Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2025: Who Can Apply?

If you’re planning to take the JEE Main 2025, understanding the eligibility criteria is a crucial first step. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has laid out specific guidelines to determine who can apply. Here’s a clear and simple breakdown to help you understand the requirements and see if you’re eligible for JEE Main 2025.

No Age Limit for JEE Main 2025

A major advantage for students is that JEE Main 2025 has no age limit. Regardless of age, candidates who meet the educational qualifications can apply. However, it’s essential to remember that some participating institutes, such as certain NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, might have their own age criteria. Always check the eligibility criteria of the institutes to which you plan to apply.

Educational Qualification: Year of Class 12 or Equivalent Exam

To be eligible for JEE Main 2025, you need to have completed your Class 12 or an equivalent exam in one of the following years:

• 2023
• 2024
• Or be appearing for the exam in 2025

Note: Candidates who passed Class 12 or equivalent exams in 2022 or earlier are not eligible to apply for JEE Main 2025.

List of Qualifying Examinations (QE)

The JEE Main 2025 eligibility criteria include specific qualifying examinations that are accepted. Here’s a list of accepted exams:

1. Class 12 Final Exam: Conducted by any recognized Central or State Board (such as CBSE, ICSE, etc.)
2. Intermediate or Pre-University Exam: Conducted by a recognized Board or University.
3. National Defense Academy Final Exam: For the two-year course at the Joint Services Wing.
4. Senior Secondary School Exam by NIOS: Must include at least five subjects.
5. Public School or University Exam Equivalent to Class 12: Recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
6. Higher Secondary Certificate Vocational Exam.
7. Three-Year Diploma: Recognized by the AICTE or a state board of technical education.
8. General Certificate of Education (GCE) at the Advanced Level: Conducted by London, Cambridge, or Sri Lanka.
9. High School Certificate Exam: Conducted by Cambridge University, or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma by the IB Office in Geneva.
10. Equivalent Exams from Foreign Boards: Candidates who completed Class 12 or an equivalent exam outside India must provide a certificate from AIU certifying equivalence to the Class 12 Exam in India.

Note: If your Class 12 or equivalent exam wasn’t a public exam, you need to have passed at least one public examination (like a Board or Pre-University exam) earlier.

State Code of Eligibility

The State Code of Eligibility is essential for JEE Main 2025 applicants, as it is used to determine eligibility for state-based seats. Here’s how it works:

1. Definition of State Code of Eligibility: It is based on the state from which you passed your Class 12 or equivalent exam, not your place of residence.
2. Example: If you completed your Class 12 from an institution in New Delhi but live in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, your state code of eligibility is Delhi.
3. Improvement Exams: If you passed Class 12 from one state and later took improvement exams in another, your state code of eligibility will be the state where you first passed the exam.
4. NIOS Students: If you’re with NIOS, your state of eligibility depends on the state where your study center is located.
5. Candidates from Nepal or Bhutan: Indian nationals who passed their Class 12 or equivalent from Nepal or Bhutan must use the permanent address in India (as given in their passport) to determine their state code.
6. OCI/Foreign Candidates: For OCI candidates who passed Class 12 in India, the state code applies the same as Indian nationals. For those who studied abroad, they are eligible only for Other State or All India Quota seats (not Home State Quota) in NITs, IIITs, and other CFTIs.

Final Checklist for JEE Main 2025 Eligibility

Here’s a quick checklist to confirm your eligibility for JEE Main 2025:

1. No Age Limit: Check individual institute criteria, if necessary.
2. Class 12 Completion Year: Must be in 2023, 2024, or appearing in 2025.
3. Accepted Qualifying Exams: Ensure your qualification aligns with the accepted exams list.
4. State Code of Eligibility: Confirm the code based on the state of your qualifying exam.

Final Thoughts on JEE Main 2025 Eligibility

Understanding and meeting the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2025 is the first step in a successful application. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to apply and ensure that you meet all requirements. Best of luck with your preparation for JEE Main 2025!