Get to Know JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026

“Does JEE require 75 percent in Class 12?” is one of the most common questions among engineering aspirants planning for IITs and NITs. Understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial for making informed choices in your JEE preparation journey and avoiding unwanted surprises during admission. Read below to find clear and updated answers on the percentage criteria for JEE (Main and Advanced).

Does JEE Require 75 Percent in Class 12?

The primary eligibility for JEE Main is simply passing Class 12 or its equivalent exam. However, for admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, candidates must secure at least 75% marks in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST). This means qualifying JEE does not guarantee admission without meeting the board marks criteria.

Why is the 75% Criteria Important?

The 75 percent rule ensures students maintain balanced academic excellence in both their board exams and JEE. This criterion prevents exclusive focus on JEE at the cost of core subjects in Class 12, encouraging well-rounded preparation for both entrance exams and school studies.

Who Needs to Fulfill the Percentage Requirement?

The percentage requirement applies if you wish to get into IITs, NITs, IIITs, or CFTIs through JEE Main/Advanced counselling. If your target is private colleges or state engineering institutes, their admission criteria may differ, and some do not enforce the 75% rule. Always check with your target college.

Exceptions and Relaxations in the 75% Rule

For SC/ST category candidates, the minimum required Class 12 marks is 65%. Additionally, some years (including the pandemic times) have seen temporary waivers or relaxations, but these are not permanent and policies may change. Always refer to the latest JEE notification for updates before applying.

What to Do if You Score Below 75 Percent?

If you qualify JEE but score below 75 percent in Class 12, you cannot secure a seat in IITs, NITs, IIITs, or CFTIs that year. You may:

• Reappear for Class 12 board exams to improve your marks next year.
• Consider admission in state/private colleges with different criteria.
• Explore course options not requiring JEE score for admission.

Key Points on Class 12 Percentage for JEE

• Passing Class 12 is enough for appearing in JEE Main and Advanced.
• 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) is mandatory for IIT, NIT, IIIT, CFTI admissions.
• A lower board score limits choices to private or state colleges.
• Percentage is calculated based on board aggregate, not best-of-five subjects.
• Always check college-specific eligibility every admission season.

JEE Eligibility: Board Percentage Comparison

This table outlines that while passing Class 12 is the minimum for attempting JEE, 75% is critical for top government engineering colleges. Candidates must also review individual institute policies for any updates or exceptions.

Tips to Meet JEE and Board Exam Criteria

• Create a balanced study time table covering both JEE and board syllabus.
• Revise important topics regularly, especially those common to both exams.
• Focus on accuracy as well as concept clarity in boards and JEE tests.
• Take mock tests for both exam formats to reduce stress and improve confidence.

You can use resources like JEE study time table strategies and 1-year JEE study plans for efficient preparation.

What Next if You Meet All Criteria?

If you satisfy the Class 12 percentage and JEE rank requirements, you can participate in the counselling process for IITs, NITs, and other top engineering institutes. Remember to understand the minimum JEE scores needed and check the list of colleges accepting JEE Main so you can plan admissions accordingly.

In summary, cracking JEE alone is not enough for a seat in India’s top engineering colleges; you must also secure 75 percent in Class 12 (or 65 percent for SC/ST). Stay updated through official notices and review individual college requirements before making critical career decisions. For more support, explore guidance from Vedantu on combining JEE and board exam preparation.