The JEE Main exam is conducted twice a year (January and April), and candidates are allowed a maximum of six attempts in three consecutive years, starting from the year they pass class 12. There is no age limit for the exam. To be eligible for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, candidates must have passed class 12 with at least 75% marks (65% for SC/ST) or be in the top 20 percentile of their boards. The eligibility criteria are the same for all categories including general and OBC.
JEE Main 2026: The National Testing Agency has released the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria on the website jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates can check their complete JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria here, including their age limit, class 12 marks and number of JEE Main attempts. All JEE Main 2026 applicants must fulfill the requirements listed by the NTA to get admission to GFTIs, IIITs and NITs.
When deciding the best way to prepare for JEE Main 2026, many engineering aspirants often question how many times they can take the exam. As per the official rules of NTA, JEE Main is conducted twice a year, in January and April. A student can take the exam a maximum of six times (twice a year) during three consecutive years. It is important to understand the number of attempts, especially for the Main 2026 exam.
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How Many Attempts Are Allowed for JEE Main 2026?
Candidates can appear for the JEE Main exam a maximum of six times in three consecutive years, depending on their eligibility. Therefore, students who have passed or are appearing for the Class 12 exam within the last three years are eligible to apply. JEE Main 2026 will be conducted by NTA in two sessions. Also, candidates who will appear for the exam for the first time in 2026 will be able to appear again in 2027 and 2028. General category students can appear for the exam three times, starting from the year they graduate from Class 12.
JEE Main 2026 Schedule (Tentative)
| Event | Session 1 | Session 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Start date for JEE Main registration | November 2025 | February 2026 |
| Last date for JEE Main registration | November 2025 | February 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 exam correction date | December 2025 | February 2026 |
| Release of Advanced city intimation slip | January 2026 | March 2026 |
| JEE Main January 2026 admit card release date | January 2026 | March 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 exam dates session 1 | January 2026 | — |
| JEE Main 2026 exam dates, session 2 | — | April 2026 |
| Answer key release date | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| Last date to challenge the provisional answer key | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| Release date of JEE Main answer key | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 session 1 result date | February 2026 | — |
| JEE Main 2026 session 2 result date | — | April 2026 |
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026
Key requirements for JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2026: JEE Main eligibility criteria must be understood by candidates before appearing for the exam. Only those candidates can appear for the exam who fulfil all the eligibility requirements.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Age limit | There is no age limit. |
| Qualifying Examination | Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examinations from a recognized board. |
| Year of Passing the Qualifying Examination | 2024, 2025 or appearing in 2026 |
| Number of Subjects in the Qualifying Examination |
|
| Admission Criteria for IITs, NITs, IIITs and CFTIs |
|
| JEE Main class 12 percentage criteria | Minimum 75% marks in class 12 |
JEE Main Preparation Tips 2026
A well-organized study schedule is essential for candidates hoping to achieve a high mark on the JEE Main 2026 exam. Additionally, they can consult the preparatory advice below:
- Recognize the Syllabus: Students should become acquainted with the particular Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics themes. They can more efficiently concentrate their efforts if they give priority to the portions of the test that are more important.
- Create a Study calendar: It is crucial for students to create a systematic study calendar that allots time for every subject. Following their method will provide well-rounded preparation for every subject.
- Use High-Quality Resources: Students ought to choose suggested textbooks, such as NCERT and other required readings. These resources give them the necessary practice and concise explanations to improve their comprehension.
- Practice Regularly: Setting aside time daily to solve problems across all subjects is crucial. Consistent practice helps build confidence and improves problem-solving skills.
- Take Mock Tests: Scheduling regular mock tests will help students simulate the exam experience. This practice allows them to gauge their preparation and improve time management.
- Revise Frequently: Students should regularly review previously studied topics. Short revision sessions can reinforce their understanding and enhance retention of information.