While students fret about the new class 12 eligibility criteria for the IIT-JEE (Indian Institute of Technology, Joint Entrance Examination) colleges are happy that finally class 12 scores will get the importance they deserve.

On Monday, Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal said that one would need to score 80 to 85 per cent in class 12 to be able to attempt the IIT-JEE.

The requisite score was 60 per cent to 80-85 per cent.

“This was required. The rush for JEE has become a mad frenzy and students were putting all their eggs in one basket. The class 12 exam ensures a strong foundation and all round development,” said Avnita Bir, principal, RN Podar School, Santacruz.

“Not everyone cracks the JEE. A good class 12 score gives you other options as well,” she added.

But students are worried. “Already the JEE pressure is immense and now this. There is a reason why the coaching classes have a monopoly. They give us that competitive edge,” said Agyesh Shah, an IIT aspirant who studies seven hours a day.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools said that there would not be too much of a conflict and students who are prepared for JEE will be able to score an 80 per cent in their class 12 examinations too.

But the state board HSC colleges said that the difference in approach and orientation is huge and students will have to prepare for two different sets of examinations.

“While a good student can balance both, it must also be considered that the syllabus, examination style and orientation are different from the HSC board and JEE pattern,” said Kavita Rege, principal, Sathaye College.