JEE Main 2026 April Attempt Eligibility: Who Can Apply for Session 2?
To apply for JEE Main 2026 April, you must have passed Class 12 in 2024/2025 or be appearing in 2026. There is no age limit. Paper 1 requires Physics/Maths; Paper 2A requires Physics/Chemistry/Maths. No minimum marks are needed to sit for the exam, but 75% is required for NIT/IIIT admissions.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to open the registration window for the JEE Main 2026 April Attempt (Session 2). To ensure your application isn't rejected, it is critical to meet the specific eligibility criteria regarding qualifying years, subject combinations, and the 75% marks rule.
Below is the definitive guide to the JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria for the April session.
1. Qualifying Year & Passing Status
To apply for the April 2026 attempt, you must fall into one of the following three categories:
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Passed Class 12 in 2024: Candidates who completed their senior secondary education two years ago.
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Passed Class 12 in 2025: Candidates who completed their schooling last year (droppers).
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Appearing in 2026: Students currently in Class 12 who will take their board exams in early 2026.
Note: If you passed Class 12 in 2023 or earlier, you are not eligible for JEE Main 2026.
2. Subject Requirements by Paper
The subject combinations vary depending on whether you are applying for Engineering, Architecture, or Planning.
| Paper Type | Target Course | Mandatory Subjects in Class 12 |
| Paper 1 | B.E. / B.Tech | Physics, Mathematics + (Chemistry/Biology/Biotech/Technical Vocational) |
| Paper 2A | B.Arch | Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
| Paper 2B | B.Planning | Mathematics |
3. The 75% Marks Rule vs. Exam Eligibility
There is often confusion regarding the minimum marks required. Here is the direct clarification:
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To Appear in the Exam: There is no minimum qualifying mark required in Class 12 to simply sit for the JEE Main 2026 exam. You only need a "Pass" certificate.
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For Admission (NITs/IIITs/CFTIs): To secure a seat in premier institutes, you must have:
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General/OBC-NCL/EWS: Minimum 75% aggregate marks in Class 12.
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SC/ST/PwD: Minimum 65% aggregate marks in Class 12.
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Alternative: Be in the Top 20 Percentile of your respective board.
4. Age Limit & Attempt Count
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Age Limit: There is no age limit for candidates appearing in JEE Main 2026.
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Number of Attempts: A candidate can appear for JEE Main for three consecutive years starting from the year they pass Class 12. Since the exam is held twice a year (January and April), this equates to a total of 6 potential attempts.
5. Important Highlights for April Session
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Official Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in
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Registration Start: Expected in the last week of January 2026.
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Exam Dates: Scheduled between April 2 and April 9, 2026.
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State Code of Eligibility: This is determined by the state where you passed Class 12, not your permanent residence or birth state.