Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests on social platforms to postpone exams, NTA has released the COVID-19 Advisory for NEET 2020 for all staff and students. NEET 2020 is scheduled to be conducted on September 13, 2020, between 02:00 p.m.- 05:00 p.m (IST). 

Just a day after the JEE Main 2020 COVID-19 Advisory was released, NTA also announced the standard operating procedures for NEET 2020. Based on relevant instructions, guidelines and orders, a comprehensive plan has been prepared by NTA to conduct the exam in a hassle-free manner. 

In order to assure the safety of all students and functionaries involved in the conduct of the exam, strict compliance with the guidelines and instructions is required. The main objectives for the advisory include a safe and secure environment all everyone at the NEET 2020 Exam Center, maintaining social distancing norms, following guidelines by GOI, etc. 

The advisory covers all the required measures right from the entry of the candidate at the exam center to his/her exit. Students can go through the actual document released by NTA. (Link for the same would be attached in the article below).

Similar to the pattern for the JEE 2020 COVID-19 Advisory, the NEET 2020 COVID-19 Advisory also plans to cater to the safety of candidates in three steps:

  • Pre-Examination Controls/ Measures
  • Exam Conduct Controls/ Measures at Examination Centers
  • Post Examination Controls/ Measures at Examination Centers. 

Pre-Examination Measures for NEET 2020

  • Candidates would be required to maintain a safe distance from one another. Even the seating arrangement at the exam center would be as per the social distancing norms. 
  • There have been a few changes in NEET 2020 Admit Card:
    • The admit card contains specific instructions to maintain social distancing throughout the exam. 
    • The staggered time slot for candidates to report at the exam center would be mentioned as “Slot (time)” such as 11.00 A.M.- 11.30 A.M.
    • Permitted items in exam room for NEET 2020 would be listed.
    • Hyperlink to locate the exam center in advance.
    • In the case of a PwD candidate with a scribe, both would be required to wear a mask.
  • There would be masks and gloves for candidates, hand sanitizers, spray bottles, disinfectant liquid with 1% sodium hypochlorite, disinfectant backpack spray machines for spraying on floors and walls, thermo guns (for temperature checks), etc. 
  • The examination centers would be thoroughly sanitized with the disinfectant including the chairs and desks, washrooms, door handles, staircase railings, lift buttons, etc. 
  • All the sanitizer bottles at the entry gate, registration desks, server room, staff room, etc. would be replenished.
  • All the used items such as gloves, masks, etc. would be disposed of in a pedal push covered bin and later be safely disposed of as per the standard guidelines issued by the health authorities.

Guidelines for candidates at the time of Entry in the NEET 2020 Exam Center

  • Candidates are required to report in batches as per the staggered time slot mentioned in their admit cards. This is to avoid the crowd at the entrance.
  • Details regarding the staggered entry would be communicated to the candidate through admit card and SMS. 
  • The body temperatures of the candidates would be tested with the help of a thermo gun.
  • If the temperature is normal (<37.4°C/ 99.4°F), students would be allowed to move forward for frisking.
  • In case of body temperatures above the recommended degrees, candidates would be taken to the isolation room. All processes of frisking and document verification would be done after a period of 15-20 minutes. 
  • In case a student’s temperature does not return to normal he/she would be allowed to appear for the exam alone in a separate room. 
  • Candidates would be requried to display their admit cards, valid ID proof, PwD certificate (if applicable), scribe undertaking (if applicable) to the Invigilator across the table.
  • Candidates would be allowed inside two different registration rooms in batches of 15 girls and 15 boys. 
  • Students would be directed to their respective rooms as per the roll number after process of frisking and thermal scanning. 
  • At any point, the staff at the exam center would not touch any of the documents of the candidates. 
  • Frisking would be done only using metal detectors with long handles and will be mandatory for all candidates.
  • As per the NTA guidelines, all the installed jammers, CCTVs, etc. would be functional throughout the conduct of exam. The presence of WiFi signals and Bluetooth will be checked inside the examination hall and center. 
  • A 3 feet width table would be kept in the Registration room for the display of documents, This is to ensure that the staff does not touch any of the documents belonging to the students. 

Items Permitted Inside the NEET 2020 Examination Hall

Candidates appearing for NEET 2020 would be allowed only specific items inside the examination hall. These include:

  • Mask on face
  • Gloves on hands
  • Personal transparent water bottle
  • Personal small hand sanitizer (50 ml)
  • Exam related documents such as Admit Card, ID Card, etc. 

All candidates are strongly advised not to bring anything other than permitted items to the exam center. 

During Examination Controls/ Measures

  • Candidate Authentication
  • Manual attendance and handwriting sample at the candidate seat with signatures (wearing gloves) will be taken. No thumb impression will be taken. 
  • The candidate would be required to seek permission from the invigilator before going to the washroom. 
  • The practice of water dispensers will be discontinued therefore students must make sure to carry a personal water bottle to avoid any problems. 

Post Examination Controls/ Measures

  • On completion of the exam, candidates would only be allowed to exit the center one at a time.
  • Volunteers would be present along the exit path ensuring that the candidates maintain the social distancing norms.

For the safety of candidates, it is advised that they go through each and every point mentioned in the advisory with great seriousness. Students can check the official advisory here. 

According to tweet made by Rajya Sabha Member and Former Cabinet Minister Subramanian Swamy on August 21, 2020 he had sent a letter to PM Modi for postponement of NEET 2020 till Diwali. He also said that he had spoken to the Education Minister Mr. Ramesh Pokhriyal regarding the same. However, in a later meeting with the media, Secretary of Education Ministry stated that the national level Exams will not be postponed any further. Check details here.

Also Read: Preparation Tips for NEET 2020