JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria: Category, NIT Home State Quotas

JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria play a pivotal role in determining how seats are allocated across prestigious institutions like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. For many aspirants, navigating the specific percentages for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD categories can be the difference between securing a seat and missing out on a top-tier technical education. Beyond just percentages, these rules encompass complex home-state quotas and strict documentation deadlines that every candidate must follow to ensure their eligibility. Here is a clear breakdown of the latest reservation norms, helping you understand how to effectively claim your benefits during the admission process.

What is JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2026?

The JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria defines seat distribution in central technical institutions. These guidelines ensure equitable opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Understanding these criteria is vital for aspirants to claim reservation benefits effectively during the admission process. 

The National Testing Agency (NTA) sets the JEE Main reservation criteria following government norms. This applies to admissions into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

Also Check: JEE Main Response Sheet 2026

Reservation Percentages

This table shows the JEE Main reservation percentage 2026 for different categories.

OBC-NCL Reservation

The JEE Main OBC reservation 2026 offers 27% of seats to OBC-NCL candidates.

• Candidates must belong to the central OBC non-creamy layer list.

• The certificate must adhere to the Government of India format.

• It should be issued after April 1, 2026.

• Invalid certificates will result in categorization under the General group.

EWS Reservation

A 10% reservation is for General-Economically Weaker Section candidates, known as JEE Main EWS reservation 2026.

• Annual family income must be below ₹8 lakh.

• A valid EWS certificate for the current financial year is mandatory.

• This applies to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

Also Check: Negative Marking in JEE Main 2026

SC and ST Reservation

JEE Main SC ST reservation 2026 provides 15% for SC and 7.5% for ST candidates. These percentages apply during JoSAA and CSAB counselling. This helps ensure representation for these communities in technical education.

PwD Reservation

The JEE Main PwD reservation 2026 allocates 5% seats within each category. This includes General, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and EWS.

• Eligible disabilities cover locomotor, hearing, visual impairment, and other benchmark disabilities.

• Candidates must present a valid PwD certificate from a recognized medical authority.

Documents for Reservation Claims

Students must upload valid category certificates during JoSAA and CSAB counselling. Failing to provide proper documents changes the applicant status to General.

• SC/ST caste certificate in the prescribed format.

• OBC-NCL certificate issued after April 1, 2026.

• GEN-EWS certificate for the current financial year.

• PwD disability certificate from a competent medical board.

Claiming Reservation

To claim reservation benefits, select your category when filling the JEE Main application form. No certificates are needed at this stage. During counselling, candidates must upload all necessary valid category certificates.

JEE Main 2026 Reservation Criteria Key Rules

Specific JEE Main reservation rules 2026 apply to institutions like NITs and for different regions.

NIT Home State Quota

NITs follow a 50% Home State (HS) and 50% Other State (OS) reservation policy.

• Home State quota applies to candidates whose domicile aligns with the NIT’s state.

• Other State quota applies to candidates from different states.

• Category reservations (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD) remain applicable within both quotas.

Union Territories and NIT Mapping

Many Union Territories lack their own NITs. NTA maps these to specific institutes for home-state quota eligibility.

Specific NIT Rules

Some NITs have additional local reservation structures.