JEE, NEET 2020 Highlights: Important developments

JEE Main, NEET 2020: The Joint Entrance Examinations (JEE) Main exam began on Tuesday across India, with precautions amid pandemic, despite protests by Opposition parties and some students.According to reports, before entering the exam halls, the temperature of students was checked and sanitisers were also given to them in Delhi.The JEE Main will be held between September 1-6, while the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2020 is scheduled for September 13.Read More| JEE Mains 2020: Important developments, students’ feedback on Day -2 The Supreme Court had earlier rejected the plea to postpone the entrance examinations. Six Ministers of opposition-ruled states approached the Supreme Court on Friday against its order of allowing NEET and JEE Main 2020 exams despite the increasing Covid-19 cases in the country. The plea has been filled by the ministers from West Bengal (Moloy Ghatak), Jharkhand (Rameshwar Oraon), Rajasthan (Raghu Sharma), Chhattisgarh (Amarjeet Bhagat), Punjab (B S Sidhu) and Maharashtra (Uday Ravindra Sawant). NTA claims that appropriate measurements have been taken to conduct the entrance examinations safely. The agency further said that over 99% of candidates have been assigned their “first choice of centre cities.”Here are the latest developments as students appeared for the JEE main exams, which commenced on Tuesday:

02:09 PM IST

JEE Mains 2020: Social distancing norms followed properly at Delhi centre, says a candidate

Puneet Kaushal, 18, a resident of Haryana’s Revari, had travelled to Delhi on a Roadways bus on Monday to appear in JEE (Main). He had chosen Delhi as the centre. “I was really scared about the safety measures at the centres but when I reached here in Vivek Vihar I found everything in place. Social distancing norms were properly followed at the examination centre. We were asked to dispose of the face masks we were wearing and were given new masks. There were guards at the entry and exit points with sanitiser spray. Everyone was wearing masks inside the centre,” he said.

12:18 PM IST

JEE Main 2020 aspirants undergo temperature check at UP’s exam centre

Candidates underwent temperature check at Subash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Education in Prabandh Nagar, Muburakpur that has been designated as a JEE Mains exam centre.

Candidates were given fresh masks and gloves before entering the centre.

 

12:14 PM IST

Sanitisation, temperature check of JEE Main 2020 aspirants at Kerala examination centre

Sanitisation facility installed and temperature of candidates being checked before entering an examination centre in Kochi’s Aluva, for #JEEMains exam, earlier today.

 

11:54 am IST

All necessary COVID-19 protocols in place for JEE exams, says Karnataka Minister

The preparations to ensure necessary COVID-19 protection protocols for conducting Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Main 2020 from September 1 to 6 have been made in Karnataka, said Dr K Sudhakar, State Medical Education Minister

11:04 am IST

JEE Main 2020: Uttarakhand govt running special buses for students in all 13 districts

Uttarakhand government is running special buses for exam aspirants in every district from the district headquarters to the exam centres. At present, two buses each will ply in the 13 districts, but the service can be increased if needed. Uttarakhand has over 13,000 aspirants appearing for the JEE this year.

10:13 am IST

HC refuses to stay JEE Main exam, candidates from flood-hit areas can ask NTA for re-exam

The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused to stay the JEE-Main examination, but said any student residing in flood-hit parts of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region who cannot reach the exam centre or reaches late can apply to the National Testing Agency to seek a re-examination. Read more

10:01 am IST

Well prepared to conduct JEE, NEET, said education minister of Gujarat

The Gujarat government will take all necessary precautions in view of COVID-19 pandemic to hold JEE and NEET examinations next month, state Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said on Monday.

09:43 am IST

JEE Main begins across India with Covid-19 precautions

Despite protests and hunger strike by students and opposition parties, the Joint Entrance Examinations (JEE) Main for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) has begun with precautions amid COVID-19 on Tuesday.

09:21 PM IST

Punjab authorities following SOPs to ensure safety of JEE Mains 2020 aspirant

To ensure adequate arrangements at the examination centres for conduct of Joint Entrance Examination (Mains) from September 1 to 6, authorities in Punjab are following standard operating procedures (SOPs) at the nine centres.

