JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2025 - Class 12 Marks, Number of Attempts

Author at PW

February 10, 2025

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is a most important step for students dreaming to pursue undergraduate engineering courses in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this exam is the gateway for admissions to National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and Government-Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs). Understanding the JEE Main eligibility criteria for 2025 is essential for aspirants to avoid disqualification and ensure a smooth application process. We will provide a detailed about the eligibility criteria, focusing on Class 12 marks, subject requirements, number of attempts, and other important aspects.

Check Out: PW JEE Books

Educational Qualification

The JEE Main eligibility criteria 2025 act as a checklist to ensure only qualified candidates take the exam. If you don’t meet these conditions, your application may get rejected, or your admission could be canceled later. To be eligible for JEE Main 2025, candidates must fulfill the following educational conditions:

Completion of Class 12 or Equivalent: Candidates should have completed their Class 12 examination in 2023 or 2024 or be appearing for it in 2025.
Recognized Boards: The qualifying exam must be from a recognized board, such as CBSE, ICSE, or any state board. Equivalent exams like diplomas in engineering from AICTE-approved institutions are also accepted.
No Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in JEE Main 2025. However, candidates must check the age criteria of the respective institutes they wish to apply for, as some institutions may have specific age restrictions.

Class 12 Marks Requirement

A common concern for students is the board marks criteria for JEE Mains. While there is no minimum percentage required to appear for JEE Main, there are specific requirements for admissions:

For admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, candidates must secure at least 75% aggregate marks in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board examinations.
For SC/ST category candidates, the required percentage is relaxed to 65%.
Students who qualify for JEE Advanced and want admission to IITs must also meet the minimum board marks criteria set by the respective institutes.

Subject Requirements for JEE Main

Candidates must have studied specific subjects in Class 12, depending on the course they are applying for:

Parameter	Eligibility Requirements
Qualifying Exam	Passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2023, 2024, or appearing in 2025.
Mandatory Subjects	Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
Minimum Marks	No minimum percentage set by NTA. However, some institutes (like NITs) require 75% marks.
Age Limit	No age limit for JEE Main.
Number of Attempts	Can appear for JEE Main 3 times in consecutive years (changed in 2024).

For B.E./B.Tech Courses

Compulsory Subjects: Physics and Mathematics
One Additional Subject (any one of the following): Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject

For B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture)

Compulsory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Candidates must have completed their Class 12 with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.

For B.Planning (Bachelor of Planning)

Compulsory Subject: Mathematics
Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Mathematics as a mandatory subject.

Check Out: JEE Previous Year Papers

Number of Attempts for JEE Main 2025

Candidates must be aware of the attempt limitations for JEE Main to plan their preparation effectively.

Total Attempts Allowed: Candidates can attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years.
Number of Sessions per Year: The exam is conducted twice a year (January and April). Candidates can appear in either one or both sessions in the same year.

The number of attempts for JEE Main has changed in recent years:

Old Rule (Before 2024): 3 attempts in consecutive years.
New Rule (2024 Onwards): Students can take JEE Main twice a year (January and April sessions) for 3 consecutive years.

Total attempts = 2 exams/year × 3 years = 6 attempts.

Example:

If you first appear for JEE Main in 2025, you can attempt it until 2027 (6 times)

State of Eligibility in JEE Main.

The state of eligibility refers to the state from which a candidate has passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination. Key points to note:

It is not based on place of birth or residence.
For CBSE and ICSE candidates, the state from where they appeared for their board examination will be considered.
For candidates who studied abroad, their eligibility will be determined based on their nationality and applicable rules.
Some institutions offer home-state quotas, making the state of eligibility important during counseling and seat allocation.

Check Out; JEE Revision Books

Eligibility for Droppers in JEE Main 2025

Candidates who take a gap year after Class 12 to prepare for JEE Main (commonly referred to as droppers) need to follow the same eligibility criteria:

Year of Passing: They should have completed Class 12 in 2023 or 2024.
Number of Attempts: They are allowed to attempt JEE Main for three consecutive years, including the year in which they first appeared for the exam.
There are no restrictions on the number of attempts within the given timeframe.

Eligibility for JEE Advanced 2025

Candidates who qualify in JEE Main and wish to pursue admission into Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) must meet the following criteria:

Top 2,50,000 Ranks: Candidates must rank among the top 2,50,000 candidates in the JEE Main 2025 B.E./B.Tech paper.
Maximum Attempts: Candidates can attempt JEE Advanced only twice in two consecutive years.
Age Limit: General category candidates should have been born on or after October 1, 2000. A five-year relaxation is provided for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

Understanding the JEE Main eligibility criteria 2025 is crucial for aspirants to ensure they meet the requirements for admissions. Candidates should focus on securing the Class 12 marks required for JEE, fulfilling the board marks criteria for JEE Mains, and preparing strategically within the allowed number of attempts. Staying updated with official notifications from NTA and relevant authorities will help candidates navigate the JEE Main exam process smoothly and successfully secure admission to their desired engineering institutes.

Check Out: JEE Test series