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The National Testing Agency (NTA) is the authority that administers both the sessions of JEE Mains exam as well as formulates the policies based on guidelines laid down by the AICTE, UGC and Government of India. The NTA has recently issued the latest JEE Mains revised reservation criteria for all the reserved categories. Along with that, category-wise JEE Main seat allotment process has also been released for the academic year 2025-26.
JEE Mains Revised Reservation Criteria
The JEE Main reservation criteria is issued by the authority that contains the admission rules to be followed by candidates from different categories. NTA has published the JEE Main 2025 reservation guidelines on its official site, jeemain.nta.ac.in. Applicants can view the revised JEE Main reservation criteria 2025 on this page. The reservation criteria for JEE Main 2025 for candidates are GEN-EWS-10%, OBC-NCL-27%, SC-15%, ST-7.5%, and PwD-5%.
JEE Main Revised Reservation Criteria 2025
The NTA JEE Main 2025 reservation criteria encompass the category-specific percentages for reservations available at different institutes like IIT, NIT, IIIT and other GFTIs (Government Funded Technical Institutions) in 2025 and the eligibility requirements for admissions under these reservations. Applicants should examine these criteria to grasp the benefits offered. NTA will organize the JEE Main 2025 examination for session 1 from January 22 to January 31, 2025, and session 2 from April 1 to April 8, 2025.
JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2025
Candidates taking the JEE Main 2025 exam should be aware that the reservation percentage advantages include reduced application fees, cutoff marks, and the course/admission fee due at the time of admission in the institutes participating in the JEE Main. Different institutes might adhere to the primary JEE Mains reservation percentage, whereas some may implement quotas for females, home states, and other states.
JEE Main Seat Allotment Process 2025
A specific number of seats are set aside in each course for candidates from reserved categories. An individual All India Rank list for reserve category candidates is created, and seat allocation occurs according to their rank in the list. Many colleges offer reservations for female candidates, and a specified number of additional seats are set aside for them. Indian citizens from specific categories are granted admission under the seats allocated to them according to the regulations set by the Government of India. The classifications and the scope of NTA JEE Mains 2025 reservation are as listed:
- General category for Economically Weaker Section (GEN- EWS) – 10% of seats available in each course. The advantage of reservation will be granted solely to those General category applicants who meet the criteria set forth by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The standards for GEN-EWS will follow the existing regulations and/or announcements from the Government of India.
- Other Backward Classes from the Non-Creamy Layer (OBC- NCL) – 27% of seats in all courses. OBCs must be included in the latest revised central list of OBCs. OBCs included in the State list but excluded from the central OBC list are NOT qualified to seek reservation. The standards for OBC-NCL will follow the announcement made by the Government of India.
- Individuals from the creamy layer of OBC do NOT qualify for reservation. These candidates are considered part of the general (GEN), or unreserved category, and they will qualify solely for the OPEN seats – the seats for which all candidates can apply.
- Scheduled Caste (SC) – 15% of positions in each program.
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) – 7.5% of positions in each program.
- Individuals with Disabilities / Individuals with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD/PwBD) – 5% of seats in each of the GENERAL, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST category seats.
JEE Mains Reservation Percentage Category-wise
The category-wise percentage of seats for different reserved categories has been shared hereunder.
Category of the candidate
|
JEE Main Reservation Percentage
|
General
|
67%
|
General Economically Weaker Sections (GEN-EWS)
|
10%
|
Scheduled Castes (SC)
|
15%
|
Scheduled Tribes (ST)
|
7.5%
|
Non-Creamy Layer of Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL)
|
27%
|
Persons with Disabilities
|
5% in each category
|
Gen-EWS Reservation in JEE Mains 2025
In the effort to enhance inclusivity and ensure equal opportunities, the JEE Main exam implements reservation advantages for candidates from different categories. Candidates from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) are eligible for a reservation advantage of 10% of the overall seats. EWS Reservation in JEE Mains promotes social equality by providing deserving candidates from lower economic backgrounds with a better opportunity to gain admission to engineering colleges. The EWS Quota in the JEE Mains program helps foster a diverse and inclusive educational atmosphere, allowing talent to rise above economic limitations.
JEE Mains Revised Reservation Criteria for OBC-NCL
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has a Central list of other backward classes (non-creamy layer) available on its website that must be adhered to for the JEE Main reservation percentage in 2025. Candidates included on this list will opt for OBC reservation in JEE Mains when completing the JEE Mains 2025 application form. There will be reservations for OBC in IIT and for SC in JEE mains according to the scores. Candidates who belong to the OBC list according to their respective state listings will need to select the General category.
SC Reservation in JEE Mains 2025
- The reservation for Scheduled Castes SC in JEE Mains offers vital assistance to students from this group, guaranteeing them equal opportunities in education.
- For JEE Mains 2025, SC applicants receive a 15% seat reservation, enabling them to compete justly in the admissions process.
- This reservation aims to promote inclusivity and tackle the historical disadvantages experienced by SC students.
- Grasping the SC reservation guidelines is vital for candidates to maneuver through the application procedure efficiently and enhance their probability of being admitted to engineering colleges.
ST Reservation in JEE Mains 2025
- The ST Reservation for Scheduled Tribes in JEE Mains is a crucial measure that seeks to assist candidates belonging to tribal communities in obtaining higher education.
- For JEE Mains 2025, ST candidates are provided with a 7.5% seat reservation, enabling them to compete fairly for admission into engineering programs.
- This reservation is a component of the larger initiatives aimed at advancing equality and inclusiveness in the educational system.
- Understanding the details of ST reservation is crucial for applicants to successfully navigate the admission process and enhance their likelihood of securing a spot.
Female Reservation in JEE Mains 2025
Numerous engineering institutions participating in the JEE Main exam have acknowledged the significance of increasing female representation in engineering. They have set aside a certain number of seats for women in all engineering colleges. Currently, 5% of seats are allocated for women in all engineering institutions. Women candidates aiming to benefit from this reservation must submit their applications through the specified Women Quota System.