The exams will be conducted by the Tata Consultancy Services. In Ludhiana single examination centre has been set up at ION digital zone, near Sherpur Chowk for this purpose. A total of 13,995 candidates will appear for the JEE Mains 2020 exams in Punjab. Read more

07:38 PM IST

The number of JEE Mains 2020 candidates per shift has been reduced from 1.32 lakh to 85000

According to the official notice released by the NTA, the number of examination centers have also been increased from 570 to 660 (in case of JEE Main) and 2546 to 3843 (in case of NEET (UG) 2020). JEE (Main) is computer-based test (CBT) and NEET (UG) is pen paper-based test.

Additionally, in case of JEE (Main), the number of shifts has been increased from the earlier 8 to 12, and the number of candidates per shift has been reduced from earlier 1.32 lakh to 85000 now.

07:29 PM IST

Union Education Minister appeals to states to support JEE Mains 2020 aspirants

Union Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhiyal ‘Nishank’ has appealed to the chief ministers of various states to support the students appearing for the JEE Mains exam.

“I appeal to chief ministers of all states that support our students in such unprecedented circumstances and make appropriate arrangements so the aspirants do not have to face any inconvenience. I also appeal to students to have faith in agencies behind conduct of the examination,” the Education Minister said.Read more

07:06 PM IST

Rajasthan CM asks DMs to ensure health care arrangements for JEE mains, NEET 2020 candidates

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Ghelot directs DMs of state to ensure the health care protocols arrangements at each examination centres for students appearing in JEE Mains, NEET 2020 examinations.

 

06:30 PM IST

I don’t have any HOPE for JEE now, says Licypriya Kangujam

Eight-year old Climate and Environment activist Licypriya Kangujam said on Twitter, “ I don’t have any HOPE for JEE now. All the best for your exam tomorrow. We don’t know what will happen in the next few hours. Everyone contributed their best efforts. Now only left for biggest exam of NEET on 13 September.”

 

06:03 PM IST

JEE Mains 2020: Directions for candidates after examination

1. On completion of a shift, the candidates will be permitted to move out in an orderly manner one candidate at a time. Please wait for instructions from invigilator and do not get up from your seat until advised.

2. Candidate must drop the admit card and rough sheets in the advised boxes after displaying to the staff available next to drop box. If any candidate misses to drop admit card or rough sheets in boxes, action (which also includes disqualification from the exam) can be taken against him.

05:32 PM IST

Around 5,500 candidates will appear in JEE Mains, NEET 2020 exam, says Goa CM Promod Sawant

Around 5,500 candidates will be appearing in NEET and JEE examinations in Goa. I convey my best wishes to these candidates. They need to take precautions while appearing in the exams: Goa Chief Minister Promod Sawant

 

05:13 PM IST

JEE Mains 2020: Precautionary measures to be taken during examination

1. Five A4 size sheets will be kept at each candidate’s desk for use by candidate for rough work. If additional sheets are required for rough work by the candidate, the same shall be made available on demand.

2. Before each shift starts (and after last shift of the candidate) seating area will be thoroughly sanitized - monitor keyboard, mouse, webcam, desk and the chair. Candidates can further sanitize the same with sanitizers that will be made available in the examination lab/room/hall.

3. Candidates are required to paste passport size photograph and sign on the Attendance sheet after sanitizing hands with sanitizer

04:49 PM IST

Examination centre staff make preparations for JEE mains 2020 in Ranchi

Staff made preparations to ensure the necessary coronavirus protection protocols for conducting Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Main 2020 from September 1 to 6 at an exam centre in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

The centre staff ensured measures such as maintaining social distancing norms, use of hand sanitisers and thermal screening. Read more

 

04:30 PM IST

JEE Mains 2020: Precautionary measures to be taken to protect students before entry in exam hall

1. Candidates need to maintain a space of at least 6 feet from each other at all the time. Queue manager/ropes and floor marks will be arranged outside the centre, follow the instructions provided by centre staff.

