A look back at the pattern of competitive examinations 2020 – 2021 Engineering and Medical entrance tests
By – Milind Chippalakatti, Head of Academics, Deeksha
JEE Mains
In 2020, the students had two attempts and in 2021, the number of attempts increased to 4. The best performance among the four attempts was considered for the AIR. Since the syllabus was reduced by various state boards, CBSE and ICSE, the pattern of JEE Mains was also modified.
In 2020, the paper had 20MCQs and 5 Numerical type questions in each subject (P, C, M). In 2021, the paper had 20 MCQs and 10 Numerical type questions, out of which the students needed to answer 5 numerical type questions. The syllabus was not reduced for JEE Mains but the internal choice was given to students.
JEE Advanced
There was no change in the pattern of JEE Advanced examination from 2020 to 2021. The level of difficulty was also more or less similar. The examination had 2 papers of 3 hours each containing single correct answer MCQ, multiple correct answer MCQ, comprehension type, Numerical type questions and also single-digit integer type questions. The matrix – Match type questions were not given in these 2-year papers.
However, to align the curriculum with NEP, the syllabus for JEE Advanced is changed for JEE Advanced 2023. The syllabus is more or less aligned with the NCERT syllabus.
KCET
There was no change in the pattern of KCET from 2020 to 2021. But in 2021, the ranking is given completely based on KCET marks and there was no weightage from the II PUC examination marks as the exams got cancelled due to the current pandemic situation.
NEET – UG
In 2020, the NEET paper was quite easy as compared to the NEET 2021 paper. For the first time, JIPMER and AIIMS started their admissions based on NEET AIR. But they objected for the level of difficulty of the paper. So, NTA changed the pattern and level of difficulty of NEET 2021.
In 2020, the NEET paper had 45 Single answers MCQs in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology. In 2021, the questions in each subject were divided into two parts. Part-A contains 35 MCQs and part -B contains 15 MCQs. Out of 15 MCQs in part – B, students are expected to answer only 10 MCQs. The level of difficulty of Part-B questions was a little higher when compared with part-A questions.