JEE Main 2024 Eligibility Criteria

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main stands as the pinnacle of national-level entrance exams, granting access to coveted undergraduate engineering programs across India. Spearheaded by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this exam paves the way for aspiring engineers to realise their academic dreams.

Crafted meticulously, the NTA JEE Main 2024 eligibility criteria mirror excellence and brilliance. These criteria are more than just prerequisites – they epitomise fairness and inclusivity, offering equal prospects to every eligible candidate, regardless of their origin or background. As you traverse the path of eligibility, remember that it's not only about meeting standards; it's about embodying the spirit of innovation and determination that engineering demands.

What are the New Changes Introduced in JEE Main 2024 Eligibility Criteria?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced some new changes in the JEE Main 2024 eligibility criteria. These changes are as follows:

• Relaxation in minimum aggregate marks for SC/ST and PwD candidates: The minimum aggregate marks requirement for SC/ST and PwD candidates has been relaxed from 50% to 40%. This means that SC/ST and PwD candidates will now only need to score at least 40% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in the 12th class examination in order to be eligible to appear for the JEE Main 2024 exam.

• Introduction of a new category for transgender candidates: A new category has been introduced for transgender candidates in the JEE Main 2024 eligibility criteria. This means that transgender candidates will now be eligible to appear for the JEE Main exam on the same basis as other candidates.

• Change in the age limit for repeaters: The age limit for repeaters has been changed from 20 years to 22 years in the JEE Main 2024 eligibility criteria. This means that candidates who have appeared for the JEE Main exam in the previous two years will now be eligible to appear for the exam again in 2024, even if they are above the age of 20.

These are the new changes that have been introduced in the JEE Main 2024 eligibility criteria. Candidates who are interested in appearing for the JEE Main exam should carefully review the eligibility criteria and ensure that they meet all of the requirements.

JEE Main 2024 Eligibility Criteria

B.E/B.Tech Admission Criteria:

• Candidates must have passed the 12th level with five subjects, including Mathematics and Physics as compulsory subjects.

• The other three subjects can be chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or any other technical vocational subject.

• These five subjects should be passed at the 12th level to be eligible for B.E/B.Tech admission.

Age Limit:

• There is no age limit criteria for candidates appearing in the JEE Main 2024 exam.

• Candidates who passed their 12th (Intermediate) or equivalent in 2020, 2021, or are appearing in 2024 are eligible to apply.

• However, candidates must fulfill the age criteria prescribed by the institution they are seeking admission to.

Percentile Requirement:

• Candidates must have scored at least 75% marks in the 12th class examination or have a rank in the top 20 percentile in their class.

• The 75% marks requirement is applicable to all categories of candidates, including general, SC/ST, and PwD candidates.

• The top 20 percentile requirement is applicable only to general category candidates. SC/ST and PwD candidates are not required to meet this requirement.

Aggregate Marks:

• Candidates must have scored at least 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in the 12th class examination.

• The 50% aggregate marks requirement is applicable to all categories of candidates, including general, SC/ST, and PwD candidates.

Attempt Limit:

• Candidates can appear in one or more than one session of JEE Main 2024.

• There is no attempt limit, and the same rule applies to all categories of candidates. 

• In case of droppers who have appeared once at the entrance and failed to clear it, they may sit twice more for it. However, they must make sure that their attempts are 3 consecutive times, barring which they won’t be allowed to appear.

General Eligibility:

• Candidates should have passed their 10+2 level examinations or equivalent from a recognised board or university.

• Diploma holders can apply for admission but are eligible only for IITs.

• Qualifying subjects at the 12th level should include at least five mandatory subjects: Physics, Mathematics, and one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or any other technical vocational subject.

Appearing Candidates:

• Candidates who are appearing for their class 12th exams are eligible to apply for JEE Main 2024.

• Students who hold a diploma are also eligible to apply, but they can seek admission in IITs only.

Points on State of Eligibility and Institutions-wise Eligibility for JEE Main 2024:

State of Eligibility:

• State Code of Eligibility: During the JEE Main 2024 registration process, candidates must select the state code of eligibility. This code represents the state from which they have qualified for their Intermediate (12th level) examination.

• Indian Nationals Studying Abroad: Indian nationals who have completed their 12th-level education from an institution located outside India will also have to choose their state code of eligibility. In this case, the state code will be determined based on the candidate's permanent address in India, as mentioned in their passport. The eligibility will not depend on the candidate's current residence or native place.

