The JoSAA eligibility criteria 2026 are officially out on josaa.nic.in, and if you cleared JEE Main 2026 or JEE Advanced 2026, read this before you open the registration portal.
Quick Answer: To participate and become eligible for JoSAA 2026 counselling, one must have a valid JEE Main or JEE Advanced 2026 rank, should have passed Class XII in 2025 or 2026 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and should have secured the top 20 percentile in their board exam or must have scored 75% in Class XII for General/OBC/EWS and 65% in Class XII for SC/ST/PwD. JoSAA counselling registration began on 2 June 2026 and the choice filling process will continue till 11 June 2026.
However, rank is not the only thing. Students don’t lose seats annually because their rank was low, but because they failed to submit one document or misinterpreted one of the state of eligibility rules. This blog will explain everything you need to know about IIT eligibility, NIT+ system eligibility, what is the state of eligibility, Class 12 performance criteria for both systems, age limit criteria, and the most common queries students ask.
Read More:
- JoSAA Choice Filling 2026: Step by Step Guide to Fill JoSAA Counselling Choices
- Colleges Accepting JEE Advanced Score, Government and Private Colleges
Who Can Apply for JoSAA 2026? Basic Participation Eligibility
Before we get into IIT vs NIT differences, let us first understand the two entry points into JoSAA 2026 counselling.
There are two types of candidates who can register:
- JEE Advanced 2026 qualified candidates: eligible for IITs and IISc.
- Candidates having a valid JEE Main 2026 rank: Eligible for the NIT+ system (NITs, IIIT, IIEST, and other GFTIs).
All candidates irrespective of the examination passed, must have passed their class XII examination (or equivalent) with compulsory Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in 2025 or 2026.
The participating institutes under JoSAA 2026 include 23 IITs, IISc Bangalore, 31 NITs, IIEST Shibpur, 26 IIITs, and over 40 Other-GFTIs.
Useful to know: In case you have qualified in JEE Advanced 2026, you can get admission to both IITs and NIT+ system from one portal: josaa.nic.in. No special registration required.
Check Out: JEE Advanced Counselling 2026 (Started): JoSAA Counselling Dates, Process, Documents, etc.
JoSAA Eligibility Criteria 2026 for IIT Admission
If IIT is your target, here is exactly what you need to satisfy for JoSAA eligibility for IIT 2026.
- Qualifying exam: Must have qualified for JEE Advanced 2026.
- JEE Main filter: Must be among the top 2,50,000 qualifiers of JEE Main 2026 to have appeared for JEE Advanced.
- Age limit: Must have been born on or after 1st October 2001 (General/OBC/EWS). The cutoff for SC/ST/PwD students is Oct. 1, 1996.
- Year of passing Class XII: Must have passed in 2025 or 2026. The first-time appearing rule applies if you have passed out Class XII in 2024; you will not be eligible for admission to IIT through JoSAA 2026.
- Class XII performance: Must be in top 20 percentile of the board OR have an aggregate of at least 75% (65% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Subjects: All three subjects, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are compulsory in class XII.
Example: If you have cleared JEE Advanced 2026 with a good rank and passed out class XII in 2024. You will not be considered for admission to IIT. Because the year of passing the rule applies here and is not negotiable.
Valuable insight: The top 20 percentile cut is not national, but board-specific. 75% marks in CBSE might be considered for national level, however in some State Boards the top 20 percentile cut off could be more than 75%. Please refer to the cut-off list posted on josaa.nic.in for your board.
Check Out: JoSAA Counselling 2026: Common Mistakes to Avoid in Choice Filling & Seat Allotment
JoSAA 2026 Eligibility Criteria for NITs, IIEST, IIITs, and Other-GFTIs (NIT+ System)
There are a few differences in the NIT+ system eligibility from those in the IITs. The JoSAA eligibility criteria 2026 for this group are given below:
- Qualifying exam: Must have a valid JEE Main 2026 rank. Paper 1 for B.Tech/B.E.; Paper 2 for B.Arch/B.Plan.
