Upcoming SRMJEEE 2025 Exam pattern

SRM Institute of Science and Technology organizes joint engineering examinations every year in two phases. This exam is designed for candidates who want to take admission in B.Tech programs offered in various colleges under SRM Institute. SRMJEE 2025 notification will be released in November 2024.

Along with the official notification, the registration for SRMJEE exam will also start. Interested candidates who have cleared their 10+2 educational criteria before applying for SRMJEEE 2025. Admission offers will be made to candidates based on their All India status by SRMIST. SRMJEEE 2025 Admit Card will be released one week before the exam starts. Candidates can download from the official website using their login credentials. Candidates must complete their seat reservation process before publication.

SRMJEEE 2025 Exam Pattern

The SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) will conduct the SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam (SRMJEEE) in an online remote proctored format. The exam pattern for 2025 consists of five sections: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and Aptitude. All questions are based on the 10+2 level curriculum.

The SRMJEEE will feature a total of 125 questions, with the Mathematic section having the highest number at 40 questions. Physics and Chemistry will each contain 35 questions, while the English section will include 5 questions, and the Aptitude section will have 10 questions.

 There will be no negative marking, and each question is worth 1 mark. All questions will be multiple-choice. Since the exam is conducted in an online remote proctored mode, candidates can take it from their homes using their own laptops or computers. Before the exam, candidates must install the SRMJEEE Safe Exam Browser on their systems. This has been clear that

SRMJEEE will be conducted in two phases. The application form is out for both the phases on the official website. Interested students can visit srmist.edu.in.

 SRMJEEE 2025: Eligibility Criteria

• 
  To register for the exam, interested candidates for SRMJEEE 2025 must meet the following qualifying requirements:
• Applicants may apply if they are citizens or non-residents of India (NRI) and possess a PIO or OCI card that has been granted by the Indian government.
• On July 31, the year the board exam is held, the candidate must be 16 years and 6 months old.
• Candidates must have earned a minimum of 60% overall on their 10+2 high school diplomas. (with mathematics and physics required courses)

 SRMJEEE 2025 Slot Booking:  Registered candidates will be able to reserve the day and time of their choice for the SRMJEEE 2025 exam through SRMIST. The SRMJEEE slot booking window for 2025 will open when it is time to reserve the exam day and time. Using their individual SRMJEEE logins, registered candidates can reserve their preferred timeslots for the online proctored exam at srmist.edu.in. A week before to the exam, the SRMJEEE slot booking process opens for each phase independently. The contestant can download the SRMJEEE hall ticket after reserving a seat. The SRMJEEE exam typically has three seats available each day. Read on for all the information you need to book a spot for SRMJEEE 2024, including how to do so and other crucial instructions.

 SRMJEEE 2025: Admit Card

The admit card for SRMJEEE 2025 is now available on the official website, srmist.edu.in. Candidates will receive an email notification once it has been released. Here are the simple steps to download the SRMJEEE admit card:

Step 1: Go to the official website, srmist.edu.in.

Step 2: Click on the link for the admit card notification.

Step 3: Enter your credentials and click submit.

Step 4: Your admit card will appear on the screen.

Step 5: Download the admit card and be sure to print a hard copy.

 How to Download the SRMJEEE Answer Key 2025

The SRMJEEE answer key for 2025 will be available online on the official website. Follow these steps to download it:

• Go to the official website at srmist.edu.in.
• Click on the link for the SRMJEEE 2025 exam portal.
• Find and click on the link for the SRM answer key 2025.
• Download the SRMJEEE answer key from the website.
• Candidates can use this answer key to estimate their probable scores in the exam.

 SRMJEEE 2025: Results 

The results for SRMJEEE 2025 a merit list that ranks students according to their performance and the number of available seats. This merit list will determine which candidates are offered admission based on that will be published as scorecards, which candidates can easily download from the official website. After the scorecards are made available, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) will generate it scores. Following the announcement of admissions, the counselling process will commence shortly thereafter, guiding students through the next steps in securing their place.

  SRMJEEE Counselling 2025

The SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) will conduct the SRMJEEE 2025 counselling online at srmist.edu. Candidates seeking admission must participate in this counselling process, which is only open to those who have qualified in the SRMJEEE exam. The counselling process includes several steps: filling in preferences for courses, seat allotment, and fee payment. Seat allocation will depend on the choices made by candidates and their ranks in SRMJEEE 2025.

