A central government panel has discussed major changes for national entrance exams like JEE , NEET , and CUET . These important exams help students get into engineering, medical, and other college courses. The panel suggested conducting these exams earlier, starting from Class 11 , and holding them twice a year instead of once. The meeting where these proposals were made took place on November 15 .
Currently, JEE Main is held two times a year, in January and April. But NEET, for medical studies, and CUET, for university admissions, happen only once a year. The new ideas suggest that all three exams could be held in November and April annually. This would give students more opportunities to take the exams.
An 11-member committee held these discussions. This committee was created to find ways to reduce the stress students face and to make them less dependent on private coaching centres. These exams are very competitive, with lakhs of students appearing each year.
Key Proposals for JEE, NEET, and CUET Exams
The central panel discussed several important changes to make the exam system better for students:
- Exams from Class 11: The committee proposed allowing students to take these major entrance exams during their Class 11 year. The goal is to lower the intense academic pressure that builds up for students in Class 12, as they often prepare for board exams and entrance exams at the same time.
- Two Exams Per Year: The panel suggested conducting JEE, NEET, and CUET twice a year. The proposed months for these exams are November and April . This would give students multiple chances to perform well and improve their scores without having to wait a whole year.
- Shorter Coaching Hours: Another key discussion was about regulating the time students spend in coaching classes. The proposal is to limit daily coaching to just two to three hours . Many students currently spend five to six hours every day at coaching centres, which can be very demanding and leave little time for school studies or other activities.
- Mix of Board Marks and Aptitude Tests: The committee also talked about a new way to choose students, called a 'hybrid assessment model'. This would mean that a student's selection for college would consider both their board exam marks and their scores from aptitude-based tests . This approach could offer a more complete picture of a student's abilities.
- School and Exam Syllabus Match: NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) has been asked to work with CBSE and state education boards. Their task is to ensure that what is taught in school syllabuses is closely aligned with what is tested in the entrance exams. This aims to remove any differences or gaps, making it easier for all students to prepare using their regular school studies.
Why These Changes Are Being Considered
The main reason behind these proposals is to reduce the stress and burden on students. For years, students have faced high pressure to score well in these exams, often leading to long study hours and heavy reliance on coaching institutes. By introducing exams earlier and more frequently, the panel hopes to distribute the preparation load over a longer period. This could lead to a healthier and more balanced preparation journey for young students across India.
These proposals are currently under discussion. No final decisions have been made yet. Students, parents, and schools should continue to follow official announcements from the education department for any confirmed changes to the exam structure and schedule.
