JEE Advanced 2021 candidates demand third compensatory attempt in 2023 exam

NEW DELHI : Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2021 candidates are demanding an extra third attempt in JEE Advanced 2023 exam for which they are presently ineligible as they were unable to appear for the exam in 2022 due to Covid-19 pandemic despite being eligible. The candidates referred to a one-time relaxation given to 2020 candidates by allowing them a third attempt in the JEE Advanced 2022 exam. All India Students' Union also submitted a representation on this issue to IIT Guwahati on the behalf of 2021 12th pass-outs.

“According to the JAB Brochure, 2020 students are getting JEE Advanced third attempt in 2022 due to the reason of Covid-19 pandemic, therefore students of 2021 also want a fair chance because their half 11th, whole 12th and more than half drop year was ruined due to Covid-19. So, it's a genuine request from 2021 pass out students who didn't exhaust his/her one or both attempts and wants an extra attempt in JEE advanced in 2023,” said a letter from 2021 candidates.

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The students argued that they couldn’t appear for the JEE Advanced 2022 exam due to travel restrictions, far-off centres, and lack of preparation which resulted due to non-accessibility to online education. The letter said that a lot of students from states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Mizoram and from other parts of the country have missed the JEE Advanced 2022 exam due to them being infected with covid-19 or being under quarantine or because of the travel restrictions associated with travelling to exam centres very far.

Online education, rural students

“Due to tragic and severe conditions during pandemic where students faced intense mental and emotional pressure because of loss of loved ones, there was no guidance from faculties since online studies are likely available to only urban and rich students but in rural areas and for financially weak students, there was no proper internet connection (internet disruption) and lack of online resources due to which students couldn’t access online classes leading in poor concepts and understanding of subjects,” the letter added.

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A huge portion of students from rural areas who prepare for competitive exams like JEE start their preparation after 12th. There is, in general, a lack of competitive awareness among those students and they are only exposed to the real competition/difficulty/importance of the JEE exam when they go to offline coaching institutes in towns and cities for JEE preparation during their drop year. However, this year their entire drop year had to be spent at home due to continuous lockdown for several months, the candidates reasoned.

“By allowing 3rd attempt in JEE Advanced 2023, more and more students from rural areas and poor families will come into IITs and thereby it will help reduce the wealth inequality and lift several families out of poverty. It will also help reduce the discrimination faced by students from backward classes (socially and economically) in IITs and to brand IITs as an institution reachable by all sections of society not just the rich and privileged,” the 2021 candidates further requested.