IIT Roorkee has relaxed its admission criteria, allowing CBSE students with less than 75% marks in Class 12 to apply for the ongoing JoSAA counseling process, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity in engineering admissions.
India — In a significant policy shift, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has announced that CBSE students who score less than 75% in their Class 12 exams are now eligible to apply for admission through the ongoing JoSAA counseling process. This decision, made public on June 6, 2026, comes in response to widespread student concerns regarding the evaluation methods employed by the CBSE.
Previously, IIT Roorkee required students to achieve a minimum of 75% marks in their Class 12 board exams to qualify for admission. However, this new policy allows students who fall below this threshold to participate in the admission process based on their JEE Advanced ranks. This change is expected to open doors for many aspiring engineers who were previously discouraged from applying.
Reasons Behind the Policy Change
The decision to relax the eligibility criteria stems from extensive student feedback regarding the fairness of the evaluation process. Many students expressed dissatisfaction with the on-screen marking (OSM) system, which they believed resulted in inaccurate assessments. Following the release of results on May 13, 2026, the CBSE received over 70,000 requests for post-result services, including verification and re-evaluation, highlighting significant discontent among students.
In its announcement, IIT Roorkee specified that students from the General, OBC-NCL, and GEN-EWS categories can now apply without meeting the 75% requirement. However, candidates from SC/ST/PwD categories must still achieve a minimum of 65%. To confirm their eligibility for admission based on allocated seats, candidates must submit a revised scorecard by July 15, 2026. According to CNBC TV18, this change is not merely a temporary relief but a step towards a more inclusive admission process. Initially, IIT Roorkee had ruled out any relaxations but reversed its stance due to strong student demand.
Broader Implications for Engineering Admissions
This policy change aligns with a growing trend in Indian higher education, where institutions are increasingly adopting holistic admission criteria. As noted by New Indian Express, IITs are recognizing the importance of diversifying their student bodies, which can lead to a richer educational environment. The decision reflects a growing awareness among educational institutions about adapting to changing student demographics and assessment methods.
As noted by New Indian Express, IITs are recognizing the importance of diversifying their student bodies, which can lead to a richer educational environment.
This development is particularly significant for students who may feel their grades do not reflect their efforts or understanding of the subject matter.
The relaxation of the 75% marks requirement is anticipated to significantly impact admission rates at IIT Roorkee. Historically, strict eligibility criteria have limited applicants, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. With this new policy, more students who were previously discouraged can now compete for a place at this prestigious institution. The demand for engineering education remains high, as evidenced by a record number of participants in the JEE Advanced examination this year.
Potential Effects on Student Diversity and Institutional Reputation
Career Ahead’s analysis suggests that this change could lead to a more varied group of students, enhancing the learning experience for all. A diverse student body brings different perspectives and ideas, fostering innovation and collaboration—qualities that are especially important in engineering, where creative problem-solving is essential. Furthermore, the announcement comes at a time when the demand for engineering education is at an all-time high, with over 56,880 candidates qualifying for admissions across various IITs and other government-funded institutes this year, as reported by Economic Times.
This influx of applicants could make the admission process more competitive. However, with the relaxed criteria, IIT Roorkee can attract a broader range of talent, which may ultimately enhance the institution’s reputation and academic standing. The decision to relax eligibility criteria is viewed as a progressive move that could inspire other IITs to adopt similar policies, potentially reshaping engineering admissions in India.
Looking Forward: The Future of IIT Admissions
As students prepare their preference lists for the JoSAA counseling process, the implications of this policy change will be closely monitored. The easier access to IIT Roorkee could inspire similar adjustments at other IITs, potentially reshaping engineering admissions across the country. The relaxation of the 75% marks requirement not only opens doors for more students but also sets a precedent for other institutions to reconsider their admission criteria, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive educational environment.
The recent changes at IIT Roorkee may signal a broader transformation in admissions across the IIT system. As institutions respond to student feedback and the evolving educational landscape, we may see more IITs adopting similar policies focused on inclusivity and fairness. The ongoing scrutiny of evaluation methods and the demand for transparency in grading could prompt further reforms in how educational boards assess student performance. With the Ministry of Education involved in addressing student concerns, significant changes may enhance credibility in the evaluation process.
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.
As IIT Roorkee embraces this new policy, education stakeholders will closely observe the outcomes. Will this lead to more applications from underrepresented groups? How will education quality evolve with a more diverse student body? These questions will be crucial as the institution navigates this new chapter in its admission process.
Looking Forward: The Future of IIT Admissions As students prepare their preference lists for the JoSAA counseling process, the implications of this policy change will be closely monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new eligibility criteria for IIT Roorkee?
IIT Roorkee has relaxed its eligibility criteria. Now, CBSE students with less than 75% marks can apply for admission. General category students must meet a minimum of 75%, while SC/ST/PwD candidates need at least 65%.
How does this change affect my chances of admission?
This change significantly increases your chances of admission if you previously fell short of the 75% requirement. More students can now apply based on their JEE Advanced ranks, leading to a more competitive yet inclusive admission process.
What should CBSE students do to prepare for IIT Roorkee applications?
CBSE students should focus on achieving a strong JEE Advanced score and prepare their application materials carefully. They must also ensure they submit their revised scorecards by the July 15 deadline to confirm their eligibility for admission.
Education & University Insights
Education & University Insights
