After much wait and anticipation, a major development has surfaced in the JEE Main universe. In fact, after much deliberation and discussion, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to conduct JEE Main 2022 – 2 times instead of 4. The two attempts will be organized in April and May 2022. The decision was taken after comparing the prevailing COVID-19 situation with last year’s circumstances. In addition to this, the registration process for this entrance exam will begin from the end of February 2022.
JEE Main 2022 Attempts Reduced from 4 to 2
For the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a situation of havoc in the country. It has severely impacted the education system by compelling this major infrastructure to move online. Against this background, the Ministry of Education (MoE) had decided to conduct JEE Main 4 times i.e., in February, March, April, and May (later scheduled to July and August). This gave B.Tech. aspirants, four chances to improve their rank and qualify for the next stage i.e., JEE Advanced 2021.
Since then, the COVID-19 pandemic has stabilized in the country. However, candidates were wondering whether the system of four attempts will follow through in 2022. In an attempt to clear the air, MoE and NTA have jointly decided on conducting the national-level Engineering exam twice instead of 4 times.
Discussions between MoE and NTA
The decision to reduce the number of attempts was not taken overnight. In fact, there were a series of discussions between the two organizations. Accordingly, there are two primary reasons for reducing the attempts – 1. Stabilisation of COVID-19 pandemic and 2. Delay in board exams shrinking the room for conducting more attempts. Conducting 4 attempts this year will cause a delay in academic activities and disrupt the education system again.
As per initial discussions, the registration process for JEE Main 2022 will start by the end of February 2022. The application process will be held through the online mode, on the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in.
What About NEET 2022 Examination?
In addition to JEE Main 2022, MoE officials also provided clarity on the much-awaited National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) 2022. Accordingly, the medical entrance test will be organised between the third week of June and the first week of July 2022. Registration for this exam will commence shortly, around the same time as the JEE Main exam.
Last year, as many as 26 lakh candidates had appeared for the Engineering, Medical, and other allied courses’ entrance exam. A similar reception of candidates is expected this year.
