Despite the date clash with class 12 practical examination, over 9.65 lakh engineering aspirants have reportedly registered themselves for the January JEE Main-1. The class 12 practical examination is also scheduled to take place in the month of January (6th to 20th). This number for the January 2019 cycle is 2.5 lakh less than that for JEE Main of April 2018, said a report in The Times of India. The candidates must note that the NTA will conduct the JEE Main for the second time in the month of April.

“The numbers are much higher than anticipated. The National Talent Agency (NTA) was expecting around 6 lakh registrations for JEE-Main 1,” a senior official told TOI. The official added, “Because of the preparation for board exams and since the second JEE will be held just three months later, we expected a smaller number. However, the registrations are close to those of previous exams. The numbers (for JEE-Main) are likely to increase in April as majority of those who take the test in January would look to improve their scores. Plus, there will be those that didn’t register in the round one.”

Engineering continues to be dominated by men, as is evident from a low 29% applications from female candidates, say MHRD sources. The report further adds that the number of SC aspirants is 9%, and that of ST aspirants is 3.7%. There are also 38 transgender aspirants.

The candidates who are appearing for the examination must note that this is for the first time that these examinations will be conducted by the National Testing Agency or the NTA. This time, the examination will be computer based.

According to the NTA, this year the examinations will be conducted across 276 cities in India. The NTA runs 3,777 test practice centres of which 1,049 have started functioning from September this year.

To help the students who are preparing for the examination, the NTA will make more test papers available for those seeking a practice session.