Since yesterday, after the Bombay High Court’s verdict, the term “NEET Phase 2” has been trending on the internet. Every student out there is wondering about the possibility of NEET 2021 being conducted again. Already, the “first phase” of the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) 2021 was conducted on September 12, 2021. While students were hoping for results to come out today, October 23, 2021, a new development has emerged. Bombay HC has directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct a re-exam again for two students who received the wrong question paper-mark sheet combination. So, will NEET 2021 Phase 2 be conducted for all students? Read ahead to know the recent updates in this regard.
Tow students from Solapur, namely Vaishnavi Bhopale and Abhishek Kapse had appeared for the NEET 2021 examination at the Shree Swami Gurukul International School. During the exam, Bhopale received the booklet of Code 04 along with answer sheet having code P4. Kapse on the other hand received the test booklet for Code P4 and the answer sheet for Code 04. Even after bringing this to the notice of invigilators, no action was taken.
NEET is the only medical entrance exam currently conducted in the country. The stakes are high, competition is tough and seats are limited. So, missing out on the chance of competing for a medical seat for no fault on the students’ part seems rather unfortunate. To appeal for a re-exam, both students filed their petition in the Bombay High Court and were represented by Pooja Thorat. At the end of this session, HC directed NTA to conduct a re-exam for both students after providing them a prior notice of 48 hours. After the conduction of the exam, results for all students must be announced within 15 days.
So, NEET 2021 Phase 2 is nothing but a re-examination for those two Solapur students who had filed the petition. Despite this clarity, many aspirants are hoping for the agency to conduct the national-level medical entrance test again. Already, the entrance exam has been marred by a few controversies in the last few months. Putting across this point, students are hoping for a second chance.
But, candidates must know that NEET 2021 is conducted on a grand level, with more than 15 lakh students appearing for it at allotted centres. Months’ worth of planning is required to conduct this exam in a seamless manner. Furthermore, if a re-exam takes place for all students, results will further get delayed. Already, this academic year has begun late due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the education system cannot face a further postponement in the admission activities.
So, candidates can expect the NEET 2021 Phase 2 exam to only be restricted to the two Solapur students. NTA is yet to formally address or comment on this issue. But, if everything goes well, candidates can expect their results to come out by the last week of November 2021.
Additionally, the NTA has reopened the NEET 2021 Phase 2 registration portal after receiving requests from multiple students. Students are in need of more time to fill up the second set of information and modify the particulars in the application form. Complying with their requests, NTA shall keep this portal open till October 26, 2021, up to 11:50 pm. All candidates are advised to make the best of this extra time to rectify or edit their application. Beyond this deadline, NTA will not be accepting rectification or form-filling requests.
