In a shocking move for students, the Joint Admission Board (JAB) has reverted to its earlier rule of allowing only two attempts for the JEE Advanced exam. The decision was announced in a press release following the JAB meeting on November 15, where members agreed to reinstate the criteria established in 2013, effectively nullifying the recent provision that allowed three attempts.
Previously, on November 5, IIT Kanpur issued a press release declaring that candidates would have three chances to appear for JEE Advanced. This announcement led many students, who had exhausted their two attempts, to take a gap year from their current colleges in hopes of reappearing for the JEE Advanced 2025 exam. However, with the JAB’s latest decision, these students now face uncertainty about their future.
The reversal of the rule has caused widespread concern among aspirants, particularly those who had pinned their hopes on the additional attempt.
Vishal Singh from Patna, Bihar, left NIT Jalandhar to prepare for JEE Advanced 2025. He exhausted his two attempts in 2023 and 2024. Talking to ABP LIVE, Vishal said, "I lost Rs 1.5 lakh in admission fees and the college. I have no idea what to do now."
"The sudden decision to reduce the number of JEE Advanced attempts has left students like me feeling disheartened and anxious. We deserve the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and try again to achieve our dreams. This change disrupts not only academic plans but also our mental peace," he added.
A student who had secured admission to the Metallurgy Department at IIEST Shibpur through JoSAA counselling shared their deep distress: "I dropped out of college after spending Rs 40,000 for JoSAA, Rs 68,000 for tuition, Rs 4,000 for hostel, and Rs 25,000 for mess fees—only to get no refund. After hearing the news that JAB has taken back its decision, I feel lost and hopeless. This decision has pushed me into depression, making me feel completely isolated. Please restore the third attempt for JEE Advanced—it's my only chance left."
Rohan Singh, a student who had dropped out of his B.Sc. programme, voiced his concerns, stating, "Changing eligibility criteria just days after the announcement is unfair and unethical. This is JEE Advanced we’re talking about—the toughest exam, not just in India but globally. I dropped out of B.Sc. to prepare for JEE Advanced, and now I’m left with anxiety and negative thoughts. Students deserve clarity and stability in such critical decisions."
Students are now urging the JAB to reconsider the decision and allow three attempts, as previously announced. Social media platforms are buzzing with calls for justice. Many students have appealed to the Ministry of Education and the JAB to address their grievances and provide clarity. While the JAB has not yet commented further on the controversy, students are left grappling with their plans and urging authorities to ensure a fair resolution.
The decision to restore the two-attempt rule was made after considering various competing requirements, the Joint Admission Board stated in a notice on Monday.
“The Joint Admission Board (JAB) has decided to restore the earlier eligibility criterion used in previous years pertaining to the number of attempts in JEE (Advanced), in supersession of the criterion mentioned in the press release dated November 5, 2024. This has been done after considering various competing requirements in the meeting of JAB held on November 15, 2024. This has resulted in restoring the earlier eligibility criteria followed since 2013. All other eligibility criteria remain the same," the official notice added.
