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By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 10 Oct 2025, 17:33 IST
On the JEE Main 2026 application form, one small field holds immense power over your admission chances: the State Code of Eligibility. Getting this right is critical, as it directly unlocks the 50% Home State (HS) Quota in NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. An error here can be the difference between getting into your dream college and missing out.
Scoring a top rank in the IIT JEE 2026 exam is the gateway to a successful engineering career. Admissions into India's best B.Tech and B.E. programs are determined by your performance in the JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the rules, scenarios, and common mistakes to help you fill out your form with complete confidence.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has one simple, golden rule for determining your State Code of Eligibility. It's based entirely on the location of your education.
Your State Code of Eligibility is the state or UT from which you have passed or are appearing for your Class 12 (or equivalent) examination.
It's crucial to remember what it's NOT based on:
The location of your Class 12 school is the only thing that matters.
So, why is this code so important? It all comes down to how seats are allocated during JoSAA counselling.
The impact on closing ranks is massive. A correct state code can significantly improve your chances.
| Institute Example | Quota Type | Approx. Cut-off AIR (General) |
| NIT Warangal | Home State | ~4,000–4,500 |
| Other State | ~1,500–1,800 | |
| NIT Delhi | Home State | ~8,000–9,000 |
| Other State | ~4,000–5,000 |
As you can see, getting your state code right can make a 2-3X difference in the rank required.
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Let's apply the golden rule to different student scenarios to find your correct code.
For most students, the rule is simple: the state where your school is physically located is your State Code of Eligibility.
Also Check: 3-Month JEE Main Study Plan 2026: Week-Wise Schedule
For students from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), the state code is determined by the location of your NIOS study or examination center, not your home address.
The rule remains tied to your original education.
If you're an Indian citizen who completed Class 12 outside India, your state of eligibility is determined by the permanent address in India as listed in your passport.
Here's what you need to know about proving your eligibility and fixing errors.
During JoSAA counselling, you'll need documents that verify your school's location. Keep these ready:
Also Check: How Will Your JEE Main 2026 Exam Center Be Allotted?
Also Check: JEE Main 2026 Admit Card: Release Date
You can only correct an error during the official JEE Main application correction window provided by NTA. This is your only chance. If you fail to correct it, the wrong code will be used for your rank card and counselling. If a mismatch is found during document verification, your claim to the Home State quota will be cancelled.
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No. The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) do not have any state-based quota. Admission to IITs through JEE Advanced is purely based on All India Rank (AIR).
No. Once the correction window closes, the data is locked. The final information will be used for rank list preparation and JoSAA counselling.
If a mismatch is found during document verification, your seat under the Home State quota will be cancelled, and you will be shifted to the Other State quota.
No. The domicile certificate is not required for JoSAA counselling or NTA verification. However, it may be needed if you apply to state-level engineering colleges using JEE Main scores.
Check the location of your Class 12 school or exam centre mentioned on your marksheet. That state or union territory will be your State Code of Eligibility.