IIT-B irked that JEE reforms are cleared

Faculty members of the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) were upset by the ministry’s decision to implement various reforms to the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) from the next year itself. Bhavya Dore reports.

Faculty members of the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) were upset by the ministry’s decision to implement various reforms to the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) from the next year itself.

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On Monday afternoon, the ministry announced a fresh format for the JEE exam which determines entry to the IITs, including a two-part test. The first test along with weightage to Class 12 boards will mark the first level of screening. The second or advanced test will determine the JEE merit list.

The IIT-Bombay senate, along with the senates of IIT-Delhi and IIT-Kanpur had strongly opposed the original reforms, in particular saying 2013 was too early to bring in any new formula. They had also said it was not feasible to give 40% weightage to board marks in determining the merit list as had originally been suggested.

“The problem is with the way this has been done through manipulation and political opportunism,” said an IIT-B faculty member. “Process has been completely violated. People are tired. Many have given up.”

“It is good the council has accepted some inputs and the details of the second exam are yet to be finalised,” said a federation member. However, the government has announced the decision without the senates ratifying it, as per procedure.

“In principle the senates should ratify this decision,” said a faculty federation member. “Academic matters should finally be approved by the senates.”