The National Testing Agency (NTA) is yet to release the official eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2027. The JEE eligibility information bulletin is expected to be published on the official website, jeemain.nta.ac.in, in the last week of October 2026.
- You can apply for JEE Main 2027 if you passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026, or appear in 2027.
- Students who passed Class 12 in 2024 or earlier are not eligible for JEE Main 2027.
- NTA sets no age limit, so droppers of any age can appear for the exam, but they should have passed Class 12 within 2 years of applying for JEE.
- There is no minimum Class 12 percentage to appear for JEE Main 2027.
Also Check:
- JEE Main 2027: Notification Expected in October, Exam Dates, Syllabus, and High-Weightage Chapters
- JEE Main 2027 Application Process: Correction Window, Fees and Last Date at jeemain.nta.nic.ac.in
- JEE Main Category-wise Rank vs College Analysis
Key Summary
- JEE Main 2027 eligibility has two parts: rules to appear for the exam, and rules to take admission.
- Only your Class 12 passing year decides whether you can sit for the exam, not your age or marks.
- Physics and Mathematics are compulsory for B.Tech, along with one more science or vocational subject.
- The 75% or top 20 percentile rule applies at JoSAA counselling, not at the application stage.
- NTA will confirm the final 2027 rules in the information bulletin expected in late October 2026.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2027: Highlights
The JEE Main 2027 eligibility criteria decide who can fill the application form and who can take a seat later.
- Students who passed Class 12 in 2025, 2026, or appear in 2027 are eligible to apply for JEE Mains, irrespective of their age and Class 12 score.
- There is no Class 12 score threshold for JEE Main; students can apply with any score. However, NIT and IIIT admission adds a board marks condition.
| Particular | JEE Main 2027 Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
| Nationality | Indian nationals, NRIs, PIOs, OCIs and foreign nationals |
| JEE Main Age Limit | No age limit set by NTA |
| Year of Passing Class 12 | 2025, 2026 or appearing in 2027 |
| Minimum Subjects in Class 12 | At least 5 subjects |
| Compulsory Subjects (B.Tech) | Physics and Mathematics, plus one of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology or a technical vocational subject |
| JEE Main Eligibility Marks in 12th | No minimum percentage required |
| Marks for NIT, IIIT and GFTI Admission | 75% aggregate or top 20 percentile, 65% for SC and ST |
| Number of Attempts | 3 consecutive years, up to 6 attempts |
| Number of Sessions | 2 sessions, expected in January and April 2027 |
Source: NTA JEE Main 2026 Information Bulletin
Ques. How many attempts do I get in JEE Main 2027?
Ans. You get three consecutive years from your Class 12 passing year. Each year has two sessions, so the maximum is six attempts. Both sessions of one year count inside the same attempt year.
Related Links:
- JEE Main Exam Dates 2027: Check Date and Time, Registration, Admit Card, Answer Key, and Result
- JEE Main Eligibility Marks in 12th Subject Wise
JEE Main 2027 vs 2026 Eligibility: What’s New?
NTA has not changed the core eligibility structure since 2024. Only the passing year window moves forward every cycle.
| Eligibility Point | JEE Main 2026 | JEE Main 2027 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Class 12 passing year | 2024, 2025 or appearing in 2026 | 2025, 2026 or appearing in 2027 |
| JEE Main Age limit | None | None |
| Attempts | 3 years, 6 attempts | 3 years, 6 attempts |
| Minimum subjects | 5 subjects | 5 subjects |
| 75% or top 20 percentile rule | Applicable | Expected to continue |
| Sessions | January and April | January and April |
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: Qualifying Exams Accepted by NTA
NTA accepts several 10+2 level exams as the qualifying exam for JEE Main 2027. Your board must be recognised by a central or state authority.
- Students who completed Class 12 from any of the recognised boards in India, including the Open Education Board, are eligible.
- If a student has studied abroad, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) must treat the qualification as equal to 10+2.
- Students who have done a Three-year diploma are eligible to apply but would not be considered for admission at NITs and IIITs.
| Qualifying Exam | Condition |
|---|---|
| Final exam of the 10+2 system | Conducted by any recognised central or state board, such as CBSE or CISCE |
| Intermediate or two-year Pre-University exam | Conducted by a recognised board or university |
| Two-year course of the Joint Services Wing, NDA | Final examination of the course |
| Senior Secondary School exam by NIOS | Must include a minimum of 5 subjects |
| Any school, board or university exam in India or abroad | Must be recognised as equal to 10+2 by AIU |
| Higher Secondary Certificate Vocational Examination | Recognised vocational stream at the 10+2 level |
| Three-year diploma recognised by AICTE or a state board of technical education | Accepted for IIT admission, but not for NIT and IIIT B.Tech admission |
Ques. Are droppers eligible for JEE Main 2027?
