The National Testing Agency (NTA) has kicked off the application process for JEE Main 2025, but the new changes have sparked criticism and led to widespread complaints among students. As the online application process continues, students have voiced concerns over various difficulties introduced this year, citing corruption, excessive documentation, and mismatched names as the primary issues.
The first phase of the JEE Main 2025 application process is set to run until November 22, 2024. However, a key shift in the process has caused confusion. Traditionally, candidates applying for the JEE Main examination in categories like SC, ST, OBC-Non Creamy Layer (NCL), and EWS (Economically Weaker Section) were required to simply tick a declaration form stating that they belong to a reserved category. But this year, the NTA has made changes that require candidates to provide detailed information, including their certificate number, the authority that issued it, and the date of issuance.
Many students, particularly from the EWS and OBC-NCL categories, are struggling to gather this information, especially given the short timeline. EWS and OBC-NCL certificates are issued based on annual family income, and they are valid for only one year. This means that students who obtained their certificates earlier this year may be required to renew them in the new year. This has led to complaints, with students questioning the validity of certificates issued before April 1, 2024, and whether they will need to reapply after that date.
Mismatched Names Causing Application Rejections
Another source of frustration for applicants is the strict requirement for name consistency across documents. The NTA has clarified that any mismatch between the name on a student’s educational certificates and their Aadhaar card will lead to the rejection of the application. A large number of students have reported discrepancies in the way their names appear in their Aadhaar versus their educational certificates, such as abbreviated surnames or full names being used inconsistently.
This has led to a surge in complaints, with many students unsure about how to proceed if they notice these discrepancies after submitting their applications. The NTA has assured that if a new software update allows for corrections, a new window will be opened for such students to correct their details. However, for now, the application will be processed based on the names as they appear on the certificates and Aadhaar.
Students Urged to Act Quickly and Seek Certificates
Given the complexity of the new rules, college administrators and coaching institutes have advised students to apply for the necessary certificates as soon as possible. Those seeking reservation benefits should obtain the required documents and certificate numbers before applying to avoid delays. Some students have been encouraged to gather their documents and prepare to submit their applications once the window reopens, especially if name discrepancies are detected.
While these changes are aimed at streamlining the process, the mixed feedback from students suggests that NTA may need to revisit some of its new policies. As the deadline looms, many are hoping for a resolution that addresses the issues raised and ensures that students are not unduly burdened by the documentation process.
This article captures the concerns surrounding the JEE Main 2025 application process, highlighting key issues such as certificate requirements, name mismatches, and the overall confusion students are facing.
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