NEET 2020: One Examination, Different Opinions

Those preparing for NEET 2020 have become a part of something big. They have become a part of a movement started by the students, uniting them to achieve a common goal. Read about the protests for and against NEET 2020 exam dates here.

The aspirants of NEET 2020 finally take a breath of relief as they find out about the fate of this examination. The HRD Minister has announced the details of how and when NEET 2020 will be conducted. But whatever the verdict, the battle for and against the NEET 2020 exam dates has become a part of our history. The struggle, pain and mental stress that students have undergone this year owing to the deferment of the examinations will leave a mark on all. But what was the fuss about?

NEET 2020, originally scheduled for May 3, was postponed due to the spread of COVID-19 in India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) and the HRD Ministry announced the new dates for NEET 2020 after the situation seemed to stabilise. NEET exam was scheduled for July 26. However, as the country started lifting the lockdown, the number of infected cases soared. This gave birth to debate, for and against NEET exam date.

Tweet from HRDM on NEET 2020 exam dates-

Fighting to Postpone NEET 2020

As the number of cases began to rise, the number of containment zones also increased. The students who resided in these areas started to worry if they will be allowed to appear for NEET 2020. Others began analysing the risks that they would be subjected to on the NEET 2020 exam day. Looking at their family members, they were assessing if the risk was worth taking. Adding to the woes, the coaching centres had to be shut due to the lockdowns. These classes were now being conducted online, but not everyone can pay for such luxuries.

Also Read: NEET 2020: Will it be postponed again?

While all this and other thoughts passed the minds of aspirants, NEET preparation took a back seat. It is obvious that one cannot perform under pressure. Moreover, these students are merely adults, expecting them to handle stress like adults will be too much.

Tweets from the students opposing the current exam date

Soon, students took to Twitter to express their concerns. What started as an expression or concern soon became a movement joined by thousands of students who could relate. Twitter was soon trending with new hashtags such as #saveNEETJEEstudents, #postponeNEETJEE and #noExamsInCOVID. But the authorities kept mum on this issue. By the end of June, new trends were born, #wakeupHRDpostponeNEETjee and #RIPNTA. The protests were joined by the parents as well, who wrote to the Ministry of Health and Family welfare seeking intervention in this matter.

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Urging the Authorities to Stick with the Current Dates

While the focus was mainly on the protests against NEET 2020 being conducted on July 26, there was a small group of students who wished that the exam would not be delayed any further. These students—who had spent years preparing for NEET 2020—felt that if the examination was postponed any further, their preparation would go in vain. Preparing for an examination without a target date is demotivating. They also took to Twitter to express their concerns, but the sheer number of those against the current exam date overpowered their tweets. These students then started a petition at change.org, but the petition met the same fate. When nothing else worked for them they also involved their parents. They wrote to the National Testing Agency (NTA) urging them to conduct the examination on the scheduled date.

Tweets from the students supporting the current exam date

Also Read: NEET 2020 should be conducted on July 26: Parents wrote to NTA

While both groups of students had different agendas, one thing was common to both. All of them wanted some clarity regarding the exam dates of NEET 2020. The uncertainty around the NEET 2020 dates was creating immense stress for these students. They felt that their voices didn’t matter, no one would hear their plea.

Also Read: NEET 2020 Exam Date Updates: No Word from Authorities, Twitter Trending With #wakeupHRDpostponeNEETjee

The announcement from Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ brought some relief to both these groups. Now, the only thing left is the final verdict for NEET 2020. What do you think will happen tomorrow?

Read More:

NEET 2020 Exam Dates: HRD Minister Breaks Silence, Final Verdict to be Announced Tomorrow