SC allows dropout students (Nov 5-18) to register for JEE Advanced 2024

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court allowed students who dropped out of their courses between November 5 and 18, 2024, to register for JEE (Advanced). This decision came after the Joint Admission Board (JAB) initially announced on November 5 that students who passed their Class 12 exams in 2023, 2024, or 2025 would be eligible for the exam. However, the board amended the eligibility criteria on November 19, stating that only students who had cleared their exams in 2024 or 2025 could apply.

Some students who had dropped out between November 5 and 18 claimed they had qualified based on the original announcement. The Supreme Court ruled that these students should not be penalised for relying on the initial information provided.

The bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and A G Masih, highlighted that the November 5 press release made a clear promise regarding eligibility, and this should not be retracted to the students’ detriment. The court stressed that students who dropped out with the understanding that they could appear for the exam should not suffer because the promise was later withdrawn.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Board, argued that while students typically have only two chances to sit for JEE (Advanced), this year’s exception was made and later rescinded in the students' best interest. The court, however, clarified that it was not questioning the merit of the two-year eligibility limit but allowing students who withdrew between November 5 and 18 to register for JEE (Advanced).