JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026 is an important part of the admission process for engineering colleges such as NITs, IIITs, GFTIs etc. The JEE Main 2026 reservation policy is aimed at providing a fair opportunity for students from different categories like SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD. These reservation rules are set by the Government of India and are followed during seat allocation by JoSAA and CSAB counselling.
JEE Mains reservation percentage 2026 shows how many seats are set aside for each category and helps students plan their choice of institutes. Students who are applying under reserved categories will have to submit valid documents like caste certificate, income proof (EWS) or disability certificates (PwD) at the time of registration and counselling. The JEE Main Reservation percentage 2026 is different for each category and has special provisions such as home state quota in JEE Mains and reservation for female candidates in some institutes.
Students appearing for JEE 2026 can check complete details on JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026, category-wise seats, documents required and more given below
JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026
JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026 explains how a certain percentage of seats are reserved for different categories such as SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD in engineering colleges like NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. This reservation policy follows the rules set by the Government of India to ensure fair and equal opportunities for all students.
The reservation in JEE Mains follows central government rules and is applied during JoSAA/CSAB seat allotment. Students should also check the JEE Main seat matrix 2026 to see how many seats are available in each institute and branch.
JEE Main reservation percentage 2026 helps students from underprivileged and backward communities to get admission based on relaxed cut-offs and reserved seats. The JEE Main seat matrix 2026 shows how many seats are available category-wise.
This policy mainly applies to centrally funded institutes, while state engineering colleges may have their own reservation rules, including home state quota. Understanding the JEE Main category-wise reservation percentage, required documents, and eligibility is important for students to secure admission under their respective categories.
Also Know: JEE Main 2026, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips
JEE Main Category Wise Reservation Criteria 2026
JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026 outlines how seats are reserved for different categories in engineering colleges like NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. This system, based on the Government of India’s policies, ensures fair opportunities for students from various social and economic backgrounds.
Below is the category-wise reservation percentage under JEE Main 2026 based on previous year trends:
1. JEE Main GEN-EWS Reservation Criteria
JEE Main 2026 reservation for EWS category provides 10% reservation for candidates from the General category who belong to the Economically Weaker Section.
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Must fulfill the criteria mentioned in the 2019 government notification.
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Valid Income and Asset Certificate is required.
- To claim EWS reservation in JEE Mains, students must upload a valid EWS certificate for JEE mains showing income and asset details as per government rules.
2. JEE Main OBC-NCL Reservation
JEE Main Reservation 2026 includes 27% reservation for candidates from the Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer.
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Must be in the central OBC list (state list not valid).
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Candidates in the creamy layer are not eligible.
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Valid OBC-NCL certificate as per government norms is required.
3. JEE Main SC Reservation Criteria
As per the JEE Main seat matrix 2026, 15% of seats are reserved for candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC).
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Must belong to SCs listed in the central government list.
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Valid category certificate is required at the time of counselling.
4. JEE Main ST Reservation
JEE Main Reservation Percentage 2026 reserves 7.5% of seats for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.
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Only STs listed in the central list are eligible.
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Must submit a valid ST certificate.
5. JEE Main PwD/PwBD Reservation
JEE Main 2026 reservation for PwD candidates includes 5% reservation in every category (GEN, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST).
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Candidates must have at least 40% benchmark disability.
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A valid UDID (Unique Disability ID) certificate is mandatory.
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Eligible for scribe and compensatory time, if required.
Also Know: JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026, Format and Guidelines
How to Claim Reservation in JEE Main 2026?
If you belong to a reserved category, you can claim your seat under the JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026 by following these steps:
Step 1: Select the Correct Category in the Application Form
While filling out the JEE Main 2026 registration form on the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in, select your applicable category:
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SC (Scheduled Caste)
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ST (Scheduled Tribe)
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OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer)
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GEN-EWS (Economically Weaker Section)
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PwD (Persons with Disability)
This is the first step in how to claim reservation in JEE Main 2026.
Step 2: Upload Valid Reservation Certificates
Upload scanned copies of your category certificate (in PDF format) in the format prescribed by the Government of India.
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The certificate must be valid, correctly dated, and issued by a competent authority.
- Keep your caste certificate for JEE mains and other proofs ready for upload and later verification.
Step 3: Appear for the JEE Main Exam
All students, regardless of category, appear for the same JEE Main paper. The reservation benefit is not applied during the exam, but during counselling and seat allotment.
Step 4: Register for JoSAA/CSAB Counselling
After qualifying JEE Main 2026, register for JoSAA or CSAB counselling. Seat allotment will be based on your category-wise rank and the JEE Main seat matrix 2026.
Step 5: Verify Documents During Counselling
Bring your original documents for verification during counselling. If there is any mismatch or error in documents, you may lose your reserved seat benefit.
Important: Students must match all criteria under the latest JEE Main 2026 Reservation Guidelines to be eligible.
Also Know: JEE Main 2026 Preparation Strategy, Study Plan
Documents Required For JEE Main Reservation 2026
To avail reservation benefits under JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026, candidates must submit the following valid documents during registration and counselling:
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SC/ST Certificate
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OBC-NCL Certificate
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GEN-EWS Certificate
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PwD Certificate Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
All certificates must be in English or Hindi and uploaded in PDF format during registration. Originals are verified during JoSAA/CSAB counselling.
Also Know: What is JEE Main 180 Marks Percentile Score?
JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026 FAQs
Q. Is 75% criteria removed from JEE 2026?
Ans: No, the 75% eligibility criteria is still applicable for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs under JEE Main 2026.
Q: What is the criteria for JEE exam 2026?
Ans: Candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or appear in 2026 to be eligible for JEE Main 2026, with no age or minimum percentage limit for appearing.
Q: What is the reservation criteria for JEE Mains 2026?
Ans: JEE Main 2026 reservation includes GEN-EWS 10%, OBC-NCL 27%, SC 15%, ST 7.5%, and 5% for PwD within each category.
Q: Will NTA remove 75% criteria in 2026?
Ans: No, NTA has not removed the 75% criteria for admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs in 2026.
DASA Admission for NRI Students 2026 requires JEE Main scores for UG and GRE/GMAT for PG admissions. Registration starts online at dasanit.org in June 2026, with 15% supernumerary seats and a CIWG quota. Tuition fees are around USD 4,000 per semester (USD 2,000 for CIWG), and counselling will be conducted online in July after JEE Main results.