Changes in the offing for WBJEE

Mou Chakraborty
Kolkata, April 22, 2007
The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) went off without any hitch on Sunday. But there is some bad news for prospective candidates — the merit list for successful candidates will be shorter.
For the first time, the WBJEE has introduced cut-off marks, and students will not be called for counselling if they score below that. The policy will be strictly adhered to even if engineering seats remain vacant. The board is also considering conducting the WBJEE along the lines of the IITJEE from next year.
From this year, IITJEE is conducting 2 exams on a single having questions on all 3 required subjects — maths, physics and chemistry. “Though we conduct the exams on the same day, there are separate papers for maths, and physics-chemistry. We are thinking of following the IITJEE pattern, but need to discuss the matter before reaching a conclusion. But, definitely there will be changes from next year’s exam. The first paper would be relatively easy, but the second paper would be crucial,” said Ashim Bose, member secretary of the Joint Entrance Board.
Also, from this year, students will get back their question papers for the IITJEE exam, but since last year, the WBJEE has been taking away the question paper from candidates. This too may change from next time.
Many examinees have complained of having both the Class XI and XII syllabi for the WBJEE, in spite of studying their Class XII syllabus for the HS exams. But the board was in no mood for any change. “It is easier now for students from this state when appearing for All-India competitive exams,” said Bose.
From this year, there will be undisclosed cut-off marks to make it to the merit list, and rank cards would only be issued to students clearing the cut-off. This has been decided after past experience showed that many successful candidates scored below 20 in the exam. This was partly due to the fact, that there are now many more seats for the engineering exam. Besides, many also fared poorly in English. From this year, students would also have to score at least 30 per cent in English and 45 per cent in physics, chemistry and maths.
“We will maintain the quality of students coming to study engineering in this state. The state will decide on cut-off marks, which will vary every year depending on the questions and will inform us. We are ready to have vacant seats in engineering colleges rather than having students of poor merit,” said Bose.
There will only be one phase of counselling for successful engineering candidates. This has been done to avoid complications and make the process hassle-free for guardians and their wards.
mou.hindustantimes@yahoo.com