NEET and JEE Main 2021: 9 important takeaways from the live webinar

Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ interacted with students in a live session on December 10. He answered their questions on how they are holding the CBSE board and competitive exams like NEET and JEE Main 2021 next year. Major concerns from students included the syllabus, number of attempts and the date of the exams. Though he did not announce any date, he provided important information regarding the ministry’s plans.

He was very cryptic with his words. In fact, he took up most questions as suggestions. He said, "As per the situation, we are discussing the matter internally." But here are 9 important takeaways from his interaction that concerns NEET and JEE Main 2021 students.

1. Upto 4 attempts of JEE Main 2021

On dates of JEE Main and NEET 2021, Ramesh Pokhriyal stated that EduMin is trying to assess the situation and give out the dates as soon as they can. Students have even asked to conduct exams multiple times in the year 2021. To which, he said that they are discussing the matter internally and considering if JEE Main can be held for up to four times.

Currently, it is conducted twice-a-year.

2. No, NEET 2021 will not be postponed

Without pointing fingers, he states that he does not understand who are inciting protests. But parents and students want NEET 2021 to happen. As these exams decide the future of students and, even the country, so they are not looking to postpone NEET 2021. In fact, EduMin is trying to give out the dates as early as possible to mentally prepare the students to give the exams.

3. JEE Main and 12th practicals will possibly not clash

Students have asked if JEE Main and practical exams will clash. To which, he said that they are trying to not to clash the papers as it is tough for students. They are looking to ease how students give papers.

4. JEE Main 2021 will happen online and NEET 2021 will happen offline

A student asked the EduMin if the exams will happen online or offline. To this, he says that JEE Main has always happened in online, but NEET in offline. Yet, EduMin is considering the suggestions from students. If a lot of students ask for online conduct, then NTA might think of conducting the exams online.

5. Syllabus reduction

On JEE Main 2021 syllabus reduction, the education minister said that many boards have reduced their syllabi. However, some state boards have decided not to. "We are discussing on the syllabus of JEE Main 2021 so that students from all boards can participate," he said.

6. Number of questions might change

"The syllabus for JEE (Main 2021) will remain same as the previous year and a proposal is under examination where students will be given choice to answer 75 questions (25 questions each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) out of 90 questions (30 questions each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)," the minister said.

7. Parents concern on the safety of students

Answering a parents concern on schools reopening, Ramesh Pokhriyal said that the virus is affecting people even at home. So, it all comes down to how careful an individual is. But the government is trying to ensure that all students and teachers follow the SOPs.

8. Practical exams will happen at the school level

Ramesh Pokhriyal stated, “CBSE Board will conduct practical exams on school-level. If it finds that the conduct is impossible, then we will think about it later. Although, I am adamant that conditions will improve.”

9. JEE Main 2021 and NEET 2021 exam dates

Mr Ramesh Pokhriyal assured board and entrance exam students that they will be given enough time to prepare. The minister, however, did not confirm a larger delay in the examination. He hinted that for the most part the examinations would be conducted by May 2021. Final dates for JEE Main 2021 would be notified by NTA and are expected within this month.