IIT Admission 2026 Relief: Students Below 75% in CBSE Class 12 Can Join JoSAA Counselling
Thousands of JEE Advanced 2026 candidates have received a major relief after IIT Roorkee announced that students who scored below 75% marks in their CBSE Class 12 examination can still participate in the admission process under certain conditions. The decision comes as many students await the outcome of CBSE re-evaluation and verification requests.
The clarification ensures that deserving candidates do not lose their opportunity to compete for seats in the Indian Institutes of Technology simply because their revised board exam results are pending.
Why This Decision Matters
Every year, IIT admissions require students to qualify in JEE Advanced and also satisfy Class 12 eligibility requirements. Traditionally, candidates from the General, OBC-NCL, and EWS categories must secure at least 75% marks in Class 12 or fall within the top 20 percentile of their respective boards. Reserved category candidates need at least 65% marks.
However, after the declaration of CBSE Class 12 results this year, many students filed applications for re-evaluation and mark verification. As a result, concerns emerged that these candidates could miss the counselling process before receiving their updated marksheets.
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What IIT Roorkee Has Announced
IIT Roorkee, the organizing institute for JEE Advanced 2026, has clarified that students whose current CBSE scores are below the required eligibility threshold can still register and participate in JoSAA counselling.
Candidates will be allowed to:
- Register for JoSAA counselling
- Fill and lock their college choices
- Participate in seat allocation rounds
- Receive provisional seat allotments
However, final admission will depend on meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria after the revised CBSE results are released.
Key Deadline Students Must Remember
Students awaiting revised CBSE marks must submit their updated scorecards before the specified deadline.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission Process | JoSAA Counselling 2026 |
| Eligible Candidates | JEE Advanced 2026 Qualified Students |
| Current Marks Below 75% | Allowed Provisionally |
| Revised Scorecard Submission Deadline | July 15, 2026 |
| Final Admission Status | Subject to Eligibility Fulfillment |
Existing IIT Admission Eligibility Criteria
The relaxation does not remove the eligibility rules for IIT admissions. Students must still satisfy one of the following conditions:
For General, OBC-NCL and EWS Candidates
- Minimum 75% aggregate marks in Class 12 examination, or
- Rank within the top 20 percentile of their respective board
For SC, ST and PwD Candidates
- Minimum 65% aggregate marks in Class 12 examination, or
- Rank within the top 20 percentile of their board
What Students Should Do Now
If you have qualified JEE Advanced 2026 and are waiting for revised CBSE results, experts advise the following:
- Complete JoSAA registration without delay
- Participate in all counselling rounds
- Keep track of CBSE re-evaluation updates
- Submit revised marksheets immediately after receiving them
- Ensure all documents are uploaded before the final deadline
Missing the July 15 deadline could affect admission eligibility even if your revised marks later meet the required criteria.
Impact on JEE Aspirants
The decision is expected to benefit thousands of students who narrowly missed the 75% requirement and have requested rechecking of their answer sheets. It provides a fair opportunity for candidates whose final scores may improve after the re-evaluation process is completed.
Education experts believe the move will reduce stress among students and ensure that deserving candidates remain in contention for IIT admissions while awaiting final board exam results.
The latest clarification from IIT Roorkee offers welcome relief for JEE Advanced 2026 qualifiers facing uncertainty over their CBSE Class 12 marks. While the 75% eligibility requirement remains in place, students awaiting revised results can continue participating in the admission process and secure provisional seat allocations.
Candidates should remember that final admission to IITs will still depend on fulfilling the prescribed eligibility criteria and submitting updated scorecards before July 15, 2026.