Computer-based entrance at JNU

Test To Be Objective-Type From 2019-20

Jawaharlal Nehru University joins the growing league of institutions adopting computer-based mode for entrance exams. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has accepted the proposal of JNU to conduct its entrance exams for the second cycle of the 2019-20 admission session. Earlier in September this year, the university decided to adopt computer-based entrance for its admissions. It also decided to approach the NTA, the agency set up by the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) to conduct major competitive exams like the NEET UG, JEE (main) and UGCNET, which were earlier conducted by the CBSE. The process to change the mode of test from subjective to objective type was initiated by the vicechancellor of the university through a 12-member committee formed earlier in the year. Till now, the entrance examinations were conducted physically across centres, with some of them – those conducted for MPhil and PhD and language courses – requiring a viva voce. Even as the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) opposed the move claiming that the change in the mode from descriptive to a computer-based multiple choice question was a “scam” and imposed unilaterally by the administration, JNU defended the decision saying all the deans were consulted and it was duly passed by the academic council. Early this month the academic council decided that NTA will be conducting the JNU Entrance Examinations (JNUEE). The first exam will be conducted in May 2019 for the 2019-20 academic session. The university conducts admission twice a year and the December 2018 cycle entrance exam will be on the conventional pen-paper mode. In response to JNU’s request, NTA has accepted in principle to take on the task of conducting the entrance tests and is now planning to finalise the details with the university. According to a senior NTA official, “ The final modalities will be worked out in consultation with JNU.” With this JNU joins other central universities such as Pondicherry University, AIIMS, IITs and a few undergraduate courses of Delhi University which adopted computer-based entrance exams.

Source: Times of India, 21/12/2018