Changes in JEE Main and NEET – Everything You Need to Know

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has announced major changes in the national level engineering and medical entrance exams. From 2019, candidates will be able to take the IIT JEE Main exam twice a year. The change has been introduced to make the examination system more student-friendly and minimize the incidents of paper leak. Here is everything you need to know about the new examination system –

Is it mandatory for the students to appear for JEE Main Exam twice a year?
No, it is not mandatory to sit for JEE Main twice a year. Candidates can choose to appear only once if they are satisfied with their scores in the first attempt. However, candidates can take this test again to improve their ranks (higher of the two scores will be considered for admissions).

Will NEET also be conducted twice?
No. NEET will be conducted only once in 2019. Although, the HRD Ministry had earlier announced that the NEET exam will also be conducted twice a year, it has now withdrawn its decision.

Who will conduct JEE Main and NEET?
JEE Main and NEET will be conducted by the newly-established organization – National Testing Agency (NTA).

It must be noted that CBSE will no longer be the conducting body of JEE Main and NEET.

Will JEE Advanced also be held twice?
No. It will be held once only. IITs will continue to host the JEE Advanced exam.

Will JEE Main and NEET be conducted online or offline?
JEE Main will be a computer-based test. NEET, on the other hand, will be held in offline (pen and paper) mode.

How will the final scores be calculated in JEE Main?
The scores obtained by candidates in two sitting will be equated using standardisation techniques and psychometric methods. The higher of the two scores will be used for admissions.

Is there any change in the exam pattern and syllabus of JEE Main and NEET?
No. The exam pattern and syllabus of both the exams will remain the same.

Will the candidates be able to choose the date of JEE Main exam?
Yes. As per the latest changes, JEE Main will be conducted in multiple (eight) sittings. A candidate will be able to choose the date of the exam.

What other exams will be conducted by NTA?
Apart from JEE Main and NEET, NTA will conduct National Eligibility Test (NET), Common Management Admissions Test (CMAT) and Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT).

When will the JEE Main exam be held?
JEE Main 2019 dates are as follows –

*(eight sittings, candidates need to choose any one sitting)

When will NEET 2019 be held?
NEET 2019 will be held on 5th May 2019.

What are test practice centers?
Test practice centers will be established by NTA for the benefit of rural students. These centres shall remain open on Saturdays and Sundays. Students from rural areas will be able to use this facility free of charge to prepare for entrance exams.