Quick Summary: The JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria by NTA will reserve seats for the following categories: 27% for OBC-NCL, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 10% for GEN-EWS, and a 5% horizontal reservation for PwD (Persons with Disabilities) candidates. Candidates must correctly declare their category in the application form and will need to submit valid documents during the counseling process to claim the reservation. This blog highlights all the important documents required under each category, Procedures for claiming Seat reservation, reservation in home sate quotas and Institutes of National importance, etc. This blog serves as a complete guide for students who want to clearly understand the JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria.
JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria by NTA
As the JEE Main 2026 exam is near, knowing the JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026 is quite essential for the test-takers. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has fixed a few JEE Main reservation percentages such that students from various categories have a fair chance in the admission process. The JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria include categories such as SC Reservation in JEE Mains, ST Reservation in JEE Mains, OBC Reservation in JEE Mains, EWS Reservation in JEE Mains 2026, as well as JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria for PwD candidates.
The objective of these JEE Main 2026 reservations is to foster inclusivity and diversity in the field of engineering colleges, and to ensure that students from every community can avail quality education. These reservation regulations affect seat distribution, admission criteria, and even fee systems directly. For session 2026, the reservation percentage is likely to be GEN-EWS – 10%, OBC-NCL – 27%, SC – 15% and ST – 7.5%, and PwD – 5%. Understanding the JEE Main Reservation Criteria for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD in advance enables the candidate to better manage and benefit from the admission opportunities. The reservation policy also explains the category-wise distribution of seats and eligibility criteria for students who are applying under various quotas.
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JEE Main 2026 Reservation Percentage for Each Category
JEE Main 2026 aspirants should also understand that the JEE Main reservation policy also affects more than the seat allotment, as it also provides them with benefits such as lower application fees, lower JEE Main cutoffs, and sometimes even relaxation in admission fees for reserved category candidates. Most colleges have the central JEE Mains reservation percentage; home state quotas, female quotas, and other state-level quotas may also be available along with the central ones.
Under the JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria, the seat allotment for different categories is designed to make sure every deserving student gets a fair chance at admission, keeping in mind the SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD reservations as per government norms.
| Category | Seats allocated (in %) |
| General | 67 |
| OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer) | 27 |
| SC (Scheduled Castes) | 15 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribes) | 7.5 |
| PWD (Persons with Disabilities) | 5 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) | 10 |
EWS Reservation in JEE Mains 2026
Under the JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026, the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota has been introduced to help students from financially weaker families who do not fall under any other reserved category. This reservation is meant for candidates whose family income is below Rs. 8 lakh annually. But the students who are from the SC, ST, or OBC quota cannot apply for the EWS category.
The EWS Reservation in JEE Mains 2026 is a part of the government scheme that intends to provide equal education opportunities to deserving individuals who can avail a good education without financial constraints.
Eligibility for EWS Reservation in JEE Mains
Qualifying candidates can avail the EWS quota under JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria have to meet the following conditions for each examination session:
- Annual Income Limit: The annual income of the aspirant’s family should be below Rs. 8 lakh.
- Exclusion of Reserved Categories: You do not come under the SC Reserved Category in JEE Mains, the ST Reserved Category in JEE Mains, or the OBC Reserved Category in JEE Mains.
- Income & Asset Certificate: One must have a valid Income and Asset Certificate from a government authority to establish eligibility for the EWS category.
So, if candidates satisfy these criteria, then they can enjoy benefits under the JEE Main Reservation Criteria for EWS and can have better access to technical education in the country.
Who is Not Eligible for EWS Reservation in JEE Mains 2026?
As per the JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026, the EWS quota is in place for only undergraduate engineering courses. However, candidates complying with the following cannot benefit from the EWS Reservation in JEE Mains 2026:
- Students who have already availed the benefits provided under SC Reservation in JEE Mains, ST Reservation in JEE Mains, OBC Reservation in JEE Mains, or JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria for PwD.
- Candidates whose family’s annual income is more than ₹8 lakhs..
- Families owning more than 5 acres of agricultural land.
- Possession of a residence of more than 1000 sq. ft.
- Parents or siblings working in Group A or Group B of government services.
- All those who have wrongly submitted the income details for EWS Reservation in JEE Mains will be removed.
Documents Required for EWS Category in JEE Main 2026
Candidates applying through JEE Main Reservation Criteria for EWS (Economically Weaker Section) should have the following documents:
| Document Type | Purpose & Details |
| EWS Category Certificate | Issued by State Government/UT Administration or concerned departments like Social Welfare or Minority Affairs. |
| Income Certificate | From the Income Tax Department confirming family income below ₹8 lakhs (as per NTA guidelines). |
| Passport-size Photos | Two recent colored photographs. |
| Signature | Candidate’s signature in blue ink. |
Important Instructions for Document Submission
- All papers must be original and self-certified.
