India, June 24 -- Around 60,000 students in the Mumbai region, who have been allotted colleges in the third list for Class 11 admissions, now face a new challenge. Compared to the second list, the cut-offs for the commerce stream in many reputed colleges have risen significantly, with increases ranging from 0.2% to 1.5%, putting commerce course aspirants at a disadvantage. In contrast, science stream cut-offs have dropped in several colleges though they remain stable in others.

This year saw a decline in the number of students scoring 90% and above in the Class 10 examinations. Consequently, it was speculated that the admission process would be somewhat easier for students. However, this assumption proved incorrect as early as the first ...