The JEE Main 2026 is to be held in the month of January 2026 as per the official notification by the NTA (National Testing Agency). As per the notification by the NTA, there are no major changes in the reservation percentages for any category; however, some crucial changes have been made by the NTA related to documentation. Check the article to know what reservation rules have changed for the EWS, OBC, SC/ST candidates for JEE Main 2026.
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JEE Main Reservation Percentages: 2026 vs 2025
Check the table below to understand the comparison between JEE Main 2026 and 2025 related to reservation for different categories:
Category | Reservation Percentage in 2025 | JEE Main 2026 Reservation Percentage | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
EWS | 10 per cent | 10 per cent | No change, Central EWS certificate required |
OBC-NCL | 27 per cent | 27 per cent | No change, only the Central OBC-NCL list is eligible |
SC | 15 per cent | 15 per cent | No change |
ST | 7.5 per cent | 7.5 per cent | No change |
PwD | 5 per cent | 5 per cent | No change |
What’s Changed for JEE Main 2026?
Check the important changes for JEE Main 2026 below:
OBC-NCL Certificate Date for JEE Mains: OBC-NCL certificates must be issued on or after April 1, 2025. This stricter implementation prevents the use of outdated certificates.
JEE Main 2026 EWS Eligibility: Only candidates on the Central Government’s EWS list are eligible, and new, valid certificates from recognised authorities are mandatory for claiming reservation benefits.
Verification and Documentation: There is increased scrutiny and digital uploading of caste/reservation certificates during application and counselling, with mandatory verification before final seat allotment.
Category Change Policy for JEE Main 2026: Candidates can only change their category during the correction window if they can submit valid supporting documents.
Defence Services (DS) Quota : Clarity added for children of Defence Service personnel regarding eligibility, but this is not a major change to the standard system.
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What Remains the Same for JEE Main 2026?
Check the reservation rupees remain the same for different categories for JEE Main 2026 below:
Reservation percentages for each category and seat matrix are unchanged.
The application process still requires candidates to select their category and upload the requisite certificates during registration.
Reserved category candidates enjoy relaxed cutoffs, increased seat opportunities, eligibility relaxations, and access to scholarships.
Quick Links:
| JEE Main 2026 Syllabus | JEE Main Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF |
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JEE Main Changes in Documentation and Eligibility: 2026 vs 2025
The major crucial changes are made in the documentation and eligibility for the JEE Main 2026 as compared to the previous sessions' exam. Check the key changes in JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria and documentation in the table below:
Category | Certificate Required 2025 | Certificate Required JEE Main 2026 | Major Change |
|---|---|---|---|
OBC-NCL | OBC-NCL (Central/State), recent | OBC-NCL (Central only), post April 2025 | Strictly Central, new format |
EWS | EWS (Central/State), valid at exam time | EWS (Central only), newly issued | Stricter eligibility docs |
SC/ST | SC/ST certificate, standard format | SC/ST certificate, standard format | Unchanged |
PwD | Disability certificate, prescribed format | Disability certificate, prescribed format | Unchanged |
The JEE Main 2026 notification introduces stricter document verification and eligibility standards, but does not change reservation percentages or the basic mechanism of category-based seat allocation. Candidates should update all certificates well before applying to avoid disqualification during counselling.
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FAQs
No changes in relaxation or seat allotment mechanisms; reserved categories still get relaxed cutoffs and increased seat chances, but enhanced document verification has been implemented for counselling.
Candidates may change their category only during the correction window, provided valid documents for the new category are submitted and verified.
Candidates must upload valid category certificates during registration. OBC-NCL/EWS certificates must be newly issued, and all documents will be digitally verified during counselling.
Yes, only candidates listed in the Central Government’s OBC-NCL and EWS lists are eligible. Certificates must be issued on or after April 1, 2025, with strict format requirements.
The reservation percentages remain the same as previous years: EWS (10 per cent), OBC-NCL (27 per cent), SC (15 per cent), and ST (7.5 per cent), along with a 5 per cent horizontal reservation for PwD candidates.
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