 The counselling is anticipated to occur in two phases. Aspirants must complete their registration for the SRM counselling within the specified timeframe. The dates for each counselling phase will be announced on the official website. After the counselling process concludes, the authorities may release the SRMJEEE cut-off
It is important to note that participating in the SRMJEEE 2025 counselling does not guarantee admission to the SRM Institute of Science and Technology. For detailed information on counselling dates, processes, and more, please refer to the complete article.

SRMJEEE 2025: Announcing the Exam Schedule for Engineering Aspirants

SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has officially announced the exam schedule for the SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam (SRMJEEE) for the academic year 2025.

This is a golden opportunity for aspiring engineers to secure admission to one of India’s most prestigious institutions, known for its advanced educational practices, cutting-edge research, and world-class infrastructure.

In an effort to provide flexibility and convenience for candidates, SRMIST has announced that the SRMJEEE exam will be conducted in three distinct phases.

This approach is designed to accommodate students from various academic backgrounds and regions, ensuring that they have the best chance of success. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the timeline for the SRMJEEE exam in 2025, along with important details that candidates must keep in mind.

Details for SRMJEEE 2025:

To make the exam process as accessible and secure as possible, SRMIST has introduced the Remote Protected Online Mode for SRMJEEE. In this mode, candidates can take the exam from the comfort of their homes using their desktop or laptop. This online format offers significant convenience, especially for students from distant regions who may find it difficult to travel to an exam center.

How to Apply for SRMJEEE 2025

The application process for SRMJEEE 2025 is entirely online. Candidates must visit the official SRMIST website to register and complete the application form. The process is simple and involves the following steps:

1. Registration: First, candidates need to create an account on the SRMIST portal.
2. Fill in the Application Form: Provide personal, academic, and contact details, and select the preferred phase for the exam.
3. Payment of Application Fee: The application fee can be paid online through various modes such as debit/credit cards or net banking.
4. Submit Documents: Upload the required documents, such as a passport-size photograph, signature, and proof of eligibility.
5. Confirmation: Once the application is submitted successfully, candidates will receive an acknowledgment email with their application details.

DNB Admission has been started, know more details about Counselling process 

Delhi: Regarding this year’s DNB admissions, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has published all the information related to the NEET PG counselling allotment process for All India Quota (AIQ), deemed universities, and central state quotas, in addition to MD, MS, and PG Diploma programs.
As per the information bulletin published on its official website by the MCC, individuals who have passed NEET PG 2024 can apply for DNB seats, and the MCC will not hold counselling for in-service candidates.

DNB Counseling Process

The MCC conducts the counseling for DNB courses, which are domicile-free and of All India character. The counseling will take place over four rounds:

1. Round 1
2. Round 2
3. Round 3
4. Stray Vacancy Round

These rounds will be conducted by the MCC of DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW). Candidates who have qualified NEET PG conducted by National Board of Examinations (NBE) are eligible to participate in this counseling process.

In-service Seats and Non-MCC Counseling

It is important for candidates to note that the counseling for in-service seats under the DNB program is not conducted by the MCC of DGHS, MOHFW. Therefore, candidates seeking in-service seats should refer to the appropriate authority for guidance.

Admission Fee Payment

Once the seat allotment is made by the MCC of DGHS, the admission fee is collected by the NBE authorities. Candidates should direct any queries regarding the admission fee or payment process to NBE, as the MCC will not entertain any requests for refunds.

Reservation Policy for DNB Seats

1. Private DNB Colleges/Institutes:
   There is no reservation in private DNB colleges or institutes.
2. Government Institutes/Colleges:
   For government institutes/colleges that contribute seats to the DNB program under the Central Government, the following reservation policy will apply:
   • SC (Scheduled Castes): 15%
   • ST (Scheduled Tribes): 7.5%
   • OBC (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer): 27% (as per the Central OBC list)
   • EWS (Economically Weaker Section): 10% (as per Central Government norms)
   • PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 5% Horizontal Reservation (as per NMC norms)

Eligibility for PwD Reservation

Candidates who wish to avail themselves of the 5% PwD reservation in PG seats at Government/Central medical institutions must obtain a Disability Certificate issued by designated disability centers (listed in Annexure-2). The certificate must be issued as per the 21 Benchmark Disabilities outlined under the RPWD Act 2016. Certificates from other hospitals or boards will not be accepted.

