JEE Main 2025 Eligibility Criteria for IB Students

For students pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and aspiring to join India’s prestigious engineering institutions, such as IITs, NITs, and IIITs, the JEE Main 2025 exam is a gateway. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has outlined specific eligibility criteria to ensure fair and standardised participation. This blog highlights the detailed JEE Main 2025 eligibility criteria for IB students, including essential academic requirements, new updates, and preparation tips tailored for IB candidates.

Understanding these guidelines is crucial for IB students aiming to align their coursework and maximise their chances of success in JEE Main.

New Changes Introduced in JEE Main 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The NTA has introduced several updates to make the exam more inclusive and accessible. Here are the key changes for 2025:

1. Relaxation in Marks for Reserved Categories

• For SC/ST and PwD candidates, the minimum aggregate requirement in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics has been reduced from 50% to 40%.
• This ensures that candidates from these categories have fair access to the examination process.

2. New Category for Transgender Candidates

• A separate category for transgender candidates has been introduced.
• Transgender students can now apply under this category and participate on equal footing with others.

3. Increased Age Limit for Repeaters

• The age limit for repeaters has been extended from 20 years to 22 years.
• This allows candidates who appeared for JEE Main in the past two years to reapply in 2025, even if they exceed the previous age limit.

General Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2025

Educational Qualifications for IB Students

IB students must fulfil specific academic requirements, as their curriculum differs from traditional national and state boards. Here’s what IB students need to meet:

1. Completion of the IB Diploma Programme from a recognised institution.
2. Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics must be included as part of the IB subject combination.
3. The IB diploma should be equivalent to the 10+2 system as recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Subject Requirements for JEE Main 2025

Depending on the course, here are the subject requirements:

• For B.Tech (Paper 1): Physics and Mathematics are mandatory, along with Chemistry, Biology, or a Technical Vocational subject as an additional subject.
• For B.Arch (Paper 2A): Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in their IB diploma.
• For B.Plan (Paper 2B): Mathematics is compulsory in the IB diploma.

Age Limit

There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing in JEE Main 2025. However, students must meet the age requirements prescribed by the institution they seek admission to.

Eligible candidates include those who:

• Passed their IB Diploma in 2023 or 2024.
• Are appearing for their IB Diploma final exams in 2025.

Marks and Percentile Criteria for IB Students

General Category Requirements

• IB students must achieve at least 75% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or rank in the top 20 percentile of their IB cohort.

Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC)

• Reserved category candidates must score a minimum of 65% aggregate marks in their IB diploma.

These requirements ensure a fair assessment of candidates’ academic readiness.

Eligibility for Droppers and Repeaters

Droppers’ Eligibility

IB students taking a gap year or repeating the exam must:

• Have completed the IB diploma with the required subject combination.
• Meet the minimum aggregate marks as per their category (75% for general, 65% for reserved categories).
• Attempt JEE Main within three consecutive years from the year of passing their IB diploma.

Repeaters’ Age Limit

The extended age limit of 22 years for repeaters provides additional flexibility to IB students who wish to reattempt the exam.

State Code of Eligibility for IB Students

What is the State Code of Eligibility?

• The state code represents the region from which a candidate qualifies their 12th-grade equivalent examination.

For IB Students Studying Abroad

• Indian nationals completing their IB diploma abroad must select their permanent Indian address for the state code of eligibility.
• This code is unrelated to the candidate’s place of residence or the location of their IB school.

Eligibility for JEE Main Counselling 2025

To participate in the JEE Main counselling process, IB students must:

1. Score at least 75% marks (General category) or 65% marks (Reserved categories) in their IB diploma.
2. Appear in all JEE Main 2025 papers.
3. Provide valid documents, including a passport-size photograph, Aadhaar card, and IB diploma certificate.

Meeting these criteria ensures eligibility for counselling sessions, where candidates can secure seats in India’s top engineering colleges based on their JEE Main ranks.

Why Meeting JEE Main Eligibility is Crucial

1. Standardised Selection

The eligibility criteria ensure fair evaluation and maintain academic standards for all candidates.

2. Foundation for Admissions

Only students meeting these requirements can participate in the exam and counselling process.

3. Equitable Opportunities

Special provisions for reserved categories and transgender candidates promote inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can IB students apply for JEE Main 2025?

Yes, IB students are eligible to apply if they have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as part of their IB diploma subject combination.

2. Do IB students have a percentile requirement?

IB students must score at least 75% aggregate marks or rank in the top 20 percentile of their cohort.

3. Are there special rules for IB students studying abroad?

Yes, Indian nationals studying abroad must use their permanent Indian address to determine the state code of eligibility.

4. Can IB diploma holders apply for IITs?

Yes, IB diploma holders can apply for IITs, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and qualify in both JEE Main and Advanced.

5. Is there any relaxation in marks for reserved categories?

Yes, SC/ST and OBC candidates need a minimum of 65% marks in their IB diploma.

By aligning your IB coursework with the JEE Main 2025 eligibility criteria, you can effectively prepare for this competitive exam and secure admission to India’s top engineering institutions. Start early, stay informed, and maximise your potential!