Top committee recommends major changes in IIT-JEE format

New Delhi: A high-powered committee has recommended major changes to the two-stage Joint Entrance Examination for admission to IITs/NITs.

The proposals include starting an exam to test scientific aptitude and innovative thinking ability of the candidates. The format of the exam will be such that coaching centres won't be able to help a student crack it.

The commitee has also proposed setting up of a National Testing Service (NTS) and the online aptitude exam can be taken twice or thrice a year, TOI reported.

The existing format of the exam is expected to continue for the next 2 years as the HRD ministry is likely to take time to arrive at a decision since it has sought opinion of various stakeholders on the committee's recommendations.

The Committee of Eminent Persons (CEP) is headed by former IIT Bombay director Ashok Mishra.

According to the report, about 4 lakh candidates will be shortlisted for the JEE, to be conducted by IITs, based on the performance in the test.

JEE (Main) is now overseen by CBSE and JEE (advanced) by IITs.

The exam will be on the lines of the current JEE (Advanced) which will specifically test one's knowledge in physics, chemistry and mathematics. Some 40,000 students will then be ranked before they seek admission in IITs and NITs, the report added.