Are you a top 20 percentile scorer in CBSE, ISCE or other boards and want to apply for JEE Main? Find out how the 75 percent eligibility criteria has been scrapped now!. Good news for those seeking admission to India’s premier engineering colleges via the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has scrapped the 75 per cent eligibility criteria for top 20 percentile scorers of each board in JEE Main, making it easier for students to apply and compete.
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JEE Main Latest Update as on 04 Sep 2026
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Checked on 04 Sep 2026
JEE Main 2026, conducted by NTA, has completed both Session 1 (January) and Session 2 (April); final NTA scores and answer keys are declared, and CSAB counselling is reportedly underway as of September 2026.
As of 04 September 2026, JEE Main 2026 has successfully concluded both its examination sessions. NTA conducted Session 1 in January 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026, covering Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning). The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially declared final NTA Scores for both sessions across all papers, released final answer keys, and published score cards on jeemain.nta.nic.in. The JEE Main 2026 cycle is now in its post-result phase, with CSAB seat allotment reportedly progressing (not yet confirmed officially on NTA's site). Regarding the article's focus — the top-20-percentile eligibility criterion — no official announcement confirming its scrapping or any eligibility change for JEE Main 2026 or 2027 appears in the current official source material. Students targeting JEE Main 2027 should monitor jeemain.nta.nic.in from October–November 2026 for the official notification and brochure, which will carry confirmed eligibility norms.
- JEE Main 2026 Session 1 (January) was successfully conducted and NTA Scores for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) have been officially declared.
- JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (April) was successfully conducted across India and abroad; admit cards were released for exam dates on 02, 04, 05, 06, and 07 April 2026.
- Provisional Answer Keys for Session 2 Paper 1 and Paper 2A were displayed with a facility for Answer Key Challenge.
- Final Answer Keys for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 (B.E./B.Tech) and Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) have been officially released.
- Final NTA Scores for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 and Session 2 for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) have been officially declared.
- Final NTA Scores for JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A (B.Planning) have also been officially declared.
- Score Cards for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) have been published on the official portal.
- JEE Main 2027 official notification expected around October–November 2026 (last year: notification released ~Oct 2025).
- JEE Main 2027 Session 1 registration expected to open around November 2026 (last year: opened Nov 2025).
- JEE Main 2027 Session 1 exam expected in January–February 2027 (last year: January 2026).
- JEE Main 2027 Session 2 exam expected in April 2027 (last year: April 2026).
- JoSAA and CSAB counselling for 2026 admissions based on JEE Main 2026 scores likely ongoing/concluding September–October 2026 (tentative, based on previous-year pattern).
- Any eligibility criteria change (including top-20-percentile rule revision) for JEE Main 2027 expected to be announced with the official information brochure (tentative).
Sources: JEE Main Official Website — NTA · NTA Official Website
Check Which Boards Exempted From the 75 Percent Criteria.
The NTA has exempted CBSE, ISCE, and twenty-two other state education boards from the 75 percent eligibility criteria for top 20 percentile scorers. This means that such students need only clear the JEE Main examination with a minimum score to become eligible for admission to engineering colleges around the country.
Reviewing the Eligibility Conditions for Admission to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs participating through Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB).
Scoring Requirements for the Top 20 Percentile Category.
Major Changes This Year
No official change to the top-20-percentile eligibility criterion has been announced for JEE Main 2026; the criterion's status for 2027 remains unconfirmed by NTA.
No major change to JEE Main eligibility criteria — including any modification to the top-20-percentile board score requirement — has been officially confirmed in the current NTA source material for 2026 or 2027. The official notification for JEE Main 2027 has not yet been released. Any changes to eligibility norms, exam pattern, syllabus, or application process will be authoritatively communicated only through the official information brochure expected around October–November 2026. Students should not act on unverified reports and must await NTA's official announcement.
To be eligible under the Top 20 Percentile Category, students must secure a percentile score equal or higher than that of the top 20 percentile in their respective boards. This score will then be considered for admission in JEE Main-eligible institutions and universities. The percentile scores obtained by students need to be verified with the boards’ official website to ensure accuracy before applying for JEE Main.
Validity of Board Marksheets for JEE Main Registration and Entrance Exam Dates to Know.
It is important to note that marksheets obtained from the respective boards may be required for JEE Main registration. Students need to make sure they have printed out and obtained a copy of the marksheet, issued by their board, before applying for JEE Main. Also, it is important to keep an eye on official JEE Main entrance exam dates which usually take place during April-May and December-January sessions.
Details of Important Documents Needed for Applying in Top 20 Percentile Category.
Students applying in the top 20 percentile category need to submit a copy of their marksheet issued by their respective board. Additionally, they will need to submit a valid photo ID, such as passport, Aadhar card or PAN card, along with the application form. All documents must be submitted online during the registration process. Furthermore, applicants also need to take into account age restrictions for JEE Main and The National Testing Agency’s rules for making applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the top-20-percentile eligibility criterion for JEE Main been officially scrapped?
As of 04 Sep 2026, NTA's official website does not confirm any scrapping of the top-20-percentile criterion. This remains unverified; await the JEE Main 2027 official brochure for confirmed eligibility rules.
What is the current status of JEE Main 2026?
JEE Main 2026 is complete. Both Session 1 (January) and Session 2 (April) exams have been conducted, and final NTA scores, answer keys, and score cards have been officially declared by NTA.
When will JEE Main 2027 notification be released?
No official notification for JEE Main 2027 has been released yet. Based on the previous-year pattern, the notification is tentatively expected around October–November 2026.
Where can I check my JEE Main 2026 score card?
Score cards for JEE Main 2026 are officially available on jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates can log in with their application number and date of birth.
Is JEE Main 2026 counselling over?
JoSAA and CSAB counselling based on JEE Main 2026 scores is expected to be ongoing in September 2026 based on previous-year timelines, but the official NTA source has not confirmed its current status.
What is the eligibility criteria for JEE Main currently?
For JEE Main 2026, candidates needed to have passed Class 12 (or equivalent). The top-20-percentile requirement for IIT admission via JEE Advanced was a separate criterion set by IITs, not NTA. Any changes for 2027 are yet to be officially announced.
How many sessions does JEE Main have in a year?
JEE Main is conducted in two sessions — Session 1 in January and Session 2 in April. This pattern was followed for JEE Main 2026 and is expected to continue for 2027.
