National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test(NEET) has always been a tough nut to crack, but this year medical aspirants will have to prepare themselves more than just their brains. They have to endure sitting in exam halls for up to six hours wearing masks and without food as part of the COVID-triggered protocol. Writing mock tests wearing masks has become part of the preparation.

NEET 2020 is all set for Sunday i.e. Sept 13, 2020. The examination begins at 2 p.m. and one-fourth of the candidates must arrive in halls between 11 AM and 11:40 AM as planned for the staggered entry.

Also Read: NEET 2020: BMC Makes Arrangements for Candidates for All India Medical Exam on September 13​

It will also be a tough day for parents as authorities have been instructed not to allow anyone to avoid crowding within 100 metres of a hall.

Students who appeared for JEE (Main) said wearing masks for several hours was difficult despite the practice.

Ambattur resident K Janani said she felt suffocated, having worn masks and gloves for one week.

"I've had almost five hours to sit in the hall. It's been very hard and I have drunk water several times, "she added.

Amrith Anbarasan said he was practising for NEET 2020 with masks and OMR response sheets.

"I felt pretty weird at the start. Now I AM fine after a long practise, "he said.

Chitlapakkam 's Sam Dharshan, who spent little more than four hours inside a JEE (Main) hall, is on Sunday preparing for tougher times.

"My time to report is noon and I have to leave my house by 10 AM," he said. Kishore Gnaneshwar, a resident of Nanganallur, who needs to report before 11.30 AM at the exam centre in Korattur, plans to have lunch en route. "But it's a long time to have lunch at 11 AM and to write the exam till 5 PM," he said.

Also Read: NEET 2020: DMRC to Start Delhi Metro Operation from 6:00 AM on September 13; Check Details Here​

Parents, Academicians, Doctors Concerning over Students’ Plight  

Parents are equally concerned about this as are their children.

"Students are under stress, already. Asking them to wear a mask and wait for three hours in an examination hall can make things worse, "said Sathya R, whose son appears for the first time for NEET.

"The majority will leave home at 9:30 AM. They'll be frisked, inspected, and sent in. If they enter at 11 AM during the first batch, they'll be hungry by 2 PM.

Coaching institutes have instructed students to prepare mock tests wearing masks and gloves.

"It would be a bit different to shading OMR respond sheets with gloves. Before the exam, it is better to have rehearsals, "Aakash Institute regional director Chandan Chand said.

Wearing masks directly at the exam would make the masks a little bit foggy during paper solving. "We planned mock tests from 2 PM to 5 PM, but from noon he asked students to wear masks," he told.

Doctors say the test may not be as easy as other tests have been written up until now. "They could be hungry and tired. It's probably a test not just for their knowledge but also for physical and mental endurance, "said Dr Raj B Singh, a senior pulmonologist. "It's probably a glimpse into their future."

Also Read: NEET 2020: Union Health Ministry Publishes Revised SOP for Conducting Exams​

On the Bright Side of the Restrictions

It is true that NEET 2020 is going to prove difficult for many aspirants but it is also going to give an experience of what they are giving the exam for.

Being in the operation theatres with masks on or just like in recent times Medical practitioners have to spend long hours in PPE kits. 

Wearing masks and gloves for almost six hours will make them feel like doctors already!

Aspirants are advised to calm themselves down in these hard times and focus on what they have been preparing for all this time and think of this in a positive way.

All the Best from Team Collegedunia!