Team Herald
PANJIM: After a long wait the Union Ministry for Human Resources Development (HRD) announced that the NEET exams would be conducted on July 26, while IIT-JEE main will be held from July 18 to 23. In a first, the Centre has also said that Board exams could be held only in main subjects important for admission in higher institutions.
Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ interacted with students across the country through a webinar, where he responded to concerns and queries of students relating to school examinations, entrance examinations, academic calendar, online education, fees, mental health of students, international students, fellowships among others.
The Minister said that NEET will be held on July 26, 2020 and that the JEE main will be held on July 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23. He added that JEE (Advance) may be held in August and that the date of UGC NET – 2020 and CBSE XII Board examinations will be announced soon.
Regarding concerns raised by students relating to board examinations, the Minister clarified that the Board will conduct examinations for only main subjects that will be required for promotion and may be crucial for admissions in higher educational institutions.
He said that for exams for Class X, adequate time of 10 days will be given to all stakeholders before starting the examinations.
Responding to a query relating to fee hike for NITs, IITs & IIITs for academic year 20-21, the Minister said there will be no fee increase for this year.
Pokhriyal informed students that an alternative calendar for primary, upper primary stage and secondary has been released. This calendar provides guidelines to teachers on use of various technological tools and social media tools available for imparting education in fun-filled, interesting ways, which can be used by learners, parents and teachers even while at home.
Regarding the examination in Universities, UGC in consultation with MHRD has issued the guidelines. The guidelines can be accessed on UGC’s website.
Goa Board to decide based on Centre’s directions
Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
(GBSHSE) on Tuesday said they are yet to receive any communication from the
Union HRD Ministry on conduct of board examinations.
Stating this, Goa Board chairman Ramakrishna Samant said,
“But if PIB has released such a statement, then we expect the directions
shortly.” Samant said that the Board will take call on conduct of SSC and HSSC
exams, accordingly.