2. Lab number will not be displayed outside the centre to avoid any crowding at any one place in any situation.

3. Candidates will be required to sanitize hands by washing with soap and with Hand Sanitizer before entry in centre. Hand sanitizer will be available at various locations in the centre.

4. Candidate should bring duly filled in Admit card as per instructions.

5. Candidate will be offered a fresh 3 Ply mask before entry. In order to stop chances of any UFM being used in the examination, the candidate is expected to wear the freshly provided mask at the centre. The candidate will be required to remove the mask worn by him/ her from home, and use the mask provided at centre only.

6. Candidate should bring Identity Proof and other documents ad advised.

7. Do not bring prohibited items to exam centre as there are no arrangements available for safe keeping your belongings.

8. At time of entry, the filled in Undertaking on Admit Card, and body temperature (using Thermo Guns) will be checked and centre staff will guide you to respective labs after scanning bar code at Admit Card. Candidates are required to strictly adhere to instructions provided by centre staff.

9. Please observe that no-one will be denied permission to appear for examination, until he/ she violates the covid19 directives/advisories of Government (Central/State) applicable on the day of exam and instructions mentioned in the Admit Card.

04:24 PM IST

JEE Mains, NEET 2020: SP youth wing activists lathi-charged during protest

UP Police on Monday resorted to lathicharge to disperse members of ‘Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha’, student wing of the Samajwadi Party (SP), as they moved towards Raj Bhavan against the Centre’s decision to hold all-India Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) amid the Covid-19 pandemic from Tuesday. Read more

03:58 PM IST

Transportation and accommodation for JEE Main 2020 aspirants in Odisha

Odisha government has provided accommodation in Bhubaneswar for candidates who will appear for the JEE Mains 2020 examination.

03:44 PM IST

JEE Mains 2020: Things that candidates can carry at exam centres

Candidates will be permitted to carry following items with them into the examination centre:

•Exam related documents (Admit Card, ID card, etc. Please refer Admit Card for more details)

•A simple transparent Ball Point Pen

•Additional photograph, to be pasted on attendance sheet

•Personal hand sanitizer (50 ml)

•Personal transparent water bottle

03:19 PM IST

JEE Mains 2020: Preparations at examination centre

National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) mains 2020 from September 1 to 6, at 605 centres for B.Tech./B.E. and 489 centres for B.Arch. and B.Planning located in 232 cities across the country. The agency will implement the safety guidelines as per the directions from the Government of India at all examination centres. Here are the standard of procedure to ensure the safety of students participating in the entrance examination:

1. Before each shift starts (and after last shift of the candidate) seating area will be thoroughly sanitized - monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam, desk and the chair. All door handles, staircase railing, lift buttons, etc will be disinfected. Wheelchairs (if present at the venue) will be disinfected.

2. Gap between 2 seats will be maintained as per GOI guidelines.

3. Hand Sanitizer will be available at entry and inside the exam venue at various places for candidates and centre staff to use.

4. Barcode readers will be available at the entry point to scan barcode on the admit card. The Lab number will be informed to the candidate at this point.

5. Rough sheets will be kept at all desks before start of exam by invigilators wearing gloves to ensure hygiene.

6. It is ensured that all the processes are touch free to ensure Social Distancing norms.

7. Candidate to reach centre as per the Reporting/Entry time at Centre given in the Admit Card to avoid any crowding at the centre at the time of entry and to maintain social distancing.

02:20 PM IST

Ahead of JEE main exams, Parents and candidates in UP express concern

Candidates who are supposed to appear in the JEE main exam commencing from Tuesday and their parents have expressed their concern ahead of the exams. They are worried due to the growing number of coronavirus cases in the country. A candidate named Amit Kumar Pal said that though he was scared, he had no option but to appear in the exam. “I’m very concerned about the preparations made at the JEE main exam centres. NTA has assured that mask and hand sanitisers will be made available,” he said. Netram from Lucknow, whose son is appearing in JEE main examination this year, said, “he is only praying to god that his son stays safe during the exam.” Read more

01:16 PM IST

This will become a ‘zero year’ if JEE Mains, NEET 2020 exams are not conducted, says Education Minister

If the JEE mains and NEET 2020 exams are not conducted then the current academic session will be ‘zero’ and this will have an impact on the future of students, the union education minister said in a tweet on Sunday.

