Clarifying the 75% Criteria for JEE Mains: Is It Mandatory for College Admission?
The Joint Entrance Examination-Mains (JEE Mains) is a crucial exam for students aspiring to secure admission to the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). The recent update regarding the 75% criteria has raised many questions among candidates. In this article, we will delve into the required qualifications and eligibility criteria for appearing in JEE Mains and the caveats of the 75% rule.
Understanding the 75% Requirement
Many students and parents often ask if scoring 75% is a mandatory criterion to appear for the JEE Mains. According to the latest guidelines, it is not strictly necessary to score 75% or above to sit for the exam; in fact, one can technically appear for the exam without meeting this mark. However, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has specified that a minimum of 75 marks is required in the respective board exams for eligibility in these participating colleges.
Eligibility Criteria for Good Colleges
While theoretically, you can appear for the exam without scoring 75%, you will not be eligible for admissions to NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs if you do not meet the specified cut-off. For candidates under the general category, 75% is the benchmark. For SC/ST and PWD categories, the requirement is 65%.
Below is a screenshot from the relevant page on the NTA website that outlines these criteria:
Caption: NTA's official guidelines on the eligibility criteria for JEE Mains.Recent Changes and Exceptions
For the academic year 2021-2022, the Ministry of Education decided to waive the 75 marks in class 12 exam eligibility criteria for JEE Mains for NITs, IIITs, SPAs, and other CFTIs. This decision was made in response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. However, it is important to note that this waiver applies only for the next academic year and not permanently.
Additional Requirements for IITs
For candidates aspiring to get admitted to IITs, the 75% rule still stands. According to expert advice from Rankers on Call, candidates must score at least 75% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics to be considered for IITs. This is a stricter requirement compared to NITs and other technical institutions.
Further Clarifications and Insights
It is also worth noting that passing the Board exams is the only requirement to sit for the JEE Mains, regardless of the percentage score. Additionally, there is no age limit for appearing in the JEE Mains and candidates can apply up to three times, including the year they complete their 12th standard.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is no strict requirement to score 75% to appear for the JEE Mains, achieving a certain minimum percentage (75% for general category and 65% for SC/ST/PWD categories) is necessary for eligibility in NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs. Pass rates and other details can be found in the NTA's exam brochure, which is available on their official website.