• Source:JND

NEET UG Re-Exam: Former BJP leader K Annamalai on Tuesday expressed concern over the extensive security arrangements made for the NEET-UG re-test scheduled for June 21. He stated that while efforts to prevent paper leaks are welcome, rigorous screening before entering the exam center could increase stress and anxiety among students.

Annamalai questions security protocols

His remark comes after the Ministry of Education introduced stringent security protocols for the examination, including a two-tier escort by CRPF and CISF, airlift arrangements by the Indian Air Force, four-layer CCTV surveillance supported by artificial intelligence, biometric and facial recognition checks before entry, multiple levels of frisking, and direct monitoring from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Annamalai argued that increasing the total exam duration from 180 minutes to 195 minutes would further heighten exam-related stress. In a post on X, he wrote, “Every student would appreciate the government's efforts to prevent paper leaks by implementing additional security measures and enhanced monitoring. But an increase in scrutiny before entry, extended frisking, and an increase in the overall exam time from 180 minutes to 195 minutes will only add to their already ballooning exam pressure.”

He further claimed that while the government has taken measures to contain leaks, authorities have forgotten the massive emotional and mental burden imposed on young students before they even sit for an assessment. Annamalai added, “They have forgotten the additional burden they have imposed on a young student before they take up an assessment, one that they have spent months preparing for, dissolving the entire purpose of our exam system and the NEP 2020’s goal to reduce “Exam Stress”.

BJP leader Selvam defends measures

While Annamalai alleged that the approach devised for the NEET retest may create a new set of problems, BJP leader Vinod Selvam countered his claim. Selvam stated that the biometric verification, CCTV monitoring, and security checks are standard procedures in any serious, large-scale examination. He cited China's 'Gaokao', a highly competitive and standardized National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) for its strict protocols.

Selvam wrote on X, “When India wants is competing with super powers across the world and become a Greater nation, we need credibility and fair competition. Students deserve confidence in the system, not political fearmongering every time standards are enforced.”

What Changes Will Aspirants See On June 21?

While the two leaders may have diverging points of view, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has claimed that it has introduced "student-friendly" measures for the upcoming NEET e-exam. The changes have been implemented to make the examination process more comfortable for candidates, whilst maintaining a high standard of fairness, security, and transparency.

Some of the measures announced by the NTA are:

The examination window has been extended to 195 minutes and will be from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm. This includes the time required for mandatory examination formalities such as signing of attendance sheets and other invigilation procedures. The additional 15 minutes are added to accommodate the invigilation formalities at the start and end of the examination, such as the signing requirements, which candidates earlier felt reduced their effective working time.

The space available for rough work in the question paper booklet has been increased. Candidates will now have four rough-work pages instead of two. This has been done to give them more room for calculations, diagrams and other workings during examination.

Another significant change has been brought to the design of the question paper booklet. For the candidate’s convenience, two rough pages have been placed at the beginning, while the other two are attached at the end of the booklet. This has been done to support the left-handed candidates.

In a press release, the NTA noted the reason behind the change, emphasising that even small improvements in examination design can have a positive impact on the experience of candidates during examinations like NEET.


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