Is 75% Eligibility Criteria Removed for JEE Main 2026? (General, OBC, SC/ST)

VVT Coaching Chennai – Ranked #1 Best NEET&JEE Coaching Centre by Times Now!

With JEE Main 2026 around the corner, one doubt is trending across student groups, “Has the 75% eligibility criteria been removed?”
This guide gives you a clear, student-friendly answer and breaks down what applies at the exam stage vs admission stage, the top-20 percentile route, category-wise rules, and practical scenarios. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, this article will help you make confident decisions and plan next steps without panic.

Short answer: You can appear in JEE Main without a minimum percentage, but for admission to NITs/IIITs/CFTIs, the 75% (General/EWS/OBC-NCL) or 65% (SC/ST/PwD) criterion or top-20 percentile in your board still applies.

Appearing vs Admission – The Key Difference

Students often mix up two different checkpoints. Keep them separate:

1) Eligibility to Appear in JEE Main 2026

• Class 12 passed in 2024/2025 or appearing in 2026.
• No minimum percentage is required just to sit the exam.

2) Eligibility for Admission via JEE Main (NITs/IIITs/CFTIs)

• General / EWS / OBC-NCL: ≥ 75% aggregate (5 subjects) or Top-20 percentile in your board.
• SC / ST / PwD: ≥ 65% aggregate or Top-20 percentile in your board.

Think of it like two gates:

• Gate 1 (Exam): Open if you meet year-of-passing criteria.
• Gate 2 (Admission): Requires 75%/65% or top-20 percentile.

Category-wise Summary (For Admissions via JoSAA/CSAB)

Pro Tip: If your percentage is below the threshold, the top-20 percentile route can still make you eligible at the admission stage.

What Counts in the “Aggregate”?

For B.E./B.Tech admissions, the five-subject aggregate typically considers:

1. Physics
2. Mathematics
3. One of: Chemistry / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational subject
4. One language (higher-mark language counts if more than one)
5. One additional subject (highest scoring among the remaining)

Tip: Keep a clean score breakdown handy, it helps during document verification.

75% vs Top-20 Percentile — Which Path Should You Use?

Practical Scenarios Students Ask About

• “I’m a General with 73%. Can I get NIT?”
  Yes, if you’re in your board’s top-20 percentile. Otherwise, the 75% rule applies at admission time.
  
• “PCM is >75% but overall <75%. Does it count?”
  Admission uses an overall five-subject aggregate, not PCM-only.
  
• “Does this apply to IITs?”
  IIT admissions (through JEE Advanced) also use a 75%/65% or top-20 percentile framework. Always verify during the counseling season.
  
• “I’m a private/NIOS candidate — eligible?”
  You can appear if your qualifying exam is recognized and your pass year fits. For admission, the percentage/percentile rule still applies.

Mistakes to Avoid (Save This!)

Student Action Plan (Step-by-Step)

1. Register & write JEE Main — don’t overthink percentage at the exam stage.
2. Prepare both documents — five-subject aggregate + top-20 percentile proof (when your board publishes it).
3. Maximize your JEE Main percentile — it decides your college/branch band.
4. During counselling, use whichever path you qualify for (marks or percentile) to secure admission.

For JEE Aspirants — How VVT Coaching Helps You Convert Eligibility into a Seat

At VVT Coaching, we focus on what truly moves your JEE Main percentile — not just more study hours, but smarter, data-driven preparation.

How VVT Coaching Empowers JEE Aspirants

Personalised Guidance for JEE Aspirants!

Every JEE student at VVT Coaching gets a dedicated mentor who tracks progress, sets weekly targets, and builds a personalised study plan to lift your JEE Main percentile across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Our mentors go beyond academics, they help you manage exam stress, fine-tune attempt strategy (safe/target questions), and make smart choices during JoSAA counselling (college/branch preferences, realistic cut-offs).

With regular one-to-one performance reviews, you’ll always know exactly where you stand and what to fix next.

AI-Powered Mock Tests & Smart Analytics!

VVT’s AI engine analyses each CBT mock to pinpoint weak concepts, improve time management, and highlight where negative marking is hurting your percentile.
Each mock is dynamically generated based on your history, no two tests are the same, so every attempt stretches your ceiling a little higher.
Instant analytics show question-wise accuracy, time per topic, and Topper-vs-You comparisons, turning raw effort into measurable gains.

