There are no JEE Mains eligibility marks in 12th for SC to appear for JEE Mains. Any candidate who has passed class 12 in 2024, 2025, and is appearing for Class 12th exam in 2026 is eligible to apply and appear for JEE Mains. There is no minimum mark required.
The minimum score applies only to JEE Advanced or Admissions. To write JEE Advanced and for admissions into IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, a minimum score of 65% for SC candidates is required in Class 12.
- To write the JEE Main exam, no qualifying marks have been set.
- For Admissions after JEE Main into NITs, IIITs and GFTIs and to write JEE Advanced after JEE Main, General/OBC/EWS candidates should have 75% in Class 12 and SC/ST/PwD candidates should have 65% in Class 12.
- For JEE Mains, no percentage or percentile has been set as a qualifying criterion.
- For JEE Advanced and for admissions into IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, you should have passed class 12 with a minimum of 75% aggregate marks or should be in the top 20 percentiles.
- Minimum eligibility percentage for private institutions varies across 40-75% across categories
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Key Summary
- JEE Mains eligibility marks in 12th for SC outlines no minimum marks for JEE Main.
- To apply and appear in JEE Main, no qualifying marks are set.
- To write JEE Advanced and to get admission into IITs, NITs, IIITs and GFTIs, an SC candidate should have passed the class 12th board exam with a minimum 65%.
- Mathematics and Physics need to be taken, along with one science subject and a language.
- Other Private institutions may set the class 12 cut-off ranging from 40-75%
- For SC Private institutions cut-off may fall around 40-55%.
JEE Mains Eligibility Marks in 12th for SC - Subject-wise
- NTA has not set subject-wise eligibility marks for appearing in JEE Mains.
- However, Mathematics and Physics are compulsory subjects.
- To appear in JEE Mains, which is conducted by NTA, there are no subject-wise qualifying marks nor overall qualifying marks
- You just need to have passed grade 12.
- Below are the subject requirements.
| Subjects | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Mandatory |
| Physics | Mandatory |
| Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational | Any 1 compulsory |
| Language (English/Hindi/Regional) | Included for aggregate |
| Additional Subject | Base scoring will be counted for the aggregate |
JEE Mains Eligibility Criteria 2026
- JEE Mains has no age limit.
- Candidates who have passed grade 12 in 2024,2025 are eligible to appear.
- Additionally, the students who are appearing for the 2026 12th board exam are also eligible to apply.
- There is no minimum qualifying mark set. You need to have passed in all subjects with no single backlog.
- The table below shows eligibility criteria for all categories.
| Factors | General/OBC/EWS Eligibility Criteria | SC/ST Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Age Limit for JEE Mains | No age limit | No age limit |
| Age Limit for Admissions | May vary across institutions | May vary across institutions |
| Year of passing | 2024,2025, or appearing for 2026 | 2024,2025, or appearing for 2026 |
| Compulsory Subjects required | Physics and Mathematics | Physics and Mathematics |
| Additional Subjects required | Any 1 from Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational | Any 1 from Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational |
| Minimum marks for JEE Mains | No minimum marks | No minimum marks |
| Minimum marks for JEE Advanced | 75% in class 12OrBe in the top 20th percentile | Only 65% in class 12 |
| Minimum marks for Admissions in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JoSAA | 75% in class 12OrBe in the top 20th percentile | Only 65% in class 12OrBe in the top 20 percentile |
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JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026JEE Mains Eligibility Marks in 12th for EWS
- JEE Mains eligibility criteria for EWS are the same as for the General category.
- Like any other category, there is no minimum qualifying mark required for appearing in JEE Mains.
| Factors | EWS Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age Limit for JEE Mains | No age limit |
| Age Limit for Admissions | May vary across institutions |
| Year of passing | 2024,2025, or appearing for 2026 |
| Compulsory Subjects required | Physics and Mathematics |
| Additional Subjects required | Any one from Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational |
| Minimum marks for JEE Mains | No minimum marks |
| Minimum marks for JEE Advanced | 75% in class 12OrBe in the top 20 percentile |
| Minimum marks for Admissions in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JoSAA | 75% in class 12OrBe in the top 20 percentile |
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Top BE/B.Tech Colleges in India Accepting JEE MainJEE Mains Eligibility Marks in 12th for OBC
- The OBC category has eligibility criteria similar to the General category, in terms of age and qualifying exam.
- Class 12 is the qualifying exam from any recognised National, International and State board.
- 10+2 from any recognised board or a 3-year diploma is required.
- There are no minimum qualifying marks anyway.
- Candidates should have passed the qualifying exam.
| Factors | OBC Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age Limit for JEE Mains | No age limit |
| Age Limit for Admissions | May vary across institutions |
| Year of passing | 2024,2025, or appearing for 2026 |
| Compulsory Subjects required | Physics and Mathematics |
| Additional Subjects required | Any 1 from Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational |
| Minimum marks for JEE Mains | No minimum marks |
| Minimum marks for JEE Advanced | 75% in class 12OrBe in the top 20 percentile |
| Minimum marks for Admissions in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JoSAA | 75% in class 12OrBe in the top 20 percentile |
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Is JEE Main Tough? Check Exam Difficulty Level, Chapter-wise Weightage, Cut off, Opportunities After Clearing JEE Main ExamJEE Mains Eligibility Marks in 12th for ST
- JEE Mains Eligibility Marks in 12th for ST categories have the same requirements as the SC category.
