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.

Telangana PG counselling: In Telangana, over 4,000 MBBS graduates from Andhra Pradesh have been faced with a significant obstacle in pursuing their postgraduate (PG) medical education following recent changes under Government Order (GO) 148, which have impacted their eligibility for Telangana PG counselling.

Due to the revised regulations, these graduates are now barred from applying for PG counselling within Telangana, even though they completed their MBBS in the state.

As a result, widespread concern has been generated among the students, who have begun urging the Telangana government to reconsider this policy and restore their eligibility for Telangana PG counselling.

 Impact on Telangana PG Counselling

Under GO 148, students who completed their education outside Telangana, even if they earned an MBBS degree within the state, have now been reclassified as non-locals for Telangana PG counselling.

Consequently, they are unable to participate in PG counselling in Telangana, which has left many Andhra Pradesh students with limited options for advancing their education. Furthermore, these students, who had spent nearly a decade in Telangana’s education system, have felt unjustly excluded from opportunities within Telangana PG counselling.

Dr. Siva Rama Krishna, a medical graduate affected by this change, expressed frustration, stating, “We have been involved in the Telangana education system from 2014 until 2023, but we are currently shut out from further educational opportunities within the State.”

A Non-Local Status Dilemma in Telangana PG Counselling

One of the primary grievances among these students is their lack of local status in any state, which has effectively excluded them from Telangana PG counselling. Although Andhra Pradesh does not consider them local because they completed their MBBS in Telangana, Telangana’s new regulation now also prevents their participation in Telangana PG counselling.

Thus, despite having studied for years in Telangana, these students find themselves unable to pursue further medical education through Telangana PG counselling or within Andhra Pradesh. This dilemma is seen as particularly troubling since no other Indian state has implemented similar residency rules barring graduates from local PG admissions.

Appeal for a Grace Period in Telangana PG Counselling

In response, the affected students have petitioned the Telangana government to implement a grace period that would restore their eligibility for Telangana PG counselling. It is argued by the students that this abrupt policy shift has disproportionately impacted earlier MBBS batches who could not have anticipated this change.

Broader Implications for Medical Education and Telangana PG Counselling

Furthermore, this policy shift has raised questions about the residency criteria used in Telangana PG counselling and its effect on non-local students.

Since Telangana has historically attracted a diverse student body, including students from Andhra Pradesh, the GO 148 regulation could now potentially discourage future enrolment if students feel uncertain about their ability to access Telangana PG counselling after graduation.

Thus, it is anticipated that Telangana’s educational appeal might be affected by the implementation of GO 148.

Looking Forward: Will Telangana Revise GO 148 for PG Counselling?

It is hoped by students and advocacy groups alike that the Telangana government will address the eligibility issue surrounding Telangana PG counselling. By introducing a grace period or adjusting the local status criteria, Telangana may be able to prevent the disruption in academic plans for its medical graduates.

For the time being, these 4,000 affected students continue to await a response, maintaining their advocacy for a fair solution to the barriers unexpectedly imposed by GO 148 on their eligibility for Telangana PG counselling.

Read this – UP Government Announces Fee Hike for MBBS, BDS, MD/MS, and MDS Programs 2024-25

Joint entrance exam 2025 session 1 registration date& Exam Pattern

The exam schedule for JEE Main 2025 has been officially released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), marking an important update for aspiring engineering students. The first session of JEE Main 2025 is scheduled to take place in January 2025, thereby providing candidates with an early opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills.

The registration fee for the JEE Main Exam has been set at ₹1,000. The online application form registration period is established from 28 October 2024 to 22 November 2024, with the submission deadline designated for 9:00 PM on 22 November 2024. It is noteworthy that the final date for registration is also 22 November 2024.

Since 2019, the responsibility of conducting the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main has been assigned to the National Testing Agency (NTA) by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This shift was implemented with the aim of enhancing the examination process, ensuring transparency, and improving the overall experience for candidates.