Eligibility Conditions for DNB Courses

• NEET PG Qualification: Candidates must have qualified the NEET PG exam conducted by the NBE to be eligible for counselling and admission to the DNB program.

Roster Application

The roster for Govt. DNB Institutes/Colleges will be applied by the MCC of DGHS, MOHFW as per the reservation norms outlined above.

Nepal Medical Council Announces New Licensing Process for Foreign Medical Graduates

Kathmandu, Nepal – On 10 November 2024, the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) issued a crucial notice regarding the licensing process for foreign medical graduates. The announcement has garnered attention from international students pursuing medical education in Nepal, as it outlines significant updates to the licensing procedures for foreign nationals seeking to practice medicine in the country.

Key Highlights of the Notice

The notice issued by the Nepal Medical Council confirms that foreign students who have completed undergraduate medical degrees such as MBBS, BDS, or equivalent courses will be eligible to apply for a medical license in Nepal. These degrees must meet the following requirements:

• The degree must have a minimum academic duration of 5.5 years, which includes a compulsory one-year internship.
• All medical programs in Nepal, including those for foreign students, are taught in English, which serves as the primary medium of instruction in the country’s medical colleges.

Provisional Registration During Internship

In an important development, it has been confirmed that provisional registration will continue to be provided to all MBBS/BDS students, including international students, during their internship period. According to the NMC internship guidelines, these students must complete their internship in teaching hospitals that are affiliated with their respective medical colleges.

The provisional registration granted to foreign students will be equivalent to that of Nepali students, ensuring that international students can practice medicine under the same conditions as their local counterparts during their internship year.

Licensing Examination for Foreign Graduates

After completing their internship, foreign graduates will be eligible to take the licensing examinations as per the regulations set by the Nepal Medical Council. These exams are designed to assess the knowledge and competency of medical graduates before they are granted the legal authority to practice in Nepal.

Upon successfully passing the licensing examinations, foreign nationals will be granted a medical license that is equivalent to that of Nepali citizens. This represents a significant step in ensuring that foreign graduates are given equal opportunities to practice medicine in Nepal, without being subject to discriminatory procedures.

No Requirement for Good Standing Certificates

One of the most notable aspects of the notice is the waiver of the requirement for good standing certificates from the graduates’ home country medical councils. This procedure, which is often a hurdle for foreign graduates wishing to practice medicine abroad, will not be necessary for students wishing to obtain a medical license in Nepal. This change is expected to streamline the process for foreign graduates, eliminating an often complex and time-consuming step in obtaining licensure.

What This Means for Foreign Students

This announcement has the potential to significantly impact the prospects of foreign medical students who have graduated or are planning to graduate from medical colleges in Nepal. The updated policy ensures that international students will face fewer barriers in obtaining the necessary licensure to practice medicine in Nepal, making the country a more attractive destination for foreign medical students.

The Nepal Medical Council has outlined that the licensing process for foreign graduates will be handled with the same procedures and regulations as those for Nepali nationals, ensuring equality in opportunities for all graduates. The move is likely to encourage more international students to consider Nepal for their medical education, confident in the knowledge that their degrees will be recognized and that they will have the opportunity to practice medicine upon graduation.

IMA Opposes the Government’s Proposal for Geriatric Nursing Practitioners

T”puram: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised strong objections to the central government’s recent proposal to introduce geriatric nursing practitioners in India. The IMA argues that the move undermines the professional and educational framework of modern medicine, specifically the role of qualified doctors.

IMA’s Stand on Geriatric Nursing Practitioners

According to the Indian Medical Association, the proposal to create a new category of healthcare professionals—geriatric nursing practitioners—is both inappropriate and unnecessary. IMA state president Dr. Joseph Benavan emphasized that, according to the National Medical Council (NMC) guidelines, the fundamental qualification for diagnosing and treating patients in modern medicine remains an MBBS degree.

“The introduction of geriatric nursing practitioners, with the aim of allowing nursing graduates to treat patients independently, is not acceptable under modern medical practice. Geriatrics, being a specialized area of healthcare, requires in-depth knowledge and clinical expertise that can only be gained through a formal medical education,” said Dr.Benavan.

