Smart Tips for Tackling JEE Computer Based Test

JEE Computer Based Test (CBT) or Online Exam offers a better examination experience to aspirants. In most areas, students are already comfortable using computers. In such a scenario, online mode makes the engineering entrance exam more flexible and malleable for students. Moreover, opting for JEE CBT is easier on your pocket too. Application fee for online JEE exam is less by as much as Rs 500 than the offline JEE exam.

Online mode of JEE exam is conducted using the Local Area Network (LAN) and is safer and more secure. Here is an Ultimate Guide for the JEE Computer Based Test to make life easier for you:

Exam Dates and Exam Slots

For JEE Main 2015, the application deadline is December 18, 2014. JEE Main CBT 2015 will be conducted on April 10 and 11 next year. The exam will be conducted in two shifts: Forenoon Session (from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm), and Afternoon Session (from 2 pm to 5 pm). JEE aspirants can choose the exam date and slot according to their convenience. However, slot bookings are available on the first-come-first-served basis. Hence, make sure to indicate your preferences for the exam city, date and slots early after applying for the exam.

Be warned that once you choose the exam date and slot, you will not be able to change it later.

Mark Questions for Review

In the paper-based JEE exam, you can only mark your answer once and cannot change it later. Since you use the black pen to circle the correct answer, there is no way to choose a different option later. But in the online JEE exam, you can review or re-answer any question you want during the exam time. This 'winning' feature online is that it is more forgiving and is more generous when it comes to offer second-chances to students.

On the right hand side of the computer screen, there is a panel that has a colour-coded scheme for questions that have been answered, questions you have not answered yet and questions you would like to review later. When you are solving the paper for the first time and have doubts about a particular question, you can mark it for review. Later, when you have time, you can directly click on the questions marked for review and do some brainstorming to derive at the correct answer.

Jump to Any Section during Exam Time

One of the most important features of the JEE Computer Based Test (CBT) is that it allows aspirants to have full control over time management during the exam period. Students can jump to a Physics question while solving a Chemistry question or go directly from Chemistry section to a particular Mathematics question, using the panel on the right hand side.

Sometimes, when you are solving a question, answer of another question strikes you. In the CBT test, you can use such ‘sudden’ inspirations to your advantage by going directly to that question and choosing the correct option. The facility is good for those who are time-conscious but it can prove to be your undoing if you have not trained yourself properly in time management. If you pay too much attention to a particular subject and are not able to solve enough questions of another subject, you may not be able to meet the sectional cut-offs and lose the chance to make it to the JEE merit list.

Switch Languages while taking Exam

In all the exam cities, you will be able to take the JEE computer based test only in Hindi and English. However, exam cities in Gujarat, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli allow you to take the exam in ‘Gujarati’ medium too. In Maharashtra, you may take exam in Marathi or Urdu medium, besides Hindi and English. What you need to know is that a candidate may switch the medium of exam (or language of question paper) while taking the exam. It means that if you are not able to understand a particular question in English, you may switch to Hindi medium (or Gujarati, Marathi and Urdu – depending on your exam city) and see what it means.

General Precautions & Advice

• Computer based exam is only available for BE and B.Tech courses. For B.Arch and B.Planning courses, students will be able to take JEE exam in offline mode only.

• It is advised that candidates must reach the exam centre 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time to complete all the formalities in time.

• While you just need to know how to use a computer mouse to be able to take JEE CBT, opting for a few online JEE mock tests will help you feel more confident and comfortable on the examination day.

• Computer based Examination hardly has any possibility of errors in marking the paper as it requires minimal human intervention. However, if there is a technical failure or your computer stops working, your exam centre will offer you a buffer computer immediately. There will be qualified IT professionals for your assistance too. You do not have to worry about the time lost in changing the system as the server will record each and every second of your test and you will be given extra time to compensate for the lost time.

• In a computer based test, you do not get a question paper. Instructions and questions appear right on your screen. Time to read instructions is not included in the duration of examination. However, after the exam is over, candidates will receive a copy of the question paper along with the options they have marked as answer to each question by mail.

• Sheets for rough work is provided in the exam centre itself. You cannot carry your own sheets, mobiles or any other thing inside the exam hall, except for your admit card and a valid photo ID card.