Announcemnet
Physics Wallah Gulf welcomes Knowledge Planet to the family!
PW Logo

JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026, Format and Guidelines

by PW Gulf
September 12, 2025
Share:
fb
twitter
tube
linkedin

JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026: JEE Mains is a major engineering entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to top colleges like NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. Those applying under reserved categories like OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD have to submit the JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026 for their application.

This certificate proves that a candidate is eligible for reservation benefits based on government rules. It is important for seat allotment, fee concessions, and eligibility for certain quotas during JoSAA counselling.

Without the correct certificate, candidates may lose their reserved category benefits and be considered as general category candidates. Students can find complete details about the JEE Mains Category Certificate, types, format, guidelines to upload, and more below.

What is JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026?

JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026 is an official government certificate that contains the eligibility of a candidate based on one of the reservation categories. It opens the way to benefits like seat reservation, decreased cut-offs, and relaxation of tuition fees in the counselling process of the JEE Main 2026.

According to the JEE Main application following are the category certificate details required by NTA:

  • Candidates must enter the certificate number, issue date, and issuing authority.

  • Except for PwD candidates, uploading the certificate is not mandatory during the application phase.

  • The certificate is verified during JoSAA counselling.

Also Know: JEE Mock Test Analysis, Know Step by Step Process

Types of Category Certificate in JEE Mains

In JEE Main 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) allows reservation benefits based on various category certificates. Each certificate has specific eligibility conditions, a prescribed format, and must be issued by the correct authority. These categories are important for admission through reservation quotas.

1. OBC–NCL Certificate (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer)

Candidates in the OBC category and who are under the Non-Creamy Layer are eligible to this certificate. It should be in a central government format and released after the cut-off date normally with April 1 of the year of admission.

2. EWS Certificate (Economically Weaker Section)

Candidates belonging to the general category who qualify in respect of the EWS income and asset criteria have to provide this certificate. It should be valid for the year of admission and issued as per the government rules by a competent authority.

3. SC/ST Certificate (Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe)

This certificate is needed for candidates who belong to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. It must be in the central format and issued by recognised district or state authority.

4. PwD Certificate (Persons with Disability)

Candidates with 40% or more benchmark disability must possess a JEE Main PwD category certificate 2026 issued by a notified medical authority. A scanned copy is uploaded at the time of JEE registration.

5. Other Special Category Certificates

Special category certificates like those for Kashmiri Migrants and Defence Services etc. must be entered in the application, specifying the date of issue and certificate number, etc. Originals are verified during JoSAA Counselling.

Also Know: JEE Main 2026 Preparation Strategy

How to Fill Category Certificate Details in JEE Main 2026?

As per previous years, candidates do not need to upload their category certificate while filling the JEE Main application form, except for PwD candidates who must upload their disability certificate. Instead, candidates must enter important details like the certificate number, issue date, and issuing authority in the form.  

Below is the step-by-step process to fill category certificate details in JEE Main 2026 (expected):

1. Login to the Application Form:  Visit the official JEE Main 2026 registration website at jeemain.nta.nic.in and log in with your credentials.

2. Select Your Category: Choose the category you belong to, such as GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, or PwD.

3. Enter Certificate Information: Fill in the following details carefully as shown on your certificate:

  • Certificate Number

  • Date of Issue (formatted DD/MM/YYYY)

  • Issuing Authority (e.g. District Magistrate, Tehsildar or Medical Board for PwD)

4. Check Your Information: Make sure that the information you provided is accurate and exactly matches your certificate to prevent any complications during the verification of the document.

5. Save and Continue: Complete the rest of the application and submit it.

Important Tip: To ensure you fill the form, you must have a scanned copy of your category certificate. This is not uploaded at this point, but will assist you in providing the correct information and will be needed later in the process of counselling.

Also Know: Is Calculator Allowed in JEE Exam 2026

JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026 Format

To participate in counselling for JEE Main 2026, candidates from reserved categories such as SC/ST, EWS, and PwD should have a valid JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026 as per the JoSAA-prescribed format. The certificate is not required at registration, except for PwD candidates; the certificate, however, is mandatory at verification of documents.

The JEE Main category certificate size format PDF should be less than 1 MB, scanned clearly in PDF or JPEG format. It must be in portrait orientation, following NTA instructions.

JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026 Format

Details

SC/ST Certificate

EWS Certificate

PwD Certificate

Certificate Title

JEE Mains Category Certificate

JEE Main EWS Certificate Requirement 2026

JEE Main Category Certificate Counselling Guidelines

Key Fields

Name, Caste, Certificate Number, Issue Date

Name, Income & Asset Details, Issue Date

Name, Disability Details, Certificate Number

Issuing Authority

District Magistrate / Competent Authority

Officer not below Tehsildar

Notified Medical Authority

Date of Issue

Valid as per JEE Main Category Certificate Valid Date 2026

On/After April 1, 2026

Valid per counselling guidelines

Upload Requirement

No upload at registration

No upload at registration

Mandatory upload during registration

Guidelines to Upload JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026

As per official NTA instructions and previous JEE Mains category certificate guidelines 2026, candidates must follow specific steps for submitting category-related details in the application form.

  • JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026 must be in the official JoSAA-prescribed format. This applies to SC, ST, OBC-NCL, GEN-EWS, and PwD categories.

  • During registration, only PwD candidates are required to upload their certificate. 

  • All candidates from reserved categories must enter their certificate number, issue date, and issuing authority correctly in the application form.

  • The uploaded file must be clear and readable. All text, stamps, and signatures should be clearly visible.

  • The original document will be checked during counselling as per the JEE Main category certificate counselling guidelines.

  • Make sure the entered details match exactly with the actual certificate to avoid issues during verification.

Also Know: DASA 2026 UG Courses, List, Participating Universities

JEE Mains Category Certificate 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is a category certificate in JEE Main?

Ans: A JEE Mains category certificate is an official government document that confirms a candidate’s eligibility under reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, or PwD. It is used to claim reservation benefits during counselling.

Q2: Does JEE require a caste certificate?

Ans: Yes, if you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC-NCL), a caste certificate is required. It must follow the central government format and is verified during JoSAA counselling.

Q3: Which category certificate is required for JEE Mains 2026?

Ans: Depending on your category, you need one of the following: SC/ST, OBC-NCL (issued after April 1, 2026), EWS, or PwD certificate. Each must be in the official JoSAA-prescribed format.

Q4: What is a valid category certificate?

Ans: A valid category certificate is one that meets the central government format, is issued by a competent authority, and is dated as per JEE Main 2026 guidelines (usually on or after April 1, 2026).

Q5: What to do if I don't have a category certificate for JEE Mains?

Ans: If you don’t have a valid certificate, you must apply as a general category candidate. Without it, you won't be eligible for reservation benefits during counselling.

Share Article
fb
twitter
tube
linkedin
Related Articles
Unlck10 hrsworth ofFree content in10 secs
Get instant access to high-quality material
globe
We understand that every student has different needs and capabilities, which is why we create such a wonderful and unique curriculum that is the best fit for every student.
Company
News & Media
Blogs
About Us
Contact Us
Careers
Follow Us On:
fb
insta
tube
twitter
linkedin
Know About PW Gulf
PW Gulf is a widespread network of exam preparation centers in the Gulf, offering a range of courses designed to help students achieve their academic goals. With experienced faculty and advanced technology, PW Gulf supports students in preparing for JEE, NEET, and other competitive exams, contributing to the evolving education landscape in the GCC.
We Stand Out Because
Our pedagogy is driven by a clear mission: student success. To achieve this, we have carefully selected experienced subject experts who are skilled in teaching, addressing doubts, and clarifying concepts effectively. We leverage advanced technology to make learning accessible and seamless, enabling students and teachers to connect easily through their smartphones. With resources like Mock Tests, DPPs with Solutions, Study Material, and more, PW Gulf aims to support students in their competitive exam preparation journey.
Our Key Focus Areas
PW Gulf focuses on fostering curious learning, problem-solving, logical thinking, and empowering students to strive for success. Through comprehensive preparation in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and more, students are provided with the tools and resources to develop a deeper understanding of each subject and work toward greater academic independence.
What Makes Us Different
At PW Gulf, student success is achieved through personal attention given by experienced teachers so that at no point does the connection in learning get disconnected. With open communication, every student has the opportunity to prepare well beforehand and become proficient in every subject.
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
Copyright © 2025 Physics Wallah Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.