- No minimum marks in class 12 are required.
- All you need to have is a pass in class 12 or a 3-year diploma.
- For JEE Advanced, there is 5-year age relaxation.
- And 65% in Class 12 need to be scored for JEE Advanced and Admissions
| Factors | ST Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age Limit for JEE Mains | No age limit |
| Age Limit for Admissions | May vary across institutions |
| Year of passing | 2024,2025, or appearing for 2026 |
| Compulsory Subjects required | Physics and Mathematics |
| Additional Subjects required | Any 1 from Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational |
| Minimum marks for JEE Mains | No minimum marks |
| Minimum marks for JEE Advanced | 65% in class 12OrBe in the top 20th percentile |
| Minimum marks for Admissions in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JoSAA | 65% in class 12OrBe in the top 20th percentile |
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Top Public Colleges in India Accepting JEE Main75% Criteria for JEE Mains 2026
- 75% criteria do not apply to JEE Main 2026.
- Only JEE Advanced, which is conducted by IITs, requires 75% minimum score in Class 12.
- This 75% score is the qualifier to appear in JEE Mains.
- Also, 75% is needed for admissions into IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
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JEE Main Exam Pattern Changes 2026| Criteria | JEE Main (Exam) | JEE Advanced (Exam) | Admission to IITs / NITs / IIITs / GFTIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12th Marks Required | No minimum marks needed to appear | Must qualify JEE Main + meet 75%/65% rule | Mandatory 75% (Gen/EWS/OBC)and 65% (SC/ST/PwD) OR Top 20 percentile |
| Percentile Option | Not required to appear | Required for admission eligibility | Accepted as an alternative to % |
| Applicability | For exam registration | For JEE Advanced registration & admission | For final seat allocation in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs |
List of Qualifying Exams for JEE Mains and Advanced
| Sl. No. | Examination | Authority / Board | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class 12 (10+2) Final Exam | CBSE, CISCE, or any State/Central Board | Must pass the full course |
| 2 | Intermediate / 2-Year Pre-University Exam | Recognised Board / University | Treated as Class 12 equivalent |
| 3 | Two-Year Course, Joint Services Wing | National Defence Academy | Must clear the final exam |
| 4 | Senior Secondary Exam | NIOS | Minimum of 5 subjects required |
| 5 | Public School / Board / University Exam (India or Abroad) | Must be recognised by AIU | Accepted if AIU certifies 10+2 equivalence |
| 6 | Higher Secondary Certificate – Vocational | State/National Boards | Accepted as equivalent |
| 7 | Diploma (3 Years or More) | AICTE or State Technical Board | Minimum duration 3 years |
| 8 | GCE (Advanced Level) | London, Cambridge, or Sri Lanka Boards | At A-Level |
| 9 | High School Certificate / IB Diploma | Cambridge University / IB Office, Geneva | Accepted if completed |
| 10 | Class 12 (or equivalent) from abroad / unspecified Board | Association of Indian Universities (AIU) | Must submit an equivalence certificate |
| 11 | Class 12 not a Public Exam | — | Candidate must have cleared at least one prior public exam |
Category-wise Top 20% cut off for various Class 12 Boards
- While appearing for JEE Advanced and for admissions in any IIT, NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, you should have 65% minimum score in the Class 12 board examination(SC Candidates).
- It is 75% General/OBC/EWS candidates.
- Or you should have placed in the top 20 percentiles in Class 12.
- The tables below show 20 percentile cut-off across categories.
