Registration glitches hit JEE(M) candidates

NEW DELHI : Candidates who appeared in the Jan JEE (Main) session are facing difficulties in re-registering for the test’s April session as National Testing Agency has not provided options to update crucial details, such as city of preference and personal details, including reserved category status, in the online form.

JEE is conducted twice a year and candidates can take the test in both sessions. The better of two scores is considered. For instance, candidates, who had applied under general category in Jan due to unavailability of their reserved category certificates, are now unable to update their status, despite having the required documents.

Adding to their concerns, NTA is yet to address thousands of grievances from the Jan session, even as it released the exam’s answer key, suggesting that the results may be announced soon.

Registration for JEE (M) second session (Apr) opened on Feb 1 and will close on Feb 25. As per the official notification, existing candidates can select their preferred course (paper), change the medium of question paper, opt for exam cities, and make fee payment. However, restrictions on updating personal details remain a major issue.

“That’s where problem lies,” said a candidate, who appeared in Jan and is now registering for April session. “I applied under general category earlier because my OBC certificate wasn’t ready. I assumed I could update it in second session, but now there’s no option for that.”

Candidates also pointed out that NTA has reduced number of JEE (Main) exam cities in India from 300 last year to 284 this year, while international exam centres have dropped from 24 to 14.

Another concern is the inability to change “state of eligibility”. Many aspirants registered from a different state in Jan — often selecting a centre near their coaching institute rather than their home state — potentially affecting their chances of availing home state quota.

NTA director general did not respond to messages for a comment. However, a source in NTA acknowledged the situation, saying, “We still have thousands of unresolved complaints from the Jan session.”

TIMES VIEW: It is a matter of great concern that an organisation set up specifically to conduct entrance examinations seven years ago, is constantly falling short of expectations and ending up causing misery and anxiety to thousands of students. Authorities must look into its functioning and find out ways and means to improve it. Our students deserve better.


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