JEE-Main likely to be held four times from 2021

Union education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on Thursday addressed concerns about upcoming board and competitive exams during a webinar interaction with students.  

Several students had raised questions and doubts regarding the schedule and conduct of JEE, NEET, CBSE and other board examinations in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using #EducationMinisterGoesLive, students have asked several questions regarding CBSE Board Exam 2021, JEE Main 2021 and NEET 2021. While some students sought a reduced syllabus of CBSE board exam, others have asked the minister to announce the board examination dates.

During the webinar, Pokhriyal said that there is no plan to cancel the medical entrance test for the next academic year – NEET 2021. Answering another question, the minister said that his ministry is considering to hold multiple sessions of the national engineering entrance, JEE Main.

"The suggestion of Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)-Main 2021 to be held four times in a year will be examined positively, beginning in the end of February, thereafter in March, April and May-2021, for three to four days during each time," He said. 

On reopening all schools the Minister said, "The School Education department and Literacy department have issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and released other specific guidelines for reopening the schools. These guidelines pertain to health and safety and maintaining physical and social distancing. Apart from this, given the current health scenario, the concerned state governments will take a decision in the matter."

He also reiterated that if students are not able to visit schools for lab work, it would not be possible to hold CBSE practical board exams. He added that if the COVID-19 situation remains the same, the exams will have to be postponed and the ministry will decide on it soon.