JEE Main 2027: do you need the EWS/OBC/SC/ST certificate now?

Short answer

1. No category certificate upload is asked in the JEE Main 2027 form.
2. But the category you choose is final after the correction window.
3. The same category goes to JEE (Advanced).
4. You must show the original certificate at seat allocation / admission (JoSAA / CSAB).

So: you do not upload it now. But get the right certificate ready now.

What you upload in JEE Main 2027

As per the Information Bulletin, you upload only these:

There is no slot for an EWS, OBC-NCL, SC or ST certificate.

PwD/PwBD is different. The UDID or disability certificate must be uploaded now.

Key dates — Session 1

Fee by category (Paper 1 or 2A or 2B, centres in India)

The late fee of ₹500 is the same for every category. Processing charges and GST are extra. See the Bulletin for two-paper fees and centres outside India.

Category rules you must know

Gen-EWS (10% seats)

• Only for General category candidates who meet the Government of India EWS criteria.
• The Bulletin refers to OM No. 20013/01/2018-BC-II dated 17 Jan 2019 (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment).

OBC-NCL (27% seats)

• Your caste must be in the current central list of OBCs on ncbc.nic.in.
• Only in your state list, not in the central list? You cannot claim OBC reservation.
• Creamy layer? You are not OBC-NCL. Choose General. You compete for OPEN seats.

SC (15%) and ST (7.5%)

• For NITs, IIITs and CFTIs, only castes and tribes in the central list of your state get the benefit.
• See socialjustice.gov.in and ncst.gov.in.

PwD / PwBD (5% within each category)

• Upload the UDID or disability certificate now.
• After the correction window closes, no PwD/PwBD claim is accepted.

Why your category choice matters now

The Bulletin says:

The category OBC (NCL), GEN-EWS, SC, ST and the sub-category (PwD/PwBD) entered in the JEE (Main) database by the candidate will be used for JEE (Advanced).

So:

1. Pick your category carefully.
2. Do not pick a reserved category "just in case".
3. If you are not sure you will get the certificate, think twice.

At seat allocation, Gen-EWS, SC, ST, OBC and PwD/PwBD candidates must show the original certificate in the prescribed format from the competent authority. If you cannot, you will not be considered for admission in that category.

A false or wrong document means you are excluded from all admission processes. An admission already given is cancelled.

Picked the wrong category? Use 27–29 Nov 2026

1. Log in to jeemain.nta.nic.in during the window.
2. Check which fields are open for correction. NTA publishes this list when the window goes live.
3. If category is open, fix it. Pay any fee difference if asked.
4. Download the updated Confirmation Page.

Important:

• The correction facility is given only once.
• NTA does not accept corrections by post, fax, WhatsApp, email or by hand.
• No change is allowed after the NTA Score is declared.
• In the Session 2 correction window, you cannot change the PwD/PwBD sub-category if you applied for Session 1 with the same Application Number.

Class 12 in 2027? Note 3.3

If you are appearing for the Class 12 board exam in 2027, the Bulletin allows you to enter your Roll Number / Registration Number / Enrolment Number in the relevant fields.

What to do this week

1. Check your caste in the central list (OBC on ncbc.nic.in).
2. Check if you are non-creamy layer (OBC) or meet EWS criteria.
3. If you are eligible but have no certificate, start applying with your state's competent authority now. You need the original at JoSAA.
4. Fill the JEE Main form with the correct category.
5. Before paying, read the category on the preview twice.

Checklist before you pay

• Category checked against the central list
• OBC: non-creamy layer status checked
• EWS: you are General and meet the GoI EWS criteria
• PwD/PwBD: UDID / disability PDF uploaded (50–300 KB)
• Class 10 PDF uploaded (50–300 KB)
• Photo JPG 10–200 KB, signature JPG 10–100 KB
• Confirmation Page downloaded

Official sources

• JEE Main portal
• JEE (Main) 2027 Information Bulletin (PDF)
• National Commission for Backward Classes (central OBC list)
• JEE (Advanced)
• JoSAA