Ans. Yes. Droppers who passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026 face no extra condition. There is no age limit and no cap on drop years. You only need to stay inside the three-year window.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit
NTA removed the JEE Main age limit in 2019. Your date of birth does not block you from the exam.
- There is no minimum or maximum age to appear for JEE Main 2027.
- Your date of birth will be verified from the Class 10 certificate. A student’s DOB must match across all documents during the document verification process.
- Institutes such as IITs apply their own age rule for JEE Advanced.
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: Year of Passing Class 12
Based on the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026 as per the official Information Bulletin, there is a 3-year eligibility window that the student must apply within. Below is the year of passing Class 12 criteria:
- JEE Main 2027 is open only to candidates who passed Class 12 in 2025 or later, or are appearing in 2027.
- Candidates who completed Class 12 in 2024 or earlier are not eligible, as the three-year eligibility window has expired.
- During the 3-year duration, students can sit for the exam a maximum of 6 times, across the 2 sessions held every year.
Source: JEE Main Information Bulletin 2026
| Class 12 Passing Year | JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2027 | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 (appearing) | Yes | Fill in the board roll number or registration number in the form |
| 2026 | Yes | Second of your three eligible years |
| 2025 | Yes | Third and final eligible year |
| 2024 or earlier | No | Attempt window is over |
Ques. When will NTA release the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2027?
Ans. The official eligibility criteria come with the information bulletin, expected in the last week of October 2026 at jeemain.nta.nic.in. Registration for Session 1 usually opens on the same day.
Related Link: List of Colleges with 92 Percentile in JEE Main
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: Number of Attempts
You get three consecutive years from the year you pass Class 12. NTA holds two exam sessions every year. So the practical number of attempts is 6.
- Skipping a year does not save that attempt for later, since the window runs on calendar years.
- Registering for a session and not appearing still uses up that session.
- Your better score out of the two sessions is used for the final NTA score.
- Both sessions need separate applications and separate fee payments.
| Class 12 Passing Year | JEE Main Years You Can Attempt | Maximum Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2025, 2026, 2027 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2026, 2027, 2028 | 6 |
| 2027 (appearing) | 2027, 2028, 2029 | 6 |
| 2024 | 2024, 2025, 2026 | Window closed for 2027 |
Ques. Can 2024 passouts appear for JEE Main 2027?
Ans. No. The three-year window for a 2024 passout covered 2024, 2025 and 2026. An improvement exam in 2027 does not reopen that window, because NTA counts the first passing year.
Check out: JEE Main attempts
JEE Main 2027 Subject Requirements for Paper 1, 2A and 2B
NTA asks for a minimum of five subjects in Class 12 for all three papers. Students who studied only four subjects are rejected at verification.
- Students who drop Mathematics in Class 12 cannot apply for any JEE Main paper. Mathematics is the only subject common to all three papers.
- Chemistry is not compulsory for B.Tech, so students with Physics, Mathematics and Biology can still apply for Paper 1.
| Programme | JEE Main Paper | Compulsory Subjects in Class 12 | Optional Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.E or B.Tech | Paper 1 | Physics, Mathematics and a language |
|
| B.Arch | Paper 2A | Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics | Any 2 other subjects |
| B.Planning | Paper 2B | Mathematics | Any four other subjects to complete five |
Ques. Has the 75% criteria been removed for JEE Main 2027?
Ans. There is no official word on removal. NTA kept the rule in the JEE Main 2026 bulletin despite repeated student demands.
Related Links:
JEE Main Eligibility Marks in 12th
There is no marks bar to apply for or to write JEE Main 2027. The 75% rule is an admission filter used at JoSAA counselling for NITs, IIITs and GFTIs.
- The minimum Class 12 score is 75% for General/OBC/EWS categories to get admission after clearing the JEE Main exam.
- SC/ST/PwD require an aggregate score of 65% to get admission after JEE Main.
| Category | Minimum Class 12 Aggregate | Alternative Route |
|---|---|---|
| General | 75% | Top 20 percentile of your board |
| OBC-NCL | 75% | Top 20 percentile of your board |
| GEN-EWS | 75% | Top 20 percentile of your board |
| SC | 65% | Top 20 percentile of your board |
| ST | 65% | Top 20 percentile of your board |
| PwD | 65% | Top 20 percentile of your board |
Ques. Is 75% in Class 12 required to appear for JEE Main 2027?
Ans. No. You can appear with any Class 12 score. The 75% aggregate, or a top 20 percentile board rank, is checked only at JoSAA counselling. It applies to NIT, IIIT and GFTI admission.
How is the 75% Aggregate Calculated for Admission?
- NTA counts the aggregate printed on your Class 12 marksheet, not only your PCM marks.
- If your board computes the aggregate on the best five subjects, that figure is used.
- There is no separate minimum for Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics individually.
