FYJC admissions: First merit list cut-offs could be in 90s

Out of 2.17 lakh applicants, six have 100% score and 14,589 have scored in 90s

Scores above 90% will not be good enough to get into coveted junior colleges this year.

Out of 2.17 lakh online applicants for first-year junior college (FYJC) seats, six have topped the general merit list announced on Saturday with 100% scores and 14,589 have scored in 90s. There are only 1.49 lakh seats in FYJC admissions.

This means that cut-off marks in the first and second merit list, to be released on June 27 and July 4, will touch 90s in popular colleges, said officials.

The toppers are largely from the state board who have benefitted from the additional sports marks of 15 to 25. Compared to last year, the number of applicants scoring more than 95% rose to 2,066 from 1,683.

The number of students scoring between 90% and 94.99% increased to 12,523 from 11,829 last year. This includes over 10,000 from the Maharashtra state board and national boards – 3,136 from ICSE and 1,324 from CBSE.

Read: FYJC admissions: Deadline for online forms extended

If this is the plight of those with scores in their 90s, the condition of those scoring in 80s and 70s is much worse, said principals. “Since all three important boards -- SSC, CBSE and ICSE –had good results this year, we are seeing an unprecedented hike in students scoring 90s. This means that others will find it difficult to get into coveted colleges,” said Kavita Rege, principal of Sathaye College, Vile Parle.

Read: Quota students told to fill forms in colleges and apply online too

Academicians added that students with marks in the 80s, 70s and 60s might be allotted seats only in the third lists in coveted colleges. “Students flock to the popular colleges so the cut-offs soar but those applying to smaller colleges will not face much problem. Their cut-offs will dip by the second or third list,” said Marie Fernandes, principal of St Andrew’s College, Bandra.

Officials added that they will declare a fourth list if required. “If students remain without a seat even after the third list, then we will announce a fourth list or directly allot them seats in colleges that have vacancies,” said a senior official from the deputy directorate of education, Mumbai region.