Overview
- A coalition of more than 12,000 JEE‑Advanced aspirants has formally petitioned the Union Education Ministry, the IIT Council and the Joint Admission Board to allow a third attempt or to let two attempts be spread over three years.
- Students propose either three attempts in three years or two attempts within a three‑year window to address cases where medical problems, family crises or exam stress disrupt preparation.
- Petitioners argue the current rule — two attempts in two consecutive years starting the year of Class 12 completion — unfairly disadvantages those from rural areas, government schools and poorer families who get later or weaker access to coaching.
- IIT officials and JAB sources have questioned the benefit of a third attempt, citing a COVID‑era trial when roughly 100 of about 10,000 third‑attempt takers qualified, and no formal policy change has been announced.
- If the JAB approves any change it would not increase IIT seat numbers but would raise administrative questions about exam scheduling, candidate preparation time and how exemptions for genuine hardship should be handled.