New Delhi: Students aspiring for a seat in one of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) could get another shot at achieving their dream, as the premier institutions are considering an extra JEE Advanced attempt in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, ThePrint has learnt.
So far, students were allowed to attempt the JEE Advanced only twice. But as an exception to students who either registered but could not write the paper or performed poorly, in the light of the Covid-related problems, the IITs are looking at giving them another chance.
This will, however, be a one-time measure and will be extended to only those who have exhausted their attempts this year.
The Joint Admission Board (JAB), which takes decisions related to JEE Advanced, will discuss this in its meeting to be held soon.
Professor V. Ramgopal Rao, Director IIT Delhi, who managed JEE Advanced 2020, confirmed the development to ThePrint. “The issue will be a part of the JAB agenda,” he said.
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More attempts a student demand
Students can write the JEE Main for three consecutive years with two chances at passing the exam each year — one in January and once in April.
Once they qualify, however, they get only two attempts at JEE Advanced.
But this year there was a demand from students to increase the number of JEE Advanced attempts as many complained that they could not prepare well for the exam since coaching centres were shut down and study material was not available easily.
A letter in this regard was also written to Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, requesting the ministry to increase JEE Advanced attempts.
“Candidates get six attempts — two attempts in January and April, each year for three consecutive years for JEE Main while for JEE Advanced only two attempts are allowed as per rules,” the letter by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava read.
“Even after qualifying JEE Main with top ranks in their third attempt, students are not permitted to appear in JEE Advanced. This is unjust, particularly to underprivileged and rural students.”
This prompted the IIT Delhi director to reach out to students through his social media account in September and clarify that the government is thinking of the students’ interests.
“Increasing the number of attempts for JEE Advanced is a decision, which is within the purview of the Joint Admission Board (JAB) of JEE Advanced. Please note that IIT Kharagpur is the Organising institute for JEE Advanced 2021. All IIT Directors are members of JAB besides many others.”
No. of attempts for JEE Advanced & JEE Mains. Please read my views. pic.twitter.com/dFMdLLXLpg
— V.Ramgopal Rao (@ramgopal_rao) September 16, 2020
He added that the decision to increase the attempts could be taken up after JEE advanced 2020 is done.
“After JEE Adv 2020, IIT Delhi will be handing over the charge to IIT Kharagpur for 2021. In the very first JAB Meeting for 2021 JEE Advanced, this matter will surely come up for discussion and an appropriate decision will be taken,” Rao added.
He confirmed to ThePrint Wednesday, that the matter is a part of the JAB meeting agenda and will be discussed for an appropriate action. Once the decision is finalised, students who exhausted two JEE Advanced attempts will be able take another attempt in 2021.
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