Postponing JEE (Main) a good decision, but we need clarity: Students

Students ask the NTA, which conducts the exam, to clarify on May session; parents say the Centre should find alternative options considering the current COVID situation

The April session of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) (Main) was on Sunday postponed in the wake of the current COVID-19 situation, a decision appreciated by the parents. This was the third of the four sessions this year.

“Looking at the present situation of COVID-19 and also taking into account the safety and wellbeing of candidates and examination functionaries, it has been decided to postpone JEE (Main) April session [scheduled from April 27-30],” stated the order from the National Testing Agency (NTA) which conducts the test.

Some disappointed

The decision came as a sigh of relief for lakhs who were to take the exam, but those looking forward to improving their score in the third attempt were a little disappointed. 

Starting this year, JEE (Main) candidates are allowed four chances as opposed to two until last year. Special arrangements were made to conduct the exam amid the pandemic. However, as the situation worsened quickly, the NTA decided to postpone it and said a revised schedule will be announced later or at least 15 days prior to the exam date.

“The first two sessions were in February and March. The fourth one was in May. Now after the changes in the April schedule, the NTA should clarify its stand on the May session,” said Rutvik Shah. He said there is stress already from the Std XII exam “and now we have to wait for JEE too. “Until all four JEE (Main) sessions are over, JEE (Advance) will have to wait,” he added.

Uncertainty again

Students have been complaining that they have been studying the same curriculum for almost a year and there is an uncertainty again due to the alarming COVID-19 situation currently.

“Currently, we are all looking after the physical health of students, but mental health is equally important,” said Rajitha S, a concerned parent.

Anubha Shrivastava from India Wide Parents Association, also said, “Considering the current COVID-19 situation, there was a major opposition to JEE (Main) too. It was a good decision to postpone it. But more importantly, the government should look at alternative approaches.”

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