- English or Hindi papers are accepted for submission.
- Upload them in the sequence as given above prior to the deadline of the JEE Main 2026 application.
- The document requirements can be different from one state to another, so the students should check the NTA website (idioms website) for the recent updates on JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria.
JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria for OBC Category
- OBC Reservation in JEE Mains make sure that the students who belong to other backward classes get an equal chance in getting admission in engineering.
- For JEE Main 2026 reservation, the candidates who fall under the OBC category have a 27% seat reservation, which assures that they get equal chances of admission.
- This quota promotes inclusion and helps students who are struggling in society and financially.
- While applying for JEE Mains 2026 application form, eligible candidates must opt for OBC Reservation in JEE Mains to avail the benefits.
- It is useful to be aware of the integrated JEE Main Reservation Criteria for OBC, as it will help students gain an insight into how the system works and, ultimately, improve their chances of admission to the best colleges.
JEE Main Reservation Criteria for SC Category
- Reservation for SC candidates in JEE Mains allows students from the Scheduled Castes to receive an equal opportunity in the field of engineering education.
- According to the JEE Main 2026 reservation policy, for the SC category, there will be a 15% reservation in the seats of the participating institutions.
- This helps overcome the disadvantages SC students faced historically and helps in transforming the demographics of campuses.
- The candidates should examine the JEE Main Reservation Criteria for SC/ST against the available seats and take (take with a grain of salt idiom synonym) advantage of the SC/ST reservation.
JEE Main Reservation Criteria for ST Category
- ST Reservation in JEE Mains is a crucial support for tribal students to get engineering admissions.
- For JEE Main 2026 reservations, 7.5 per cent seats are reserved for ST category candidates in order to have equal opportunities for them in the admission process.
- This reservation, as per JEE Main Reservation Criteria for SC/ST, has been done to ensure that a fair opportunity is provided to students belonging to distant and backward areas.
- Applicants should go through the JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria in order to utilise the facility properly and avail a seat in the best engineering colleges.
JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria for PwD Candidates
As per the JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria for PwD (people with disabilities), candidates with 40% or more disability (certified by the competent authority) are eligible to claim reservation benefits for admission into the participating institutes. The disabilities that fall within this category are:
- Blindness and low vision
- Deafness or hard of hearing
- Locomotor disabilities like cerebral palsy, leprosy, muscular dystrophy, dwarfism, or acid attack victims
- Autism, intellectual disability, learning disorders, and psychiatric disorders
- Two or more disabilities or other categories of disabilities
The candidates who are eligible will have to ensure that their medical certificate is valid during the application process for availing benefits under the JEE Main Reservation Criteria for PWD.
Women Reservation in JEE Main 2026
- In many of the engineering colleges, 5% of seats are reserved for women under the Women Quota System. There is no special application for female candidates; they only have to tick the option at the time (race against time phrase meaning) of applying.
- Women belonging to the PWD category are also given 3% reservation across a few premier institutions.
- There is no exclusive female reservation in the JEE Main 2026 exam; however, girls can get admission on the basis of performance and other available quotas.
- Knowing the JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria also allows female aspirants to make the best of what is already available.
Check Out: Documents Required for JEE Mains 2026 Registration Form
Procedure to Claim JEE Main Seat Reservation
The JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria enable eligible SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD category candidates to avail of the reserved seats as well as relaxation in cutoffs. Here is a basic step-by-step guide to know how to avail the JEE Main 2026 reservation:
Step 1: Registration & Category Selection: Go to the official JEE Main website as given and register yourself for the 2026 examination. Enter your category SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD while filling the application form, according to the JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026. Accuracy here is very important.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents: Gather valid documents that prove your claim for the reservation. For example:
- SC/ST Reservation in JEE Mains – Caste certificate from an officiating authority
- OBC Reservation in JEE Mains – OBC-NCL certificate and income certificate
- EWS Reservation in JEE Mains 2026 – EWS income and asset certificate
- JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria for PwD – Disability certificate
Keep responsive documents recent and in the appropriate format.
Step 3: Upload the Documents: Scan the needed certificates while filling out the application. Please confirm your files are clear and meet the file requirements.
Step 4: Document Verification: Once the documents are uploaded, they are matched either after the examination of the application or at a later stage in the counselling. Some officials verify them before the release of the admit card, and some do so in the admission process.
Step 5: Download Admit Card and Appear for Exam: Once your documents get accepted under the JEE Main Reservation Criteria for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD, then download the admit card. Candidates need to bring this admit card, along with a photo ID proof, to the exam center.
