Will students get 3 attempts at JEE Advanced? Over 12,000 students demand a change

Currently, students are granted 2 attempts for the JEE Advanced examination, and there is a growing demand for this to be changed. For a long time, students appearing for the JEE examinations have been requesting that the number of attempts for JEE Advanced be increased from 2 to 3.

Every year, lakhs of students take the JEE Main examination, and those who qualify go on to appear for the JEE Advanced examination for admission into IITs. Currently, students are allowed only 2 attempts at the JEE Advanced exam, a policy that is now being challenged. Many students have long been demanding that this limit be raised to 3 attempts. In this regard, students have urged the IIT Council and the Joint Admission Board to review and amend the existing rules. More than 12,000 candidates have submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Education and the Chairman of JEE Advanced.

The students have proposed two options to the Ministry of Education and the Chairman of JEE Advanced: either allow 3 attempts over 3 consecutive years, or permit 2 attempts within a 3-year span. Students argue that these changes would provide greater flexibility without compromising the integrity of the examination process.

What are the current rules?

Under the existing regulations, more than 2 lakh candidates who qualify for the JEE Main are granted the opportunity to appear for the JEE Advanced. However, the current rules limit candidates to only 2 attempts over a period of 2 years. The first attempt is counted in the same year that the student passes their Class 12 examinations. This implies that a student must achieve a top score in the JEE Main during the very year they complete their Class 12. Only after this does a student get the opportunity to appear for the JEE Advanced. If a student fails to secure a top score in the JEE Main, they must prepare further. Students are provided with a total of 6 opportunities for the JEE Main over a span of 3 consecutive years—with two sessions (in January and April) available each year.

Why is there a demand for additional attempts?

Students preparing for the JEE Advanced argue that many aspirants lack initial exposure to coaching, academic guidance, and the nature of competitive examinations. They suggest that the conducting body should, therefore, reconsider its eligibility policy. Students from rural areas, government schools, and smaller towns often require more time to fully grasp the complexities and challenges of the JEE Advanced examination. Consequently, candidates argue that they need an additional attempt to adequately prepare and understand the level and requirements of the exam.

Citing stress and family circumstances

Aspirants appearing for the JEE Advanced also point out that, at times, candidates are unable to prepare effectively due to medical emergencies, difficult family circumstances, or the immense stress associated with the examination. Given these factors, they contend that limiting students to only two attempts to qualify for the JEE Advanced is not equitable.