NTA, in its recent notifications, has announced changes in the upcoming JEE Main 2020 Pattern. There has been a commotion among students who are preparing for this competitive exam and looking forward to appearing in the following year. For simplifying the guidelines and changes made in the paper pattern of JEE Main, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) illustrated for the students.
What is the opinion of the experts on the changes incorporated in the new JEE Main pattern?
The changes made by NTA in JEE Main 2020 pattern is very positive. To understand this, we will compare last year exam paper pattern with the newly presented JEE pattern.
- 30 questions each were asked from Physics, Chemistry, Math each making a total of 90 questions. This has now changed as 25 questions that will be asked from each section which will have to be answered in 180 minutes. This is the first positive aspect as a student can now devote more time to attempt the questions.
- Secondly, till past year all 90 questions had negative marking; this year, out of each section of 25 questions, only 20 objective type questions will have negative marking, i.e. total 60 questions will have negative marking instead of 90 questions. Therefore, negative marking has been reduced from last year which is another positive for aspirants.
- Thirdly, out of 25 questions, 20 will be objective type questions and 5 will be numerical integer-based questions which will have answers such as 3.99 or whole digit numbers and has to be answered by the student by filling in the bubble.
What do they think are the reasons behind the changes in JEE Main 2020 paper pattern?
The reason for this change can be releasing the pressure off the students by reducing the number of questions and giving the same amount of time to attempt. They have also reduced the negative marking in the paper. For providing 20 objective type questions along with 5 numerical questions, the reason can be a reduction in the guesswork for students. For integer type answers, there are multiple possibilities for an answer. Therefore, to avoid guesswork this is implemented so that only eligible candidates can get through and those who fluke could get lesser chances.
Another reason for this change can be, when NTA released percentile method last year, there were many students on the same percentile which created trouble for everyone. Even on the 100 percentile mark, as many as 15 students were crowned. So, to enable the difference among marks of students, this questioning strategy is being restructured.
How will it impact the preparation of the students? Does this make it easy or a bit tough?
It won’t impact much as this is a positive change for the students. For the preparation of the JEE Main exam, students will now have to follow the new pattern. Along with objective type questions, numerical type questions shall also be practiced. Moreover, the strategy to attempt less number of questions in the given time will have to be practiced, i.e. 75 questions in 180 minutes.
There will not be much difference in the preparation for the exam. Students may feel ease while giving the paper but as far as preparation is concerned, there is not much difference. The only thing is the practice of the new pattern should be done. If the students do not have the required material for practice, they will face a bit of difficulty. However, those students who are already a part of some big system and have the required guidance and material to adapt to the new changes can easily excel in the examination.