Concerns Over New Roles for Nurses

The IMA’s concerns are rooted in the proposed shift that would allow nursing graduates, after receiving specialized education under the Nursing Council, to take on roles typically reserved for doctors. The association expressed strong disapproval of the idea of conferring the title of ‘doctor’ on nursing professionals, highlighting the distinction between the roles of nurses and doctors.

“Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, supporting doctors in patient care, but their responsibilities and training are distinct. The nursing profession is structured to complement the medical profession, not replace it,” added Dr. K. Shashidharan, IMA state secretary.

Dr. Shashidharan further reiterated that while the IMA recognizes and values the essential contributions of nurses, they believe that introducing geriatric nursing practitioners could potentially diminish the value of the MBBS degree and deny medical graduates the career opportunities they deserve.

The IMA’s Proposed Alternatives

Rather than introducing geriatric nursing practitioners, the IMA suggests that the government should focus on enhancing opportunities for doctors in the specialized field of geriatric medicine. They argue that the best way to address the needs of an aging population is by investing in postgraduate courses in geriatric medicine and family medicine. This would provide medical graduates with the specialized training required to treat elderly patients with complex medical conditions.

The IMA leaders have also called for the establishment of more institutions offering geriatric nursing courses, which would better serve the nursing community and contribute to the growing demand for geriatric care. This, they argue, would help ensure that both doctors and nurses are adequately trained to meet the needs of an aging population while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

Government’s Role in Geriatric Care

The IMA has also urged the central government to take the necessary steps to address the shortage of healthcare professionals specializing in geriatrics. With the elderly population in India expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, there is an increasing demand for specialized medical care for senior citizens.

The association has called for a collaborative approach, where medical professionals, nurses, and healthcare institutions work together to meet the complex healthcare needs of elderly patients. IMA leaders are optimistic that through the introduction of more specialized programs, including geriatric care, India can adequately prepare for the challenges posed by an aging population.

Looking Forward: A Unified Approach to Geriatric Healthcare

The IMA’s resistance to the introduction of geriatric nursing practitioners stems from a broader concern about maintaining high standards in medical practice and ensuring that patient care is provided by appropriately qualified professionals. However, the association is also open to reforms that will benefit both doctors and nurses and improve healthcare delivery for senior citizens.

“Instead of creating unnecessary new roles, the focus should be on building a well-structured, comprehensive education and training system in geriatric care for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Only then will we ensure that our elderly population receives the quality care they deserve,” concluded Dr.Benavan.

University of Southampton Delhi Invites Applications for UG, PG Courses Academic year 2025-26

The University of Southampton has officially announced the opening of its Delhi campus, inviting applications for its undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes starting in August 2025. Students at the new campus will earn the same UK degree as those studying at the university’s main UK campus, with identical courses, assessments, and academic standards. The university has made it clear that students will graduate with the same qualifications regardless of whether they study in India or the UK.

Courses Offered at the University of Southampton Delhi Campus

The university is offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses for its first intake. These courses will follow the same curriculum as those available at the UK campus, providing students with an international education experience.

Undergraduate Programmes:

• BSc Business Management
• BSc Accounting & Finance
• BSc Computer Science
• BSc Economics

Postgraduate Programmes:

• MSc International Management
• MSc Finance

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for these programmes, prospective students must meet specific eligibility requirements. The criteria for undergraduate admissions are as follows:

• Indian School Boards:
  • Council Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (CICSE): 78% and above
  • Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE): 78% and above
  • State Boards: 83% and above, plus 75% and above in Standard X Maths
• International Baccalaureate: 34 points and above, including 17 points at Higher Level and 4 points in Maths
• A Levels: AAB, plus Grade C or above in GCSE Maths

For postgraduate programmes, applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.

In addition, students must meet English language proficiency requirements. The university accepts IELTS scores of 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0.

Tuition Fees and Payment Structure

The tuition fees for the first year of study at the University of Southampton Delhi campus will be as follows:

• India students: 1,320,000 INR per year
• Overseas students: 1,540,000 INR per year

Students will have the option to pay their tuition fees in up to four installments. The first payment, which is a deposit of 10% of the total programme fee, must be made within 30 days of receiving a conditional offer.

