Consider Board marks instead of JEE Main, NEET for admissions: Schools

Considering the prevailing health emergency and various postponements, many schools are now suggesting that the authorities must give weightage to board exam scores for admissions to engineering and medical institutes instead of JEE Main or NEET.

The extended lockdown due to the outbreak of the pandemic novel coronavirus led to the postponement of many engineering and medical entrance examinations including JEE Main and NEET. According to the reports, these entrance exams are now likely to be held after the completion of CBSE Class XII board exams.

Considering the prevailing health emergency and various postponements, many schools are now suggesting that the authorities must give weightage to board exam scores for admissions to engineering and medical institutes instead of JEE Main or NEET.

Many schools are demanding relief for students keeping their wellbeing in mind. Schools are coming forward urging authorities that students be given relief from JEE Main and NEET preparation by ensuring admissions on the basis of class XII exam scores.

While the lockdown is scheduled to end on May 3, there are chances that the government may push it a little further in order to control the prevailing health emergencies due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The uncertainty is adding more anxiety and pressure on students. The situation is not under control yet. Even if the lockdown ends, the norms of social distancing will be followed. The chances of conducting the entrance exams such as NEET and JEE in the near future are negligible. Considering the ongoing scenario, the schools are in favor of the cancellation of these entrance exams for the year 2020.

Speaking to a reputed media source, N Vijayan, senior principal of Zion and Alwin group of schools, stated, “The impact of COVID-19 and lockdown has mentally affected students who are preparing for competitive exams like Neet and JEE. Students are not able to focus because of the house arrest-like situation”. He further added that “The NTA should reduce the syllabus for Neet 2020 considering the stress on students. The government should consider giving weightage for board exam scores in medical admissions by taking biology, physics and chemistry marks into account at least for this year.”

However, there are some schools that are against this idea of giving weightage to board exam marks for admission to engineering and medical colleges. According to the reports, these schools feel that the pandemic has affected only the last minute preparation of the students but they have been preparing for the entrance exam throughout the year.

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