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NTA Clarifies the Applicability of the 75% Rule in JEE Main 2026

NTA Clarifies 75% Rule for JEE Main 2026 Aspirants

NTA has set high standards for academic scores (75%) in board exams for JEE Main 2026. An aspirant who is appearing for the first time or for their next attempt should have qualified in the eligibility test conducted by NTA. The NTA is keen on the academic percentage obtained by JEE Main aspirants, and it should be 75%. This rule is likely to continue for the next academic year as well. It is in conjunction with the previous year’s information brochure and the NTA guidelines. This blog is written for aspirants to understand that those appearing for the JEE Main examination need not worry about the probable percentile score in their upcoming board examinations. In fact, there is an ongoing debate in media circles about the applicability of the 75% rule and its scope in the year 2026.

What does the 75% rule say?

This rule is confined to aspirants seeking admission into leading national-level institutions, such as NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. It doesn’t restrict aspirants from taking the JEE Main entrance examination, particularly when an aspirant is appearing for the first time. Why should such a strict rule of 75 percent be laid on? The answer is to maintain high academic standards for those interested in pursuing engineering studies in national-level institutions. But for SC/ST candidates, the minimum academic marks required are 65 percent. Experts argue that aspirants planning to study in nationally reputed institutions must have a good academic track record; hence, such a high percentage should be the deciding criterion.

Top 20 Percentile Criterion Enables Aspirants to Seek Admission into Top Engineering Colleges:

NTA has opened another option for JEE Main aspirants who have scored high marks and qualified to seek admission into nationally reputed engineering institutions. The second path to enter these institutions is to obtain a percentile that falls within the top 20 percentile marks declared by the respective board results. This alternate method helps students belonging to boards that follow a strict marking system.

S.No	Eligibility for JEE Mains & JEE Advanced (2026)	Conditions to be Maintained

1	Who can appear for JEE Main 2026	Pursuing or having completed Class 12 can appear for the examination
2	Who can seek admission into NITs\|IIITs\| GFTIs	Need 75 percent marks or be in top 20 percentile of respective board exams
3	Eligibility for JEE Advanced exam	75 % in the board exam or among the top 20 percentile
4	Admission into IITs (after JEE Advanced)	Entry in accordance to JAB Guidelines

To make the readers understand at a glance, the table describes the eligibility and conditions criteria for admission into engineering through the JEE Main examination.

Summary:
This piece of information aims to make JEE aspirants understand that the rule of 75 percent doesn’t restrict them from appearing for the JEE Main 2026 examination. Although NTA is particular about percentages obtained at the board level, it has allowed alternate ways to gain entry into national-level engineering colleges, which is clearly explained in the above paragraphs.

FAQ’s: Importance of the 75% Rule for JEE Main Aspirants

Q. What does the 75% rule say about?

A. The 75% rule is a screening process applicable only at the admission stage into IIITs, NITs, and other top reputed engineering institutions. If an aspirant fails to obtain 75 percent or more, they can be judged by the percentile obtained in their board examinations. Such eligible aspirants should be among the top 20 percentile declared by their respective state boards.

Q. What next, if an aspirant fails to obtain 75% in their board examinations?

A. If an aspirant qualifies and is eligible for engineering admissions through the JEE Main exam, then another important parameter is compared. The percentage score in the board examination becomes crucial, and one must have scored at least 75 percent, otherwise they are disqualified for entry into engineering colleges through JEE Main.

Q. What do exam counsellors advise JEE Main aspirants about the 75% rule?

A. Aspirants should focus on the JEE Main and board exams in a systematically planned manner. The 75 percent rule does not apply to writing the exam. Therefore, aspirants should pay less attention to the NTA’s 75 percent rule for admission eligibility into JEE Main-approved engineering institutions, as it isn’t the right time to consider it.

Q. Where should an aspirant approach for reliable information on the JEE Main details?

A. An aspirant can completely trust the official website of NTA and the JoSAA counselling guidelines. On both webpages, one can find comprehensive information on matters related to registrations, examinations, results, and admission procedures.