JEE Advanced 2025: SC Restores 2 Attempts; Dropped Out Candidates Allowed to Appear for the exam

In a landmark decision today, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the Joint Admission Board's (JAB) controversial decision to limit the number of attempts for the Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) to two, down from the earlier three. However, the Court provided significant relief to students who had dropped out of their courses between November 5, 2024, and November 18, 2024, allowing them to participate in JEE Advanced 2025.

The Case: Challenging the JAB Decision

The Supreme Court’s ruling came in response to a writ petition filed by 22 aspirants challenging the JAB's abrupt reversal of its earlier decision. On November 5, 2024, JAB announced in a press release that students who appeared for Class 12 in 2023, 2024, or 2025 would be allowed three attempts to take JEE Advanced. However, just two weeks later, on November 18, 2024, JAB reversed this policy, limiting the number of attempts to two. This sudden change left several students, who had acted on the earlier announcement, in an uncertain and disadvantaged position.

Relief for Students Who Dropped Out

Recognizing the plight of students who made life-altering decisions based on JAB's initial promise, a bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih ruled in favor of limited relief. The bench noted:

“The Joint Admission Board (JAB) made a clear promise in its November 5, 2024, press release, which led students to drop out of their courses to prepare for JEE Advanced. They should not be penalized for acting in reliance on this announcement.”

As a result, students who dropped out of their courses between November 5 and November 18, 2024, will be allowed to register for JEE Advanced 2025, as a one-time exception.

JEE Advanced 2025 Eligibility Criteria Post-Ruling

Following the Supreme Court’s order, the updated eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced 2025 are as follows:

• Top 2,50,000 Candidates: Candidates must rank among the top 2,50,000 in the B.E./B.Tech. paper (Paper I) of JEE (Main) 2025.

• Age Limit: General candidates must be born on or after October 1, 2000, with a five-year relaxation for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

• Attempt Limit: A candidate can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years. However, students who dropped out of their courses between November 5 and November 18, 2024, are granted an additional attempt, allowing them three attempts.

• Class XII Exam Year: Candidates must have appeared for Class XII (or equivalent) for the first time in either 2024 or 2025, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

• IIT Admission History: Candidates previously admitted to any IIT, or whose IIT admission was canceled, are ineligible to apply.

Key Dates for JEE Advanced 2025

Conclusion

While the Supreme Court upheld JAB’s authority to reduce the number of attempts for JEE Advanced, its relief for students who relied on the initial policy reflects a balanced approach. This decision ensures fairness for affected aspirants while maintaining the exam’s integrity. As JEE Advanced 2025 approaches, students now have clarity on their eligibility and can prepare accordingly for one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country.