- You only need a pass in each subject as per your own board rule.
75% or Top 20 Percentile: Which Route Helps You
- The top 20 percentile cut-off is published board-wise every year by JoSAA.
- Students from strict marking boards often clear through the percentile route with less than 75%, if they are in the top 20 percentile in their boards.
- Private and state colleges usually set lower bars, so a low board score does not end your options.
You can appear for JEE Main 2027 with 60% or 70% in Class 12. But you cannot join an NIT or IIIT without clearing the 75% or percentile condition.
Related Links:
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2027 for Droppers and Repeaters
Droppers face no extra condition in JEE Main 2027. If you passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026, you are eligible to apply. The rules below apply to every student taking a drop year.
- No age limit applies, so a second or third drop year does not affect eligibility.
- Your three-year attempt window starts from your Class 12 passing year, not from your first JEE attempt.
- You still need the same five-subject and Physics plus Mathematics combination.
- Your old Class 12 marksheet is used for the 75% or percentile check at counselling.
Note: Students who passed Class 12 in 2025 must treat JEE Main 2027 as their last chance. The year 2028 falls outside their three-year window.
Ques. Do NIOS students qualify for JEE Main 2027?
Ans. Yes, if they passed at least five subjects in the NIOS senior secondary exam. The subject combination rules are the same as any other board.
Related Link: JEE Main 2026 Preparation Guide: Study Plan, Strategy, Tips & Resources
JEE Main 2027 Rules for Improvement and Compartment Students
An improvement exam does not reset your passing year. NTA treats the year of your first pass as the passing year.
- If a student has appeared for a compartment exam, they must pass all subjects before the JoSAA document verification process.
| Situation | JEE Main 2027 Eligibility |
|---|---|
| First passed Class 12 in 2024, then took improvement in 2027 | Not eligible for JEE Main 2027 |
| First passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026, then appeared for improvement | Eligible, but the improvement exam does not extend the 3-year eligibility window |
| Improved all five subjects | You can use the better performance for admission |
| Improved only one or two subjects | Top 20 percentile benefit is not available |
| Appeared for a compartment exam | Must pass all subjects before the JoSAA document verification process |
Ques. How many subjects are required in Class 12 for JEE Main 2027?
Ans. A minimum of five subjects. For B.Tech this usually means a language, Physics, Mathematics, one science or vocational elective and one more subject.
Related Link: NIT Colleges Under 90 Percentile in JEE Main
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: State Code of Eligibility
The state code of eligibility is the state from which you passed Class 12.
- State code of eligibility is not your home state and not your domicile. This code controls your home state quota in NITs and other centrally funded institutes.
- A wrong state code cannot be corrected after the correction window closes. It directly costs you the home state quota.
Source: JEE Main Information Bulletin 2026
| Situation | State Code of Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Passed Class 12 in Delhi, family lives in Noida | Delhi |
| Passed Class 12 in Bihar, improvement exam from Rajasthan | Bihar, the original passing state |
| Studied through NIOS | State where your study centre is located |
| Indian national who passed Class 12 in Nepal or Bhutan | State of the permanent address in your passport |
| OCI student who passed from an Indian school | Same rule as Indian nationals |
Ques. What is the State Code of Eligibility for me if I am from Delhi but I live in Mumbai?
Ans. Your State Code of Eligibility for JEE Main 2027 is Maharashtra, not Delhi. The National Testing Agency (NTA) calculates your State Code of Eligibility strictly based on where you sit for your Class 12 board examinations, completely independent of your legal domicile, home address, or place of birth
Also Read: Top BE/B.Tech Colleges in India Accepting JEE Main
JEE Main 2027 Reservation and Category Relaxation
Reservation applies at the seat allotment stage, not at the exam stage. JoSAA follows central government rules for NITs, IIITs and GFTIs.
- OBC-NCL and EWS certificates must be issued in the financial year that JoSAA specifies.
- A PwD certificate needs a disability of 40% or more from an authorised medical board.
- State-level OBC lists are not accepted, since NITs follow the central OBC list.
| Category | Reservation | Class 12 Marks Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| OBC-NCL | 27% | None, 75% still applies |
| GEN-EWS | 10% | None, 75% still applies |
| SC | 15% | 65% instead of 75% |
| ST | 7.5% | 65% instead of 75% |
| PwD | 5% horizontal in every category | 65% instead of 75% |
| Female students | Supernumerary seats in NITs and IIITs | None |
Source: JEE Main Information Bulletin 2026
Ques. Do Female students also receive any reservation benefits?
Ans. Female students receive a massive reservation benefit in the form of a 20% supernumerary quota across all IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, during the admission process.
Related Link: JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026
Documents Required to Prove JEE Main Eligibility
Keep these documents ready before the application window opens. For the initial registration, students do not need to upload Class 10 and 12 marksheet PDFs; the data needs to be entered manually during this stage.
