Dummy school for JEE/NEET: is it a good idea?

Dummy schools (where you're enrolled but rarely attend) are common, but there are real downsides you should weigh. Why students choose them - More hours for coaching and self-study. - Less travel and fewer school tests. The risks - Attendance rules. CBSE and other boards require minimum attendance to appear in board exams. Boards have warned against dummy enrolment, and enforcement can tighten. Check your board's current rules. - Board marks still matter. IIT/NIT admission through JoSAA has required 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC/ST) or a top-20-percentile rank in your board; the JEE Main 2027 brochure leaves this to JoSAA, so check its 2027 rules. NEET needs a minimum PCB percentage. CUET, college cut-offs and some scholarships also look at boards. - Lost school life. Practicals, friends and activities matter for growth, and losing all of them can increase stress. - All eggs in one basket. If the exam doesn't go well, your fallback options depend partly on board marks. Questions to ask yourself - Can I self-study 6–8 hours a day without a teacher watching? - Will I keep up with board-specific topics and practicals? - What's my plan if the entrance exam doesn't go my way? A balanced option: a regular school with good timings plus evening or online coaching. Many toppers did exactly this. If you're still unsure whether to commit fully to JEE or NEET, check your fit first. Guidopia's Career DNA shows how your abilities match engineering, medicine and other careers.