India, June 29 -- After weeks of uncertainty and schedule changes, the education department unexpectedly released the first merit list for First-Year Junior College (FYJC) admissions across Maharashtra on Saturday evening. Over 6.92 lakh students have secured seats in the first phase of admissions.

Students allotted colleges must confirm their admissions by physically visiting the respective junior colleges between June 30 and July 7, according to the revised official schedule. The vacancy list for the second round will be published on July 9.

The FYJC admission process, which began on May 21, was marred by technical glitches and repeated postponements. Initially, the first merit list was expected on June 26, but a last-minute revision ...