If you are aiming for admission into Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial. One of the most common questions students ask is “What percentage is required in 12th for IIT?” This article provides a detailed explanation of the percentage requirements, eligibility criteria, and how your Class 12 marks impact your IIT admission.
Eligibility Criteria for IIT Admission
To get admission into IITs, students must qualify for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Advanced). However, before appearing for JEE Advanced, students must first clear JEE Main, which is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Minimum Percentage Required in Class 12
The percentage requirement for IIT admission varies based on category:
- General & OBC-NCL Category: Students must secure at least 75% marks in their Class 12 board exams OR be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board.
- SC, ST, and PwD Category: Students must secure at least 65% marks in their Class 12 board exams OR be in the top 20 percentile of their respective board.

Subjects Required in Class 12
To be eligible for IIT admission, students must have studied the following subjects in their Class 12:
- Physics
- chemistry
- Mathematics
- One language subject
- One additional Subject
The aggregate percentage is calculated based on these subjects.
How Class 12 Marks Impact IIT Admission?
While JEE Advanced rank is the primary factor for IIT admission, Class 12 marks play a role in eligibility. If a student does not meet the minimum percentage criteria, they will not be eligible for admission, even if they have a good JEE Advanced rank.
What Is Top 20 Percentile Rule?
If a student does not meet the 75% (General/OBC) or 65% (SC/ST/PwD) criteria, they can still qualify if they are in the top 20 percentile of their respective board. This means that even if your percentage is slightly lower, you may still be eligible based on your board’s percentile ranking.
Steps to Secure Admission in IIT
- Score Well in Class 12: Aim for 75% or higher to ensure eligibility.
2. Prepare for JEE Main: Qualify JEE Main with a high percentile to be eligible for JEE Advanced.
3. Crack JEE Advanced: Secure a top rank in JEE Advanced to get admission into IITs.
4. Participate in JoSAA Counseling: Choose your preferred IIT and branch based on your rank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I get admission in IIT with less than 75% in Class 12?
Yes, if you are in the top 20 percentile of your board, you can still qualify.
Q2: Is Class 12 percentage important for IIT admission?
Yes, it is important for eligibility, but your JEE Advanced rank determines admission.
Q3: What happens if I don’t meet the 75% criteria?
You may still qualify if you are in the top 20 percentile of your board. Otherwise, you won’t be eligible for IIT admission.
Q4: Do all IITs follow the same percentage criteria?
Yes, all IITs follow the 75% (General/OBC) and 65% (SC/ST/PwD) rule for eligibility.
Conclusion
To secure admission into IITs, students must meet the minimum percentage criteria in Class 12 and qualify JEE Advanced with a high rank. While JEE Advanced rank is the deciding factor, ensuring 75% (General/OBC) or 65% (SC/ST/PwD) in Class 12 is essential for eligibility.
If you are preparing for IIT, focus on both board exams and JEE preparation to maximize your chances of success.
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