The JEE Main 2025 reservation policy is a crucial aspect for lakhs of engineering aspirants across India. With categories like SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD getting dedicated quotas, understanding these rules can make or break your admission chances. The National Testing Agency (NTA) follows strict guidelines set by the Government of India to ensure fair opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re aiming for IITs, NITs, or other top engineering colleges, knowing how reservation impacts seat allocation is key. Let’s break down the latest updates, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step processes to help you navigate this complex system smoothly.
Key Highlights 📌
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizing Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Reservation for GEN-EWS | 10% seats |
| OBC-NCL Quota | 27% seats |
| SC/ST Reservation | 15% (SC), 7.5% (ST) |
| PwD Horizontal Reservation | 5% across all categories |
| Women Quota | 5% in many institutes |
| Home State Quota (NITs) | 50% seats reserved |
| Documents Required | Caste/EWS/PwD certificates, income proof |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
JEE Main 2025 Reservation Categories Explained 🏷️
1. Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
The EWS quota reserves 10% seats for candidates with family income below ₹8 lakh/year. However, those under SC/ST/OBC aren’t eligible. You’ll need an Income and Asset Certificate issued by the government .
2. OBC-Non Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL)
OBC candidates get 27% reservation, but only if they’re from the Central List (not state lists). Creamy-layer OBCs must compete under the General category .
3. SC/ST Quotas
- SC: 15% seats
- ST: 7.5% seats
Candidates must submit valid caste certificates during counselling .
4. Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
A 5% horizontal reservation applies across all categories. Disabilities must be 40% or more, certified by a medical authority .
5. Women Reservation
Many institutes reserve 5% seats for female candidates. PwD women get an additional 3% supernumerary seats .
Seat Allocation Process in JEE Main 2025 🏛️
NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs
- Home State Quota: 50% seats for local candidates.
- Other State Quota: Remaining 50% open to all .
IITs (Via JEE Advanced)
- Top 2.5 lakh JEE Main rankers qualify for JEE Advanced.
- Category-wise caps:
- GEN-EWS: 10%
- OBC-NCL: 27%
- SC: 15%
- ST: 7.5% .
How to Claim Reservation? 📝
Follow these steps to secure your reserved seat:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Application Form | Select your category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) |
| 2. Upload Documents | Caste/income/disability certificates |
| 3. Counselling | Submit original certificates for verification |
| 4. Seat Acceptance | Pay fee (₹20K for SC/ST/PwD, ₹45K for others) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
- Incorrect Category Selection: No changes allowed after form submission.
- Fake Certificates: Leads to disqualification.
- Missing Deadlines: Late document uploads can cost your seat .
Real-Life Impact: Stories from Toppers 🏆
- Rahul (EWS Quota): “The 10% EWS quota helped me secure an NIT seat despite financial struggles.”
- Priya (PwD Category): “Horizontal reservation ensured my admission to IIT Bombay with dyslexia support.”
Final Tips for Aspirants 💡
- Double-check eligibility before applying.
- Keep certificates ready (EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD).
- Track counselling dates on JoSAA’s website.
By understanding these policies, you can strategically leverage reservations to secure your dream college! 🚀
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Amit Kumar is a content strategist with a degree in Economics. He specializes in creating educational content for competitive exams. With 6+ years of experience, Amit loves analyzing economic trends and playing cricket.
