National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2019 may either be held in online mode or offline mode, either once a year or twice a year, as per the final decision of Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). The new rules that will govern NEET 2019 shall be announced by end of this week that happens to be August 18.
Final decision shall take into consideration several factors. That shall include the two most major points that ministry of health had brought up. First was the disadvantage to rural students if exam is online (computer based test) mode. Second was that class 12 students would have to bear 4-5 months of continuous exams if NEET is held in February as well as May.
A few days ago’s breakout of the news regarding MHRD considering roll back of NEET 2019 changes has left many students baffled. The uncertainty regarding the conduct of the exam will be cleared by MHRD by end of the week. Officials will confirm the mode and number of times NEET will be in 2019.
What Was Supposed To Change In NEET From 2019?
As per NTA implemented new NEET pattern, exam will be conducted twice a year; once in the month of February and other in May. It also introduces for the first time that national level exam to take place in the online mode. The latter step has been sought to be reconsidered after taking into account the lack of resources available to rural students. Thus continuing in the old pattern and mode will save such students from the pain of adapting to the new pattern.
The main issue that arises from the new pattern is the logistics problem. As many NEET aspirants do not have access to computer facility to practice for the test. Being a single test for undergraduates for admission in medical and dental seats, it is necessary that the interest of all the stakeholders is taken into consideration.
So now the MHRD has been asked, that at least for the year 2019, status quo shall remain same as 2018.
If NEET 2019 is online, how will rural students practise?
When the changes in NEET exam were announced last month, MHRD had assured to assist the disadvantaged students through various ways. It was proposed that a network of online test centers will be created by NTA to facilitate the intricacies of new exam pattern. Thus, students will able to practice for the exam at the labs of schools/ Engineering colleges in nearby areas. To make it more convenient, the labs will open on weekends also. The students will able to use this facility free of cost.
What Next?
Official news regarding confirmation on NEET 2019 new rules ought to come by August 18, that will clear all the doubts and give a proper direction to students. It will help them to prepare for NEET 2019 accordingly without wasting more time on the decision regarding the conduc of exam from next year.