Remedy Classes for JEE Aspirants!

Our Remedy Classes don’t repeat the full syllabus, they surgically repair the exact topics draining your marks (e.g., Current Electricity timing, GOC mechanism traps, Coordinate Geometry precision).
Using AI dashboards, we identify chapter-wise and sub-topic-wise leaks, then run short, focused sessions to rebuild concepts with clarity.

Each remedy class ends with quick tests + progress tracking, ensuring improvement is real, visible, and durable.

Error Exams & Weekly Fix-Ups!

Generic mocks don’t always fix recurring mistakes. That’s why VVT creates Error Exams from your own wrong or skipped questions, a personalised drill that forces mastery where it matters most.

With advanced AI analytics, we detect error patterns (careless vs. concept vs. time-pressure), question types that trap you, and subjects pulling down the composite percentile.
Mentors then give targeted feedback and micro-assignments, so the same errors don’t come back next week.

Get to Know VVT’s Three Friendly Campuses: Always Nearby and Welcoming

VVT has three spots across Chennai, each easy to reach and full of support. No matter where you live, one is close by. Our campuses mix bright classrooms, helpful teachers, and a warm feel to keep you going. Here’s a quick look at each, with a focus on how they help with NEET and staying options.

Adyar Campus: Easy Access and Positive Vibes

Right on busy L.B. Road next to Adyar Ananda Bhavan, this spot is super convenient. Step inside, and you’ll see big, airy rooms where learning feels fun. Staff greet you with smiles, and the energy pushes you to turn weak areas like tough Physics problems into strengths.We also offer hostel facilities here for boys, with clean rooms, meals, and support to make your stay comfortable and focused. No distractions, just a safe place to rest and review after classes.

Adyar Campus (VVT Coaching Centre): “Nibav Buildings”, 4th & 5th Floor, No.23, Old No.11, L.B. Road, Adyar, Chennai – 600020. (Next to Adyar Ananda Bhavan)

Get Directions: Open in google maps!

Anna Nagar Campus: Focus in the City Centre

In Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar, this campus feels like an extension of home. Good bus links make it simple for city kids. There is no on-site hostel, but nearby options are plentiful for those who need them.

Anna Nagar Campus (VVT Coaching Centre): No.1621, 9th Main Road, Shanthi Colony, Block AI, Anna Nagar, Chennai – 600040.

Get Directions: Open in google maps!

Pallikaranai Girls Campus: Your Safe Place with Full Hostel

This is our special girls-only residential campus in a quiet area. It’s built as a true home away from home, with clean dorms, healthy meals in the canteen, and round-the-clock help.
We offer full hostel facilities here, clean rooms, study areas, and a community of girls supporting each other. It’s perfect if you’re from outside Chennai or just want a focused, safe space.

Pallikaranai (Saraswathi Girls Residential Campus): Plot No. 395 & 396, 1st Main Road, Kamakoti Nagar, Pallikaranai, Chennai – 600100.

Get Directions: Open in google maps

Conclusion

The 75% criterion has not been removed for admissions, it stands along with the top-20 percentile pathway. Don’t let rumours derail your plan.
Focus on appearing confidently, documenting your eligibility correctly, and maximizing your JEE Main percentile so counselling becomes a choice, not a chase.

Ready to turn eligibility into selection?

VVT Coaching brings AI analytics, Error Exams, Remedy Classes, and personal mentorship together, built to raise your percentile and convert it into the best possible seat.

Visit www.vvtcoaching.com
Call +91 81221 22333
Scholarships up to 100% via VVTSAT!

FAQs

Q1. Is 75% compulsory for writing JEE Main 2026?
No. You can appear without a minimum percentage; the rule applies at the admission stage.

Q2. Which is safer: 75% or top-20 percentile?
Both are valid. If your percentage is borderline, the top-20 percentile route protects your admission eligibility.

Q3. What if my board doesn’t publish percentiles early?
Keep preparing and track updates. At counselling, use whichever criterion you meet first (percentage or percentile).

Q4. Do IITs follow the same rule?
Broadly, yes, 75%/65% or top-20 percentile is referenced in IIT admissions through JEE Advanced (confirm each cycle).

Q5. I’m below 65% (SC/ST/PwD). What now?
Work on the top-20 percentile route and focus on maximizing your JEE Main percentile.