The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is one of India’s most competitive exams for engineering aspirants. Understanding the IIT JEE Mains and JEE Advanced minimum marks qualification and the 12th percentage eligibility criteria is crucial for students aiming for admission into IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other prestigious institutions. This guide will cover all the essential details regarding JEE Main and JEE Advanced qualification requirements.
1. JEE Mains Minimum Marks to Qualify
The minimum marks required to qualify for JEE Main depend on several factors, such as the exam’s difficulty level, the number of candidates, and category-wise cutoffs. The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the official cutoff every year.
Expected JEE Main 2025 Cutoff (Category-Wise)
| Category | Expected Minimum Percentile |
| General | 90+ |
| OBC-NCL | 75+ |
| SC | 50+ |
| ST | 40+ |
| EWS | 78+ |
Key Points:
- The cutoff percentile determines eligibility for JEE Advanced.
- Meeting the cutoff does not guarantee admission to NITs or IIITs, as those institutes have higher cutoffs.
2. JEE Advanced Minimum Marks & Qualification Criteria
JEE Advanced is the second stage of the IIT admission process. Only students who score above the JEE Main cutoff are eligible.
Expected Percentile for JEE Advanced Eligibility:
- General Category: 90+ percentile
- OBC-NCL: 78+ percentile
- SC/ST: 50+ percentile
Approximately the top 2.5 lakh JEE Main rankers each year qualify for JEE Advanced.
Aim for a JEE Main score of 150+ or higher to improve and increase your admission chances.
3. Minimum 12th Percentage Required for JEE Main & Advanced
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main:
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement to appear for JEE Main.
However, for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, students must meet one of the following conditions:
- General and OBC candidates: Minimum 75% in Class 12
- SC/ST candidates: Minimum 65% in Class 12
- Alternatively, students in the top 20 percentile of their board are also eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for IIT Admission (JEE Advanced):
- General and OBC candidates: 75% or top 20 percentile
- SC/ST candidates: 65% or top 20 percentile
This means students with a lower percentage in Class 12 can still get into IITs if they fall within the top 20 percentile of their respective board.
4. How to Score Well in JEE Main & Advanced?
To secure a high percentile and qualify for JEE Advanced, follow these strategies:
- Focus on NCERT Books – The majority of JEE Main questions are concept-based and derived from NCERT textbooks.
- Practice Previous Year’s Papers – Understanding the exam pattern helps improve speed and accuracy.
- Take Mock Tests Regularly – Mock tests simulate the real exam environment and help identify weak areas.
- Strengthen Conceptual Understanding – Rather than rote learning, focus on understanding fundamental concepts.
- Manage Time Effectively – Allocate time wisely between subjects and focus on high-impact topics.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the JEE Main minimum marks and 12th percentage requirements is essential for all aspirants. While there is no percentage requirement for appearing in JEE Main, candidates must score 75% (or top 20 percentile) in Class 12 for NITs, IIITs, and IITs.
By following a strategic study plan and focusing on concept clarity, aspirants can improve their chances of success in JEE Main and JEE Advanced.