Bhubaneswar, March 2: The Orissa Joint Entrance Examination authorities have decided to increase the minimum eligibility norm for the entrance examination to a minimum 50 per cent marks in physics, chemistry and mathematics in Plus Two classes.

Earlier, any student, who had cleared Plus Two science was eligible for the entrance examination. Orissa JEE authorities have also decided to increase the number of outstation centres from seven to 15 to rope in more students.

“To prevent large-scale vacancy, the non-resident Indian quota has been reduced from 15 per cent to five per cent,” said JEE committee vice-chairman Sitaram Mohapatra.

“Application forms will be available online at www.orissajee.com. Students can download and submit these forms. They will have to send us a draft of Rs 550 through speed post. We will also have a 12-hour call centre to help students with the e-admission process. The centre will be operational from 8 am to 8 pm everyday,” said Mohapatra.

This year, authorities have come up with two different dates to ensure that students get a chance to appear for multiple tests. Exams will be held on May 1 and May 8.