OBC and EWS applicants must now provide not only their category certificate but also the certificate’s ID, the date it was issued, and the name of the issuing officer.
The registration process for the January 2025 session of JEE (Main), the country’s largest engineering entrance exam, has been progressing at a notably slow pace. With less than a week left before the deadline, only 5.1 lakh students have successfully completed their applications, a sharp decline from the 12.2 lakh applications submitted during the same period last year. As the deadline approaches on November 22, experts are expressing concern over the sluggish pace of registrations. Amit Ahuja, a career counselling expert with Allen Career Institute in Kota, highlighted that this year’s application process is moving far slower than expected.
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OBC and EWS Students Facing Obstacles
One of the primary reasons for the decrease in number application is due to challenges faced by students from the OBC (Other Backward Classes) and EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) categories – an additional documentation now required as part of their application. Applicants from these groups must now provide not only their category certificate but also the certificate’s ID, the date it was issued, and the name of the issuing officer. This added complexity has caused considerable confusion among students, with many struggling to obtain the necessary documents.
According to Ahuja, students in these categories are particularly vulnerable to the delays. “Many students are either unable to obtain the required documentation in time or are concerned they won’t meet the new criteria by the deadline,” he said. “If these requirements are not eased, there is a risk that some students may be forced to apply under the general category, even though they are eligible for OBC or EWS benefits. This could lead to discrepancies and further complications during the admission process.”
Ahuja also pointed out that for admission to top institutions like IITs and NITs, the category certificates must be issued after April 1, 2025, in order to be considered valid. This means the information requested at the application stage is, for the most part, a formality, as students will need to submit updated certificates during the counselling phase. “In light of this, it would be practical for the NTA (National Testing Agency) to make the category certificate details optional for the time being, allowing students to complete their applications without unnecessary delays,” he suggested.
The NTA is yet to release a comprehensive FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document to clarify common queries about the application process. Many students have reached out to the NTA for clarification but are still awaiting responses. “With the deadline fast approaching and no clear guidance available, students are understandably anxious that they may miss the opportunity to apply, jeopardising their academic year,” Ahuja said.
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As the clock ticks down towards the November 22 deadline, experts are calling on the NTA to take immediate action to address these concerns. “The NTA must act quickly to resolve the issues surrounding documentation and provide clear, consistent instructions for all students, especially those from OBC and EWS categories,” Ahuja urged. “This will ensure that no eligible student is left behind due to administrative hurdles.”