JEE Main 2025 Schedule

• Session 1: Scheduled for January 2025
• Session 2: Scheduled for April 2025

Paper 1 and Part 1 of Paper 2, each subject will have two sections:

1. Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
2. Section B: Questions where answers are to be filled in as a numerical value.

Negative Marking:There will be negative marking for incorrect answers in both Section A and Section B.

Important dates to remember for JEE Main 2025 Session 1

 JEE Main 2025 Application Fee

 JEE Main 2025 Question Paper Pattern

 JEE Main 2025 Conduct in 13 languages

The Joint Entrance Examination JEE Main Exam will be conducted in 13 languages, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for candidates from various linguistic backgrounds. These languages are –English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.

Application Process for JEE Main 2025

The application process for JEE Main 2025 is structured to accommodate candidates who wish to apply for either or both sessions of the exam. Here’s a detailed overview:

Session 1 (January 2025) Application: Candidates can submit their applications for the January 2025 examination along with the required examination fee.

Opportunity to Apply for Session 2 (April 2025):

Separate Notification: After registering for Session 1, candidates will have the option to apply for Session 2 using the same application number. A separate notification will be released with the relevant details.

Fee Payment: Candidates interested in participating in Session 2 can log in to their accounts to pay the examination fee during the specified application period.

Applying Only for Session 2:For those who decide to apply solely for Session 2 (April 2025), registration can occur at a later date when the application form for that session is made available.

Reopening of Application Window: The application window for Session 2 will be reopened as per the details provided in the official guidelines, ensuring candidates have ample opportunity to register.

Is the 75% Criteria still valid in JEE Main 2025?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the JEE Main 2025 information brochure on its official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, which outlines the eligibility criteria, including the 75% requirement.

 The authority has confirmed that the 75% criteria remain intact for JEE Main 2025. Candidates need to achieve at least 75% marks in their Class 12 examinations or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards to qualify for admission to IIITs and GFTIs.

 It’s important for JEE Main aspirants to understand that the 75% criteria apply specifically to admissions at NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs and should not be confused with the overall eligibility requirements for JEE Main.

Understanding the 75% Criteria in JEE Main

The 75% eligibility requirement stipulates that candidates must secure a minimum of 75% marks in their Class 12 board examinations (or be among the top 20 percentile of their respective boards) to qualify for JEE Main.

This policy is intended to ensure that only those students who demonstrate a solid academic foundation can compete for coveted seats in premier engineering institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs).

 Status of the 75% Criteria for JEE 2025

As it stands, the 75% eligibility requirement remains in place for JEE Main 2025. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has not issued any formal announcement indicating the removal or alteration of this criterion.

Despite ongoing debates surrounding its relevance, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on education, the NTA continues to uphold this standard for the upcoming examination cycle.

Reasons Behind NTA’s Stance on the 75% Criteria

The NTA emphasizes that the 75% criterion is crucial for maintaining academic rigor and ensuring that candidates are adequately prepared for the challenges of engineering studies.

 This requirement aims to promote a level of academic performance that correlates with success in engineering courses. By maintaining high entry standards, the NTA seeks to uphold the quality of education in India’s engineering landscape.

Implications for General Category Students

For students belonging to the General category, the 75% criteria remain unchanged. All candidates aiming to participate in JEE Main 2025 must meet this requirement.

As of now, there are no exemptions or alterations specific to this group. It is essential for General category students to ensure they meet the criteria to remain eligible for the exam.

Status for SC/ST Category Students

Similarly, the 75% criteria are applicable to candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

While these students may have access to certain concessions, such as reserved seats and lower qualifying marks in other contexts, the NTA has not announced any specific exemptions regarding the 75% eligibility requirement for JEE Main 2025.

Considerations for Droppers

Droppers—students who take a gap year after completing Class 12 to prepare for competitive exams—are also subject to the same 75% criteria. This means that, like all other candidates, droppers must secure the necessary marks in their board examinations to qualify for JEE Main. The NTA has not indicated any changes to this requirement for droppers, so they should prepare accordingly.

Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2025

The eligibility criteria for JEE Main 2025 encompass the following:

1. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination.
2. Minimum Marks: A minimum of 75% marks in Class 12 (or being in the top 20 percentile) is required.
3. Subjects: Candidates should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in their Class 12 curriculum.

It is critical for all prospective candidates to stay informed about any updates or changes to these criteria as the examination date approaches.

JEE Advanced and the 75% Criteria

As for JEE Advanced, the eligibility criteria align closely with those of JEE Main, including the maintenance of the 75% marks requirement.

Thus, candidates intending to gain admission into IITs through JEE Advanced must also fulfill this academic performance criterion. Any potential changes regarding this requirement are likely to be announced alongside updates for JEE Main.

JEE Advanced Eligibility for 2025

The eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced 2025 are expected to include:

1. Qualification for JEE Main: Candidates must qualify in JEE Main to be eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.
2. Minimum Marks Requirement: The 75% criteria are anticipated to remain in effect, necessitating that candidates achieve the required marks in their Class 12 board exams.
3. Subject Requirements: Similar to JEE Main, candidates must have completed their Class 12 studies with a focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

At this juncture, the 75% criteria for JEE Main 2025 are firmly in place, affecting all candidates irrespective of their category.

While discussions around the necessity and fairness of this requirement continue, the NTA remains committed to maintaining high academic standards in engineering admissions.

As the examination period approaches, it is imperative for all candidates to stay updated on any changes in eligibility criteria to ensure their preparedness and eligibility for this crucial examination.

Central govt. announced 16 New Medical Colleges in Bihar and Maharashtra

In a significant move to bolster healthcare education in India, the Central Health and Family Welfare Ministry has approved the establishment of 16 new medical colleges—nine in Bihar and eight in Maharashtra.

 This expansion aims to address the growing demand for medical professionals and improve healthcare access across these states.

Bihar’s New Medical Colleges

Bihar is set to welcome nine new medical institutions in the next few years, with Samastipur Medical College and Saran Medical College poised to commence classes shortly. According to recent reports, the remaining colleges—located in Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Buxar, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Siwan, and Jamui—are expected to be operational within two to three years.

The establishment of these colleges is a critical step toward enhancing medical education in a state that has faced challenges in healthcare accessibility.

By increasing the number of Government MBBS seats, the initiative aims to produce a new generation of healthcare professionals who can serve the local population effectively.

Maharashtra’s New Medical College

Similarly, Maharashtra is set to enhance its medical education infrastructure with the introduction of eight new colleges, which will collectively provide 800 additional MBBS seats.

The recent approval follows the initiation of MBBS programs at two medical colleges in Mumbai and Nashik, each offering 50 seats. The new colleges will be established in various districts, including Amravati, Washim, Jalna, Buldhana, Hingoli, and Bhandara.

This expansion is not just about numbers; it signifies a commitment to improving healthcare services in rural and underserved areas of Maharashtra. By decentralizing medical education, the state aims to ensure that future doctors are equipped to meet the unique healthcare needs of diverse communities.

National Context and Future Prospects

The establishment of new medical colleges in Bihar and Maharashtra aligns with the broader national initiative to enhance medical education.

Uttar Pradesh, for instance, has also seen a surge in new medical institutions, with 17 colleges launched this year as part of the “One District, One Medical College” initiative. Madhya Pradesh has similarly expanded its capacity with three new colleges.

 75,000 medical seats to be Add

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on Independence Day regarding the addition of 75,000 medical seats over the next five years highlights the government’s commitment to improving healthcare education in India.

This initiative is crucial, especially as many middle-class students feel compelled to pursue medical education abroad due to limited local opportunities.

The establishment of these new medical colleges in Bihar and Maharashtra is a promising development for healthcare education in India.

By increasing access to medical training, the government is taking significant strides toward addressing the healthcare workforce shortages and improving health outcomes across the country.

As these colleges begin to welcome students, the future of medical education in India looks brighter, with the potential for a robust pipeline of healthcare professionals dedicated to serving their communities.