STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Altogether 30,311 students from Assam have registered themselves to appear for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) scheduled to be held on September 13 across the country amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though the COVID-19 infection had a negative impact on the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main as less than 50 per cent attendance was recorded in the six examination centres in Assam, the 'National Testing Agency' (NTA) is hopeful of the maximum attendance in NEET-UG. The NTA conducts both JEE Main and NEET-UG in the country. The JEE was held in the State from September 1 to 6.
"Students are giving more preference to NEET-UG. The Assam Government has already held a meeting with the NTA for the safe and smooth conduct of NEET. It will be held in 81 examination centres across the State," an official in the Education department told this reporter on Sunday. He said wearing of face masks, maintenance of physical distancing and other COVID-safety protocols will be strictly followed. The number of NEET exam centres has been increased this time to prevent crowding.
While the NEET is conducted every year to select the meritorious students for admission to the medical colleges, the JEE Main is held for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other top bracket technical institutes across the country.
The Congress and the Left parties have vehemently opposed holding of the NEET and the JEE in September. They have argued that such a move will endanger the lives of thousands of students at a time when the number COVID-19 positive cases have refused to come down.
"Many poor meritorious students from villages and remote areas could not appear for the JEE-Main. The same situation will get repeated during the NEET. In this pandemic situation, how will these students come to the city to appear for the examinations? Many such students had failed to register themselves online for the exams due to poor Internet connectivity in their areas," said Dinesh Baishya, former Principal of B Borooah College.
Students are, however, enthusiastic to appear for the NEET. "I have been preparing very hard for the last one year to crack the NEET-UG. More delay in holding the examination due to the pandemic may spoil my positive spirit and patience to appear for the test. I will take all precautions while writing for the test," said Madhurjya Barua — who scored 95 per cent of aggregate exams in the Class-XII final (Science) examinations.
Also Watch: Indefinite Strike by Petrol Pumps of Guwahati