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JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria 2026: The eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced 2026 will be officially released by the exam conducting authority for that year (expected to be IIT Roorkee). Every aspiring candidate must strictly adhere to these criteria to be considered for the exam. Failure to meet even a single requirement will likely result in disqualification from JEE Advanced 2026. To ensure a smooth application process and avoid future discrepancies, candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly review the official eligibility criteria once released and meticulously check their application forms before submission.
JEE Advanced is the final hurdle for students aiming for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Only those who qualify the JEE Main 2026 and secure a position among the top candidates will be eligible to register for JEE Advanced 2026. This makes understanding the eligibility rules not just important, but absolutely essential for every serious aspirant.
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Advanced 2026
1. Performance in JEE Main 2026
Only the top 2,50,000 candidates (across all categories) in the JEE Main 2026 B.E./B.Tech. paper are expected to be eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2026. The category-wise distribution is generally maintained, but may be subject to minor adjustments. The expected distribution is:
| Category | Number of Candidates |
| OPEN | 96,187 |
| OPEN-PwD | 5,063 |
| GEN-EWS | 23,750 |
| GEN-EWS-PwD | 1,250 |
| OBC-NCL | 64,125 |
| OBC-NCL-PwD | 3,375 |
| SC | 35,625 |
| SC-PwD | 1,875 |
| ST | 17,812 |
| ST-PwD | 938 |
Note: PwD candidates have a 5% horizontal reservation within each category.
2. Age Limit
Candidates are expected to have been born on or after October 1, 2001. However, a relaxation of five years is typically granted for SC, ST, and PwD candidates, making them eligible if born on or after October 1, 1996.
3. Number of Attempts
A candidate is permitted a maximum of two consecutive attempts at JEE Advanced. This means you can appear for the exam in two back-to-back years only.
4. Year of Passing Class 12
To be eligible, candidates must have passed their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination in either 2026 or 2026. Those who appeared in 2024 or earlier are not eligible, regardless of the combination of subjects attempted.
5. 75% Eligibility Rule (or Top 20 Percentile)
For 2026, the 75% marks rule in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST/PwD) has been reinstated for IIT admissions. Alternatively, candidates who are in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards are also eligible, even if their aggregate marks are below 75%. This criterion is mandatory for all IIT aspirants.
6. Prior Admission to IITs
Candidates who have previously been admitted to any IIT, regardless of whether they continued in the program or not, are not eligible for JEE Advanced 2026. However, exceptions exist for those admitted to a preparatory course or whose admission was cancelled before the final round of seat acceptance.
7. Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals are typically eligible to apply under a separate category. They must meet similar academic and age criteria and are not usually required to appear for JEE Main. The number of attempts and age restrictions are generally the same as for Indian candidates.
Category-Wise Relaxation For JEE Advanced 2026
The eligibility criteria offer specific relaxations for reserved categories. The table below summarizes the differences in marks, age, and rank cutoffs:
| Category | Age Limit (Born on/after) | Minimum % in Class 12 | Top JEE Main Ranks Eligible | Reservation (%) |
| General (GEN) | 01/10/2000 | 75% | 96,187 | – |
| GEN-EWS | 01/10/2000 | 75% | 23,750 | 10 |
| OBC-NCL | 01/10/2000 | 75% | 64,125 | 27 |
| SC | 01/10/1995 | 65% | 35,625 | 15 |
| ST | 01/10/1995 | 65% | 17,812 | 7.5 |
| PwD | +5 years relaxation | 65% (SC/ST/PwD) | As per category | 5 (horizontal) |
Reservation Policy for JEE Advanced 2026
JEE Advanced 2026 is expected to strictly follow the Government of India’s reservation policy:
| Category | Reservation (%) |
| GEN-EWS | 10 |
| OBC-NCL | 27 |
| SC | 15 |
| ST | 7.5 |
| PwD | 5 (horizontal) |
Candidates must ensure they possess valid and up-to-date certificates to claim reservation benefits. OBC candidates must be listed in the Central List of OBC (NCL), and SC/ST eligibility is as per the Central List of castes/tribes.
The official JEE Advanced 2026 eligibility criteria will be detailed and strictly enforced. Candidates are urged to visit the official IIT JEE Advanced website regularly for the latest updates and clarifications, which are typically released around March 2026. For a well-prepared and successful journey through JEE Advanced 2026, stay updated with all important dates and requirements.
JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria 2026 FAQs
What is the eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced 2025?
To be eligible for JEE Advanced 2025, a candidate must: Rank among the top 2,50,000 in JEE Main 2025 Be born on or after October 1, 1999 (relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST/PwD) Appear in Class 12 or equivalent in 2024 or 2025 Not have appeared in JEE Advanced more than twice Secure at least 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) or be in the top 20 percentile of their board
Is 75% marks in Class 12 mandatory for JEE Advanced?
Yes, candidates must score a minimum of 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) or be in the top 20 percentile of their board to be eligible for JEE Advanced, unless the rule is waived by the authorities in a given year.
Can I give JEE Advanced in 2026 if I passed Class 12 in 2024?
No, only candidates who passed Class 12 in 2025 or 2026 are eligible for JEE Advanced 2026. Those who passed in 2024 are not eligible.
How many attempts are allowed for JEE Advanced?
A candidate can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years.
Can I qualify for JEE Advanced with 80 or 85 percentile in JEE Main?
It depends on your category and overall competition. Typically, General category candidates need a JEE Main percentile above 88–90 to rank within the top 2.5 lakh and qualify for JEE Advanced.
Can I write JEE Advanced without scoring 75% in board exams?
You may still be eligible if you're among the top 20 percentile scorers of your respective board. The 75% rule is waived only under special circumstances.
What is the minimum rank required in JEE Main to be eligible for JEE Advanced?
You need to be among the top 2,50,000 JEE Main rank holders, including all categories, to qualify for JEE Advanced.
Can a second dropper give JEE Advanced?
Yes, a student can attempt JEE Advanced twice in two consecutive years, irrespective of drop years, as long as the eligibility year condition is met.
Is the 75% board exam criteria removed for JEE Advanced 2025?
As of now, the 75% board criteria for JEE Advanced 2025 has not been officially removed. Candidates should follow the latest updates from IITs.
Which IIT is conducting JEE Advanced 2025?
The organizing IIT for JEE Advanced 2025 has not been officially announced yet. It rotates every year among IITs such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, etc.
