Is a drop year the only way to get into college at 20/21?

[Shruti]

My qualifications so far: 2022-23 – 10th board, 95%; 2023-24 – 11th, 70%; 2024-25 – repeating 11th; 2025-26 – 12th likely to fail unless I get grace, may have to repeat again because even if I pass I need at least 60% and the 75% mark is at stake; JEE Main 2021 session 2 – 67th percentile, all subjects weak; JEE Main 2022 session 2 – 75 out of 300, all subjects weak (EWS cutoff is around 80th percentile); family income less than 2 lakh per annum (EWS); diagnosed with depression and anxiety; will turn 20 in a month (born 2006); home state – Delhi.

[Jayant]

Yes, take a drop and focus on preparing for next year. Try to join any small library you can find and use the EWS + Delhi quota to your advantage. If you follow good lecturers and do all the homework, you should be able to crack the mains easily next year. So, take a drop if you feel you can manage it; otherwise you can join a college through IPU counselling or a local government college, or even look at AKTU.

[Bhavin]

I don't think you should wait for next year. Finish a degree quickly and start working. If you're male, spending more time on entrance exams may not be worth it, especially with family responsibilities that could add stress. Start earning or learn job-ready skills alongside your degree.

[Irfan]

Hey, take a deep breath. I know it feels like the world is on your shoulders, but a drop year isn't the only option and it's not the end of the world. Many think skipping a year to prep for Tier-1 colleges is the only path, but the IT/CS industry now values skills a lot. If you're mentally exhausted, a full drop might cause burnout. Have you thought about a partial drop or building skills while studying in any college? In a 40-year career, one year is just a tiny blip. Prioritise your mental health – you've got this!