 

01:04 PM IST

Uttar Pradesh: 386 examination centres for over 2.6 lakh JEE Mains, NEET 2020 aspirants

Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank had a detailed discussion about the comprehensive safety arrangements for JEE Mains and NEET 2020 examinations in Uttar Pradesh, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The state has set up 386 examination centres where over 2.6 lakh students would be appearing for the JEE Mains, NEET 2020 exams, the union minister said in a tweet on Sunday.

 

12:45 PM IST

56 examination centres for 41,061 JEE mains, NEET 2020 aspirants in Haryana

Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank had a detailed discussion about the conduct of NEET and JEE examinations in Haryana with Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

The state has set up 56 examination centres where 41,061 students would be appearing for the JEE Mains, NEET 2020 exams, the union minister said in a tweet on Sunday.

 

12:38 PM IST

IIT Kharagpur students develops app for JEE Mains, NEET 2020 aspirants

Union Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriya Nishank on Sunday tweeted, “ Athar & Faisal Rafiq from @IITKgp & Huzaib Ul Hassan from @iitroorkee have developed an app called ‘FILO’ for JEE/NEET aspirants. This app will help the aspirants in getting their doubts cleared by experts via video calls. Good job Clapping hands.”

 

12:20 PM IST

IIT Bombay students develops EduRide app for JEE Main, NEET 2020 aspirants

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay students have designed a web portal to help aspirants appearing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) examination to find transport to their test centres.

EduRide is a web portal that connects candidates across the country with volunteers willing to drive or arrange a vehicle to their respective test centres. Any NEET or JEE candidate can log in on the website, enter details of location of residence and test centres. These details are then matched against volunteers, who are from a network of students and alumni of various IITs. Read more

12:09 PM IST

Odisha CM Patnaik asks BJD MLAs to help JEE Main, NEET 2020 aspirants in the state

Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik on Sunday directed his party MLAs to extend help to the students appearing in JEE (Main) and NEET examination from their respective constituency in view of COVID-19 and flood situation. Read more

 

12:05 PM IST

Subramanian Swamy requests PM Modi to conduct JEE Mains, NEET 2020 exams after Diwali

Subramanian Swamy, MP Lok Sabha, on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold JEE Main, NEET 2020 entrance examination after Diwali. He tweeted, “I have phoned the PM residence this morning to try one last time for postponing NEET/JEE exams beyond Deepavali. The office secretary said that he will call back. If that happens I will inform the students.”

 

12:00 PM IST

MP Chief Minister announces free travel for students appearing for JEE Mains, NEET exams

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced free travel arrangements for all students from MP who are set to appear in the JEE Mains, NEET entrance examinations.

The students will be provided free travel arrangements from the block or district headquarters to the examination centre by the government.

Students interested in availing this facility will have to register themselves by calling on 181, or through the portal https/mapit.gov.in/covid-19 , by August 31. Read more

 

11:55 AM IST

Union Education Minister asks Goa CM to provide security for NEET, JEE exams

Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has requested Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to make security arrangements for conducting the NEET and JEE main entrance examination in the state.

The coastal state has set up 17 centres where 6,939 students would be appearing for these exams, the minister said in a tweet on Sunday.

“I had an extensive discussion with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over holding of the prestigious NEET-JEE examinations in the state, Nishank tweeted.

 

11:36 AM IST

Student requests CJI Bobde to postpone JEE Mains, NEET 2020 exam

A 17-year-old JEE candidate has submitted a letter today to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Sharad Arvind Bobde, requesting to postpone the JEE and NEET exams in view of the coronavirus pandemic and flood crisis in parts of the country.