HYDERABAD: Students appearing for the Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) this year have to appear for two papers only instead of three papers which was the case last year.

The restructured JEE would have two papers of three hours each instead of three papers of two hours each. The examination is likely to test the skills of candidates in a different format this year what with a mixed bag of questions from all three subjects — mathematics, physics and chemistry — appearing in both papers.

Last year, the papers were separate for all the three subjects. "This will make students' task difficult as they cannot focus on one single subject," says Chukka Ramaiah of IIT fame.

He said the change was expected what with the format facing criticism on the pressure imposed on aspirants with three tests in a single day. Questions can range from single answer and multiple answer questions in a multiple-choice format. Another change students can expect is matching the questions and answers and comprehension.

Viewing from a teacher's angle, Prof. Ramiah said the first paper could consist of more single answer and multiple answer questions while the second paper might concentrate on matching type questions and comprehension. However, he advised students to plan in such a way that their confidence goes up while attempting the paper.

"Students should first attempt the questions they are sure of to boost their confidence," he says, adding that they could attempt multiple answer questions that require application of two or three concepts. The matching part is likely to be different with more answers given for a few questions.

Regarding comprehension, he said students should concentrate hard. Since the topic is unknown, they must read it twice or thrice before answering. In the first reading, it may look difficult but multiple readings will make it look easy. Comprehension should be attempted only during the last half an hour.

He says IITs never give a pattern so candidates should not get discouraged. On the reduction of aspirants from three lakhs to 2.5 lakhs this year, he felt limiting candidates to just two attempts and making 60 per cent score mandatory might be the two reasons.

He says the changes will hit rural students as they lack quality teaching and facilities.

This year, 55 students will have a fight for a single seat when compared to 74 students last year.

The examination is scheduled on April 8.

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