The recent relaxation of the 75% marks requirement allows a broader range of candidates to apply for admission to prestigious engineering institutes across India.
India — The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has made important changes to the eligibility criteria for students applying through the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling process. Starting June 6, 2026, CBSE students who score less than 75% in their Class 12 exams can now join the counselling process. This decision responds to concerns about the evaluation process of the CBSE board exams, especially the on-screen marking (OSM) system.
This change in the 75% marks requirement is a significant policy shift. It allows more candidates to apply for admission to top engineering institutes in India. IIT Roorkee confirmed that seat allotments will depend on candidates’ JEE Advanced ranks, not their Class 12 marks. This change could help thousands of students who were previously excluded due to strict marks criteria. It reflects a growing belief among students and educators that the evaluation system should be more inclusive and show students’ true abilities.
Understanding the Changes in JoSAA Counselling
The JoSAA counselling process is vital for students seeking admission to various engineering colleges, including the 23 IITs, 31 National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other government-funded technical institutes. In the past, students needed at least 75% in their Class 12 exams to be eligible for admission through JEE Advanced. The recent announcement allows students with lower marks to fill in their choices during counselling, as long as they submit a revised scorecard by July 15, 2026.
This decision follows appeals from student groups who raised concerns about the OSM evaluation system. Many students received scanned copies of their answer sheets that showed mismatched evaluations, which raised doubts about the reliability of the results. The IIT Roorkee administration recognized these issues and is working with the CBSE to ensure that affected students are accommodated. According to a report by Mint, this change directly addresses the frustrations of students and parents regarding the fairness of the examination process.
Career Ahead’s analysis suggests that this policy change could greatly increase the number of applicants to IITs and other top engineering institutes. With around 56,880 candidates qualifying for the JEE Advanced this year, including students with lower marks could create a more diverse applicant pool. This shift opens doors for students who faced unfair evaluations and shows a growing recognition of the need for flexibility in educational policies. The implications of this change go beyond numbers; it indicates a potential shift in the culture of engineering admissions in India, where meritocracy is often overshadowed by rigid criteria.
This shift opens doors for students who faced unfair evaluations and shows a growing recognition of the need for flexibility in educational policies.
This development is particularly significant for students who may feel their grades do not reflect their efforts or understanding of the subject matter.
Additionally, the JoSAA counselling process will continue with five rounds of seat allocation, ending on July 21, 2026. This timeline gives students plenty of chances to secure their desired courses, even if they initially faced challenges due to the marks criteria. The flexibility in admissions may also reduce pressure on students during this competitive period, allowing them to focus on their JEE Advanced preparations without worrying about meeting the 75% threshold.
Implications for CBSE Students and Admission Strategies
The relaxation of the 75% marks requirement has major implications for CBSE students wanting to enter engineering fields. Students who felt discouraged by their marks can now concentrate on preparing for the JEE Advanced without the added stress of strict eligibility criteria. This change is especially important for those who faced challenges during their exams due to OSM evaluation discrepancies. As noted by Careers360, this policy shift is expected to boost student morale, encouraging them to pursue their engineering aspirations without the fear of exclusion based on arbitrary marks thresholds.
Furthermore, this development encourages students to refine their admission strategies. With the new policy, candidates should focus on preparing for the JEE Advanced exam, as their performance in this exam will be the main factor for their admission prospects. Career Ahead’s research shows that students who perform well in JEE Advanced will still have an advantage, even if their Class 12 marks do not meet the previous threshold. This creates a more merit-based system where students can rely on their strengths in competitive exams rather than being limited by their school performance.
Moreover, allowing lower-scoring students to join the counselling process could increase competition among candidates. Those who felt secure in their admission prospects may now face a larger pool of applicants. This situation highlights the importance of thorough preparation and strategic choice filling during the JoSAA process. As students navigate this new landscape, they will need to stay adaptable and proactive, making informed decisions about their course selections.
As the IITs and other institutes adjust to this new policy, students should stay informed about any further changes to the admission criteria. The evolving landscape of engineering admissions may lead to more modifications in the future, especially as educational authorities continue to address concerns about evaluation fairness and transparency. This policy shift shows the IITs’ responsiveness to student needs and the challenges of the current educational environment. As the admissions process unfolds, it will be crucial for students to remain engaged and proactive in their approach.
The lockdown is part of a comprehensive security overhaul initiated by the education ministry and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to prevent any further leaks.
This policy shift shows the IITs’ responsiveness to student needs and the challenges of the current educational environment.
This recent change in IIT admission criteria highlights ongoing discussions about educational fairness and accessibility. As students navigate this new terrain, they must stay vigilant and adaptable to make the most of the opportunities available to them. The implications of this policy change will likely resonate throughout the academic community, prompting discussions about the future of assessment and the importance of equitable access to education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current eligibility criteria for IIT admissions?
The current eligibility criteria for IIT admissions require candidates to secure at least 75% marks in their Class 12 examinations or equivalent. However, recent changes allow CBSE students with lower marks to participate in the JoSAA counselling process based on their JEE Advanced rank.
How does the JoSAA counselling process work for IIT admissions?
The JoSAA counselling process involves multiple rounds of seat allocation based on JEE Advanced ranks. Students fill in their choices of institutes and courses, and seats are allocated according to their ranks. This year, the process includes students who scored less than the previous marks threshold.
What should CBSE students do if the 75% criteria is relaxed?
CBSE students should focus on preparing for the JEE Advanced exam, as their performance will now be the primary factor for admission. They must also submit a revised scorecard by July 15, 2026, to participate in the counselling process.
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Education & University Insights
