JEE Main 2018 Online Exam Starts

NEW DELHI, APRIL 15: The second and final phase of JEE Main Paper I, which is being conducted in computer-based mode, has started today across 248 cities in the country. Conducted in two 3-hour shifts on day 1, phase II will conclude on April 16 with only one session. Candidates appearing in shift 1, which commences at 9.30 am, are seen arriving at the allotted test centres from 7 am onwards, as per CBSE’s recommendation. Earlier the pen-and-paper based mode of the national level entrance exam was conducted on April 8, for both Paper I and Paper II. The computer-based test is not available for Paper II. 

At iON Digital Zone iDZ 2, Sarita Vihar Metro, New Delhi, students with roll numbers in the 1900 series were shocked to find their roll numbers missing from the list pasted outside the exam centre. A few protests later, the authorities checked and re-pasted the correct list with all roll numbers assigned to the test centre. According to the clarifications issued, the list for the afternoon shift was pasted by mistake instead of the morning one. 

Schedule of online exam

Unlike the offline exam, CBSE has mandated that candidates must carry a valid photo ID like Aadhaar Card, Pan Card, School ID etc along with the admit card. As was the case in the pen-and-paper exam, tight security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that no candidate manages to adopt any unfair means. For example at many exam centres, both male and female candidates are being asked to take off their watches, shoes, and even belts.

Counters are also available in most test centres where candidates can deposit their baggage or any item that is not allowed inside the exam hall like watches, mobile phones, calculators, data cards, electronic items, pens and paper to name a few. Candidates were however allowed to carry their money with them while they had to leave their wallets behind in their bags.

Security personnel at the centres are also making sure that proper identification of the candidate is done. The photo ID was being verified along with the admit card. Metal detectors are in place for frisking students before allowing them for the exam. Generators also have been installed as back up in case of any power failure.

Online exam more accessible than offline exam

Compared to the offline exam which was conducted in 112 test cities only, the online exam is available at additional test cities like Chittoor, Anantapur, Dibrugarh, and Darbhanga, to name a few. This is helpful for candidates, especially those from the interior parts of the country, as many can can now give the test in their home town.

Total number of registrations for online exam

The total number of candidates registering for the online exam is around 104, 261, which is lower than the number for the offline exam. As per offical data, a total of 1043739 candidates registered for the offline exam, out of which 646814 were boys, 266745 were girls, while three were trans-gender candidates.he total number of registration for the exam, including both online and offline candidates, is around 11,48,000.

Exam Pattern of the computer-based exam

The paper will include a total of 90 questions, 30 each from Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Each question will have four answer options, out of which only one is correct. For correct response, 4 marks will be awarded, while for incorrect attempt there is a penalty of 1 mark. Candidates in the computer-based have to enter their answers using a mouse that is provided with the computer system.