How Do Subject Choices Affect JEE Main 2026 Eligibility?

Aindrila

Updated On: November 03, 2025 11:16 AM

PCM is the right choice if you are aiming for JEE Main 2026. These subjects will make you eligible to appear for JEE Main. To get a detailed understanding of the subject choices, take a look at this article. 

How Do Subject Choices Affect JEE Main 2026 Eligibility?

For aspiring engineers, JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is the most important exam to target, and preparations for the same usually starts in the 11th standard. Before you appear for the exam, you should have an idea of the JEE Main eligibility criteria and the right combination of subjects. The subject choices that you make during your Class 12 are extremely important for appearing in JEE Main 2026 . You must go through this article to understand which subjects will make you eligible for JEE Main 2026.

Also Check - What are JEE Toppers Doing Now?

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility

Find below the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria and check if you fulfil them before applying for the entrance exam.

  • The applicant must have completed their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2024, 2025 or will be appearing in 2026.

  • No age limit has been set to appear for JEE Main.

  • For three consecutive years, you can appear for JEE Main.

  • Subject specifications are there which are important for students to have studied in Class 12.

Quick Links:

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus JEE Main Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF

Required Subject Combinations for JEE Main 2026

We have explained in detail the subject combinations you must have studied in your Class 11th and 12th so that you become eligible for JEE Main 2026. For specific exams, the subject choices have been discussed:

  • B.Arch: For B.Architecture, the students must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as their subject combination at their 10+2 level.

  • B.E/ B.Tech: To apply for colleges offering B.E/ B.Tech, students must have passed their Class 12th examination or a relevant exam with Physics, Mathematics, and any one of the chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational Subjects.

  • B.Plan: If you are aiming for B.Plan, having Mathematics in your 10+2 level is mandatory.

Also Check - JEE Main Exam Centres 2026: City & State Wise List

How Do Subject Choices Affect JEE Main 2026 Eligibility?

After going through the subject choices, you might have understood that the Science stream in the 10+2 level is mandatory to appear for JEE Main 2026. Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) is the only subject choice that will help you appear for any of the B.Tech/ B.Arch/ B.Plan exams. However, you can also study Science in your 11th and 12th, but you will become ineligible for the JEE Main exam. Even after studying Maths and Physics in your Class 12th, but opting for a subject combination missing one of the third subjects (Chemistry/ Biology/ Biotech/ Technical), you will not be allowed to take the B.E/ B.Tech exam.

Selecting the right subjects, which are Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, will help you sit for JEE Main 2026. To get admission into IITs, NITs or GFTIs, a minimum of 75% aggregate marks in 10+2 is mandatory for the general category students, while students from the SC/ ST categories need 65% marks to become eligible. For B.Arch and B.Plan courses, the minimum aggregate marks required are 50% in Class 12th or equivalent exam.

If you are willing to appear for JEE Main, make sure you have Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as a subject combination, as opting without Mathematics, you cannot appear for JEE.

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FAQs

Can I take a Technical/Vocational subject instead of Chemistry for JEE Main eligibility?

Yes. The NTA allows one Technical or Vocational subject in place of Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology, as long as it is recognised by your education board.

Can commerce or arts students apply for JEE Main?

No. Students from Commerce or Arts backgrounds who do not have Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 are not eligible for JEE Main engineering admissions.

How many subjects should I have in Class 12 to be eligible for JEE Main?

You must have at least five subjects in total in your qualifying examination. Candidates with fewer than five subjects are not eligible for JEE Main.

Can I appear for JEE Main 2026 with PCB subjects?

You can technically register for JEE Main, but with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) only, you won’t be eligible for B.E./B.Tech admissions since Mathematics is mandatory. You may, however, qualify for certain B.Arch or B.Planning courses if you meet their specific criteria.

What are the compulsory subjects for JEE Main 2026?

For the B.E./B.Tech program, Physics and Mathematics are compulsory subjects. Along with these, you must have studied one of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a Technical/Vocational subject in Class 12.

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