On May 5, 2020 HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal finally announced the exam dates for JEE Main 2020 April session, the exam has been scheduled for July 18 - 23, 2020. JEE Main coming session has already been postponed twice earlier due to coronavirus outbreak in the country. 

With the exam dates getting closer and worsening COVID-19 situation in the country NTA and MHRD have been receiving multiple requests for the further postponement of the exam from July. HRD Minister has informed through a tweet regarding a committee being formed to review the situation for JEE Main Exam Dates, JEE Main fresh schedule is likely to be declared on July 3, 2020

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Why Behind JEE Main Further Postponement

JEE Main further speculation is the trending issue for MHRD and NTA to resolve. With requests and demands from all the stakeholders, it is a crucial decision for the future of the brightest minds of the country. JEE Main 2020 is most likely to get postponed and here are some major reasons to explain the same:

• States extend lockdown till July 31

Several states in India including Maharashtra, Nagaland, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have announced an extension of lockdown till July 31, 2020. Due to this, the demand for postponing JEE Main coming session scheduled for July 18 – 23, 2020 has intensified. 

Guidelines have been issued by the Central government for Unlock 2 which is beginning on July 1, 2020. However, with metro services on a halt, it will be challenging for candidates to reach their JEE Main exam center. An update from MHRD is expected soon regarding exam status.

• CBSE and ICSE board pending papers canceled

On June 25, 2020, CBSE informed SC regarding the cancellation of pending class XII papers scheduled for July 1 - 15, 2020. The pending class 12th CBSE papers have been made optional and can be conducted when the situation is conducive.

ICSE board also canceled the exams and announced that it would not be giving re-examination chances to class 12th and results would be declared on the evaluation of past performances. Read Complete Report Here

• July, the worst-hit month from COVID-19

India is in the list of one of the most impacted countries from coronavirus. As per the statistics, coronavirus cases in India are expected to reach its peak during the month of July. Considering the scenario, it is nearly impossible to ensure the safety of lakhs of JEE Main 2020 test-takers.

• Over 9 lakh test takers for JEE Main 2020 Coming session

JEE Main 2020 coming session has received over 9 lakh applications. In such a scenario maintaining social distancing can be a very tough job. Stakeholders are concerned that the aspirants of JEE Main will travel from remote areas of the country. Even though social distancing can be maintained inside the test centers, students' lives will be at risk while traveling. 

Another concern from parents and students is what about the registrants who have tested positive and might not have recovered during the time of the examination. 

• Students expressing concern through social media

Many students have demanded postponement of JEE Main 2020 April session. A massive social media campaign emerged in response to a social media post by HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on June 18, 2020 that said the priority of the government is students’ health and quality education. Students responses started trending on twitter with hashtags like #StudentsLivesMatter #postponejeeneet2020, #HealthOverExams

The backlash from students hasn’t stopped ever since. With states extending lockdown, schools and colleges remaining shut and CBSE cancelling exams, the demands by students for JEE Main postponement has immensely intensified. 

• IITs Against cancelation of JEE Main and JEE Advanced

Educationalists have gone as far as to suggest that the exams should be canceled for this year. Dr R Murali, Tamil Nadu Secretary, Save Higher Education Movement, commented, “An examination for crores of students across the country would be highly impossible to be held safely. At least for this one year, the exams must be scrapped for students’ sake.”

IITs are completely against the option of canceling the exams, as per their officials, postponing JEE exams is acceptable. Sarit K Das, Director, IIT Ropar commented, “Cancelling JEE Main and Advanced is not an option because admission to IITs is a serious matter...Delayed academic sessions can be compensated by shortening the annual summer and other breaks for four years, but admission based on board results will lead to dilution of the quality of students and will hamper the brand value of IITs.” 

IITs have also agreed to the solution of rescheduling the exam until the situation is better.

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JEE Main New Dates and Exam Calendar

Considering the given reasons, there are high chances that JEE Main April session will be further postponed and not be canceled. We can expect a fresh exam schedule from MHRD in the coming days. As per the current statistics, the COVID-19 cases are expected to go down by September. The exam shall be rescheduled for when the condition is in control, till then candidates can rely on the official websites for any updates i.e. jeemain.nta.nic.in

As confirmed by NTA, JEE Main Admit Card shall be released 15 days prior to the conduct of the exam. Therefore, candidates can have an idea of the availability of JEE Main hall tickets once there is clarity on JEE Main Exam Dates. 

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Impact on JEE Advanced 2020 Exam Date

JEE Advanced 2020 has been scheduled for August 23, 2020. However, rescheduling of JEE Main coming session will definitely result in the postponement of JEE Advanced as well.

Stakeholders have gone as far as to suggest that this year, IITs should grant admissions on the basis of JEE Main solely. But considering, IITs have made their stand clear regarding not compromising with the quality of students, the exam will most likely be conducted. 

We request the candidates to not stress over the exam dates. Meanwhile, candidates can use the online assistance for enhancing their JEE Main Preparation. Any changes or updates from NTA shall be conveyed to them well in advance, ALL THE BEST!