The Coronavirus cases in India are steadily rising, and analysing the present situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested for the extension of the nation-wide lockdown till 3rd May. With lives and activities at a standstill, various examinations throughout the country such as the Board Exams, Entrance Examinations and various Recruitment Examinations, have been postponed. The decision was taken by the MHRD keeping in mind the well-being and safety of the candidates and staff as it has become mandatory to avoid huge gatherings to check the spread of the Novel Coronavirus.
Aspirants appearing for NEET-UG may feel anxious viewing the present scenario. Thousands of aspirants have moved from one city to another, some having come back to their hometowns from boarding schools while others from their coaching institutions. In such circumstances, students may find it difficult and inconvenient to reach the earlier filled exam centres on the day of examination. Thousands of students have requested NTA to allow them to make corrections in their forms by changing their choice of examination centres. Addressing these concerns NTA once again opened the correction window and students have been allowed to make changes in their choice of the examination centres till 3rd May 2020 by 11:50 pm, on www.ntaneet.nic.in.
Many aspirants are also left wondering as to when the examinations may be conducted. If the lockdown opens by 3rd of May, the educational institutions will at least need a week to conduct any examination. With the Board Exams also postponed due to COVID-19 crises, they are likely to be conducted first, as the students need their Board Exam mark-sheet at the time of NEET Counselling. CBSE, ICSE and ISC along with various State Boards may conduct the remaining Board Exams from mid-May to June.
Different states across India have various COVID-19 cases. While some states have become hotspots like Maharashtra and Kerela there are others with few cases. This factor will also play a major role as to when the examinations may be conducted. Keeping in mind all the above facts, it is very likely that the NEET-UG 2020 may be conducted between last week of June or the first week of July.
To remain updated with the latest development regarding the NEET-UG exam students must regularly visit the official website of NEET (www.ntaneet.nic.in.)