An applicant who has successfully completed a Pre-University Course or Senior Secondary School course(‘+2’) or an equivalent qualification (such as 11+1, ‘A’ level) in the Senior School Leaving Certificate Course) from a recognized university in India or abroad, or from a Senior Secondary Board or an equivalent body constituted or recognized by the Union or State Government, or from any equivalent institution in a foreign country recognized by the government of that country for the purpose of issuing a qualifying certificate upon successful completion of the course, may apply for and be admitted to the course. The minimum percentage of marks in the qualifying examination shall not be below 45% (44.5% and above shall be treated as 45%) for general category applicants, and 40% (39.5% and above shall be treated as 40%) for SC and ST applicants. The maximum age for seeking admission is limited to twenty years for general category applicants, and twenty-two years for applicants from SC, ST, and other backward communities.