Exam

Yes, this time around JEE Mains is being conducted both online and offline. The offline exam was on 8th April and the online one on 15th April.

I wouldn't outrightly say that it's difficult but a bit like the CLAT exam, an applicant has to be very aware of the time while attempting the paper. You can have a look at the past year question papers for more information.

Without management quota, your rank should be below 8000 and for IT to be 11000 to be precise for a confirmed seat in category 1 there. This year in Phase 1 counselling Day 1, ranks from 1-8000 were called and to my surprise, all the seats of CSE branch were filled. In category 1 the CSE branch fees

JEE Mains is just like a qualifying round. JEE Advanced marks/ranks are independent of boards percentage as well as JEE Mains marks.

Yes, you can appear for other state engineering entrance exams. Based on your IIT-JEE Mains marks you can apply for good engineering Institutes accepting the Mains scores. Other good exams to look for BITSAT VITEEE KIITEE SRMEEE, Manipal University Entrance Exam.

ISB&M is better as the college is being run by the ex-director of Symbiosis. You can consider SIBM-H. It's much better than both the institutes.

You might get admission in last few rounds in non core branches but it totally depends on your exact rank. Also, explore your other options in premier private colleges to have a better option.
All the best.

If this is your first drop than you can go for it. Just keep one thing that after taking a drop you need to work hard. Keep practicing and give as many mock tests as possible. You must work hard and consistently assess your performance. If you are confident enough to put a good performance than go f