Reforms in IIT Joint Entrance Examination from 2006
	17:57 IST

The IIT-JEE exam will undergo major changes from 2006 onwards. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) conducted for admission to IITs will continue to be the sole criteria for admission in IITs, and other participating institutes. Only those students who secure first class or equivalent in the +2 examination will be eligible for admission to the IITs, however, there will be a relaxation of 5% of marks for the students belonging to SCs/STs. The JEE will be a single objective type examination which could include short write-ups on various topics followed by objective questions based on the write up. This would test the comprehension as well as the analytical ability of the students. Students would be allowed to write the JEE in the year in which he/she passes the 12th standard examination and / or in the following year. Those who join any of the IITs will not be allowed to sit for the JEE again. The procedure will be reviewed after the JEE 2006. The Human Resource Development Minister had convened a meeting of eminent educationists on 24.03.2005 and initiated a dialogue for building a national consensus on issues related to reducing the high stress level among students appearing for Board and Entrance Examinations. As a result of these discussions a Special Task Force was constituted by the Directors of IITs to evaluate the process of the IIT-JEE. The Special Task Force was headed by Prof. Idi Chandy, Ex-JEE Chairman. The recommendation of this Special Task Force were deliberated upon by the Standing Committee of the IIT Council, Chaired by Prof. C. N. R. Rao and comprising of all the Directors of IITs. After due deliberations the Standing Committee of IIT Council recommended certain reforms in Joint Entrance Examination for IITs from the year 2006. These reforms are aimed primarily at reducing the stress of examinations on the students and also to give due credit to their performance in the Board Examinations. The recommendation of the Standing Committee have been approved by the Human Resource Development Minister as Chairman of the IIT Council. From the JEE 2006 onwards the screening test will be done away with and the results of class XIIth Board examination would be factored in the admission process of the IIT’s. This will also restore the sanctity of school system and reduce the influence of the coaching classes. UM/SPS/NSR