NEET-JEE row: Education Min rules out rethink, says ''students' year shouldn't be wasted''

On Thursday, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank stated that career of students was first priority for Union government. Reiterating that JEE and NEET exams would be held as scheduled, he maintained that one year of students should t be wasted. Moreover, he quoted Supreme Court order which found merit in postponing JEE and NEET exams. 

Pokhriyal added that Union Health Secretary had written to top administrative officials in states to ensure that safety of candidates is given paramount importance. Additionally, he hailed guidelines issued by National Testing ncy for preventing spread of COVID-19. While JEE Main examination will be held between September 1 to 6, NEET examination is scheduled for September 13. 

Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank remarked, " safety and career of students is our first priority. One year should t be wasted. re was pressure from parents and students that exams should be held. During this period, some people approached Supreme Court. While dismissing writ petition, Supreme Court said that re is merit in prayer to postpone JEE and NEET exams. It added that future of students can't be put in danger for a long time." 

"When Supreme Court gave its verdict, Education and Health Ministries worked toger. Union Health Secretary has written to state Health and Education secretaries to ensure that safety of students is given paramount importance. NTA has issued very good guidelines," he added.

Read: 'NEET And JEE Essential, Should t Be Made An Issue': Narottam Mishra Backs Centre

Read: Odisha CM Patnaik Dials PM Modi; Requests Postponement Of NEET, JEE Exams Amid Pandemic

NTA unveils social distancing measures

Amid huge clamour among students for postponement of JEE and NEET exams, NTA on Tuesday assured all students of a safe environment in wake of COVID-19 crisis. It observed that over 99% of candidates in both exams had got ir first choice of centre cities. Furrmore, number of exam centres for JEE Main has been increased from 570 to 660. On or hand, NEET exam will w be conducted in 3843 centres instead of 2546 centres. In case of JEE Main, number of candidates per shift has been reduced from 1.32 lakh to 85,000.

While candidates for JEE Main shall be seated in alternate seats, number of candidates per room in NEET exam will be 12 instead of 24. entry and exit of candidates shall be staggered. candidates have also been issued an advisory on proper social distancing. Also, NTA has written to state governments to extend support for ensuring that candidates are able to reach ir exam centres on time.

Read: In NEET-JEE Row, Over 100 Academics Write To PM Modi Backing Centre Conducting Key Exams