JEE Main 2020: Slight Difference in Attendance by 15% Recorded this Year, says Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal

In a recent interview, Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal said, only 5%-15% difference in attendance for JEE Main 2020 has been observed compared to previous years.

All the JEE Main exam centres diligently followed SOPs for exams and major share of students and their parents were satisfied with the arrangements as well.

I'd like to congratulate the students for having turned up to take #JEE. All the SOPs are being followed to the letter. I'm thankful to the CMs of the states who have facilitated the conveyance of students to their respective exam centres: Ramesh Pokhriyal, Union Education Min pic.twitter.com/hly4we53Xm
— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2020

Education Minister Comments on JEE Main 2020 Attendance Rates

Education Minister claimed as the exams were delayed, many states had concluded their entrance exams. As a fact, it reflected on the overall attendance rate for JEE Main 2020. He points out, as this being key reason behind 5-10 per cent decrease in attendance.

He took this opportunity to share his gratitude towards teachers, students, parents and even the state governments to stand by the decision of the Union government to conduct JEE Main and NEET 2020.

The Minister believes further delay might jeopardize the academic career of students. NTA has walked the extra mile and made conducting JEE Main 2020 on the first two days a true success.

Read: Health Ministry issues SOPs, Guidelines for Safely Conducting Tests During Pandemic on September 2

All the required measures were adopted and social distancing was maintained at each exam centre.

NTA Makes it Happen: Ground Reports From Day-2 of JEE Main

On the second day of JEE Main 2020, 85% attendance was recorded for B.Tech/BE aspirants taking Paper-1. Over 1.2 lakhs candidates across the country had registered to appear on the second day of Exams.

Read: NEET, JEE Main 2020: Candidates from Rajasthan to avail Special Trains from 4-15 September, Says Union Minister of Railways

Without a slightest glitch, the second day of JEE Main was conducted smoothly. On Wednesday, NTA had disapproved entry to a COVID-19 positive candidate at the Berhampur, Odisha exam centre despite the fact that the students wore a PPE suit.

Read: JEE Main 2020: Only 56% B.Arch, B.Plan Candidates in Lucknow Braved COVID Blues on Day 1

NTA officials reported of 84% attendance in first shift while 87% attended the second shift. Exams were conducted across 660 centres in the country. However, the attendance rate is still below the January cycle that projected 90% attendance.

JEE Main 2020 is conducted for admissions to 28 CFTIs, 31 NITs and 25 IIITs. Among them, top 2.5 lakh qualifiers make it to JEE Advanced, an admission test for the 23 IITs. JEE Advanced is scheduled for 27 September 2020.