But after protests from students and the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS), the directorate issued another notification stating that the contentious criteria will not apply this year.

“The new rules were unfair, and were implemented without consultation with students or management institutes,” said Sainath Durge, vice president, MNVS.

SK Mahajan, director of DTE, said, “Students with 45% scores, and those who have received bachelor’s degrees through correspondence will be eligible for the test. However, the criteria will be applicable for the next entrance test to be conducted in February 2011.”

While several aspirants were ecstatic over the change, others said they will protest if the rule is brought back next year. “It is unfair to debar students who have a valid degree from recognised institutes only because it is earned through distance education. I am happy for myself, but it will be an opportunity lost for others like myself in the coming years,” said Bharat Pandey, who completed his BCom through correspondence from the University of Mumbai.