Yes, you can appear for JEE Mains 2026 even with 70% in your 12th boards . According to the eligibility criteria for JEE Mains, the minimum required percentage in the 12th board exams is generally 75% (for General category students) or 65% (for SC/ST students). However, this requirement is for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs through JEE Mains .

For other private colleges or some government colleges that take JEE Mains scores but don't follow the NIT/IIIT/GFTI criteria , you might still be able to get admission with a 70% in your 12th board.

Regarding IIITs or VJTI and COEP Pune :

• IIITs : These institutes typically require a 75% or more in the 12th boards to be eligible for JEE Mains and counseling. If you don't meet the eligibility in 12th boards but still wish to pursue an engineering degree, you can focus on clearing JEE Mains with a good rank to increase your chances in counseling.

• VJTI (Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute) , Mumbai: VJTI generally follows the Maharashtra State Quota system, which also considers MHT-CET scores. Your JEE Mains score will still be relevant for all India counseling , but MHT-CET and 12th marks (as per state rules) play a significant role.

• COEP (College of Engineering Pune) : COEP typically requires a Maharashtra domicile and the MHT-CET exam score. However, the JEE Main score is accepted for some other seats, and your 12th board percentage might not be a barrier to appear for JEE Mains 2026 . You can still aim for good marks in JEE Mains and appear in the All India quota or through other eligibility criteria for various colleges.

Suggested Actions:

1. Appearing for JEE Mains 2026 : Focus on JEE Mains 2026 preparation to achieve a competitive rank that may improve your chances at IIITs, VJTI, or COEP.

2. MHT-CET : Since you are from Maharashtra, appearing for MHT-CET will be an advantage in securing a seat in VJTI and COEP through the Maharashtra state quota.

3. Improving your 12th Marks : If you have the option to improve your 12th percentage (through supplementary exams or retakes), it might help to meet the eligibility for IIITs .