The Maharashtra state education department has issued a government resolution on Monday, introducing a special fifth round exclusively for girls' admission to the first year junior college (FYJC) for the academic year 2026-27. This is the first time such a round has been implemented.
Special Round for Girls
The fifth round will be conducted after the open-to-all phase. Officials stated that this measure aims to ensure girls have ample opportunity to secure seats in their preferred institutes and boost their enrollment in higher secondary classes.
Penalties for Colleges
Institutions that obstruct the cancellation of admissions or refuse to return original documents will face penalties. For the first offence, a fine of up to Rs 50,000 will be imposed, and for each subsequent instance, the penalty will be Rs 1,00,000.
Director of secondary education Mahesh Palkar said, "Over the years, there have been complaints that colleges refuse to refund the fees paid or part with the submitted original documents even after students cancel admission within the stipulated time. We have introduced a penalty for such junior colleges or schools for the first time."
Online Profile Creation
The process to create online student profiles is scheduled from May 5 to 14. Filling of college preferences will begin immediately after the Class X results are declared. The state has mandated that academic sessions must begin by July 15.
Palkar added, "An online profile gives students time to edit forms or change uploaded documents, etc, so that there are no mistakes when the final application is submitted — allowing the admission process to run smoothly." He also appealed that students check the official website to stay updated about schedules and ensure submission of required documents and forms on time.
