S. Vishnu Sharma
NEET 2020, also known as National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 2020 has now become a talk of the town of sorts. The current coronavirus problem is the reason behind all this.
Amidst a situation when many well-known exams have witnessed postponement owing to the outbreak of coronavirus, speculation is that even NEET too will not be an exception. However, this question is evoking a mixed reaction among the public.
A few of them feel the NEET may not be postponed. The date of NEET is 3 May, which is quite far away from the present time. ‘There is a gap of more than 30 days between the present time and the date of exam.’
NEET 2020
Situations are expected to come into the grip by that time, chances to conduct NEET on a different date is least likely, says N. Ranganathan, a college lecturer who teaches biology lessons in competitive exam coaching centres.
Treading on the samelines is S.R. Satish Kumar, a NEET 2020 aspirant. Let us not forget that National Testing Agency (NTA), agency which conducts the exam as so far not come with any decision in this regard.
The concern appears to be only quite natural. There is nothing to worry about this. ‘We are amidst a fear filled situation, owing to coronavirus scare, many famous exams have been postponed, so doubts regarding NEET is also quite natural,’ says Manish Kumar, another NEET 2020 aspirant.
Even sources from Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), Government of India too is said to have conveyed that there is no decision to postpone NEET as of now. However, certain other sections feel NEET is likely to be postponed in case, coronavirus continues to cause concern.
It is not possible to say anything as of now, feels Ranganathan. Even if there is a scope for postponement of NEET, decision in this regard could only be taken much later. Many factors have to be taken into consideration before arriving at the decision.
Coronavirus continues to cause panic, moreover, there are other exams that have been postponed, new schedule to conduct exams for them also has to be worked out.
One has to ensure that the new exam schedules do not clash with each other, taking into consideration all these factors, decision of postponement with regards to NEET may not be there, he says. However, applicants can logon to NTA’s official website at ‘ntaneet.nic.in’ at regular intervals for updates regarding the exam schedule.
Admit cards for NEET
Applicants must also remember that NTA is about to release the hall tickets for NEET 2020 exam on 27 March. Candidates can logon to ‘ntaneet.nic.in’ for downloading them at the appropriate time.
Once candidates enter the website of NTA and provide their application number, date-of-birth, security pin and click the ‘submit’ button. Soon after the admit card is displayed, candidates can download it. Candidates must take a printout of the same.
Soon after the printout is taken, applicants must ensure the details provided in the hall ticket are accurate or not. If some inaccuracies are found on the hall ticket, they must take it to the notice of the authorities concerned immediately for required rectification.
Points to remember
Candidates should not wait till the last date to download the hall ticket, though they have a provision of downloading it till 3 May, the date of exam. The sooner, the better.
This hall ticket is like an entry pass for the candidate. Lack of this may not allow him to gain an entry into the exam centre. Applicants must also keep themselves alert to latest developments with regards to the exam.
They must watch their email ids, mobile numbers and official website of NTA for regular updates about the exam. This will enable the applicants to take timely action.
What if postponed?
If NEET is postponed, then nothing is to be worried. Candidates have to keep checking their emails, mobile numbers and official website for next exam date. Candidates must also note that, if exam date is postponed, even delivery of hall tickets will also be postponed.
They must keep watch for the next date for hall ticket delivery. The extra-time bestowed to the applicants by exam postponement must be used wisely. This can be used by applicants to strengthen their hold on the subjects they have to study for passing the exam.