Preparing for JEE Mains 2025? Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first crucial step toward achieving your dream of getting into prestigious engineering institutes like NITs, IIITs, and other top engineering colleges. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Mains), has outlined several key eligibility requirements that every candidate must meet to sit for the exam. These criteria include educational qualifications, age limits, the number of attempts, and more.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll walk you through all the important aspects of JEE Mains 2025 Eligibility Criteria, so you can be well-prepared and ensure you qualify for this crucial entrance exam.
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Mains 2025
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification required to appear for JEE Mains 2025 is passing the Class 12 (or equivalent) examination from a recognized board. Candidates must have completed this exam with the relevant subjects, which include Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational Subject.
Students currently appearing in their Class 12 examination in 2025 are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the other criteria.
Age Limit for JEE Mains 2025
There is no specific upper age limit to appear for JEE Mains 2025. However, candidates must fulfill the educational qualification criteria related to the year of passing Class 12, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Year of Passing Class 12 (or Equivalent)
To be eligible for JEE Mains 2025, candidates must have passed their Class 12 or equivalent exam in 2023 or 2024, or they must be appearing for the exam in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility based on the year of passing: Candidates who passed their Class 12 examination in 2022 or earlier are NOT eligible to apply for JEE Mains 2025. If you are appearing for your Class 12 examination in 2025, you are eligible to apply.
Note: Candidates who failed to qualify in Class 12 in their first attempt but passed in 2024 are also eligible to appear for JEE Mains 2025.
JEE Mains 2025 Subject
To be eligible for JEE Mains 2025, you must have studied the following subjects in your Class 12 (or equivalent) examination:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
Additionally, candidates must have passed each of these subjects individually to meet the eligibility criteria. Make sure to verify that your subjects match the required combination before applying.
Number of Attempts for JEE Mains 2025
Candidates can attempt JEE Mains for a maximum of three consecutive years starting from the year of their first attempt. Since JEE Mains is conducted twice a year (in January and April), candidates have a total of six attempts over three years.
Here’s how it works:
If your first attempt is in JEE Mains 2025, you can also appear for JEE Mains in 2026 and 2027.
If you attempt both sessions in one year, they will be counted as two separate attempts.
This rule gives students enough flexibility and time to improve their scores across different sessions and years.
Eligibility for Admission into NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs
The criteria for admissions into NITs (National Institutes of Technology), IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology), and CFTIs (Centrally Funded Technical Institutes) are more specific. Along with qualifying in JEE Mains 2025, candidates must meet certain minimum marks in their Class 12 examination.
75 % Criteria for JEE Mains 2025
General Category Candidates: Must have a minimum of 75% marks in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards. SC/ST/PwD Category Candidates must have a minimum of 65% marks in Class 12.
Note: It is important to note that these marks are required only for admission into the NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs and are not a condition for appearing in JEE Mains.
JEE Mains 2025 Eligibility for Reserved Categories
The JEE Mains exam provides reservation for candidates from various categories as per the Government of India guidelines. Here’s the percentage of seats reserved:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL): 27%
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS): 10%
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 5%
Candidates belonging to these categories must submit valid certificates at the time of application and admission to avail the reservation benefits. There is also a relaxation in the year of birth requirement for SC/ST and PwD candidates for JEE Mains 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Advanced 2025
Candidates who wish to appear for JEE Advanced 2025 (for admission into the IITs) must first qualify for JEE Mains 2025 and secure a place among the top 2,50,000 candidates. Additional eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced include:
Candidates must be born on or after October 1, 2003 (with a 5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PWD candidates).
Candidates can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in consecutive years.
Conclusion
Understanding the eligibility criteria for JEE Mains 2025 is essential for all aspirants to ensure that they meet the requirements before applying. While there is no upper age limit for JEE Mains, candidates must carefully check their educational qualifications, year of passing Class 12, and the subjects studied. Additionally, those aiming for admissions into NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs must meet specific percentage criteria.
With a proper understanding of the eligibility requirements, candidates can confidently begin their JEE preparation and focus on scoring well in the exam.
Stay updated with the official NTA JEE Mains 2025 notification for the latest information on eligibility and exam guidelines. Good luck with your preparation!
FAQs
What is the age limit for JEE Mains 2025?
There is no specific age limit for JEE Mains 2025. However, candidates must have passed their Class 12 examination or an equivalent in 2023, or 2024, or be appearing in 2025 to be eligible for the exam.
2. What is the minimum percentage required to appear for JEE Mains 2025?
There is no minimum percentage requirement to appear for JEE Mains 2025. However, for admissions into NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, candidates from the General category need at least 75% marks in Class 12, while SC/ST/PwD candidates need 65% marks, or must be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
3. Can I appear for JEE Mains if I have taken a gap year after Class 12?
Yes, candidates who have passed their Class 12 examination in 2023, 2024, or are appearing in 2025 are eligible for JEE Mains 2025, regardless of any gap years.
4. Is there any attempt limit for JEE Mains 2025?
Yes, a candidate can attempt JEE Mains for three consecutive years after their Class 12 examination. Since the exam is conducted twice a year, you can attempt it a total of six times.
5. Are diploma holders eligible to apply for JEE Mains 2025?
Yes, diploma holders are eligible to appear for JEE Mains 2025. However, they can only use JEE Mains scores to appear for JEE Advanced and not for admission to NITs, IIITs, or CFTIs.
6. What is the eligibility for SC/ST candidates in JEE Mains 2025?
SC/ST candidates must have at least 65% marks in their Class 12 examination to gain admission to NITs, IIITs, or CFTIs. They can also qualify if they are in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
7. Does the 75% criteria apply for JEE Mains 2025?
Yes, the 75% criteria apply for admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. General and OBC-NCL category students need 75% marks in Class 12, while SC/ST/PwD students need 65% marks. Alternatively, being in the top 20 percentile of the respective board also qualifies candidates.
8. Can foreign nationals apply for JEE Mains 2025?
Yes, foreign nationals can apply for JEE Mains 2025. They must fulfill the eligibility criteria related to their education, and their admission will depend on the specific rules set by the institutions they are applying to.
9. What is the qualifying year for students appearing in JEE Mains 2025?
Students who passed their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination in 2023 or 2024, or are appearing in 2025, are eligible for JEE Mains 2025.
10. If I don’t meet the 75% criteria, can I still appear for JEE Mains?
Yes, you can still appear for JEE Mains 2025 without meeting the 75% criteria, as the requirement is only for admissions to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. You can still qualify for other private or state-level institutes based on your JEE Mains score.