JEE explained
What is the 75% rule in JEE?
And does it stop you from writing JEE Main?
Photo: Shishirdasika / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Short answer
75%
Class 12 marks for NIT, IIIT and IIT seats
Or be in the top 20 percentile of your board. It is 65% for SC, ST and PwD.
Good news
You can still write JEE Main
The rule only matters at admission through JoSAA or CSAB, not when you register or take the exam.
Either / or
Meet one condition, not both
75% aggregate (65% for SC/ST/PwD), or the top 20 percentile of your board in your category.
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Top 20 percentile
It is not the same as 80%
Each board publishes its cut-off marks every year. For some boards they are below 75%.
Missed it?
You still have options
- State admissions like Maharashtra CAP rounds
- Private universities that accept JEE Main
- Board improvement exam, where allowed
Removed?
No, the rule still applies
It was relaxed during the COVID years but applied for 2026 admissions. Check the JoSAA 2027 rules when released.
Read more
75% rule, fully explained
Subjects counted, board cut-offs and tips for Class 12.
Photo: Shishirdasika / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons