JEE-Main exam candidates to undergo frisking again even after toilet breaks

Candidates appearing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE-Main) will now undergo stricter guidelines during the upcoming tests. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that frisking and biometric attendance will be mandatory, even after a toilet break. These measures are being introduced to ensure the safe conduct of the exams and provide a fair environment for hardworking candidates, a TOI report stated.

This year, JEE (Main) received a record-breaking number of applications, with over 12.3 lakh registrations, surpassing the 10 lakh mark for the first time. The NTA expects this number to increase further with new candidates likely to apply for the April 2024 exams.

NTA officials, who have emerged as one of the largest exam conducting bodies with 1.2 crore registrations in 2023, stress the importance of continuous improvement and advance preparation. Subodh Kumar Singh, Director General of NTA, stated, "We are focusing on continuous improvement. With advance notification and registration, we have enough time to work on security measures and preparedness."


In addition to biometric attendance and frisking at the entry, candidates will now also be subjected to frisking and biometric attendance after using the restroom. This applies not only to candidates but also to officials, observers, and other staff members involved in the examination process.

To address concerns regarding the preparedness and security of private centers, the NTA is assessing their capabilities. Observers are being provided technical training to identify potential issues and unfair practices during the exams.

The first round of JEE (Main) tests will take place from January 24 to February 1, 2024, with the second round scheduled for April 2024. These computer-based tests will be conducted in two sessions each day.

The NTA has expanded the number of cities where the exams will be held by 12 this year, bringing the total to over 300 across the country. This includes new locations like Bastar in Chhattisgarh and Tura in Meghalaya, which will provide candidates from remote areas with the opportunity to take the test closer to their homes.