India, May 14 -- Students aiming to secure admission in top junior colleges in Mumbai are likely to face intense competition this year as the number of high scorers in class 10 exams across boards have witnessed a sharp rise.

More than 17,500 students have scored above 90% in the SSC exam this year in Mumbai division alone, which is nearly 5,000 more than last year. Students from the CBSE and ICSE boards have also performed well.

According to college principals and admission experts, cutoffs in the first merit list could soar above 95%, especially in sought-after colleges like Ruparel, Sathaye, KC, HR, Kirti, St. Xavier's, Mithibai, Ruia, Podar and Hinduja.

"There's clearly a surge in top scorers this year across all boards. With so ma...