Understanding JEE Mains Integer Questions and Answer Key Rounding

The JEE Mains examination is one of the most crucial tests for students aspiring to secure a place in premier Indian engineering colleges. Among the various sections of the exam, integer questions can often be tricky, especially when dealing with rounding off your answers. In the provided question, a student wrote 0.9 as the answer, which is indeed correct, but the answer key gave 1 as the correct answer. This raises a common query: will the student receive any marks, or will the negative marking apply?

The Official Standpoint on Integer Questions

Official literature from the JEE Mains, specifically the candidate brochure, clearly states that answers should be rounded off to the nearest integer. If the answer is 0.9, it is understood that the final answer should be 1. According to the instructions, if you do not round your answer, you may lose marks.

Consequences of Not Rounding Off

Bidzala's response succinctly summarizes the outcome: if your answer does not match the integer value provided in the answer key, you will receive no marks. Negative marking is not actually applicable in the case of integer questions, as these answers are strictly evaluated based on rounding rules.

Alternative Approaches

It is advisable not to attempt the question in a manner that deviates from the official instructions. If you are certain that 0.9 is correct, you might want to consider challenging the answer key. However, this should be done with evidence of your working, as the examination authorities are usually very strict about such challenges.

Lessons Learned

The experience highlights the importance of following instructions meticulously. In situations where the answer key differs from your response, do not guess or assume. Always ensure that your answer is in the exact format required by the exam authorities, which in this case, means rounding off to the nearest integer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you submit 0.9 for a problem that requires an integer answer, you will not receive marks, as the correct answer is 1. This experience should serve as a learning point for future attempts, emphasizing the need to strictly adhere to examination instructions.

Remember, the JEE Mains, like all competitive exams, is a stringent test of understanding and application of concepts. Ensuring that you follow all guidelines correctly can help you avoid unnecessary deductions and pave the way for success.

By following these instructions, you can maximize your chances of scoring well in integer questions and contributing to a positive outcome in your JEE Mains exam.