The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a cautionary advisory against the use of unfair means in the Joint Entrance Examination-Main (JEE-Main) as the second session of the exam commences. The NTA emphasized that candidates could face penalties even after the exam through post-exam data analysis.

NTA will conduct post-exam video data analysis and examine question-attempting logs to detect any “mischievous collaborations.” Additionally, the agency will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for remote biometric matching of candidates. Following the January 2024 JEE (Main) Session 1, the NTA has already identified four cases of unfair means through post-exam data analysis.

The computer-based exam, which is for admission to engineering and architecture programs in centrally-funded technical institutions, will be conducted across 544 centers in 297 cities. A total of 12.57 lakh candidates have registered for the test, with 75% having already appeared in the January session. The exam will be held from April 4 to April 9 for paper 1 (BE/BTech) in double shifts each day and on April 12 for paper 2 (B Arch/B Planning).

NTA Director General Subodh Kumar Singh stated that rigorous measures have been implemented to deter malpractices and ensure the exam’s fairness. These measures include multi-stage verification, biometric authentication, e-KYC, and frisking of candidates, invigilation staff, and any other associated functionaries. Even if a candidate goes for a bio-break/toilet break, they are required to undergo mandatory frisking and biometric authentication again.

Singh further emphasized that any attempt to compromise the exam’s sanctity could lead to the cancellation of candidature and debarring the candidate from appearing in the exam in the current year and future years, along with the possibility of criminal proceedings or strict action against the wrongdoer.

NTA sources revealed that security measures such as surprise visits by flying squads, deployment of full-time observers, and the use of AI tools to identify discrepancies in candidates’ application details and biometrics are in place. Additionally, thorough invigilation supervision, including physical checks, will be conducted.During the examination, candidates are subject to verification, biometric checks, and frisking. Any signal indicating potential malpractice, detected through AI tools, CCTV analysis, and live streaming in the NTA’s command control room, will prompt further investigation.NTA also conducts post-examination analysis of the responses, focusing on cheating behavior associated with the exam. This analysis includes observational data and statistical approaches. Non-intrusive technology is also utilized to identify collaboration, and question-attempting logs are analyzed to detect suspicious similarities between submitted responses.

(With inputs from TOI)