Quick Summary: There is no maximum age limit for JEE Main 2026 as per NTA guidelines released for the exam. But, candidates need to have qualified for their class 12th or equivalent in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026. Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics should be mandatory subjects in the qualifying exam. After the 12th Candidate will be able to appear in JEE Main a maximum of up to three consecutive years. In this blog, you will find everything about the JEE Main age limit, the JEE Main number of attempts, and the JEE Main eligibility.
JEE Main age limit 2025-26: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has not specified the age limit for JEE Main 2026. All candidates who fulfill the eligibility criteria of JEE Main 2026 can apply for the exam. As per the JEE Main eligibility criteria, there is no prescribed age limit for JEE Main; however, candidates should have passed class 12th or its equivalent examination to apply. Complete eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026 are provided on this page. Also, students must see the age criteria of the institute or the college for which they are aspiring. Read further to learn about the age limit for JEE Mains 2026, eligibility, and the number of attempts. This post will provide you with insight into the JEE age limit and who is eligible to appear for the JEE Mains.
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JEE Main Age Limit 2026: Overview
According to the guidelines, there is no JEE age limit for candidates appearing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main). Candidates should have cleared Class 12 or its equivalent in 2024, 2025, or should have appeared in 2026. As per the guidelines, the students are eligible to take (take with a grain of salt idiom synonym) the JEE Main for three consecutive years. And if there’s a break in between, they lose eligibility. The exam is conducted twice a year. This section clearly explains the JEE Mains age limit and the actual age limit for JEE Mains that students must know before applying.
JEE Main 2025-26
Applicants can refer to the table below to get a clear idea of JEE Main 2026. This table contains all the important details related to the JEE Main examination.
JEE Main 2025-26 Overview
| Category | Information |
| Exam Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Required Qualification | Passed/appearing in Class 12 or equivalent examination |
| Exam Mode | Online mode – Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Minimum Marks Criteria | 75% marks in Class 12 or top 20 percentile (for admission into institutes like NITs, IIITs, GFTIs) |
| Eligible Passing Years | Candidates who last appeared in 2024, 2025, or are appearing in 2026. |
| Subject Requirements |
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| Exam Papers |
|
| Exam Duration | – Paper 1: 3 hours – Paper 2A + 2B combined: 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Number of Questions | 75 questions in total |
| Maximum Marks | 300 marks |
| Subjects Covered |
|
Check Out: Download JEE Main Previous Year Question Paper with Solution
JEE Main Age Limit 2025-26 – Eligibility Criteria
Applicants are required to go through the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2026 and apply if they fulfil all requirements. If any applicant does not meet the required JEE Main eligibility criteria 2026, their application may be rejected during the admission process. The table below lists the key conditions students must fulfil before applying for JEE Main 2026.
JEE Main 2025-26 requirements
| Criteria | Details |
| Academic Qualification | Applicants should have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination. |
| Passing Year Eligibility | Those who passed in 2024, 2025, or are appearing in 2026 can apply |
| Age Limit for JEE Main | There is no upper age restriction for appearing in JEE Main |
| Attempt Limit | The exam is conducted twice every year. Students can participate for three years in a row after clearing Class 12. |
Check Out: How Many Attempts for JEE Mains 2026?
What is the Number of Attempts for JEE Mains?
Students are allowed to appear for the JEE Main exam up to six times, spread across three consecutive years. Each year, candidates can take part in two sessions usually held in January and April.
There is no fixed JEE Main age limit, so anyone who fulfils the eligibility conditions related to their qualifying exam year and required subjects can apply.
In short, here’s the number of JEE Main attempts allowed:
- Six total attempts across three years
- Two attempts per year (Jan & April sessions)
- No JEE age limit to apply for the exam
FAQs on JEE Main Age Limit and Eligibility
Q: What is the age limit for JEE Mains?
No, there is no age limit for JEE Mains. You can appear in the JEE Main exam whether you are a 12th pass or a 12th appearing student (or equivalent). The JEE age limit is not a restriction for appearing in the test.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for JEE Main?
To fulfil the JEE Main eligibility, candidates should have passed Class 12 or equivalent in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026. For B.E./B. Tech candidates should have studied Physics, Mathematics, and one subject from Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational. For B.Arch/B. Planning Mathematics is compulsory. Candidates should obtain a minimum of 75% marks or be in the top 20 percentile in class 12 to get admission in NITs, GFTIs, and IITs.
Q: How many attempts are allowed in JEE Main?
Students can attempt JEE Main six times in total across three continuous years. Each year offers two chances, usually in January and April. The JEE Mains age limit doesn’t affect the number of attempts, but the attempts must be within three back-to-back years.
Q: Can I appear for JEE Main 2026 if I’m 30 years old?
Yes, even at 30, you can apply for JEE Main 2026. There is no upper JEE Main age limit. If you’ve passed or are appearing for Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or 2026, you’re eligible.
Q: Is NIOS 12th pass eligible for JEE Main 2026?
Yes, students who have passed Class 12 through NIOS can also appear for JEE Main 2026, as long as they fulfil the general eligibility criteria.
Q: Has the 75% marks rule been removed for JEE Mains 2026?
No, the 75% rule is still applicable for admission into top institutes like IITs, NITs, and GFTIs. However, it is not mandatory to appear for the JEE Main itself.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for JEE 2026?
Students who passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or are appearing in 2026 can apply for JEE Mains 2026, irrespective of the age limit for JEE Main.
