JEE Main has no age limit and no minimum Class 12 percentage to appear — anyone who passed Class 12 in the last two years, or is appearing this year, can sit the exam. The 75% criterion is an admission rule, not an exam rule: to take an NIT, IIIT or GFTI seat you need 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) or a top-20 percentile in your board. You get three consecutive years of attempts, two sessions each.
Eligibility to appear #
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Class 12 or equivalent |
| Year of passing | Current year, or either of the two preceding years |
| Compulsory subjects | Physics and Mathematics, plus one of Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational |
| Minimum marks to appear | None |
| Age limit | None |
| Attempts | Three consecutive years, two sessions each = up to 6 attempts |
The 75% rule, precisely #
This is the most misunderstood JEE Main rule.
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| To appear for JEE Main | No percentage requirement at all |
| To take a seat at NIT / IIIT / GFTI | 75% aggregate in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST), or top-20 percentile of your board |
| To appear for JEE Advanced | Set by the IITs; check the current Advanced notification |
So a candidate with 60% in Class 12 can sit JEE Main, get a rank, and still be ineligible for an NIT seat. Candidates in this position often take an improvement exam.
- The top-20 percentile alternative is a genuine route for candidates from tough boards who fall below 75%. It is calculated by your board, per category.
- Your three-year window starts from your Class 12 passing year — not from your first attempt.
- Both sessions in a year count as one year of the three, not two.
- An improvement exam can restore NIT eligibility, but check how the year-of-passing rule applies to your case before committing.
- State counselling and private universities often have different percentage rules from JoSAA.
JEE Main eligibility — frequently asked questions
What is the eligibility for JEE Main?
Is there an age limit for JEE Main?
What is the 75 percent criteria in JEE Main?
How many attempts are allowed in JEE Main?
Can I appear for JEE Main with less than 75 percent in Class 12?
Verified fees, centres and reviews.
Disclaimer: Eligibility rules follow the current NTA information bulletin and JoSAA business rules, both of which change. Verify before applying.
