The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is one of the most competitive exams in India, providing students with access to prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The JEE employs a merit-based system that includes a reservation mechanism to ensure equitable access for students from diverse social and economic backgrounds. In Assam, as in other states, this quota system plays a crucial role in shaping opportunities for aspiring engineers. The article aims to comprehensively understand the JEE Main Reservation Criteria 2025. It explains the reservation system’s role in ensuring equitable opportunities for students from diverse social and economic backgrounds. By outlining category-specific benefits, the article emphasizes how these provisions can help aspiring engineers improve their chances of securing admission to esteemed institutions like IITs, NITs, and other top engineering colleges.
DECODING THE JEE MAIN RESERVATION CRITERIA
The reservation scheme has been updated in the jeemain.nta.ac.in.The Government of India prescribes specific reservation policies that apply to JEE admissions. In Assam, the JEE quota system aligns with the national reservation policy, allotting seats for SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), GEN-EWS (10%), and PwD (5%). These policies aim to provide fair opportunities to students from underrepresented and marginalized communities. The classification and the scope of reservations are detailed below :
| CATEGORY | RESERVATION PERCENTAGE | KEY CRITERIA |
| General Category Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 10% | Candidates must belong to the General category and meet the economic criteria outlined in OM No. 20013/01/2018-BC-II, dated 17 January 2019. |
| Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer) (OBC-NCL) | 27% | Candidates are to be listed in the updated central list of OBCs. Those in the state OBC list but not in the central list are not eligibl claim this quota |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% | Socially disadvantaged groups are provided access to premier educational opportunities. |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% | Historically marginalized communities provided support through reserved seats. |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD/PwBD) | 5% | Candidates must meet the criteria for a benchmark disability as per the norms of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. |
The JEE Main reservation system is designed to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for candidates from different social and economic backgrounds. Below is a detailed breakdown of the JEE Main Reservation Criteria for 2025:
JEE MAIN RESERVATION CRITERIA 2025 FOR OBC-NCL
Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) category are eligible for reservation benefits, provided they meet the criteria outlined by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
KEY POINTS :
- Candidates must ensure their caste is listed in the central list of OBCs available on the NCBC website.
- State-listed OBCs not included in the central list are considered under the General (Unreserved) category.
- Applicants are required to select “OBC-NCL” during the JEE Main application process.
| CATEGORY | RESERVATION PERCENTAGE | ELIGIBILITY |
| OBC-NCL | 27% | As per the central list of NCBC |
| State OBCs (non-central) | 0 % | Considered General (Unreserved) category |
JEE MAIN RESERVATION CRITERIA 2025 FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Candidates with benchmark disabilities (40% or more) are eligible for a 5% reservation across all categories. The eligibility conditions are based on specific disability types recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Disability Types Covered:
- Blindness and low vision
- Deaf and hard of hearing
- Locomotor disabilities, including cerebral palsy and dwarfism
- Autism, intellectual disability, and mental illness
- Acid attack victims and muscular dystrophy
| CRITERIA | PERCENTAGE OF SEATS RESERVED | ELIGIBILITY |
| PwD | 5% | 40% or more disability |
| Covered Disabilities | Multiple specified disabilities | As per the RPwD Act, 2016 |
JEE MAIN RESERVATION CRITERIA 2025 FOR WOMEN
To promote gender diversity in engineering, participating institutions set aside 5% of total seats for women candidates. This initiative ensures to empower and encourage more women to pursue careers in engineering. The Indian government has introduced supernumerary seats to encourage female students to pursue engineering education. In JEE Advanced, 20% of the total seats are reserved for female candidates. These seats are in addition to the existing seats and are aimed at improving the gender balance in undergraduate programs at IITs.
To be eligible for these supernumerary seats, female candidates must qualify for JEE Advanced and meet the eligibility criteria. The seats will be allocated based on the candidate’s performance in JEE Advanced, and the detailed procedure for implementation will be set out in the Business Rules of JoSAA.
It’s worth noting that these supernumerary seats are different from the quota category seats or reservation of seats. Female candidates are also eligible for the general seats, and if they have the same or lesser rank as a male candidate, they will be allocated the same seat provided they satisfy the same eligibility criteria
Key Points:
- Women candidates must apply through the designated Women Quota System to claim the reservation.
JEE MAIN RESERVATION CRITERIA 2025 FOR ECONOMICALLY WEAKER SECTION (EWS)
The EWS reservation, introduced by the National Testing Agency (NTA), allocates 10% of total seats to candidates meeting specific economic criteria.
Eligibility Conditions for EWS:
- Residential plot ≥ 200 square yards outside specified municipalities.
- Agricultural land ownership ≥ 5 acres.
- Residential plot ≥ 100 square yards in specified municipalities.
- Residential flat ≥ 1,000 square feet in personal ownership.
IMPLICATION OF THE JEE MAIN RESERVATION SYSTEM IN ASSAM
Assam, a state with a unique socio-cultural composition, benefits from the JEE’s reservation policies, as many students hail from rural, tribal, and economically weaker sections. The quota system ensures equitable distribution of seats, thereby democratizing access to engineering education. However, challenges persist, such as a lack of awareness about eligibility criteria, difficulty obtaining requisite certificates, and inadequate preparatory resources for competitive exams.
