JAC mandates re-registration for students failing board exams in three attempts

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Dec 14: The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) has introduced a significant policy change for matriculation and intermediate students who fail to clear their board examinations within three years of registration. The new rule mandates that such students must re-register in the previous class before reappearing for the board exams.

Under the revised guidelines, students whose registration period of three years has lapsed must complete fresh registration. For instance, a matriculation student who fails for the third consecutive year in 2025 must register again for Class IX. After passing the Class IX examination, they will be eligible for the matriculation exam in 2027. The same applies to intermediate students, who will need to re-register for Class XI if they fail thrice.

Previously, students could register anew for their fourth board attempt without retaking the preceding class. However, this is no longer allowed, delaying their next board attempt by at least two years.

This policy impacts thousands of students annually. JAC data indicates that approximately 15,000 students in Jharkhand appear for the board exams a fourth time each year.

Anil Kumar Mahato, Chairman of JAC, defended the decision, saying, “The rule has been made in the interest of students. It provides additional opportunities for those consistently failing or unable to appear due to other reasons.”

However, educators have raised concerns about the extended delay this rule imposes. Md. Tahir Hussain, Director of APJ Abdul Kalam High School, Mango, criticized the policy: “This is not good for the students’ future. Their three years have already been wasted. Adding another two years will increase the wait and frustration to clear the exam. This is not logical.”

According to JAC rules, the registration for matriculation and intermediate board exams is valid for three years. Students are allowed to attempt the exams three times within this period. The new policy aims to encourage better preparation and accountability among students, though its long-term effects remain to be seen.

Forms for the upcoming board examinations are currently being filled, with students and schools adjusting to the new requirements.