Mixed reactions to new JEE, NEET format

The Centre's decision to hold the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) for admission to engineering colleges and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for entry into medical colleges twice a year has evoked a mixed response from academicians, students and their parents here. Some said getting multiple chances would help the students, others said it would create more pressure on them. Binod Dash, general secretary of Odisha Private Engineering College Association, said the new system of examination would help the students immensely. "If a student takes the test poorly in the first attempt, he can get a second chance in the same year. It will boost his confidence. Even a meritorious student can sit for the examination for a second time and get good marks," he added.Harish Sandhuja, principal of Sai International School, said holding the same exam twice a year was a good step. "The students can get another chance to improve their scores. Secondly, the idea of conducting computer-based examinations and not using pen and paper is a welcome step. It will save both paper and time," he said.Some parents and students however criticized the proposal. They said the new format would increase stress among students. "The children appear for several entrance tests a year. My daughter is planning to sit for the AIIMS entrance test, NEET, JEE (Main) and the NISER entrance test. If she takes two tests for JEE (Main) and NEET, she will feel pressurized," said Gandhi Swain, a resident of Ganjam.Science student S Soumyaranjan of the city said the step was much needed but would create more pressure on youngsters. "We will not get time to relax before starting the academic year. Waiting for the first result and then the second result will create anxiety among us," he added.Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said the JEE (Main) would be held in January and April every year, while NEET would be conducted in February and May.

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