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

The Union health ministry has issued a revised SOP or standard operating procedure for the conduct of the examinations.

As per the revised SOP, NEET 2020 candidates who will be appearing for the examination this month would be required to follow the revised SOp’s alongside the examination conducting bodies.

The NEET 2020 examination is scheduled to be conducted on September 13 as the supreme court has shot down pleas for the postponement of the NEET examination.

Revised SOP for NEET 2020 and Other Exams

Candidates can check the revised SOP’s published by the Union Health Ministry below.

Only those examination centres which are outside the containment zone shall be allowed to function.
Staff or examinees from containment zones shall not be permitted.
Such examinees shall be given an opportunity to undertake the examination through other means or the universities/educational institution/agency may consider appropriate measures in this regard.
For pen and paper-based tests (like NEET 2020), the invigilator will sanitize his hands prior to the distribution of question papers or answer sheets.
The examinees will also sanitize their hands before receiving such papers and handing them back to invigilators.
The collection and packing of the answer sheets, at every stage, will involve sanitization of the hands.
The answer sheets will preferably be opened up after 72 hours have elapsed after the collection of papers.
The use of spit or saliva for counting or distributing sheets shall not be allowed.
Sharing of personal belongings or stationery shall not be allowed.
For online or computer-based examinations, the systems shall be disinfected using alcohol wipes before and after the exam is conducted.

What to Do If a Person Shows Covid-19 Symptoms During the Exam

The examination centre officials are required to follow the following steps in case any person shows COVID-19 symptoms during the exam.

Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.
The person will remain isolated while wearing a mask/face cover until such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
If symptoms deteriorate, inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
A risk assessment shall be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of the case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.
Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
The guidelines listed by the health ministry enumerate the minimum instructions to be followed to conduct exams. The document released by the ministry makes it clear that educational institutions or conducting bodies can place more measures in place to ensure Covid-19 safety.