The National Testing Agency (NTA) has initiated the registration process for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2025, which started on October 28, 2024. This year, the examination aims to provide additional support for candidates with disabilities (PwD) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). The JEE Main session 1 exam is scheduled to take place from January 22 to 31, 2025. As the exam approaches, the NTA has released important guidelines and provisions specifically tailored for PwD candidates to ensure a fair and accessible testing environment.
Main Points
Key Updates for PwD Candidates
The NTA has made significant changes to the examination process for PwD candidates, focusing on inclusivity and support. Here are the main points outlined in their recent notice:
- Compensatory Time: Candidates belonging to the PwD and PwBD categories will receive an additional hour of compensatory time during the standard three-hour exam. This adjustment allows them a total of four hours to complete their examination, facilitating better performance under less time pressure.
- Scribe Assistance: Applicants who require assistance can bring a scribe to help them during the exam. To utilize this option, candidates must present valid certificates confirming their need for a scribe due to their disabilities.
- Clarification on Extra Time: The term “extra time” has been redefined as “compensatory time,” which guarantees at least 20 minutes of extra time for every hour of the exam when a scribe is used.
- Eligibility for Compensatory Time: All candidates with benchmark disabilities are eligible for the additional hour, regardless of whether they use a scribe or not.
- Shorter Exams: For exams shorter than one hour, candidates will receive proportional extra time, with a minimum of five minutes granted.
These measures aim to level the playing field for all candidates, allowing those with disabilities to demonstrate their true capabilities without being hindered by time constraints.
NTA JEE Main 2025 Notification Regarding PWD Candidates PDF
Eligibility Criteria for Scribe Assistance
To qualify for scribe assistance during the JEE Main 2025 exam, candidates must meet specific criteria based on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act of 2016:
- Benchmark Disability Requirement: Candidates must have a disability of 40% or more to be eligible.
- Types of Disabilities: This includes physical disabilities that impede writing, visual impairments affecting writing ability, and other specified conditions recognized under the RPwD Act.
- Certification Requirement: Applicants must provide relevant documentation proving their eligibility for scribe assistance.
The presence of a scribe is intended to facilitate effective communication during the examination process, ensuring that candidates can express their answers without undue stress related to their writing limitations.
Application Process for PwD Candidates
Candidates seeking scribe assistance must follow a structured application process:
- Document Collection: Gather medical certificates that validate their benchmark disability or detailed documentation regarding writing limitations if below the benchmark.
- Application Submission: During online registration, candidates must upload all necessary documents along with their JEE Main Application Form 2025.
- Scribe Selection: Candidates can either nominate someone they know as their scribe or request that NTA provide one.
- Meeting with Scribe: If an NTA-provided scribe is chosen, candidates will have a meeting two days before the exam to ensure compatibility and comfort in communication.
These steps are crucial for ensuring that candidates receive appropriate support during their examination experience.
Application Process Overview
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for JEE Main 2025, candidates must have completed their Class 12 examinations in 2023 or 2024, or be appearing for them in 2025. Importantly, there are no age limits or minimum marks required in Class 12 for applying to the JEE Mains. However, a minimum of 75% marks in Class 12 is necessary for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, but not for taking the exam itself.
Application Fees
The application fee for JEE Main 2025 varies by category:
- Unreserved candidates: INR 1000
- Reserved category and female candidates: INR 800
Documents Required
Candidates must prepare the following documents before starting their application:
- Valid email address and mobile number
- Class 10 and Class 12 certificates
- Aadhar card details (or alternative ID if Aadhar is not available)
- Scanned passport-sized photograph and signature
- Category certificate (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Visit the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Click on “New Candidate Registration” to begin.
- Choose your registration mode (Aadhar enrollment number, PAN, Passport, or ABC ID).
- Fill out the registration form with personal details.
- After successful registration, log in with your credentials to complete the application form.
- Upload required documents including your photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Dates
Here’s a quick look at key dates related to JEE Main 2025:
- Registration Start Date: October 28, 2024
- Registration End Date: November 22, 2024
- Exam Dates for Session 1: January 22 – January 31, 2025
- Session 2 Registration Start Date: January 31, 2025
- Session 2 Exam Dates: April 1 – April 8, 2025
Changes and Updates
This year’s JEE Main will not include an optional question facility as per recent notifications from NTA. Candidates should stay updated by regularly checking the official website for any changes to exam patterns or eligibility criteria.
Conclusion
The NTA’s recent updates regarding JEE Main 2025 reflect its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all candidates, particularly those with disabilities. By providing compensatory time and scribe assistance, the agency aims to create an equitable testing environment where every candidate has an opportunity to succeed based on their knowledge and skills rather than being limited by physical challenges.
As registration remains open until November 22, 2024, eligible PwD/PwBD applicants are encouraged to carefully follow these guidelines and ensure they complete their applications on time.
