JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2024: The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) is a crucial step for aspiring engineering candidates seeking admission to top-tier institutions in India. To ensure a fair and transparent selection process, the eligibility criteria for JEE Main are meticulously defined. In this article, we delve into the various aspects of JEE Main eligibility, including age criteria, qualifying examinations, and the state of eligibility.
Age Criteria
For the JEE (Main) – 2024 examination, there is no age limit for candidates. Whether a candidate has passed the class 12/equivalent examination in 2022, 2023, or is appearing in 2024, they can participate in the exam without any age restrictions. However, candidates may need to adhere to the age criteria of the institute(s) to which they aspire for admission.
List of Qualifying Examinations (QE)
The eligibility extends to candidates who have successfully completed various qualifying examinations, including but not limited to:
- The final examination of the 10+2 system by recognized Central/State Boards.
- Intermediate or two-year Pre-University examination conducted by a recognized Board/University.
- Final examination of the two-year course of the Joint Services Wing of the National Defence Academy.
- Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling with a minimum of five subjects.
- Any Public School/Board/University examination in India or a foreign country recognized as equivalent to the 10+2 system by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
The table below provides a summary of qualifying examinations:
| S. No. | Qualifying Examination |
|---|---|
| 1. | Final examination of the 10+2 system by recognized Boards |
| 2. | Intermediate or two-year Pre-University examination |
| 3. | Final examination of the two-year course of NDA |
| 4. | Senior Secondary School Examination by NIOS |
| 5. | Public School/Board/University examination (India/abroad) |
Year of Appearance in Qualifying Examination
Only candidates who have passed the Class 12/equivalent examination in 2022, 2023, or those appearing in 2024 are eligible for JEE (Main) – 2024. Those who passed in 2021 or earlier, as well as those appearing in 2025 or later, are not eligible.
State of Eligibility
The state code of eligibility is determined by the state from which the candidate passed their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination. It is important to note that this code is not based on the candidate’s native place or residence. For instance, a candidate passing the examination in New Delhi but residing in Noida will have the state code of eligibility as Delhi.
Marks Eligibility
For general category candidates, a minimum of 75% marks in Class 12 board exams or being in the top 20 percentile in the qualifying exam is required for admissions to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other CFTIs. Reserved category candidates need a minimum of 65% marks for admission.
Total Attempts
Candidates can make a maximum of three consecutive attempts for JEE Main. Given that the exam is conducted twice a year, candidates can appear a total of six times, with the first attempt soon after the Class 12 board exam.