B.Tech: Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational Subject.

• B.Arch: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

• B.Planning: Mathematics is compulsory.

These subject requirements focus on ensuring that students have the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed in the engineering curriculum.

3. Number of Attempts Allowed

Understanding the number of attempts allowed under the JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria is essential for planning your exam strategy.

• JEE Main is conducted twice a year — Session 1 (January) and Session 2 (April).

• Candidates can appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from the year they pass Class 12.

• This makes a maximum of 6 attempts (2 per year × 3 years).

For example:

• If you passed Class 12 in 2024 → eligible for JEE Main in 2024, 2025, 2026.

• You can appear in both Session 1 and Session 2 of each year.

This rule gives you flexibility, but it’s critical to plan attempts wisely. Appearing and preparing consistently increases your chances of scoring higher.

4. What Is the 75% Rule in JEE Mains 2026?

One of the most misunderstood parts of the eligibility criteria is the 75% rule.

Here’s the clear breakdown:

For Exam Eligibility (To Appear):

• No minimum marks percentage is required in Class 12 to appear for JEE Main 2026.

For Admission Into Colleges (NITs/IIITs/GFTIs):

• For gaining admission through JEE Main score, candidates must either:

  • Score 75% or more in Class 12 (for General/OBC/EWS) or

  • Be in the top 20 percentile of their board results.

• For SC/ST students, the minimum percentage required is 65%.

Key Takeaway

The 75% rule does not stop you from appearing in the JEE Main exam — it affects admission eligibility in participating institutes such as NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

5. Nationality and Domicile Requirements

For JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria, nationality and domicile play a significant role in who can apply:

• Indian Nationals

• NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)

• OCI (Overseas Citizens of India)

• PIO (Persons of Indian Origin)

• Foreign Nationals

All the above categories are eligible to apply and appear for JEE Main 2026. Domicile is not required for the exam but may be considered for state quota seats in some institutes.

6. Important Notes for Specific Cases

a. Diploma Holders

Candidates with a diploma can apply for JEE Main but may have restrictions for admission to certain institutes like NITs, as eligibility rules can differ for lateral entry or direct admission plans.

b. NIOS / Open School Candidates

Students who complete Class 12 through NIOS or open boards are eligible to take JEE Main as long as their qualifying year (2024/2025/2026) is within the defined range.

c. Improvement Exam Candidates

Students who took improvement exams in 2026 after passing earlier still qualify as long as they meet the year-of-passing criteria.

7. How Eligibility Affects College Admissions

It is crucial to understand that eligibility to appear for JEE Main and eligibility to gain admission to colleges are two different things.

Appear for the Exam

As long as you:

• Have passed or are appearing in Class 12 (2026),

• Have the mandatory subjects,

• Fall within the qualifying years,

...you are eligible to appear for JEE Main Session 2 2026.

Admission Through JEE Scores

To secure a seat in colleges like:

• NITs

• IIITs

• GFTIs

…you must meet the 75% rule (or be in the top 20 percentile), and scoring a competitive JEE Main rank is also essential.

This means it’s possible to pass JEE Main but not meet board requirements to get admission in some institutes. Be sure to work on both your JEE preparations and board exam performance.

FAQ on JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Q1: What is the JEE Mains Session 2 2026 eligibility criteria for age limit?

A1: There is no age limit to appear for JEE Mains 2026; candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet other requirements.

Q2: Do I need 75% to appear for JEE Mains Session 2 2026?

A2: No, the 75% rule does not apply to appearing in the exam; it applies to admission to NITs/IIITs/GFTIs only.

Q3: How many attempts can I make for JEE Main 2026?

A3: You can attempt JEE Main for up to three consecutive years, with two sessions each year (January and April), totalling 6 attempt opportunities.

Q4: Can I apply for JEE Main if I passed Class 12 in 2023?

A4: No, candidates who passed Class 12 before 2024 are not eligible for JEE Main 2026.

Q5: Does JEE Main eligibility differ for foreign nationals?

A5: Foreign candidates are eligible to apply and appear for JEE Main 2026.

Conclusion

The JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria framework is designed to give fair opportunities to candidates while maintaining high academic standards. Here’s the summary:

• No age limit for appearing in the exam.

• Class 12 qualification (2024, 2025 passouts or 2026 appearing) is mandatory.

• No minimum marks required just to take the exam.

• 75% rule applies for admission to top institutes, not for appearing.

• Up to 6 attempts across three years (two each year).

Understanding these eligibility criteria thoroughly ensures you are eligible to appear for the exam and keep you on track for admission to your dream engineering college.

Official Links for JEE Mains Session 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Make sure you use only official sources for the JEE Main 2026 application, notification, admit card, and other exam-related updates. Avoid unofficial or third-party websites claiming to provide forms or results.

Official JEE Main 2026 Resources

• JEE Main Official Website (NTA) — For Registration, Admit Card, Answer Key & Results https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/ 

• NTA National Testing Agency – Official Homepagehttps://nta.ac.in/ — for general notices and updates related to JEE Main 2026.