Step 6: Avail Reservation Benefits: Candidates whose category documents are verified successfully will get reservation benefits like relaxed cutoffs, qualifying scores, and reserved seats in line with the official JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria.
Step 7: Counseling & Seat Allotment: After clearing the exam, participate in the JoSAA counseling process. The reservation category in which you have been placed will be instrumental in the allocation of seats. Bring the original certificate for final verification at the time of counseling.
Step 8: Stay Updated with Notifications: Keep on visiting the official JEE Main website to receive the latest notifications about the JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026. Rules or document requirements will be announced there.
JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026 Based on State Quotas
In addition to the JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria for categories such as SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD, engineering institutes also divide seats under two main quotas based on the candidate’s state of residence. These quotas are known as:
- Home State Quota (HS): This quota is for those candidates who have passed their Class 12th or any equivalent exam from a particular state. They get priority for seats in engineering colleges of the state where they live.
- Other State Quota (OS): This quota is for candidates who are residents of all states and UTs except the state of their completion of Class 12.
The seat percentage distribution under each quota is explained in the table below to help students comprehend the JEE Main 2026 reservations in a better way.
| S.No | Categories | Percentage of Seats Reserved |
| 1. | Home Quota | 50% |
| 2. | Other State Quota | 50% |
Check Out: List of Top IIT Colleges in India Based on NIRF Ranking 2025
JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria in Institutes of National Importance
Admissions to engineering programs on the basis of JEE Main 2026 are governed by reservation policies, as laid down by the central government. The reservation rules for various other Institutes of National Importance are as follows:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): IITs are the central government institutions. Therefore, JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria for IITs will be based on the All-India Quota when granting admission to engineering programs.
- Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs): JEE Main 2026 reservations at IIITs are offered in two types: All India Quota and Home State/Other State Quotas.
- Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs): Most of the GFTIs offer admission under the All-India Quota. However:
- Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi / IIEST Shibpur also have both Home State and Other State Quotas.
- Assam University, Silchar, gives admission to Assam state candidates under the Home State Quota, while others are considered under the All-India Quota.
- National Institutes of Technology (NITs): NITs also offer admissions according to Home State and Other State Quotas as per the JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria, not like IITs.
JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria for NITs
For NITs 50% of the total seats are allocated for students of the Home State Quota. The remaining 50% of seats fall under the Other State Quota.
For states and Union Territories without NITs, a few NITs are allotted as their Home State Quota for admission purposes under JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria.
| NITs | Union Territories |
| NIT Puducherry | Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| NIT Goa | Lakshadweep |
| NIT Goa | Dadar and Nagar Haveli |
| NIT Goa | Daman and Diu |
| NIT Delhi | Chandigarh |
Check Out: List of Top NIT Colleges in India – NIRF 2025 Ranking
JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria for NIT Delhi, NIT Warangal & NIT Goa
Check here the JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria details for the three significant NITs- NIT Delhi, NIT Warangal, and NIT Goa. The seat distribution is done on the basis of Home State Quota and Other State Quota as per JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026.
NIT Delhi Reservation Criteria
- Home State Quota (50%) – 50% of the seats are kept for candidates who have passed their Class 12 from Delhi or Chandigarh. These are the statuses for “Home state” for NIT Delhi and JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria.
- Other State Quota (50%) – The remaining number of seats belongs to the Other State Quota. Admission is given on the basis of All India Rank in JEE Main as per the JEE Main 2026 reservations rule.
NIT Warangal Reservation Criteria
- Home State Quota – Candidates of Telangana can apply through this category as per the JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria.
- Other State Quota – Applicants from Andhra Pradesh and all other states are eligible under this quota.
- Andhra Pradesh Quota – There is a separate Andhra Pradesh Quota, as per the JEE Main 2026 reservations regulations, for students whose home state is Andhra Pradesh.
NIT Goa Reservation Criteria
- Home State Quota (40%) – 40% of the seats are reserved for the domicile of Goa. If there are still any seats left out vacant seats, 10% of them will be reserved for students from Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep as per the JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria.
- Other State Quota – Students from Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep can apply under this quota for admission.
Documents Required for JEE Main 2026 Reservations
The required documents for JEE Main 2026 reservation will vary according to your category. Here is an easy understanding of the documents generally asked for every reserved category for JEE Main 2026 reservations:
- SC & ST Categories: For candidates applying under SC Reservation in JEE Mains or ST Reservation in JEE Mains, the following documents are required:
- Caste Certificate: A valid certificate issued by a competent authority.
- SC/ST Certificate: Evidence that you fall under the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category.
- Domicile Certificate (where required): Some states may require for domicile certificate to prove the eligibility for JEE Main Reservation Criteria for SC/ST.
