We, the undersigned, urge the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, and the Joint Admission Board (JAB) to allow a third attempt for JEE Advanced starting from 2026 — recognizing the challenges aspirants face and the need for fairness in this high-stakes examination.

Challenges Faced by Aspirants and Issues in the Exam System

Exam Scams and Irregularities: Despite efforts by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under MoE to conduct transparent exams, multiple incidents of cheating, impersonation, score discrepancies, and software glitches in both JEE Main and Advanced have caused significant distress among students. These irregularities undermine trust and exam fairness.

Mental and Academic Pressure: Aspirants face intense competition with only two attempts in JEE Advanced, limiting their chances to recover from an off day, unavoidable personal issues, or systemic errors. This pressure has taken a toll on students’ mental health and academic careers.

Difference in Attempts Allowed: While JEE Main currently allows up to three attempts in a year, JEE Advanced restricts candidates to only two attempts over two years. This inconsistency creates unfairness, as JEE Advanced — the gateway to IITs — is the more rigorous and critical exam for which students deserve more chances.

Cons of the Current System and Allowing Only 3 Attempts for JEE Main

Limited Recovery Opportunity: Even with three attempts in JEE Main, repeated changes in exam patterns, negative marking rules, and reduced exam centers make it difficult for aspirants to perform consistently.

Disparity Between JEE Main and Advanced: The allowance of three attempts in JEE Main but only two in Advanced creates a gap, putting aspirants at a disadvantage after clearing the first hurdle.

Pressure to Drop a Year or More: With limited attempts, students often feel forced to take a drop year without guarantee of success, impacting their academic trajectory and mental well-being.

Systemic Challenges Persist: Despite attempts to improve transparency and efficiency, technical glitches and administrative issues remain concerns, making it reasonable to provide aspirants an additional chance in the Advanced exam.

Why the MoE Should Support the 3rd Attempt in JEE Advanced

It ensures fairness and equal opportunity by aligning attempts in Advanced with the more flexible JEE Main system.

It fosters trust in the examination system managed under MoE's supervision and NTA’s evolving processes.

It helps safeguard the mental health and future of aspirants who remain dedicated and hardworking but fall victim to systemic or personal setbacks.

We call on the Ministry of Education and JAB to take immediate steps to reinstate a 3rd attempt in JEE Advanced from 2026 onwards, making the process more just, transparent, and supportive of India’s engineering aspirants.

Sign this petition to back justice, transparency, and fairness for all JEE Advanced candidates!