Pune: The state education department’s govt resolution on Monday added a special fifth round for the first time ever exclusively for girls’ admission to first year junior college (FYJC) for academic year 2026-27.The round would be held after the open-to-all phase. It is to ensure that girls have ample opportunity to secure seats in their preferred institutes and boost their enrollment in higher secondary classes, said officials.Additionally, institutes that obstruct cancellation of admissions or refuse to return original documents will face penalty of up to Rs50,000 for the first offence and Rs1,00,000 for each subsequent instance.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.”Meanwhile, 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 said, “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.