- OBC-NCL Category: The candidates applying under the OBC Reservation in JEE Mains must submit the following documents:
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate: This document is given by the authorized authority to confirm that you do not belong to the creamy layer.
- OBC-NCL Certificate: This is to certify that, accordingly to JEE Main Reservation Criteria for OBC, you belong to the Other Backward Class (non-creamy layer).
- EWS Category: Candidates taking advantage of the EWS Reservation in JEE Mains 2026 must possess the following:
- EWS Certificate: A certificate issued to validate that you have been placed in the Economically Weaker Sections quota.
- Income Certificate: A certificate indicating the family income of your household according to the JEE Main Reservation Criteria for EWS.
- PwD Category: The documents to be uploaded by the candidates seeking JEE Main 2026 Admission under the PwD category are as follows:
- Disability Certificate: To be certified by the Medical Board constituted by the Central or State Govt.
- Category Certificate (if applicable): If you come under SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS, you may also be required to produce proof of that category along with the disability certificate.
Document Verification for JEE Main 2026 Reservations
As per the JEE Main 2026 reservation criteria, candidates belonging to the reserved categories have to present valid documents for checking. These papers verify the eligibility of the candidate under the JEE Main reservation criteria for SC/ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories. The required documents include:
- Category Certificate: Correctly filled & signed by the authorized signatory, the certificate is to provide evidence in favor of the belonging of the applicant to the concerned reserved category (SC/ST/OBC//EWS).
- Income Certificate: An Income Certificate can be issued by the Income Tax Department, which states that a person from a particular family does not fall under the criteria of the bar that is set by the government (which is usually 8 Lakhs per annum for categories such as EWS reservation in JEE Mains 2026).
Benefits of JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026
JEE Main 2026 Reservation criteria gives several benefits to students of SC, ST, OBC, EWS & PwD categories. These include higher chances of admission in top engineering colleges, less competition for seats, and financial assistance through scholarships and fellowships for eligible candidates.
Along with this, the JEE Main reservation criteria for SC/ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD ensure better access to reputed institutes and help students get preferred branches in engineering colleges under the JEE Main 2026 reservations.
FAQs on JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026 for SC/ST/EWS/PwD Candidates
Q: Does JEE Mains have any reservation policy?
Yes, there are reservations for JEE Mains, and percentages are set apart for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Q: Do I need to submit a category certificate for JEE Main 2026?
Yes, a category certificate of the relevant category is necessary for JEE Main 2026 candidates belonging to SC/ST/EWS/PwD categories who are applying under these categories.
Q: Is there a 5% JEE Main 2026 reservation for PwD candidates?
For JEE Main 2026, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) are given 5% horizontal reservation, including in the General, SC, ST, and OBC-NCL categories.
Q: My father works in the defence services (or is retired). Can I apply under the DS category?
Yes, if you are the child of a defence service personnel (serving or retired), you can likely get a seat under the DS (Defence Service) category.
Q: Has the 75% marks eligibility rule been removed for JEE Main 2026?
No, the 75% marks or top 20 percentile criteria have not been removed for JEE Main 2026; it remains a requirement for admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, alongside a 65% requirement for reserved categories.
Q: Is it compulsory to submit an EWS certificate for JEE Main registration?
Yes, you have to carry a valid EWS certificate and mention details of the same, such as certificate ID, date of issue, name of issuing officer, etc., when filling the JEE Main registration form.
Q: Which EWS certificate is accepted in JEE Mains – State or Central?
You require a Central Government EWS certificate for JEE Main and not a State Government EWS certificate, as the JEE Main is a national-level examination.
Q: How much percentage is reserved for OBC candidates in JEE Mains?
For JEE Mains 2026, the reservation percentage for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates is 27%.
Q: What is the reservation percentage for SC and ST categories in JEE Mains 2026?
There are 15% and 7.5% reservations of seats in JEE Main 2026 for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST), respectively.
Q: What is the overall reservation criteria followed in JEE Main?
JEE reservation policy includes: 10% for General-EWS, 27% for Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL), 15% for Scheduled Castes (SC), and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST). There is a 5% horizontal reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in each category.
Q: Who can apply under the State Quota in JEE Mains?
In order to be eligible for the state quota in JEE, a candidate should have cleared the Class 12th qualifying examination from the state he is applying for the home state quota through, and possess a valid domicile certificate provided by the competent authority of the state.
Q: What exactly is the Home State Quota in JEE Main?
Home State (HS) Quota is the reservation of JEE Main admissions that benefits students to apply in their regional NIT in their Home State. The candidate who wishes to apply should have completed their Class 11th and 12th from the state where they want to apply.
