JEE Main 2026 Eligibility, Syllabus & Preparation Strategy

JEE Main Exam Eligibility and Preparation 2026 has been released by the NTA on the official website. Candidates can check the complete JEE Main exam eligibility Criteria including how many attempts for JEE Main, marks in 10+2, age limit and others factors. 

JEE Main 2026 candidates need to fulfill the eligibility criteria mentioned by NTA to take admission at NIT, IIIT, and GFTI. JEE Main eligibility criteria are of two types.

• Eligibility criteria for appearing in the JEE Main 2026 examination
• Eligibility criteria for admission in institutes- IIT, NIT, IIIT and GFTI

JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026 for appearing in the exam consist of conditions related to age limit, qualifying exam, subjects in qualifying exam, number of attempts, and year of passing the qualifying exam. JEE Main eligibility criteria for admission in institutes consist of conditions related to the nationality of the candidate, JEE Main class 10+2 percentage criteria, and year of passing class 12/qualifying exam.
Candidates should check the detailed eligibility criteria of JEE Main 2026 before filling out the application form. JEE Main 2026 application form of candidates who do not fulfill the eligibility criteria will be cancelled and they will not be eligible for admission. It is thus candidates responsibility to check the JEE Main eligibility criteria before filling out the form.

Before starting the JEE Main Exam Application Process 2026, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions. The table below summarises the JEE Main Exam Eligibility and Preparation requirements set by NTA.

JEE Main Exam Eligibility and Preparation 2026: Complete Details

Candidates must check the JEE Main Exam Eligibility and Preparation requirements carefully. The table below summarises the key eligibility details.

The syllabus includes topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of Classes 11 & 12. For B.Arch., there are also drawing and aptitude test sections.

JEE Main is not merely an examination but it is one of the toughest entrance examinations in India. There are 10 + lakh students who come to give the examinations every year and hence preparation must be intelligent, regular and systematic. And here a plan of attack to pass the exam

1. Know the Pattern of the Exam

There are three papers of JEE Main:

• Paper 1- B.E./B.Tech (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
• B.Arch (Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test) Paper 2A
• Paper 2B: B.Planning (Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning-based questions)
• The exams are computer-based (with the exception of the Drawing test in B.Arch).

By acquainting yourself with the format of the exam, you are able to plan better and have no surprises.

2. Make a Study Program

• The recommended amount of time that should be spent studying on a daily basis is 6-8 hours, breaking it into Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Maintain weekly goals, rather than daily ones, in order to stay on track.
• Even-handedness of theory (NCERT) and problem-solving (previous year questions).

3. NCERT First

• In case of JEE Main the backbone books are NCERT books of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• At least in Chemistry, NCERT is viewed as the essential one to stand firm on the fundamentals.

4. Solve Previous Year's Question Papers

• Practice at least 10–15 years of JEE Main question papers.
• This assists in seeing the level of difficulty, recurring issues and time management.
• For B.Arch aspirants, solving the JEE Main B.Arch question paper, B Architecture question paper, and B Arch exam paper regularly is highly beneficial.

5. Take Mock Tests

• Try mock tests online in the real exam conditions.
• Study your errors and improve on your poor points.
• Be time-wise; make an attempt to complete the paper in given time.

6. Subject-Wise Strategy

• Physics: Emphasis on clarity of understanding and numerical coursework.
• Chemistry: Do as much NCERT as you can of Inorganic Chemistry, exercize Organic reactions, and do PC numericals.
• Mathematics: Train as much as possible; train formulas, theorems, and speed solving.

7. Keep Lifestyle Healthy

• Sleep as a minimum of 7 hours every day so that your brain does not get idle.
• Drink a lot of water and consume healthy food.
• Do not practice last-minute studies but study early in the morning.

8. Exam Day Guidelines

• Bring JEE Main admit card and an acceptance of a reliable identification document (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.).
• Adhere to the dress code given by NTA: no jewellery, caps, metal pieces or digital devices.
• Be cool, use your time and do not panic at the last moment.

9. Things to Avoid During Exam

• No calculators, modern phones, smart watches or study notes.
• Do not get stuck on any one question, proceed and get back once there is time.
• Don’t miss your head when any section seems to be hard; keep in mind that cutoffs are not absolute and are based on overall performance.

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria for Admission in IITs, NITs, IIITs and GFTIs

The eligibility criteria for admission in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs are decided by the institute and not by NTA. JEE Main eligibility criteria decided by NTA are only meant for appearing in the examination. The details about eligibility criteria for admission to the institute are provided by Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA), the counselling authority which admits students to these institutes. For details about the eligibility criteria for admission, candidates can visit the JoSAA website. 

Minimum 75% Marks in Class 12

Candidates need to score at least 75% marks in class 12 to get admission in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Candidates belonging to SC/ST need to have at least 60% marks. However, the criteria of marks in class 12 is lower in states like Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), Madhya pradesh (M.P.), Bihar, which accept JEE Main score for admission to BTech courses

JEE Main Eligibility Criteria for Appearing in JEE Advanced

The eligibility criteria for appearing in JEE Advanced is that candidates should have appeared in JEE Main and obtained the minimum cutoff marks decided by NTA. Also, candidates need to be in top 2,50,000 rank in order of merit in the Common Rank List in order to appear in JEE Advanced 2026. One important condition is that candidates can appear in JEE Advanced twice, in two consecutive years from the year of passing class 12/equivalent examination.