State-wise quota for NITs (National Institutes of Technology) in India:
Home State Quota (50% seats)
Each NIT has a home state quota, where 50% of the seats are reserved for students from the state where the NIT is located.
Other State Quota (50% seats)
The remaining 50% of seats are allocated to students from other states, based on their All India Rank (AIR) in the JEE Main exam.
State-wise Quota for NITs
Here’s a list of NITs with their corresponding home states:
1. NIT Agartala – Tripura
2. NIT Allahabad – Uttar Pradesh
3. NIT Andhra Pradesh – Andhra Pradesh
4. NIT Bhopal – Madhya Pradesh
5. NIT Calicut – Kerala
6. NIT Delhi – Delhi
7. NIT Durgapur – West Bengal
8. NIT Goa – Goa
9. NIT Hamirpur – Himachal Pradesh
10. NIT Jaipur – Rajasthan
11. NIT Jalandhar – Punjab
12. NIT Jamshedpur – Jharkhand
13. NIT Karnataka – Karnataka
14. NIT Meghalaya – Meghalaya
15. NIT Mizoram – Mizoram
16. NIT Nagaland – Nagaland
17. NIT Nagpur – Maharashtra
18. NIT Patna – Bihar
19. NIT Puducherry – Puducherry
20. NIT Raipur – Chhattisgarh
21. NIT Rourkela – Odisha
22. NIT Silchar – Assam
23. NIT Sikkim – Sikkim
24. NIT Tiruchirappalli – Tamil Nadu
25. NIT Uttarakhand – Uttarakhand
26. NIT Warangal – Telangana
It is worth mentioning that the state-wise quota is subject to change, and students should check the official NIT website or the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) website for the latest information.
THE ROLE OF SPM & LALAN’S COACHING CLASSES
In this context, SPM & Lalans Coaching Classes has emerged as a leading coaching institute in Assam, bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement. Established with the vision of empowering students across the socio-economic spectrum, SPM & Lalans has become synonymous with excellence in JEE preparation. Let’s explore how Lalans Coaching Classes supports students in navigating the complexities of the JEE quota system and achieving their dreams:
1. Inclusive Approach to Education
SPM & Lalans Coaching welcomes students from all backgrounds, offering tailored programs to meet diverse learning needs. Their inclusive environment ensures that students from reserved categories feel encouraged and supported throughout their preparation journey.
2. Scholarship Programs and Financial Aid
Understanding the economic constraints faced by students in the GEN-EWS and OBC-NCL categories, Lalans offers merit-based scholarships and fee concessions. This initiative significantly reduces the financial burden on deserving students, enabling them to focus on their studies without worrying about costs.
3. Expert Faculty and Personalized Attention
The institute boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are well-versed in the JEE syllabus and exam pattern. They provide personalized attention, helping students strengthen their weak areas while building confidence in their strengths.
4. Awareness and Guidance on Quota Criteria
One of the significant challenges students face is understanding the eligibility requirements for various quotas. Lalans ensures that students and their families are well-informed about:
| ASPECT | DETAILS |
| GEN-EWS and OBC-NCL Criteria | Explanation of eligibility and assistance in document verification. |
| Documentation Process | Guidance for obtaining income certificates, caste certificates, and disability certificates |
| Notifications and Deadlines | Regular updates on important dates related to reservations and admissions. |
5. Comprehensive Study Material and Test Series
SPM & Lalans Coaching provides meticulously crafted study materials, including topic-wise notes, practice questions, and previous years’ question papers. Their test series simulates the actual JEE experience, helping students acclimatize to the exam environment and improve their performance under timed conditions.
6. Focus on Regional Needs
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by students in Assam,SPM & Lalan integrates regional content and teaching methodologies into their programs. For instance, the faculty offers bilingual instruction (English and Assamese) to ensure clarity of concepts for all students.
CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD
Despite the positive impact of the quota system and coaching institutes, certain challenges persist:
- Lack of Awareness: Many eligible students remain unaware of their reservation benefits, leading to underutilization of quotas.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Rural areas in Assam still lack access to quality coaching and digital resources.
- Documentation Issues: Obtaining valid certificates can be a troublesome process for many families.
To address these challenges, Lalans Coaching Classes plans to:
- Conduct awareness campaigns in rural and tribal areas.
- Partner with government and non-governmental organizations to streamline documentation processes.
- Expand their reach through online classes and digital resources, ensuring that students from remote areas have access to quality education.
CONCLUSION
The JEE Main Reservation Criteria represents a crucial step towards ensuring equitable access to premier engineering education in India. In Assam, this system has opened doors for countless students from diverse backgrounds. However, understanding the complexities of reservations requires awareness, guidance, and preparation—areas where Lalans Coaching Classes excels. By offering inclusive, high-quality education and personalized mentorship, Lalans is empowering students to overcome barriers and achieve their dreams of joining India’s top engineering institutes. Their commitment to excellence and inclusivity ensures that the aspirations of Assam’s youth are not limited by socio-economic constraints, but fueled by determination and support.
