The JNU entrance examination (JNUEE) began in the city on Monday. This is for the first time that the university has switched to the computer-based mode of entrance exams.
The university has outsourced the entire process to the National Testing Agency (NTA) despite strong opposition from faculty and students who feel that a multiple choice question (MCQ) test would not be the best way to judge the capability of a student seeking admission to the university that is known for its arts and humanities programmes.
JNU Vice-Chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar, wishing the aspirants success, said that the computer-based JNUEE begins today in nearly 127 centres across the country. “Look forward to meeting you when you join in JNU which is a top ranked University with exciting academic programs and excellent facilities [sic],” the V-C tweeted.
The NTA said that the JNUEE and Combined Entrance Examination for Biotechnology (CEEB) that commenced today would be conducted till May 30 in 142 programmes of study. Each day will have two shifts: morning (9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.) and afternoon (2.30 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.) in 122 cities across the country.
“Each centre has been provided with jammers. A total of 1,400 jammers have been deployed. To oversee the examinations in addition to the NTA control room, 122 city coordinators have been deployed by the NTA,” the agency said. A total of 1,16,558 candidates — 67,801 males, 48,751 females and six transgenders — will be appearing for the exams.