Deposit Amounts:

• India students: 132,000 INR
• Overseas students: 154,000 INR

Following the deposit, the remaining balance can be paid in three instalments across the academic year:

India students:

• • 316,800 INR by September 8, 2025
  • 435,600 INR by January 26, 2026
  • 435,600 INR by April 20, 2026

Overseas students:

• • 369,600 INR by September 8, 2025
  • 508,200 INR by January 26, 2026
  • 508,200 INR by April 20, 2026

The university has noted that fees may be adjusted in future years to account for inflation or other changes in costs.

Application Process and Deadlines

The university has set up an online application process for students wishing to apply. Interested applicants can fill out the application form and upload the required documents via the university’s website.

Important deadlines for the application process at the University of Southampton Delhi campus:

 Application Assessment Fee

Applicants will need to pay an application assessment fee of 5,500 INR, except for those submitting their applications by November 29, 2024, who will be exempt from this fee.

Career Opportunities at University of Southampton Delhi Campus

Graduates from the University of Southampton Delhi campus can pursue a wide range of career opportunities, thanks to the university’s strong academic foundation and connections with leading global employers. The university’s business and management programmes equip students with the skills needed to thrive in various sectors. Upon graduation, you could choose from a variety of roles including:

Potential Career Paths:

• Auditor
• Tax Specialist
• Management Accountant
• Consultant

Karnataka Government Increases Incentive Funds for SC, ST Candidates Studying in IITs, IIMs, IISc, and NITs

In a significant move aimed at supporting students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), the Karnataka state government has announced that incentive funds for SC and ST candidates enrolled in prestigious national educational institutes like IITs, IIMs, IISc, and NITs will be increased.

This decision, revealed by Karnataka’s Social Welfare Minister, H C Mahadevappa, is expected to provide a substantial boost to the educational aspirations of students from these communities.

Increased Incentive Funds

As part of this new initiative, the incentive fund for SC and ST students studying at premier institutions has been raised from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh.

This additional financial support is aimed at easing the financial burdens on students pursuing higher education in fields such as engineering, management, and sciences.

By increasing the fund, the Karnataka government hopes to ensure that students from marginalized communities can access quality education without being hindered by financial constraints.

Minister Mahadevappa stated that the increase in the incentive fund will contribute significantly to the academic success of students from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, adding that, “This change will pave the way for higher educational achievements of students from scheduled communities.”

 This move is seen as part of the broader efforts to provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds.

One-Time Aid for High-Achieving SC Students

In addition to the increased incentive funds for students in IITs, IIMs, IISc, and NITs, another initiative has been introduced by the Karnataka government for students pursuing medical education.

A one-time aid of Rs. 25 lakh will be provided to SC students who achieve over 95% marks in their Pre-University Course (PUC) examination and secure a management quota seat in the MBBS course through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

This financial support is intended to encourage academic excellence and provide assistance to high-achieving students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine.

Special Incentives for SC Students in MBBS Courses

In addition to the one-time aid for students securing management quota seats in MBBS, Rs. 25 lakh will be offered to SC students pursuing MBBS who score more than 60% marks in their first year of the program.

 This initiative is designed to motivate students from Scheduled Castes to excel in their studies and pursue careers in the medical field, which has often been inaccessible to many due to financial barriers.

Fostering a Contribution to Nation-Building

The Karnataka government’s initiatives reflect a commitment not only to providing financial support but also to ensuring that SC and ST students actively contribute to the nation’s progress.

SC and ST students in institutions like IIT, IIM, and IISc have been urged by Minister Mahadevappa to leverage the opportunities provided by these top-tier institutes to engage in nation-building activities.

 It has been emphasized that, upon completing their education, these students will have the potential to play a pivotal role in contributing to the development of a prosperous and powerful India.

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India on Friday overruled the 1967 judgment in the Azeez Basha case, which had denied Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) its minority status. This ruling, delivered by a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, has redefined the principles governing the status of minority institutions in India.

The court’s majority view stated that an institution’s minority character is not lost merely because it was established through a statutory provision, such as a parliamentary enactment. In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court held that a minority institution can be established by a minority group, but its administration does not necessarily have to be managed by members of that minority. This directly contradicts the earlier judgment, which had ruled that AMU could not be considered a minority institution due to its creation by a statute.

