JEE Main to adopt AI modules from 2026
HYDERABAD: Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to play a key role in national competitive examinations, with the Union Ministry of Education planning a phased rollout beginning with the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main.
IIT Bombay submits feasibility report on AI integration
The ministry is moving to introduce AI-based tools in JEE Main at the earliest, focusing initially on concept-clarity modules. IIT Bombay has completed a study on feasibility and submitted a report to the central government.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Education are expected to meet representatives of the Indian Institutes of Technology and the National Testing Agency soon. A senior official said limited adoption of AI is likely in the second session of JEE Main next year to review challenges during the pilot phase.
After incorporating changes and refinements, the government plans to roll out AI fully by 2027. Initially limited to JEE, the technology is expected to be extended later to NEET and other entrance examinations.
Focus on security and question paper design
More than 10 lakh students write JEE each year across the country. As the examination is conducted online, officials said extra caution is required from question paper design to evaluation.
In view of rising cybercrime, IIT Bombay has recommended robust security features. The institute said each competitive exam would require customised long-learning modules, with special emphasis on AI-based data analytics and question paper preparation.
AI-based modules have already been developed in countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia. The IIT Bombay study said advanced firewalls that cannot be breached by cybercriminals have been designed.
Currently, JEE question papers are prepared in about 10 sets, covering difficult, moderate and easy questions. Software selects questions from these sets. Under the AI system, chapters and syllabus data will be fed into AI modules, which will select questions accordingly. After finalisation, question papers will open at examination centres only through a centralised password system, reducing the risk of hacking or leaks. Experts stressed that the data provided to AI systems must remain strictly confidential.
Data privacy, algorithm issues flagged
Experts from IIT Madras cautioned that concerns remain over data privacy and algorithms. If input data flows to external organisations or shared AI tools, there is a risk of questions becoming known in advance.
They also said AI would need advanced modules to design conceptually twisted questions in mathematics and physics. Without this, AI-generated papers could become chapter-based and predictable.
As AI systems operate globally and integrate data from multiple countries, experts warned that unintended data use could confuse students. They recommended feeding extensive domestic data, subject-wise, into dedicated data centres for Indian competitive exams.
AI already widespread in coaching sector
Online coaching platforms and corporate colleges are already using AI extensively. Around 6.5 lakh JEE aspirants use AI tools and chatbots for identifying strengths and weaknesses, personalised study plans, daily practice questions and doubt resolution.
AI systems analyse trends based on questions from the past two years, generate mock tests and adaptive learning assessments, and provide score and rank projections. AI-based proctoring, including facial recognition and student behaviour tracking using large language recognition models, has been in use for the past two years.
Officials said AI-driven digital platforms are enabling students from rural areas to access quality content, while improving speed and accuracy in objective-type examinations.
