NEW DELHI:  Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal announced that the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main and National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET 2020) will now be held in September. As a consequence, JEE Advanced too stands postponed.

The announcement came after a report submitted by a panel of experts. The decision was taken in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic outbreak in the country.

“Keeping in mind safety of students&to ensure quality education we’ve decided to postpone JEE & NEET examinations. JEE Main exam will be held between 1st-6th Sept, JEE advanced exam will be held on 27th Sept & NEET exam will be held on 13th Sept” said Union HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal.

In a video message, the HRD Minister said, “I hope you will utilize this time to prepare well and hone your strong points further.” He also emphasized on “stress-free” exam preparations.

This decision is likely to impact over 25 lakh students. As many as 9 lakh candidates have registered to take the JEE Main, and approximately 16 lakh have registered for NEET. 

Earlier, the entrance exams were scheduled to be held in the month of July after being postponed in view of coronavirus. JEE & NEET were to be held in April and May, respectively.