The Competitive Edge

Even few years ago, West Bengal Higher Secondary Board students had a lot to complain. First, their syllabus was much shorter that the Central curriculum, on which most national-level competitive exams are based, like IITJEE, AIEEE, etc; they had to cover many additional topics. Secondly, there were date clashes between local and national exams – e.g. I had to choose between ISI & AIEEE.
That scenario improved by two means. After repeated petitions from students, the authorities sat and decided to schedule exams better. Also, for WBJEE, students from other states were sanctioned against, probably by forcing to sit for exam from WB only.
That move saw some amusing aftermath – many seats in many engineering colleges remained vacant, and huge hue and cry by left-out students lead to rethinking by 'greatheads' who had to dish out some relaxations in cut-off.
This funny shuffle and reshuffle in admission strategy had another partner – the question pattern underwent a similar roller-coaster ride. First it was a set of problems, with higher emphasis on particular subjects. Then those relinquished the special status in the land of democracy. Soon, the problems were replaced by MCQ (multiple choice questions), with negative marking probably. Usual complaints associated with MCQ started to flow, and small problems were introduced back.
Mind you, all these you can enjoy only if you are perched in a safe nest high above the madding crowd of 'aspirants'.

I've heard so many voices of unrest, saying "Did you see that boy? He always fared below me, and got a JEE rank much lower too. But curse his SC/ST/OBC status – it has catapulted that brat to a high place which he is boasting off now, obviously suppressing the caste tag." Pardon, I am not addressing that sensitive issue now. But caste is an issue indeed in India. Give it some thought when you are free, and raise storm over teacups. Or sign an (online) petition, in favour or against. We rarely do things larger than this.

Now WB boards and exams are reforming the syllabus too, and introducing admirable changes. Thumbs up to them (oh no, not Thums Up, the soft drink – our ubiquitous health Minister Mr. Ramadoss does not encourage endorsing junk food).

This year the JEE exam was scheduled on a single Sunday. My cousin came from Delhi to sit for it. The next Sunday follows AIEEE, a biggie for central board students. But all his precious time spent over JEE will probably be futile. He just got the news of WBJEE question paper leak on Saturday, followed by the natural phenomenon of exam postponement till unknown. He may not know, but such things are common in WB universities, aren't?
He would have wanted to flee to his home quickly. But there comes our omnipresent opponent political power into picture. Their lady leader, Mamata (affection – the name being a bad pun on her nature – her affection for affliction to common people) – called a Bandh (strike) – another natural phenomenon in WB, on Monday, which was his scheduled departure day. Enduring monetary loss, he had rescheduled the journey on Tuesday. Now he is reluctant to spend more and get an instant ticket for Sunday.
I can offer little condolence to him, who was already fuming over this sweaty hot summer of Kolkata. Now I didn't dare visit him – who knows if he is boiling. As the JEE authorities themselves have admitted, after failing to send admit cards to some students, that there might not be a JEE this year, because all other Sundays are booked by other competitive exams, and there is a Court order to finish within 3 months of Board exam, the deadline drawing closer.

The drama does not end here. As the gang had admitted, over the past few years they have sold WBJEE questions to students. So start grabbing all WBJEE passers, and put them to trial to check if a cheque to the racket boosted them. But leave me alone – I didn't pursue an Engineering career. Best of luck in your investigations. And best of luck to the aspirants. Bye.