- Class XII percentage: For General/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates the minimum aggregate is 75%. 65% for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
- Alternatively, must be in the top 20 percentile of your respective board; whichever condition is met, either works.
- Subjects: Physics and Mathematics are compulsory. Must have one other subject: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology or a Technical Vocational.
- Total subjects: Must have appeared in at least five subjects in Class XII.
- Year of passing: Class XII passed in 2025 or 2026.
Example: If you get 72% in Class XII under CBSE and you are in top 20 percentile of your board’s result then you’re eligible. There are two requirements for qualification: 75% and top 20 percentile, either of which is sufficient.
One thing students often miss: a JEE Main 2026 rank gives you a number in the queue. It is not a guarantee of a seat. You still have to meet the Class 12 criteria above or your seat will be cancelled at document verification.
Watch out: Some GFTIs impose additional eligibility requirements in addition to those specified by JoSAA. Read the rules of that particular institute prior to locking in your options.
State of Eligibility in JoSAA 2026 – What It Is, Why It Matters, and Proof Documents
This is the section most students skip, and then regret. Let us break it down clearly.
What is State of Eligibility?
The state of eligibility in JoSAA 2026 is based on the state where you first sat for Class XII (or equivalent), not where you were born, not where you live, not your domicile state. Just the state where you appeared for the exam.
Example: You are from Andhra Pradesh and born there. However, you studied at a CBSE school in Telangana and appeared for class XII Examinations from Telangana. Your state of eligibility is Telangana, not Andhra Pradesh.
Why Does It Matter?
The NIT+ system is divided into two buckets of seats namely 15 % for Home State Quota and 85 % for Other State Quota. The bucket you compete in for any NIT is determined by your state code of eligibility.
Assume you are applying to NIT Jaipur with your state of eligibility as “Rajasthan”. You find yourself in the Home State Quota, which is usually more attainable since there are less people who compete in it. This is one of the facts that can determine whether or not you get a seat.
Special Rule for OCI/PIO Candidates
Candidates who have passed Class XII from an institution outside India are eligible only for the seats in Other State Quota / All India Quota for OCI/PIO (I). They are not eligible to claim Home State Quota seats in the NIT+ system.
Documents Accepted as State of Eligibility Proof in JoSAA 2026
- Class XII passing marksheet or Class XII passing certificate (primary and most widely accepted document).
- For NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or similar board students: Class XII admit card or ID card mentioning the study centre location.
Critical note: The state of eligibility is not a domicile certificate. Do not confuse the two. You do not need to get any separate certificate from a government office for this – your Class XII marksheet is sufficient.
Check Out: Documents Required for JoSAA Counselling 2026
JoSAA 2026 Class 12 Performance Criteria for IIT Admission
This is like two windows. In order to be eligible for IIT admission as per JoSAA eligibility criteria 2026, you must clear at least one of the following:
- Window 1: Percentage: 75% aggregate in Class XII (65% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Window 2: Percentile: Be in the top 20 percentile of your respective board in Class XII.
Additional conditions:
- Class XII must be passed in 2025 or 2026 (first time).
- Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are compulsory subjects.
- The 75% aggregate is calculated across all five subjects as per your board’s rules, not just (just in case definition) PCM.
- Recognised boards only: CBSE, ISC, state boards, and equivalent are accepted.
Board-wise top 20 percentile cutoffs are published by JoSAA on josaa.nic.in – check your board’s specific number once that list is out.
JoSAA 2026 Class 12 Performance Criteria for NIT, IIEST, IIIT & GFTI Admission
The same two-window system applies to the JoSAA NIT+ system eligibility, but the subject combination rule is slightly different from IITs.
- Percentage window: Minimum 75% aggregate (65% for SC/ST/PwD) across five subjects in Class XII.
