The Supreme Court will today hear a plea challenging the change in the number of attempts given to JEE Advanced aspirants from two to three, then back to two in less than a month.
After a month of increasing the number of attempts for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) from two to three this year, the Joint Admission Board (JAB) has decided to restore the previous eligibility criteria used over the years.
As many 22 students applied last month the challenge of reducing the number of attempts. Applicants claimed to have cleared their Class 12 exams in 2023 and had enrolled in engineering colleges, but started preparing for JEE Advanced 2025 as the number of attempts increased from two to three. This preparation included sending money for JEE Main 2025 application form, money for coaching classes, and spending money on test series, study materials/books and other preparation courses.
The writ petition filed in this regard said: “The petitioners are aggrieved by the sudden and unjustified reversal of the policy regarding the eligibility criteria for JEE-Advanced 2025 by the JAB, which initially increased the permissible attempts for JEE Advanced from two to three on 05.11. 2024, only to withdraw this decision on 18.11.2024, which caused great difficulties. hardship and prejudice to applicants and students in similar situations throughout the country.”
Interestingly, a a new petition, filed by advocate Sanjeet Kumar Trivedisaid JAB, which was entrusted to conduct the JEE-Advanced examination, changed the eligibility criteria of students in an “absurd” manner.
The new petition said the change in the eligibility criteria was against the principles of natural justice and added: “The sudden changes in the eligibility criteria affected the applicant and thousands of people in the same situation depriving them of a valuable opportunity to get into the IITs.”
“The impugned notice also violates the principles of legitimate expectation and promissory estoppel,” he said.
Discover the Benefits of Our Subscription!
Stay informed with access to award-winning journalism.
Avoid misinformation with reliable, accurate reporting.
Make smart decisions with important details.
Choose your subscription package