Admission rule · JoSAA

JEE Main 75% Criteria Explained

Whether you need 75% in Class 12 to write JEE Main, to get an NIT, or to get an IIT, and what to do if your board marks are lower.

Last updated: 26 October 2026

Direct answer

You do not need 75% to write JEE Main. You need it to take admission in NITs, IIITs, CFTIs and IITs.

For admission through JoSAA, you need at least 75% aggregate in Class 12 (65% for SC, ST and PwD), or a place in the top 20 percentile of your board for that year. If you meet either one, you are eligible.

Where it applies

Where the 75% rule applies

Step	Is 75% needed?
Writing JEE Main 2027	No. NTA has no minimum board percentage to appear.
Writing JEE Advanced	No. You need to be in the top 2.5 lakh of JEE Main.
Admission to NITs, IIITs, other CFTIs (JoSAA)	Yes: 75% (65% SC/ST/PwD) or top 20 percentile of your board.
Admission to IITs (JoSAA)	Yes: same rule.
State counselling and private colleges	Their own rules. Many ask for 45–60% in PCM.

Which marks count

Which subjects are counted

For IIT admission, the five subjects used are Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, one language, and one more subject other than these. If your board marks more subjects, the language with the higher marks and the subject with the higher marks are taken. NITs, IIITs and CFTIs use the aggregate of Class 12 as given in the JoSAA business rules.

Rules are published every year in the JoSAA business rules and the JEE Advanced brochure. Check the 2027 versions when they are released.

Below 75%?

If you may get less than 75%

Find your board's top 20 percentile cut-off. In some boards it is below 75%, and it counts as an alternative.
Your JEE Main rank still counts for many state counselling seats and private colleges.
If you are in Class 12 now, the board exam is worth the effort: aim for 75%+ alongside JEE prep.
Improvement exams: check JoSAA rules for how improved marks are treated before you rely on them.

Example

A case students often ask about

Neha, General category, scores 99.2 percentile in JEE Main but 72% in Class 12. She is not eligible for NIT seats through JoSAA, unless 72% puts her in the top 20 percentile of her board that year. Some boards' top 20 percentile cut-off is below 75%, so she should check her board's published figure before giving up.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is 75% compulsory for JEE Main 2027?

No. There is no minimum board percentage to appear in JEE Main. The 75% rule applies only at the time of admission through JoSAA.

What is the 75% criteria for SC and ST students?

SC, ST and PwD candidates need 65% aggregate in Class 12, or a place in the top 20 percentile of their board.

Can I get an NIT with less than 75% in Class 12?

Yes, if you are in the top 20 percentile of your board for that year. Otherwise you are not eligible for NIT, IIIT or CFTI seats through JoSAA.

Which subjects are counted for the 75% criteria?

For IITs: Physics, Chemistry, Maths, a language and one other subject. NITs and IIITs follow the JoSAA rules for Class 12 aggregate.

Was the 75% criteria removed?

It was relaxed only for 2021 and 2022 during COVID. It applies again in current JoSAA rules. Check the 2027 JoSAA business rules when released.

Is the 75% for Class 12 only, or Class 11 and 12 together?

It is your Class 12 board result only, not an average of Class 11 and 12. SC, ST and PwD candidates need 65%.