Question : NEET and other Common Entrance Examination

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government has any plans to suspend the NEET and other common entrance examinations due to COVID-19 pandemic situation and imminent danger of third wave;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) the details of the SoP on safety to be followed in providing life safety and health security to students, teachers and staff of educational institutions in case the Government wish to conduct examinations in schools and educational institutions in the coming months; and

(d) whether the Government has any plan to introduce entrance exams for admissions to arts and science courses, if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) & (b): No. The NEET- (PG) & NEET- (UG) 2021 examinations are scheduled to be held on 11th September, 2021 and 12th September, 2021 respectively.

(c): The examination shall be conducted with all due precautions and following all protocol including maintaining COVID appropriate behavior. Further, the following additional protective measures for the candidates and examination personnel are proposed towards the safe conduct of the exam:
i. The number of Examination Centers have been increased across the country to avoid crowding and long travel by the candidates.
ii. Admit cards being issued to the candidates will bear a Covid e-pass for facilitating easy movement of the candidates.
iii. Staggered entry and exit of candidates from Exam Centers.
iv. All candidates will be checked at the entry point for recording of temperature. Candidates detected with above normal temperature, will be allowed to take the examination in a separate isolation lab created for this purpose.
v. Use of face mask shall be compulsory for the candidates and they will be provided with a protective gear safety kit comprising of a face shield, a face mask and hand sanitizer.
vi. Measure will be taken to control crowd outside the examination center.

(d): The domain of exams in respect of arts and science lies with the concerned Universities / States.