Will NEET 2021 be Conducted in August? Know Chances Here

Will NEET 2021 be Conducted in August?

With the release of JEE Main 2021 third and fourth session dates on July 6, speculations regarding NEET 2021 dates have been higher than ever. Even though earlier it was assumed that NEET 2021 dates will be postponed to September since NTA did not commence the application process even in the first week of July and the COVID-19 pandemic, since the JEE Main 2021 pending session dates announcement, it now seems likely that NEET 2021 will be conducted in August, if not on August 1.

On July 6, NTA had submitted a report on the status of NEET 2021 and the possibility of conducting the exam on the scheduled date. The report was also submitted for JEE Main 2021. While the dates of JEE Main 2021 third and fourth phases were announced, no update on NEET 2021 was given by the former Union Education Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ during his Live session on social media where he addressed the JEE Main 2021 candidates and stakeholders.

While the possibility of postponing the NEET 2021 exam till September cannot be ruled out completely, the chances are lower. In this article of Shiksha, we assess the chances of conducting NEET 2021 in August.

Possibilities of Conducting NEET 2021 in August

August is found conducive for conducting tests: Since NTA will be conducting JEE Main third and fourth phases from July 20 and August 2, hence the fact is clear that based on the assessment of NTA and the relevant ministries, this duration is considered conducive for conducting NEET 2021. Hence, it is likely that NEET 2021 will be conducted in August.

Shorter application window: Since NTA is yet to start the NEET 2021 application process, there was a predicament in postponing the exam to later months. However, now there is a chance that NTA will release the NEET 2021 application form by the second week of July. Although in general NEET application window lasts between 45 to 60 days, given the critical time and situation, there is a chance that the NEET 2021 application window will be reduced to around a month. There is also a possibility of providing the application correction facility simultaneously with the application process and not schedule 10-15 days separately for this. If this system is followed, then there will not be many hindrances in conducting NEET 2021 in August.

Threat of COVID-19 third wave hitting in September: According to medical experts, the threat of impending COVID-19 third wave is likely to hit in September. Hence it would be safe to conduct NEET 2021 in August before the COVID-19 situation worsens. Otherwise, the exam may get delayed further, which would affect the entire undergraduate medical admission cycle.

Increase in Exam Centres: The announcement of JEE Main 2021 dated July 6 stated that there has been a massive improvement in the exam infrastructure and the number of exam centres has also been increased to accommodate candidates while maintaining the COVID-19 safety protocols such as maintaining physical and social distancing norms. It is expected that the same arrangements are being made for NEET 2021 exam centres as well.

Going by the above factors, it can be determined that there is a high possibility of conducting NEET 2021 in August and not get postponed further. Hence, NEET 2021 aspirants must not lose focus assuming further delay and lose out on the time to prepare for this highly competitive exam.

If JEE Main 2021 exam can be scheduled approximately two weeks from the official announcement, aspirants should be prepared for any scenario. They should now prepare in such a way that NEET would be held in the original schedule.

Read More:

NEET 2021 Dates to be released soon, students anxious after JEE Mains dates announcement

Education Minister Announces JEE Main 2021 Dates; No Mention of NEET 2021 Disappoints Students

How to prepare for NEET 2021 if exam is held in August