JEE Main 2024: Demystifying the 75% Eligibility Criteria for Engineering Aspirants

The National Testing Agency has commenced the registration process for the Joint Entrance Examinations (JEE) Main 2024. Aspiring candidates can register on the official website jeemain.nta.ac.in before the deadline on November 30. While candidates gear up for the exam, it's important to be aware of the eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2024.

1. Eligibility Criteria: According to the official information brochure, candidates seeking admission to NITs, IIITs, and other CFTIs (Centrally Funded Technical Institutes) must meet certain criteria. They should have secured a minimum of 75% marks in the Class 12 examination or be in the top 20 percentile among the examinees of their respective Boards. However, SC/ST candidates are required to achieve a score of around 65% in the Class 12 examination. It's essential to note that admissions to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs are primarily based on JEE Main ranks.

2. Subject-wise Passing: In addition to the percentage criteria, candidates must also pass in each of the subjects in their Class 12 examination.

3. History of Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility criteria regarding the 75% requirement was relaxed in the last three editions of the JEE Main following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. However, it was reinstated for the 2023 batch.

4. Controversy and Revisions: Last year, a controversy arose when JEE Main 2023 candidates were surprised by the reinstatement of the 75% eligibility criterion, which was introduced without prior notice from NTA. Many repeater candidates expressed concerns about the sudden change.

Additionally, several experts and Members of Parliament (MPs) voiced their opposition to this requirement. In response to the criticism, the government decided to revise the JEE Main 2023 eligibility criteria. Students appearing for the exam were required to either score 75% in the Class 12 examination or be among the top 20 percentile candidates of their respective boards.