Chennai: Teachers and students gave mixed responses to the conduct of Joint Entrance Examinations (main) twice a year from 2018-19. As per the National Testing Agency’s announcement, the first examination will be held from January 6 to 20, 2019 and the second examination from April 6 to 20, 2019.
While saying it is not compulsory to appear in both the tests, it said that in case a candidate appears in both the tests, the better of the two scores will be used for the admissions and eligibility for JEE (Advanced) 2019.
“Conducting JEE (main) exam in January is not ideal as the students would be busy with their board exam preparations. They can conduct JEE after the board exams which will allow the students to concentrate more,” said G.Nagalingam, a maths teacher in Bhaktavatsalam Vidyashram in Korattur.
Some principals said schools will conduct revision tests for the students appearing for board exams in January. “The practical exams will start in the first week of February. If the students prepare for JEE exam in January, then, their performance in board exams may come down,” they concerned.
Educational consultant D.Nedunchezhian said, “Conducting JEE (main) twice is not a right method and it will lead to confusion in admissions. Now, the schools will be forced to rush the syllabus as this exam comes within six months.” He alleged that the decision to conduct JEE (Main) exam twice a year is just to increase the revenue.
However, students are happy with the announcement as it would give them another chance to clear the test. “The first test may throw light where we stand in terms of our preparation. It is not compulsory and we welcome it,” a class 12 student said.
NTA, in the public announcement, also said the exam will be conducted only in online mode.
