Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have agreed to bring back the pre-pandemic Class 12 performance requirement for admissions for the upcoming academic year.
Given the uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the IITs relaxed the requirements for candidates' performance in board exams in 2020. Several national and state boards were compelled by the lockdown to cancel their Class 12 school-leaving exams and replace them with other assessment techniques.
According to sources, given the return of academic normalcy, IITs have jointly resolved to do away with the relaxation of entrance rules regarding performance on the Class 12 board exam.
Prior to the pandemic, general category candidates with a qualifying JEE (Advanced) rank needed to either have a Class 12 grade of at least 75% or place in the top 20% of their class to be guaranteed a seat at an IIT.
The Joint Admission Board (JAB) decided to bring back the pre-pandemic Class 12 requirement during a meeting last month. The JAB makes all decisions regarding how the JEE will be conducted (Advanced). Soon, a formal announcement of the decision is expected.