Over 12,000 JEE-Advanced aspirants seek 3 attempts, petition Education Ministry

More than 12,000 JEE aspirants have petitioned the Ministry of Education, IIT Council and JAB over the JEE-Advanced attempt limit. They say an extra chance, or a wider timeline for two attempts, would make the exam fairer for students facing pressure and unequal preparation access.Over 12,000 aspirants seek 3 JEE Advanced attempts, petition Education MinistryMore than 12,000 IIT aspirants are seeking a change in the JEE-Advanced eligibility rules, demanding that students be allowed three attempts instead of the current two.At present, candidates can appear for JEE-Advanced twice in two consecutive years. The first attempt has to be taken in the year they pass Class 12, followed by the second attempt in the next year.In a petition submitted to the Ministry of Education, IIT Council and Joint Admission Board (JAB), aspirants have urged authorities to either increase the number of attempts to three or allow the existing two attempts over three consecutive years.The demand comes as students question what they see as an inconsistency within the engineering entrance system. WHY JEE-MAIN GETS SIX CHANCESThe top 2.5 lakh candidates in JEE-Main qualify to appear for JEE-Advanced. Students can take JEE-Main up to six times over three consecutive years, beginning with the year they pass Class 12.Aspirants argue that the comparatively stricter JEE-Advanced rule can prevent capable students from showing their potential. “Under the current policy, students are limited to only two consecutive attempts, while JEE-Main allows three attempts within the same admission system,” they said.They also rejected the argument that another attempt would increase competition, pointing out that JEE-Main already acts as the screening stage and the number of IIT seats would remain unchanged.‘DO NOT LIMIT TALENT BY ATTEMPTS’The petition also raises concerns about the pressure surrounding JEE-Advanced, which is a high-stakes, single-day examination.“JEE-Advanced is a high-pressure, single-day exam. Factors like health issues, anxiety or minor mistakes can significantly affect performance,” the aspirants said.They argue that students do not always reach their best academic performance immediately after Class 12. Some need additional time to build conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.The petition also highlights differences in access to coaching and guidance. Students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, it said, may begin serious preparation only after Class 12.A third attempt, according to the petitioners, could help narrow this gap.A COVID-ERA PRECEDENTThe aspirants have also pointed to the additional JEE-Advanced attempt allowed during the Covid-19 period as evidence that the system can adapt when required.“Additional attempts do not dilute quality. More deserving students get the opportunity they deserve,” the petition said.The students are now asking authorities to reconsider the existing rule, arguing that performance should be judged on merit rather than a rigid timeline.“Do not limit talent by attempts. Let merit be decided at its peak,” they said.(With PTI inputs)- EndsPublished By: Princy ShuklaPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 17:38 IST