Is 75% Criteria Removed from JEE Main 2026?

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is one of the most prestigious entrance exams in India, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into top engineering colleges like the NITs, IIITs, and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for JEE Main with the hope of securing a good rank and pursuing their dream of becoming engineers.

Among various eligibility conditions, the 75% criteria in Class 12 have always been a topic of discussion. With the 2026 session approaching, aspirants and parents are eagerly asking: Is the 75% criterion removed from JEE Main 2026? This blog will provide a comprehensive answer, break down the official updates, and offer clarity based on previous trends.

What is the 75% Criteria in JEE Main?

Before diving into the 2026 updates, let’s understand what the 75% criteria mean.

As per earlier guidelines, students had to score a minimum of 75% marks in their Class 12 board exams or be in the top 20 percentile of their board results to be eligible for admission into NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs through JEE Main—even after clearing the exam.

This rule was introduced to ensure that students not only crack the competitive exam but also maintain consistent academic performance in school.

Is 75% Criteria Removed for JEE Main 2026?

Latest Update:

As of now (June 2025), the 75% criteria have NOT been officially removed from JEE Main 2026 eligibility. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has not released the 2026 information bulletin yet, but based on previous years, the following two possibilities are likely:

Thus, unless NTA makes a surprise change, the 75% rule is expected to stay in 2026 with an alternative of the top 20th percentile in board results.

What if You Score Below 75% in Class 12?

If the 75% rule is in place for JEE Main 2026, you will not be eligible for NITs, IIITs, or CFTIs even if your JEE Main score is excellent—unless:

1. You are in the top 20th percentile of your respective board.

2. You are applying to private engineering colleges that consider only the JEE Main score.

3. You use your JEE Advanced score to get into IITs, which have their own criteria.

Example:

Let’s say you get 72% in CBSE Class 12 but are in the top 20 percentile of your board—then you're still eligible for NIT admission.

Understanding the Top 20 Percentile Rule

The “Top 20th percentile” condition provides some relief to students from state boards where scoring patterns differ. Instead of focusing on an absolute 75% mark, this rule considers your relative performance.

Note: Exact figures vary each year and are declared by NTA after the board results.

Why the 75% Criteria Was Introduced?

The 75% eligibility rule was not designed to make things harder—it had logical reasons:

• To ensure candidates maintain school academics alongside competitive exam prep.

• To discourage dropouts from school-based education.

• To maintain academic consistency for engineering readiness.

However, critics argue that board exams and the JEE Main test require very different skill sets, and a rigid 75% rule may disadvantage talented students.

Will NTA Remove the 75% Rule in the Future?

The final decision lies with the NTA and the Ministry of Education. They consider factors like:

• Academic disruptions (like COVID-19).

• Board result moderation.

• Student petitions and legal challenges.

If there is public pressure or major board result irregularities, there's a slim chance the rule could be relaxed. But as of now, there’s no official statement indicating its removal for JEE Main 2026.

Impact of 75% Criteria on Student Choices

The presence of the 75% eligibility rule often creates a dilemma for students who focus solely on competitive exams. Many students, especially droppers or those preparing from coaching hubs, deprioritize Class 12 board exams to focus on JEE Main and Advanced.

However, when results are announced, they realize they have a high JEE Main score but fall short in the 75% board requirement, making them ineligible for top colleges like NITs and IIITs.

This scenario forces students to either:

• Settle for private engineering colleges that don’t impose the 75% criteria.

• Reappear for improvement exams in Class 12 the following year.

• Shift their focus to state-level entrance exams where Class 12 marks aren’t as crucial.

Hence, ignoring the board percentage requirement can restrict college choices, delay academic progression, and cause stress.

Read More: How to Tackle Tough Maths Questions in JEE Main with Confidence?

Tips to Meet the 75% Criteria Alongside JEE Prep

Many students ask: “Is it possible to prepare for JEE Main and still score 75% in boards?”

Absolutely! With the right planning and time management, it is very achievable. Here are practical tips:

1. Use NCERT Wisely: Since both JEE Main and Class 12 boards are based on NCERT, integrating preparation helps.

2. Allocate Time Weekly: Reserve 1–2 days a week exclusively for board-specific subjects like English or optional subjects.

3. Solve Board-Based Sample Papers: Especially useful in the last two months before boards.

4. Don’t Skip School Tests: Pre-boards help revise concepts in the board pattern.

5. Revise Presentation Style: Boards check how answers are written; neatness and structure matter.

Combining smart preparation with regular board-focused revisions ensures you not only crack JEE but also fulfill the 75% condition easily.

What Should You Do Now?

With JEE Main 2026 approaching and no confirmed news about the removal of the 75% rule, here’s what you should do:

• Start taking Class 12 performance seriously.

• Track NTA announcements regularly from official sources like jeemain.nta.nic.in.

• Keep an eye on percentile cutoffs for your board if you're unsure about crossing the 75% threshold.

• Plan for improvement exams if you’re a dropper or a low scorer in the boards last year.

• Avoid last-minute stress by balancing JEE and board preparation from the beginning.

Remember, there is no harm in preparing for both, especially when most of the syllabus overlaps and the ultimate goal is admission into a top-tier engineering college.

Strategy for Students Targeting JEE 2026

Whether or not the 75% rule stays, students must plan for both the board exams and JEE Main. Here’s a two-pronged approach:

Board Exam Focus

• Aim for at least 80% in Class 12 to stay safe under all circumstances.

• Do not neglect English or optional subjects—they affect your aggregate score.

JEE Main Preparation

• Stick to the NCERT syllabus.

• Solve previous year question papers to understand trends.

• Refer to quality material, including the JEE Mains PYQ chapterwise book and mock tests.

Importance of Solving Previous Year Questions

A major part of JEE Main success lies in solving past year questions. Not only do they help in understanding exam patterns, but they also enhance time management and accuracy.

Many toppers swear by solving a JEE PYQ Book, especially those with chapterwise arrangements. These help students:

• Identify repeated concepts.

• Focus on high-weightage chapters.

• Avoid silly mistakes through pattern recognition.

Moreover, aspirants should also complement this with the best book for maths for JEE Mains, which includes conceptual clarity and problem-solving techniques.

FAQs on 75% Criteria in JEE Main 2026

Q1. Is the 75% rule mandatory for appearing in JEE Main 2026?

No. The rule applies only for admission into NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, not for appearing in the exam. Anyone who passed Class 12 with PCM can write the exam.

Q2. What if I score less than 75% but clear JEE Advanced?

If you qualify for JEE Advanced and meet the IIT eligibility (which is different), you may still be eligible for IITs. But for NITs and IIITs, the 75% rule may still apply unless you're in the top 20 percentile.

Q3. Is the top 20 percentile alternative applicable to all boards?

Yes, but each board has a different cutoff percentage every year. NTA releases the official percentile cutoffs post results.

Q4. Will there be a relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates?

Generally, SC/ST students need only 65% in Class 12, but this is subject to official notification by NTA. Please wait for the 2026 bulletin.

Summary

Let’s wrap up everything in a glance:

Final Thoughts

As of now, the 75% criteria has not been removed for JEE Main 2026. While this rule may seem tough for many, there are ways to work around it, especially through the top 20 percentile alternative.

If you're aiming for top colleges through JEE, ensure that your Class 12 performance backs up your entrance score. Alongside, strengthen your preparation using reliable resources like the JEE Mains pyq chapterwise book and a JEE PYQ Book. For Mathematics, practicing from the best book for maths for JEE Mains gives you the edge over your peers.

Always stay updated with NTA announcements, and never compromise on school academics in the rush for competitive exams. Your consistent effort will pay off.