Every year, thousands of engineering aspirants, including droppers and repeaters, raise concerns about whether their Class 12 marks will influence admission chances even after scoring well in the entrance test. The recurring question for JEE Main 2026 is the same: Does the 75% rule still apply? The latest updates and prior information brochures confirm that the rule stands, but its application is limited to admissions, not exam eligibility—a crucial distinction for students preparing for JEE 2026.

Understanding the 75% Rule for JEE Main 2026

The rule consists of two parts:

1.    Eligibility to Appear for JEE Main:
No minimum percentage in Class 12 is required to sit for the exam.

2.    Eligibility for Admission to NITs, IIITs & GFTIs:
Candidates must secure 75% marks in Class 12 OR be within the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.