CBSE's Transformative Changes in the JEE Main Exam for 2018
For the past four years, the National Test Agency (NTA) has been responsible for conducting the JEE Main exam. This responsibility will continue through the upcoming examinations scheduled for early 2023. For detailed information, please visit the NTA website. Additionally, for strategic advice tailored to achieving your desired rank, you can refer to Note that this test significantly differs from the 12th board examination and requires strategic preparation to compete among an aspirant pool of around 1.2 million candidates vying for approximately 39,000 seats in over 80 top government engineering degree colleges, including the prestigious 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Government Announcements and Revisions for JEE Main 2018
During the annual budget presentation in February 2017, the government announced an epoch-making decision for the JEE Main 2018 exam. This decision particularly delighted students and brought a smile to the faces of most examination aspirants. The announcement pertained to two primary changes in the exam structure: the number of test administrations and the introduction of a new agency for conducting the exams.
Starting from 2018, the government planned to administer the JEE exam multiple times a year. This change would immensely benefit candidates who used to wait for the next year to reappear in the exam. The candidates no longer needed to endure a year-long wait to retake the test.
Early discussions suggested that a new agency named the National Testing Service (NTS) could take over the conduct of the JEE Main exam from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Consequently, if the NTS became the primary conducting body, the CBSE would no longer be responsible for the JEE Main. While these changes were planned, the implementation details have yet to be finalized.
Fascinating Aspects of JEE Main 2018
The JEE Main 2018 held immense appeal due to its flexibility and the new features introduced. First and foremost, the exam would be fully online, significantly reducing the burden on candidates. Moreover, students were free to appear in as many exams within a year as they wished, and the highest marks from these tests would be used for ranking purposes. This was a highly anticipated and exciting development for many aspirants.
Approximately one million candidates could opt to take the test online, a decision made to ensure that students from rural areas could participate without any logistical barriers. Furthermore, a dedicated 24/7 call center was established to assist students with any issues or concerns they might face during the exam process. These measures were designed to provide a seamless and accessible experience for all candidates, regardless of their location.
What You Need to Know About JEE Main 2018
If you're preparing for the JEE Main 2018, there are several key aspects to be aware of:
The exam will be fully online, making it more convenient for candidates to take the test from any location. Candidates can appear multiple times in the exam within a year, and the best marks from these attempts will be considered for ranking. Around one million candidates are eligible to take the test online, which helps in reducing the pressure on physical examination centers. A robust 24/7 call center is in place to support students, particularly those from rural areas, ensuring they can overcome any challenges they may face.Conclusion
The JEE Main 2018 introduced significant changes that improved the accessibility and flexibility of the exam. These changes, including the online format and multiple test administrations, were designed to benefit aspirants and level the playing field for all candidates. While the introduction of NTS has not materialized, the changes implemented by CBSE have significantly enhanced the JEE Main experience. As the exam approaches, it is essential for aspirants to familiarize themselves with these changes and take full advantage of the new opportunities presented.