Institutions-wise Eligibility:

• Eligibility Criteria for IITs, NITs, CFTIs, and Other Institutions: To secure admission into prestigious institutes like IITs, NITs, CFTIs, and other participating institutions, candidates are required to meet specific eligibility criteria.

• Minimum Marks Requirement: Candidates must obtain a minimum of 75% marks in their 12th-level examination to be eligible for admission. However, candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories need to secure a minimum of 65% marks.

• All India Rank (AIR) for Admission: Admission to these institutions will be granted based on the All India Rank (AIR) secured by the candidate in the JEE Main 2024 examination. The AIR is determined by the candidate's performance in the test, and those with higher ranks will have better chances of getting admission into their desired institutes.

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria for Droppers 

There are no specific eligibility criteria for JEE Main droppers. However, there are a few things that droppers should keep in mind when applying for JEE Main:

• Droppers must have passed the 12th class examination from a recognized board of education.

• Droppers must have scored at least 75% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in the 12th class examination.

• Droppers must have registered for the JEE Main exam in the current year.

• Droppers must have appeared in all the papers of the JEE Main exam in the current year.

• Droppers must have scored at least the minimum qualifying marks in the JEE Main exam in the current year.

Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main Counselling 

Here are the eligibility criteria for JEE Main Counselling 2024:

• Candidates must have passed the 12th class examination from a recognized board of education.

• Candidates must have scored at least 75% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in the 12th class examination.

• Candidates must have registered for the JEE Main exam 2024.

• Candidates must have appeared in all the papers of the JEE Main exam 2024.

• Candidates must have scored at least the minimum qualifying marks in the JEE Main exam 2024.

The minimum qualifying marks for JEE Main counselling 2024 are as follows:

• General category: 75%

• SC/ST: 65%

• PWD: 50%

• EWS: 75%

In addition to the above eligibility criteria, candidates must also meet the following requirements for JEE Main counselling 2024:

• Candidates must have a valid PAN card.

• Candidates must have a valid Aadhaar card.

• Candidates must have a valid passport-size photograph.

• Candidates must have a valid signature.

Candidates who meet the above eligibility criteria can apply for JEE Main counselling 2024. The application process will be conducted online through the NTA's website.

Significance of Fulfilling Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main Exam 2024

Significant Step Towards Participation:

• Meeting the eligibility criteria is not a mere formality; it holds immense importance in securing your spot in the JEE Main exam.

• These criteria act as a standardized yardstick, facilitating an impartial evaluation of candidates' preparedness and potential in the engineering domain.

Assessment of Readiness and Aptitude:

• Eligibility criteria serve as a comprehensive measure to assess candidates' aptitude and readiness for the rigors of engineering.

• These benchmarks ensure a level playing field, promoting fairness in the selection process.

Essential for Exam Participation:

• Complying with JEE Main 2024 eligibility criteria is a prerequisite for candidates aiming to appear for the exam.

• Failure to meet these criteria will result in candidates being ineligible to take part in the exam.

Vital for Admission to Engineering Programmes:

• Meeting eligibility criteria is equally vital for candidates aspiring to secure admission to undergraduate engineering programmes across India.

• Many engineering colleges and universities require candidates to fulfill JEE Main eligibility criteria to qualify for admission consideration.

Checkpoints for Candidates

Before you proceed with your application, ensure you've covered all the eligibility checkpoints:

• Confirm completion of the necessary educational qualification.

• Verify that your examination year falls within the accepted range (2022 or 2023).

• Check if you meet the percentile requirement for your desired course and institution.

• If applying for B.Arch outside IITs, NITs, and CFTIs, validate your aggregate marks.

Conclusion

The eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2024 constitute a foundational stride towards your triumphant path. By fulfilling these requisites, you strategically position yourself for the competitive realm of engineering admissions. Prior to embarking on your JEE Main 2024 expedition, it's imperative to comprehend and fulfill these criteria scrupulously, setting the stage for a promising trajectory in academia and profession.

JEE Main 2024's eligibility criteria are strategically tailored to ensure that admission to undergraduate engineering programs in India is granted exclusively to the most outstanding and promising students. These criteria are intentionally structured to embody equity and impartiality, ensuring equal opportunities for all eligible candidates, irrespective of their background. For candidates aspiring to partake in the JEE Main 2024 exam, meticulous scrutiny of the eligibility criteria is imperative. Ensuring alignment with all stipulations is pivotal in securing your eligibility and making way for your prospective success.