JEE Advanced students seek third attempt, raise concerns over CBSE attendance rule

A petition signed by over 12,000 students seeks a third attempt at the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced, citing concerns over how CBSE’s 75 percent attendance requirement affects preparation for the IIT entrance exam.

The campaign is urging the Joint Admission Board (JAB), the IIT Council and the Ministry of Education to review the eligibility rules, arguing that the two-attempt limit leaves regular school students with limited time to prepare.

The demand has sparked a debate over balancing school attendance requirements with the preparation demands of one of India's most competitive entrance examinations.

Under CBSE rules, students generally need at least 75 per cent attendance to be eligible for their Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, subject to applicable provisions and exemptions. The board has also taken action against schools facilitating dummy enrolments by withdrawing affiliations and downgrading



schools.

For JEE Advanced aspirants, this means balancing regular classes, practicals and board examination preparation with studying Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for the entrance test.

JEE Advanced allows a maximum of two attempts in two consecutive years. The first must be taken in the year of passing Class 12 and the second in the following year, subject to other eligibility conditions.

According to the student movement, this can disadvantage candidates who prioritise regular schooling. With much of Class 12 devoted to school and board examination requirements, they may have only one fully dedicated year after school to prepare for JEE Advanced, which is also their final attempt.

The campaign argues that students who can devote more time to competitive examination preparation during Classes 11 and 12 may have an advantage over those balancing regular schooling with entrance test preparation.