Pune: The state education department has decided to start the first year junior college (FYJC) admission process immediately after the Std X board examinations end to avoid the prolonged delays witnessed last year. Commissioner of education Sachindra Pratap Singh said the department has taken corrective measures to ensure a smoother process this year. “The previous shortcomings in the admission process will be addressed. Admissions will begin immediately after the examinations which will be extremely convenient for students and parents,” he added.In 2025, admissions continued until Dec, causing significant academic loss and stress for students and parents. The online system also faced technical glitches, leading to confusion and repeated changes in rules and schedules.This year, officials have said that the earlier shortcomings will be addressed. The department is expected to announce clear timelines, eligibility rules, required documents, and quota details well in advance. Experts have suggested limiting the centralised online process to metropolitan areas, as rural students faced financial and logistical hardships. The move aims to ensure timely completion of admissions and a smoother start to the academic year. They also said that the centralised online admission system be restricted to major metropolitan areas, citing difficulties faced by students in rural regions.Mukund Andhalakar, general secretary of Junior College Teachers’ Association, pointed out that last year’s process was hampered by the absence of a pre-declared schedule and frequent changes in eligibility conditions. For rural students, he recommended that admissions be conducted at the college level through an online system tailored to local needs.Stakeholders also highlighted the limited authority given to local staff to resolve grievances. As a result, institutions depended heavily on the Pune regional office to address technical and administrative issues, causing further delays.Parents and school authorities noted that even as the new academic year approached in 2026, admissions from the previous cycle were still underway. A junior college teacher said, “Rural students, in particular, reportedly faced financial and mental stress due to repeated visits, technical hurdles, and inadequate guidance.”Key expectations Education department must announce the admission schedule, rules, eligibility criteria, and required documents well in advanceClearly define quota-based admissions, divide the application process into phases, mandate application submission through secondary schools, and ensure timely dissemination of information to guidance centres and institutionsThe department hopes that these measures will restore confidence in the system and ensure that the academic year begins without further disruption
