Reasons for the Drop in Student Participation:
- Stringent Class 12 Passing Criteria: The main reason for fewer students applying for IIT and NIT admissions through JoSAA is the stricter criteria for passing class 12 exams. Now, students must score at least 75% or be in the top 20% of their board. This strict requirement discouraged students from applying, even if they did well in JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams. Many students who did not meet these criteria may have thought they were ineligible and chose not to participate in the counselling process.
- Financial implications are also a significant factor contributing to decreased student participation. Students must pay a counselling fee of around Rs. 40,000 to reserve their allotted seat after the first round of seat allotment. This fee is refundable if the candidate withdraws their name before the starting of round 6, after deducting JoSAA processing charges of 2000, but not refunded if they withdraw at the end of counselling. The financial burden associated with the counselling process may have discouraged some students from pursuing the admission procedure further, resulting in a decline in overall participation.
This could be good news for those who do apply, as it increases their chances of getting their preferred seats. The drop in applicants suggests that students are becoming more interested in other career options or different types of education. They might be considering new fields of study and job prospects, or following their interests instead of the traditional IIT and NIT route.
The decrease in students applying for JoSAA 2023 counselling shows that changes in the eligibility criteria and fees have influenced their decisions. This challenges students, but it also means opportunities for those who still want to apply. Understanding these changes and adjusting the admission process is essential to encourage talented students to pursue their dreams of studying in top institutions.
