Proposed Changes to JEE and NEET Exams: A Shift to 11th Grade

The central government is contemplating significant changes to the JEE and NEET examination system, including moving these exams to the 11th grade. A committee has proposed various reforms aimed at reducing students' reliance on coaching, such as limiting coaching hours and integrating board exam scores into the admission process. These changes aim to alleviate academic pressure and enhance the quality of education. If implemented, the reforms could transform the admission landscape for prestigious institutions, providing students with more balanced opportunities. Read on to discover the full scope of these proposed changes.

By Ambika Singh Nov 29, 2025, 15:04 IST

Transforming the Examination System

JEE-NEET in 11th Class: The central government is considering major reforms aimed at decreasing students' reliance on coaching institutes. A committee established to tackle this issue has proposed several significant changes that could reshape the examination landscape for JEE, NEET, and CUET. One of the most notable suggestions is to shift these competitive exams to the 11th grade instead of the traditional 12th grade. Other recommendations include limiting coaching hours and incorporating board exam results into the admission process.

The 11-member committee convened on November 15th to address the rising academic stress among students, the pervasive coaching culture, and the diminishing importance of school education. They noted that students currently dedicate five to six hours daily to coaching, which adversely affects their mental well-being and academic performance.

JEE-NEET Exams in 11th Grade
One of the key proposals discussed was to conduct national entrance exams like JEE, NEET, and CUET in the 11th grade. Committee members believe this change could alleviate the intense pressure faced by students in their final year and allow them to make career choices a year earlier. However, a conclusive decision will depend on aligning the school board syllabus, with NCERT tasked to compare it against CBSE and state boards.

Biannual Exam Schedule
The committee also recommended that entrance exams be held biannually, in April and November. This aligns with the New Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020) and would provide students with two chances each year, thereby reducing the stress associated with a single examination.

Coaching Time Restrictions
Another significant recommendation is to cap coaching class durations to a maximum of 2 to 3 hours per day. Currently, many students spend 5 to 6 hours in coaching after school, leading to mental and physical fatigue. Implementing a time limit would help students achieve a better balance between their studies and personal lives, while also reinforcing the role of schools.

Weightage for Board Exams and Aptitude Tests
The committee also discussed that future admissions to IITs, medical colleges, and other higher education institutions should not depend solely on a single competitive exam. Instead, a hybrid approach should be adopted, giving equal importance to board exam scores and aptitude tests. This would enhance the internal assessment systems of schools and reduce students' reliance on coaching.

Concerns Over Dummy Schools and Education Quality
The meeting raised alarms about issues such as the rise of dummy schools, inconsistent teacher quality, inadequate formative assessments, and the lack of career guidance in schools. The committee believes that without strengthening the school education system, reliance on coaching will persist.

Currently, these proposals are under discussion. The committee plans to submit its final recommendations to the government after reviewing the syllabus and other relevant factors. If implemented, these changes could significantly alter the admission processes for IITs, medical colleges, and other prestigious institutions, offering students relief from the burdens of excessive coaching.