The Azeez Basha Case and Its Relevance

In 1967, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court in the Azeez Basha case ruled that Aligarh Muslim University could not be considered a minority institution, as it was created by a Central Act of Parliament. The verdict was based on the premise that a university established by a statute could not enjoy the privileges granted to minority institutions under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

However, the position changed in 1981 when Parliament passed the AMU (Amendment) Act, restoring AMU’s minority status. But in 2006, the Allahabad High Court struck down the provision of the 1981 amendment, asserting that AMU, being a central university, could not be treated as a minority institution.

Dissenting Opinions:

While the majority opinion favored the restoration of minority status for institutions like AMU, two judges, Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta, dissented from the majority view, expressing differing opinions on the matter. Additionally, Justice Satish Chandra Sharma issued a separate opinion, which did not align fully with either the majority or the dissenting opinions, thus leaving the matter open for further legal interpretation.

Implications of the Ruling:

The Supreme Court’s ruling has far-reaching implications for minority educational institutions in India. By emphasizing the functional characteristics of minority institutions over their administrative control, the Court has reinforced the autonomy of such institutions. This decision may encourage more institutions, established by minority communities but managed in a secular manner, to claim and protect their minority status.

Moreover, the ruling ensures that parliamentary legislation cannot arbitrarily alter the minority character of an institution, thereby reinforcing the constitutional safeguards provided to minority communities under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution.

Next Steps for AMU:

Following the judgment, the Supreme Court has referred the AMU minority status issue to a three-judge bench, which will now examine whether the university was truly established by a minority community. This process will involve a fact-based inquiry, which will include the historical context of the university’s creation, the intentions of its founders, and its continued functioning as a center of higher learning for the Muslim community.

The decision to refer the matter to a smaller bench indicates that the final determination of AMU’s minority status will depend on a detailed exploration of facts, including whether the founding minority community’s interests have been preserved in the institution’s operations.

Cabinet Approves PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme with Rs 3,600 Crore Budget to Support 7 Lakh Students yearly

The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme has been approved by the Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An allocation of Rs 3,600 crore has been made for the period from 2024-25 to 2030-31, with the goal of supporting 7 lakh students in their pursuit of higher education. Loans of up to Rs 10 lakh will be provided for education in domestic institutions, with a 3% interest subsidy and e-vouchers available for qualifying students.

The PM VidyalaxmiScheme :-

1. Loan Amount and Interest Subvention: Under the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, loans up to Rs 10 lakh will be offered to students for pursuing higher education. A 3% interest subsidy will be provided on these loans, ensuring that financial constraints are alleviated for students from middle-income families.
2. Streamlined Application Process: A unified online platform, the PM-Vidyalaxmi portal, has been introduced to facilitate the loan application process. Applications for loans and interest benefits can be submitted via this platform, which integrates all banks, simplifying the procedure for students.
3. Collateral-Free Loans: Students whose families earn less than Rs 8 lakh annually will be eligible for collateral-free loans under the scheme. This provision removes traditional barriers such as the need for a guarantor or collateral, making financial assistance more accessible.
4. Support for Merit Students: The scheme has been designed to ensure that no meritorious student is denied access to higher education due to financial difficulties. Collateral-free loans and competitive interest rates will be offered, ensuring that deserving students are supported in their academic journeys.
5. E-Vouchers and CBDC Integration: To ensure efficient disbursement of loans and interest subsidies, e-vouchers and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets will be used for processing payments. This digital approach is expected to streamline transactions, making the process quicker and more efficient.

Eligibility Criteria

The scheme is available to students pursuing higher education in institutions that meet specific quality criteria. Eligible institutions include:

• The top 100 institutions ranked by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
• State government institutions ranked between 101-200 in the NIRF.
• All Central Government institutions.

Initially, 860 institutions have been included in the scheme, benefiting more than 22 lakh students. For loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh, students will also be eligible for a 75% credit guarantee to mitigate the risk for banks and encourage loan disbursements.

Extending Benefits to More Students

The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme will be extended to 1 lakh additional students each year, provided their families earn less than Rs 8 lakh annually and they are not eligible for other government scholarships or interest subvention schemes. For these students, a 3% interest subvention will be offered on loans up to Rs 10 lakh during the moratorium period.

