JEE Main 2025 Eligibility Criteria for ICSE Students

For ICSE students aspiring to secure admission in India’s top engineering colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs, the JEE Main 2025 exam is a critical milestone. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has set specific eligibility requirements that must be met for candidates to appear in the exam. This blog outlines the updated JEE Main 2025 eligibility criteria for ICSE students, including the latest changes, academic requirements, and other essential details.

Understanding these criteria will help ICSE students plan their preparation effectively and avoid any disqualification during the application process. Let’s explore the eligibility guidelines in detail.

New Changes in JEE Main 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The JEE Main 2025 eligibility rules have undergone some key updates to make the exam more inclusive and fair. Here’s what’s new:

1. Reduced Marks Requirement for SC/ST and PwD Candidates

• The minimum aggregate marks for SC/ST and PwD candidates in Class 12 have been reduced from 50% to 40%.
• This adjustment ensures that candidates from these categories need only 40% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics to qualify for JEE Main 2025.

2. Transgender Category Inclusion

• A new category has been introduced for transgender candidates, making the process more inclusive.
• Transgender students can now apply under this category with the same eligibility as others, ensuring equitable participation.

3. Increased Age Limit for Repeaters

• The upper age limit for repeaters has been raised from 20 years to 22 years.
• Candidates who appeared for JEE Main in the previous two years are eligible to reapply in 2025, provided they meet all other conditions.

General Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2025

ICSE students need to satisfy certain academic and general requirements to be eligible for the exam.

Educational Qualifications

Candidates must have completed any one of the following:

• The Class 12 board exam under ICSE, CBSE, or any recognised state board, including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects.
• A recognised two-year Pre-University examination or its equivalent.
• A three-year diploma, approved by AICTE or a state technical board.
• Any international qualification, such as the GCE A-levels, IB Diploma, or Cambridge High School Certificate.

Subject Requirements for JEE Main 2025

Each course offered through JEE Main has specific 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): Class 12 or equivalent must include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• For B.Plan (Paper 2B): Mathematics is compulsory for eligibility.

Age Limit

There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for JEE Main 2025.

• Students who passed Class 12 in 2023, 2024, or are appearing in 2025 can apply.
• Age requirements for admissions depend on the institute (IITs, NITs, etc.).

Marks and Percentile Criteria for JEE Main 2025

General Category

• Candidates must achieve at least 75% marks in their ICSE board exams or rank in the top 20 percentile of their board.

Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC)

• A minimum of 65% marks in Class 12 is required for SC/ST and OBC candidates.

PwD Candidates

• PwD candidates must secure at least 50% marks to meet the eligibility requirements.

These benchmarks ensure academic readiness for JEE Main 2025 and maintain a level playing field among candidates.

State Code of Eligibility for JEE Main 2025

What is the State Code of Eligibility?

• This code represents the state from which the candidate has passed their Class 12 examination.
• During registration, ICSE students must select their state code of eligibility based on the location of their school.

Indian Nationals Studying Abroad

• Indian nationals completing their Class 12 outside India must use their permanent Indian address for determining the state code of eligibility.
• Their place of residence abroad will not affect this code.

Eligibility for Droppers in JEE Main 2025

Droppers, or candidates reattempting the exam, must meet these requirements:

• Passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board.
• Achieved at least 75% marks (General category) or 65% marks (Reserved categories) in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Droppers can appear for JEE Main up to three consecutive years from their Class 12 passing year.

Eligibility for JEE Main Counselling 2025

To participate in JEE Main 2025 counselling, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Scored at least 75% marks (General/EWS) or 65% marks (SC/ST/OBC) in ICSE Class 12.
2. Appeared for all JEE Main 2025 papers.
3. Submitted valid documents, including a passport-size photograph, PAN card, Aadhaar card, and signature.

Counselling allows eligible candidates to secure seats in India’s top engineering institutions based on merit and preference.

Importance of Meeting JEE Main 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the eligibility criteria is crucial for the following reasons:

1. Ensures Fair Participation: These rules standardise the process for all candidates.
2. Indicates Readiness: The criteria assess students’ preparedness for rigorous engineering courses.
3. Mandatory for Admission: Only eligible candidates can appear for the exam and qualify for counselling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What percentage do ICSE students need to secure in JEE Main 2025?

ICSE students must achieve 75% marks or rank in the top 20 percentile of their board to qualify.

2. Can ICSE students apply for JEE Main if they studied abroad?

Yes, Indian nationals who studied abroad can apply using their permanent Indian address for state eligibility.

3. Are there any specific rules for droppers?

Droppers must have passed Class 12, achieved the required percentage, and attempt the exam within three consecutive years.

4. What is the marks requirement for SC/ST candidates?

SC/ST candidates need at least 65% marks in Class 12 to be eligible for JEE Main 2025.

5. Can diploma holders from ICSE schools apply for JEE Main?

Yes, diploma holders are eligible but can only seek admission to IITs through JEE Advanced.

By understanding and fulfilling the JEE Main 2025 eligibility criteria for ICSE students, you take the first step toward achieving your engineering dreams. Stay informed, check all requirements, and prepare thoroughly to maximise your chances of success.