Admission delays across Maharashtra have thrown the academic future of over 2.5 million students into uncertainty. From first-year junior college (FYJC) applicants to aspirants of professional degree courses like engineering, medicine, law, and management, the admission process has been crippled by software glitches, legal complications, and administrative missteps.
The most visible impact has been on the FYJC admissions, where 1.3 million students who cleared their Class 10 exams over a month ago are still waiting for the first merit list. Originally scheduled for release on June 6, the list was postponed to June 10, and then again to June 26. Even this new date remains uncertain, as the education department continues to battle technical snags in the newly rolled-out online admission portal.
FYJC Admissions in Disarray
According to Mahesh Palkar, Director of Secondary Education, the department is conducting urgent testing and software updates. “We are trying to release the first merit list on June 26, but if that’s not possible, we will issue a fresh schedule by Thursday,” he said.
The current problems stem partly from a legal challenge filed by minority institutions over government-imposed SC/ST/OBC reservations in their non-minority quota seats. While the Supreme Court eventually struck down the reservation policy, the need to revise the software after the verdict has led to further delays. A department official estimated that it would take another five to six days to complete these technical modifications.
Blame on Poor Planning and Execution
Experts and college principals have criticized the state education department for pushing a statewide online admission system without sufficient preparation. Until last year, online FYJC admissions were limited to regions like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik. This year’s expansion to the entire state happened without adequate testing or training for institutions.
“They rushed into this without dry runs or infrastructure in place. Now students are bearing the brunt of it,” said Mahendra Ganpule, former spokesperson of the Maharashtra State Principals Association. Some principals even believe the technical issues are being used to mask a broader lack of preparedness within the department.
Professional Course Admissions Also Stalled
While the junior college delays have drawn the most attention, another 1.2 million students seeking admission to professional undergraduate courses are also facing uncertainty. Courses in engineering, pharmacy, BBA, BMS, law, agriculture, and polytechnic programs remain in limbo as the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) is yet to begin.
Despite the CET Cell successfully conducting 18 entrance exams between March and April, and declaring results in May and June, the actual admission process has not moved forward. According to sources, delays are being caused by unresolved procedural issues and a lack of coordination between departments like the CET Cell, Directorate of Technical Education, and the Higher and Technical Education Department.
“There is no unified approach. Each body is working independently, and the result is total confusion,” said a college official familiar with the process.
Medical Admissions on Hold Till August
Students aiming for MBBS and other medical degrees face a different obstacle altogether. The Medical Council’s approval process for new colleges will continue until July 31. Until then, admissions to undergraduate medical programs will remain paused. This poses a serious challenge, as July and August are usually reserved for conducting four rounds of admissions.
If the process doesn’t begin soon, the academic year may be pushed to late August or even September — a delay that will disrupt classroom schedules, examinations, and future plans.
Ripple Effects on Students’ Futures
The cascading effects of these delays are likely to hit students the hardest. A prolonged admission cycle could impact internships, campus placements, and even study-abroad opportunities. With no fixed timelines and poor communication from authorities, students and parents are left anxious and directionless.
“This is not just a delay — it’s a disruption that could affect students’ academic growth and career timelines,” warned a senior principal from a reputed engineering college.
As the clock ticks and no concrete schedule is in sight, Maharashtra’s education authorities are under mounting pressure to resolve the issues and bring the admission process back on track — before it derails an entire academic year.
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