The Removal of 75 Criteria for JEE 2022 and Its Impact on Students

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) 2022 saw a significant change in eligibility criteria with the removal of the 75 mark requirement. This change was made to accommodate the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that students affected by the pandemic wouldn't face additional barriers to pursuing higher education in prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other participating institutes.

Why the 75 Criteria is Removed

The National Testing Agency (NTA) took the decision to remove the 75 criterion in response to the widespread disruptions caused by the pandemic. The pandemic affected every aspect of students' lives, from regular classroom attendance to the ability to perform well in examinations. Many students were either unable to attend classes regularly or faced challenges during examination periods. Consequently, the NTA initially relaxed the eligibility norms to provide more opportunities for deserving students.

Impact on Students

Students who were impacted by the second and third waves of the Delta and Omicron variants, respectively, faced significant challenges. Specifically, the severe second wave in November 2021 and the third wave from January to April 2022 made it extremely difficult for many students to focus on their board exams. Some students had to grapple with chronic health issues such as lung diseases, which required extensive time for recovery. As a result, many students struggled to achieve the 75 criterion, and removing this barrier has been welcomed by many in the academic community.

JEE Mains and Advanced Eligibility Criteria

For the upcoming JEE Mains and Advanced, the NTA has set a new eligibility criterion. Candidates now need to achieve a minimum of 50 per cent in the overall exam score and at least 50 per cent in each of the three academic areas: Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. This new criterion gives candidates a clearer understanding of what they need to achieve to be eligible for the exam.

The JEE Mains 2022 application materials were issued by the NTA on their official website on March 1, 2022. To ensure eligibility and successfully apply, candidates must carefully read the JEE Mains eligibility requirements for 2022. The exam will be conducted in April and May, providing two opportunities for candidates to demonstrate their aptitude and interest in pursuing engineering and technology courses.

Conclusion

The removal of the 75 criterion for JEE 2022 is a positive step taken by the NTA to support students who were affected by the pandemic. This decision aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that talented and deserving students have equal opportunities to pursue higher education. As the exam approaches, candidates are encouraged to prepare effectively and focus on their JEE Mains and Advanced exams, rather than worrying about past academic achievements.