Is the 75% Criteria Removed From JEE 2026 for General, SC/ST Category

Is the 75% Criteria Removed From JEE: Many students fail to understand the JEE Main 75% criteria 2026 rules. As per NTA norms, the 75% criteria still stands and students need to secure a minimum of 75% marks or be in the top 20 percentile of their boards to get admission in top colleges through JEE Main.

Students will still be able to appear for the exam even if they do not have 75%. However, the condition will apply at the time of admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. The cut-off criteria for SC/ST candidates is 65% making it easier for them to qualify for the exam.

Is the 75% criteria removed from JEE 2026? The answer is No as the rule still applies to all candidates who wish to get admission through JEE Main scores.

What is the 75% Criteria in JEE Main 2026?

The 75% criteria for JEE Mains 2026 requires candidates to have secured at least 75% marks or rank within the top 20 percentile in their Class 12 board examinations in order to be eligible for admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. This requirement can be met in one of two ways:

• Either by scoring at least 75% marks in Class 12 board exams, or

• By ranking within the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.

• This criteria is 65% for SC/ST students. 

The purpose of this criteria is to ensure that students have a strong academic foundation in their school or college education, in addition to their preparation for JEE Mains.

Also Check:

• JEE mains 2026 registration
• JEE Main 2026 Cutoff Prediction
• JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026
• JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
• JEE Main Fees Structure 2026

75% Criteria Removed From JEE for Different Categories

Let’s understand how the JEE Main 75% criteria 2026 applies to different student categories.

Is the 75% Criteria Removed for 2026 from JEE Main for General Category?

No, the 75% criteria for JEE Main 2026 has not been removed for the General category. Students from General and OBC categories must have 75% marks in class 12 or must have secured a minimum of 20 percentile in their respective board results.

Even if a student qualifies for a good JEE Main rank but does not satisfy the above condition, they will not be eligible to get admission in NITs/IIITs through JEE Main counselling.

Is the 75% Criteria Removed from JEE Main 2026 for SC/ST?

The above rule is relaxed for SC and ST students as they are required to have 65% marks in their class 12 board exam or be in the top 20 percentile of their board.

In this way, the relaxation of the 75% criterion in JEE Main 2026 provides equal opportunities to students of all backgrounds. But the 75% criteria is not removed completely. It is only relaxed for reserved categories. 

Is the 75% Criteria Removed from JEE Main 2026 for Droppers?

Droppers are always confused and many ask, “Is the 75% criteria removed from JEE Main 2026 for droppers?” Well, the answer is No. Droppers are also not exempted from the eligibility rule.

If you are repeating JEE Main 2026 after passing class 12 in a previous year, you too must have 75% marks (General) or 65% (SC/ST) in your board exams, or be in the top 20 percentile of your respective boards to take admission through your JEE Main scores.