Odisha: JEE (Main) kicks off, ‘unique’ experience say examinees

BHUBANESWAR: As many as 3,600 candidates appeared for the JEE (Main) examination in 26 centres across the state on Tuesday. All followed the Covid guidelines strictly.
Around 1,700 candidates appeared for the exam in the three centres here. The state government had provided accommodation and transport to outstation candidates, while all examinees were provided with masks, sanitisers and a water bottle before being allowed into the exam hall. The exam was held in two sittings, from 9 am to noon and 3 pm to 6 pm.
Official sources said attendance in most centres was lower than expected. Of the 858 seats allotted to towns like Balasore, Sambalpur, Rourkela and Dhenkanal, only 520 students attended the exam, the sources said.
The capital city hosted students from across the state. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Commissioner (BMC) has made elaborate arrangement for them.
Rashmita Tudu, a candidate from Keonjhar, said, “It was a unique experience for us as all the students and invigilators wore masks and used sanitisers. Our temperature was checked at the entrance and a seat was kept vacant between every two students.” Anjan Mirdha, a student from Nabarangpur, said the paper was not very tough. About fear of infection, Mirdha said, “Covid-19 can be cured but we cannot afford to lose an academic year.”
P Soundarya, a candidate from Malkangiri, said, “I live in tribal-dominated Mathili in Malkangiri. My examination city, Bhubaneswar, is 580km from my village. My family contacted the local government and the local ITI principal about my examination. The government brought me to Bhubaneswar in a vehicle and provided accommodation in the hostel of a private university here. I was worried about my transport and accommodation, but now I feel happy that I did not have to pay a single rupee for either.”
Parents and guardians who accompanied the outstation candidates also stayed in government accommodation while many chose to arrive in their own vehicles due to safety concerns. Tapan Kumar Behera, a parent from Puri, said, “I think conducting the exam was a wise decision. When the government has reopened markets and malls, why can’t exams be held?”
The volunteers of Mo Parivar — the social service wing of Biju Janata Dal — were engaged in ensuring smooth movement of students and maintaining of social distance. “Several students found difficulty in locating their exam centres and were helped by our volunteers to reach the hall on time,” said Rudra Samantray, who is in charge of Mo Parivar, Bhubaneswar.
As many as 38,236 students are to appear for the exam in Odisha. The exam will continue till September 6. Wishing the candidates success, chief minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted, “Best wishes to all students appearing for JEE-Main2020 during this challenging time. May you be successful and come through with flying colours.”