Few days back one newspaper reported that from next year the minimum qualifying marks to appear for JEE will be 70% for GE candidates and 65% for PD/ST/SC candidates.
I am not sure how far this report is right but yes this IIT peoples can't be trusted.They can alter anything to maintain the standards of IITs.Oflate reports have come from various IITs about the incompetance of many candidates who bagged a seat in one of the IITs.
70% marks citeria should not be a hurdle for one who is well prepared for JEE because they can score that marks but it will be a blow to those 12th passout students who didn't get that 70% qualifying marks.Yes,they can opt for improvement exams.For CBSE candidates,the last date for submission of forms for betterment exams is 5th September 2008 by 5pm.For various STATE BOARDS,i got no idea.
Hope this info helps you.
Regards
Mark