- Class 10 marksheet or certificate for date of birth proof.
- Class 12 marksheet, or the board roll number if you appear in 2027.
- Aadhaar or another valid government ID such as a passport or ration card.
- Category certificate for OBC-NCL, SC, ST or EWS, in the JoSAA format.
- PwD certificate from an authorised medical board, if applicable.
- Scanned photograph and signature in the size NTA specifies.
- AIU equivalence certificate for foreign qualifications.
Your name and date of birth must match your Class 10 certificate exactly. NTA verifies both fields during the document verification process.
Ques. Can I apply for JEE Main 2027 without Chemistry in Class 12?
Ans. Yes, for B.Tech. Physics and Mathematics are compulsory, and the third subject can be Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology or a technical vocational subject. Chemistry is compulsory only for B.Arch.
Check the JEE Main photo and signature guidelines
How to Check Your JEE Main 2027 Eligibility
Check your JEE Main eligibility once the bulletin is out and before you pay the application fee as follows:
- Visit jeemain.nta.nic.ac.in and download the JEE Main 2027 information bulletin.
- Open the eligibility chapter and confirm your Class 12 passing year against the 2025 to 2027 window.
- Count the subjects on your Class 12 marksheet and confirm you have at least five.
- Check that Physics and Mathematics appear on the marksheet for Paper 1.
- Calculate your aggregate and compare it with the 75% or 65% admission bar.
- Note your state code from the state where you passed Class 12.
- Count the JEE Main years you have already used, and confirm you are inside the three-year window.
Once every point clears, move to the JEE Main registration process and pay the fee.
Related Links: JEE Main Eligibility Marks in 12th Subject Wise
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria: Common Mistakes Students Make
Below are some of the eligibility-related mistakes students make while filling out their JEE Main application form:
- Verify your Class 12 passing year, attempt count, and academic status before applying, as incorrect eligibility details can lead to application or counselling issues.
- Understand the difference between exam eligibility and admission eligibility—rules like the 75% board criteria and State Code of Eligibility become important during the admission process, not just registration.
| Common Mistake | Correct Information |
|---|---|
| Assuming 75% in Class 12 is required to appear for JEE Main | No minimum percentage is needed to take the exam. The 75% (65% for SC/ST) or top 20 percentile rule applies only during admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. |
| Miscalculating the 3-year eligibility window | You can appear only within three consecutive years from your first Class 12 passing year. |
| Assuming attempts are unlimited | Candidates get a maximum of six attempts (two sessions per year across three eligible years). |
| Choosing the wrong academic status | Select "Appearing" if you are in Class 12 and "Passed" if you have already cleared Class 12. |
| Entering the wrong State Code of Eligibility | The State Code is based on the state where you passed/are appearing for Class 12, not your residence or domicile. |
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria vs JoSAA Admission Eligibility Criteria
JEE Main eligibility defines who can sit for the entrance exam, whereas JoSAA eligibility dictates who can actually lock in a seat at premium engineering institutes based on those scores.
- The Class 12 percentage rule: There is no minimum marks rule to register for and write the JEE Main exam, but a strict 75% aggregate marks threshold applies during JoSAA counselling to claim an allotment.
| Eligibility Parameter | JEE Main Exam Eligibility | JoSAA Admission Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Determines whether a candidate can appear for the JEE Main computer-based examination. | Determines whether a candidate can secure admission and seat allotment at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. |
| Governing Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) |
| Class 12 Marks Requirement | No minimum percentage required to register for or appear in JEE Main. | Requires 75% aggregate marks (65% for SC/ST/PwD) or placement in the top 20 percentile of the respective board. |
| Mandatory Subjects | Candidates must fulfil the required subject combination, including Physics and Mathematics for B.Tech. | Candidates must have passed Class 12 with the required subjects (including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for relevant engineering admissions). |
| Age Criteria | No upper age limit, but the passing year criteria is prescribed by NTA for appearing in JEE Main. | Age criteria may apply depending on the institute and admission year. |
Check Out: What is JoSAA Counselling 2026? Step-by-Step Process Explained
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria FAQs
Ques. Who is eligible for JEE Main 2027?
Ans. Students who passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026, or who appear in 2027, are eligible. You need at least five subjects with Physics and Mathematics for Paper 1. There is no age limit and no minimum percentage to appear.
Ques. Is there any age limit for JEE Main 2027?
Ans. NTA does not set any age limit for JEE Main 2027. Your date of birth is only verified from the Class 10 certificate. JEE Advanced, however, does apply an age limit for IIT admission.
Ques. What is the state code of eligibility in JEE Main 2027?
Ans. It is the state from which you passed Class 12, not where you live. If you studied in Delhi and live in Noida, your state code is Delhi. NIOS students use the state of their study centre.
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