International and Private Boards 20 percentile cut-off
| Board / Council | GEN | GEN-EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST | PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| AMU Board of Secondary & Sr. Sec. Education | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Cambridge International (IGCSE) | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| CBSE (International) | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) | 419 | 411 | 411 | 388 | 375 | 375 |
| Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE – ISC) | 449 | 438 | 438 | 426 | 384 | 384 |
| Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed University), Agra | 459 | 428 | 428 | 417 | 353 | 353 |
| Directorate General of Military Training (RIMC) | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Pearson Edexcel Ltd, London | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies, Hyderabad | 9.52 | 9.52 | 9.55 | 9.16 | 9.23 | 7.44 |
| Vishwa Bharti University, Shantiniketan | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| WB Council of Rabindra Open Schooling | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
Category-wise Top 20% cut off for various Class 12 State Boards
State Boards 20 percentile cut-off
| Board / Council | GEN | GEN-EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST | PwD |
| Andhra Pradesh Board of Intermediate Education | 475 | 464 | 464 | 446.5 | 437 | 437 |
| Assam Higher Secondary Education Council | 303 | 303 | 317 | 300 | 277 | 277 |
| Bharatiya Shiksha Board, Haridwar, Uttarakhand | 420 | 420 | 427 | 427 | 344 | 344 |
| Bihar Board of Open Schooling & Examination | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Bihar School Examination Board | 345 | 359 | 334 | 314 | 317 | 314 |
| Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education | 387 | 381 | 381 | 370 | 356 | 356 |
| Chhattisgarh State Open School | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Goa Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education | 379 | 372 | 372 | 350 | 379 | 350 |
| Gujarat Secondary & Higher Secondary Education Board | 389 | 383 | 383 | 370 | 350 | 350 |
| HP Board of School Education | 417 | 411 | 411 | 403 | 405 | 403 |
| Haryana Board of School Education | 415 | 407 | 407 | 395 | NR | 395 |
| J&K State Board of School Education | 403 | 377 | 377 | 370 | 359 | 359 |
| Jharkhand Academic Council | 366 | 366 | 376 | 356 | 351 | 351 |
| Karnataka School Examination & Assessment Board | 458 | 442 | 442 | 419 | 426 | 419 |
| Kerala Board of Higher Secondary Examinations | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| M.P. State Open School Education Board, Bhopal | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education | 409 | 400 | 400 | 391 | 372 | 372 |
| Maharashtra State Board of Secondary. & Hr. Sec. Education | 361 | 361 | 368 | 344 | 346 | 344 |
| Manipur Council of Higher Secondary Education | 353 | 353 | 383 | 360 | 341 | 341 |
| Meghalaya Board of School Education | 328 | 328 | 342 | 321 | 300 | 300 |
| Mizoram Board of School Education | 353 | 353 | 399 | 344 | 323 | 323 |
| Nagaland Board of School Education | 375 | 359 | 359 | 376 | 357 | 357 |
| Odisha Council of Higher Secondary Education | 372 | 372 | 391 | 354 | 314 | 314 |
| Punjab School Education Board | 424 | 422 | 422 | 402 | 417 | 402 |
| Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education | 436 | 436 | 439 | 425 | 417 | 417 |
| Rajasthan State Open School, Jaipur | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Tamil Nadu Board of Higher Secondary Examinations | 441 | 441 | 441 | 441 | 433 | 426 |
| Telangana Open School Society | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Tripura Board of Secondary Education | 352 | 341 | 341 | 317 | 283 | 283 |
| U.P. Board of High School & Intermediate Education | 373 | 365 | 365 | 353 | 332 | 332 |
| Uttarakhand Board of School Education | 346 | 346 | 346 | 346 | 346 | 346 |
| West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education | 357 | 357 | 366 | 341 | 305 | 305 |
| Andhra Pradesh Open School Society | 348 | 348 | 348 | 348 | 348 | 348 |
NR-Not Released
JEE Mains eligibility marks in 12th for SC FAQs
Ques: How many percentages are required in Class 12 for JEE for SC?
Ans: There are no minimum marks required in Class 12th to appear for JEE Mains.
- Qualifying marks apply only for JEE Advanced and Admissions.
- SC category candidates need at least 65% in Class 12 Or be in the top 20 percentile of their board.
- This applies to NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and IIT admissions via JEE rank.
Ques: How many marks are required to qualify for JEE Main for the SC category?
Ans: JEE Main qualifying cutoff for the SC category is usually 60–70 marks out of 300.
- The percentile cutoff for SC falls around the 55–65 percentile each year.
- Candidates securing the qualifying marks are eligible for JEE Advanced and for NIT/IIIT/GFTI counselling.
Ques: What are the minimum marks required in Class 12 for JEE Main?
Ans: No minimum marks are required for JEE Mains in Class 12.
- To appear for JEE Main, one should have passed in Class 12 from any recognised board.
Ques: Is the 75% criterion removed from JEE in 2026?
Ans: No, the 75% criterion is not removed from JEE in 2025.
- 75% minimum class 12 marks criteria is still valid for JEE Advanced and Admissions into IITs, IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
Ques: Does NIT require 75% marks?
Ans: Yes. NITs require 75% for admissions.
- 75% minimum score in Class 12 is only applicable for NIT admissions
- You should either have a 75% aggregate in class 12 or be in the top 20 percentiles in class 12 for admissions into NITs.
- For SC/ST, the minimum class 12 score for JEE Advanced and Admissions is 65%.
Ques: Is a third attempt allowed in JEE Main?
Ans: Yes. A candidate can attempt JEE Main in three consecutive years.
- Each year has two sessions (January & April).
- So, a maximum of 6 attempts across 3 years is allowed.
- But, you should attempt in your 12th grade year and immediately for 2 years only.
Ques: Can I join NIT through JEE after 2 years of 12th?
Ans: Yes, as long as you are within the 3 consecutive year limit after 12th.
- Example: If you passed Class 12 in 2024, you can attempt JEE Main in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Ques: How many attempts for JEE Main for the SC category?
Ans: Same as General: 3 consecutive years, 2 sessions per year = 6 attempts maximum.
- No extra attempts are given to SC/ST.
Ques: How many drops are allowed in JEE?
Ans: You can take a maximum of 2 drops after Class 12.
- You can appear in the 12th year and the 2 subsequent years.
- Including the 12th year, you have 3 years of eligibility.
- Beyond 2 drops, you cannot attempt JEE.
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