Focus on Technical and Professional Courses

Preference will be given to students opting for technical and professional courses at government institutions. This focus is intended to enhance the skillset of the youth and prepare them for the demands of a competitive job market.

Financial Outlay and Expected Impact

A significant financial outlay of Rs 3,600 crore has been set aside for the period between 2024-25 to 2030-31. It is estimated that 7 lakh students will benefit from this interest subsidy over the course of the Vidyalaxmi Scheme. The government’s investment reflects its commitment to expanding access to quality education for deserving students.

PM Modi’s Vision for Empowering Youth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his support for the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, calling it a key step in empowering the nation’s youth and fostering a brighter future for the country. The scheme has been praised as a vital measure for boosting the Yuva Shakti (youth power) of India, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the nation.

Conclusion

The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme marks an important milestone in the government’s efforts to make higher education more accessible to students across India. By offering collateral-free loans, interest subsidies, and a simplified digital application process, barriers to quality education will be reduced, ensuring that more students can realize their academic and professional goals. With a strong focus on merit, transparency, and empowerment, the scheme is expected to play a pivotal role in building a skilled and educated workforce for India’s future.

Interested students can apply for the scheme through the PM-Vidyalaxmi portal, where they can find further details and submit their applications for financial assistance.

JEE Advanced 2025: Important Eligibility Criteria and New Updates on Attempt Limit

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India, serving as the gateway for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). For aspiring candidates, the year 2025 brings significant updates, particularly concerning the number of attempts allowed. The maximum number of attempts for JEE Advanced has been increased from two to three, providing candidates with a better chance to secure admission to IITs.

Number of Attempts for JEE Advanced 2025

In a noteworthy update, the number of attempts for JEE Advanced 2025 has been increased to three, a significant shift from the previous limit of two attempts. This change has been implemented from the year 2025, and candidates will now be allowed to attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of three times, provided the attempts are made within three consecutive years. This update is expected to give students an added opportunity to improve their performance and increase their chances of securing admission to IITs.

Age Limit for JEE Advanced 2025

The age limit for candidates appearing for JEE Advanced 2025 remains aligned with the existing norms. To be eligible, candidates must have been born on or after October 1, 2000. However, a relaxation of five years is granted to candidates from the SC, ST, and PwD categories. For these candidates, the age limit is extended, and they must have been born on or after October 1, 1995.

JEE Main 2025 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for JEE Advanced 2025, candidates must first qualify the JEE Main 2025 exam. Only the top 2,50,000 successful candidates from JEE Main, across all categories, will be eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. It is important to note that the total number of candidates may slightly exceed 2.5 lakh due to “tied” ranks or scores within categories.

The candidates will be shortlisted according to the following category-wise distribution:

• GEN-EWS: 10%
• OBC-NCL: 27%
• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.5%
• OPEN: 40.5%

Additionally, a 5% horizontal reservation is available for PwD candidates within each of these categories.

Important Note on OCI/PIO Candidates

The eligibility criteria for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) candidates have also been updated. According to a Supreme Court ruling on February 3, 2023, OCI/PIO candidates who secured their OCI/PIO card before March 4, 2021, will be considered as Indian nationals for the purpose of seat allocation to IITs. However, they are not eligible for any kind of reservation benefits, including GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, and ST, with the exception of the OPEN-PwD category.

Class 12 Examination Eligibility

Candidates wishing to appear for JEE Advanced 2025 must have completed their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination for the first time in 2023, 2024, or 2025. The compulsory subjects for eligibility are Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Candidates who appeared for their Class 12 examination before 2022 are not eligible to sit for JEE Advanced 2025, regardless of the subjects they attempted.

However, if the results for the academic year 2021-22 were declared after September 21, 2022, candidates from those boards are eligible, provided they meet all other criteria.

It is important to note that if a candidate’s Class 12 results were withheld for any reason, they will not be eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2025.

Previous IIT Admission Restrictions

Candidates who have already been admitted to an IIT in any academic program under the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) Business Rules of 2024 or earlier will not be eligible for JEE Advanced 2025, regardless of whether they continued in the program or accepted the seat. This includes candidates whose admission was canceled after joining an IIT.

However, candidates who were admitted to a preparatory course at any IIT in 2024 are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2025. Additionally, candidates who were allocated a seat in IITs but did not report online, or withdrew their seat before the last round of seat allotment, are also eligible to appear.