The Impact of Allowing Three Attempts in JEE Main and Advanced

As a second-time dropper, I never ventured into offline coaching until now. My journey to the JEE Main began after hearing stories from my friends about the significance of clearing the exam by the end of my 12th grade. In 2023, I appeared for the JEE Main but didn't clear it. The path to preparation for such a crucial exam just before 12th grade turned out to be incredibly challenging due to a lack of guidance and test series. Despite the absence of formal coaching, I managed to secure a spot in the JEE Main 2024 after months of hard work.

motivated to pursue the JEE Advanced, despite facing numerous obstacles, I appeared for the exam and, unfortunately, didn't qualify. Feeling disillusioned and with my dreams shrouded in uncertainty, I decided to challenge the system. The All India Institute of Technology (IIT) prof explained that the two-attempt eligibility criteria was introduced to address the concerns of the coaching mafia, the advantage of a year's maturity, and the habit of living away from home during preparation. However, my situation was different—no offline coaching, no financial burden, and no gap in education. I believed that the authorities had no right to deny a second chance to a middle-class student like me.

Comparison of JEE Main and JEE Advanced Attempts

JEE Main allows three attempts: one with class 12th, one after one year of passing 12th, and one after two years of passing 12th. In contrast, JEE Advanced has a more rigid two-attempt policy: one with class 12th and one after one year of passing 12th. This difference in attempt policies significantly affects the strategies and outcomes for students.

Struggles and Success in the Third Attempt

The journey of one of my friends exemplifies the potential for success in the third attempt of JEE Main. Initially, he didn't secure a good college in the first attempt, prompting him to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and appearing for JEE Main in the second attempt. Despite this, he couldn't find a satisfactory college. However, in his third and final attempt, at the second year of his BSc, he achieved an impressive AIR under 50 in JEE Main and was accepted into the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) branch at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy. This example shows that success in the exams can be possible even in the final attempt.

Consequences of Limited Attempts

For many like my friend, the limited second attempt for JEE Advanced is a significant hurdle. It can result in a delay in undergraduate studies, additional financial burden, and a sense of frustration. The disappointed look on my friend's face after his third JEE Main attempt is a poignant reminder of the impact of such policies on students' lives.

Advocating for Fairness

As a student from a middle-class family, I had to rely on online resources and personal motivation to prepare for JEE Main and Advanced. The authorities often justify the strict limit on attempts by citing the benefits of the coaching mafia and the disadvantages of repeated failures. However, my experience highlights that the rigid policy disproportionately affects students who can't afford coaching and live a normal life during their preparation. More flexible policies, such as allowing three attempts as in JEE Main, would provide a fairer and more inclusive system.

Key Points

JEE Main has three attempts: class 12th, one year after, and two years after. JEE Advanced has two attempts: class 12th and one year after. The limited third attempt for JEE Advanced can lead to delays in undergraduate education and additional financial struggles. Flexible policies like allowing three attempts would support a more inclusive and fair education system.

Ultimately, the decision to limit or extend the number of attempts in JEE exams should be based on the best interests of students, rather than the convenience of the existing system. A fair and flexible approach would ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have a chance to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions like IITs.