- Percentile window: Top 20 percentile in your respective board.
- Mandatory subjects: Physics and Maths and at least one of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology or Technical Vocational subject.
- At least five subjects must have been taken in Class XII.
- Class XII passed in 2025 or 2026.
Note: Candidates appearing in JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) or Paper 2B (B.Plan) must clear them to get admission in B.Arch/B.Plan through the NIT+ system. Mathematics is a compulsory subject in the subject combination required for B.Arch.
JoSAA 2026 Age Limit and Attempt Criteria: Check Before You Register
This is the area that most students ignore. It’s one important thing to check here to avoid a last-minute shock.
For IIT Admission
- Born on or after October 1, 2001 (General, OBC-NCL, EWS categories).
- Born on or after October 1, 1996 (SC, ST, PwD categories: 5-year relaxation).
For NIT+ System Admission
JoSAA does not fix an age limit for the NIT+ system. But individual institutes might. Check the institute brochure before filling in your choices.
Attempt Limits
- JEE Main 2026: Candidates can attempt JEE Main for a maximum of 3 consecutive years. For the 2026 cycle, candidates who first appeared in 2024 are in their third and final attempt.
- JEE Advanced 2026: Maximum of 2 attempts in consecutive years. This is the last chance in JEE Advanced 2025/26 for those who appeared in both exams.
Important Tip: If you have cleared class XII the first time (race against time phrase meaning) in 2025 and are appearing for the exam in 2026 for improvement, then your eligibility for appearing in IIT will be based on your 2026 score, not 2025. Reappearing candidates have to follow the first-attempt rule and should carefully read the business rules of JoSAA 2026 on the official website (idioms website) josaa.nic.in to avoid any mistakes.
Conclusion
JoSAA eligibility criteria 2026 can be summed up in three main points: Your qualifying exam rank (JEE Main/Advanced), your performance in the class 12 exam (75% aggregate or Top 20 percentile), Correct state of Eligibility documents (Class 12). Only by having all three correct will you move from a valid rank to an actual seat.
The deadline for submitting choice fillings is June 11. Verify your JoSAA 2026 registration details on the official website: josaa.nic.in, and ensure your state code is the same as your marksheet. Official data is final in all aspects. One minor error here can cancel your seat even after you pay the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the minimum percentage required for JoSAA 2026?
For General, OBC-NCL, and EWS candidates: minimum 75% aggregate in Class XII. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates: 65% aggregate. Alternatively, being in the top 20 percentile of your board also satisfies the criterion.
Q2. What is the state of eligibility in JoSAA 2026, and how is it decided?
The state of eligibility is the State of your first appearance for Class XII examination (or equivalent) It’s not your home country or birth country. The proof is given by your Class XII marksheet.
Q3. Can I apply to both IITs and NITs through JoSAA 2026 counselling?
Yes. If you have qualified for JEE Advanced 2026, you can fill choices for both IITs and NITs through a single JoSAA registration. The system will allot seats based on your rank and preference order.
Q4. Is the 75% rule applicable to all boards in JoSAA 2026?
Yes. The JoSAA 75% criteria apply universally across all boards for General/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates. If your board uses grades instead of marks, the equivalent percentage or grade conversion as declared by JoSAA applies.
Q5. What documents are required to prove the state of eligibility in JoSAA 2026?
Candidates need to have only the passing marksheet/certificate of class XII. The Class XII admit card/ID card with the study centre location must be uploaded by the students of NIOS.
Q6. What is the age limit for IIT admission through JoSAA 2026?
For General/OBC-NCL/EWS: born on or after October 1, 2001. For SC/ST/PwD candidates: born on or after October 1, 1996. There is no age limit set by JoSAA for NIT+ system admission.
Source: josaa.nic.in (Official)
Reviewed By: Motion Academic Expert
Written By: Saumya Sarin (Content Writer at Motion Education)
Last Updated: June 2026
