The Delhi High Court has permitted a student to provisionally appear in the JEE (Advanced) 2026 examination, even as questions remain over his eligibility under existing rules.
The order was passed by Justice Jasmeet Singh on April 28, 2026, while hearing a writ petition challenging disqualification under the JoSAA counselling framework.
Background of the Case
The petitioner, Shreyansh Jarwal, had appeared for JEE (Advanced) 2025 and participated in the JoSAA counselling process. During counselling, he was allotted a seat at IIT Guwahati in Engineering Physics after earlier rounds and paid the seat acceptance fee.
However, he chose not to join the course and later sought clarity on whether he could appear again for JEE (Advanced) 2026. His request was denied by IIT Roorkee, the organizing institute for the 2026 exam, citing eligibility rules.
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As per the rules, candidates who have previously accepted admission in an IIT-even if they later withdraw-may be disqualified from reappearing.
The petitioner argued that although a seat was allotted, the admission process was never fully completed because physical document verification at the institute did not take place.
He contended that his case falls within the exceptions mentioned in the eligibility criteria, which allow certain candidates—who did not complete admission formalities-to reappear.
An urgent request was also made before the Court to allow him to sit for the exam scheduled on May 17, 2026, as denial would effectively end his remaining attempt.
Counsel for the respondents opposed the request, relying on established legal principles that courts should not grant interim relief in academic matters contrary to rules.
They cited past Supreme Court rulings warning against allowing students to appear in exams through interim orders, especially when eligibility is in dispute.
The Court noted that the central issue-whether the petitioner falls within the exemption under the eligibility criteria-requires detailed examination and will be decided after pleadings are complete.
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However, it also observed that denying interim relief at this stage would render the entire petition meaningless.
“The petitioner has a prima facie case and the balance of convenience lies in his favour,” the bench observed.
The Court highlighted that the petitioner has only two attempts at JEE Advanced and has already used one. If not allowed now, he would lose his final opportunity.
Importantly, the Court also examined the seat allotment conditions and noted that final admission was subject to physical verification of documents at the institute-something that did not occur in this case.
Addressing concerns about judicial overreach, the judge clarified:
“This is not a case of misplaced sympathy but based on the facts placed before the Court.”
In its interim order, the Delhi High Court directed that the petitioner be issued an admit card and allowed to provisionally appear in JEE (Advanced) 2026.
The Court made it clear that the petitioner’s participation will remain subject to the final outcome of the case. If the petition ultimately fails, the result of the examination may be declared null and void.
The matter has been listed for final hearing on May 25, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Shreyansh Jarwal vs Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) & Ors.
Case Number: W.P.(C) 5770/2026
Judge: Justice Jasmeet Singh
Decision Date: 28 April 2026
