NEET 2020: Govt. revises SOP for exams, removes isolation option for 'symptomatic students'

Ahead of NEET 2020, the revised guidelines released by the Ministry of Health states that asymptomatic aspirant should be referred to the nearest health centre and provided a chance to appear for the test through other modes.

The Union health ministry on September 9, modified the SOP for holding exams during the ongoing pandemic situation. The revised SOP include scrapping the provision that permitted symptomatic candidates to take the test in an isolated room. Ahead of NEET 2020, the revised guidelines released by the Ministry of Health states that asymptomatic aspirant should be referred to the nearest health centre and provided a chance to appear for the test through other modes or the educational institution shall make provisions for taking the exam at a later date when the student is deemed fit. Talking about the situation in which a candidate is found to be symptomatic, the revised SOP said, "However, if a student is found to be symptomatic, the permission or denial thereof, in such cases shall be granted as per the policy already enunciated on the issue by the Examination Conducting Authorities.” The earlier guidelines, issued on September 2, stated that personnel and examinees from containment zones shall not be allowed to be physically present at exam centres and other arrangements would be made for such students.

Different modes will be provided to such students to appear for the examination. The SOP also states that the universities shall arrange for taking the exam at a later date for them. According to the SOP, suitable preparations for arranging personal protection gears such as face masks or hand sanitisers, soap, sodium hypochlorite solution etc. shall be provided by universities, educational institutions, the examination conducting authorities or examination centres to the staff as well as students as per the necessity. Meanwhile, for NEET 2020, which is scheduled to be held on September 13, the National Testing Agency (NTA) prescribed a list of items that are barred in the examination hall and has also directed a NEET dress code 2020.

The latest guidelines further state, "Exam functionary and examinees may also submit self-declaration about health status at the time of entrance to the examination centre. Such self-declaration form may be circulated at the time of issue of admit tickets.”  No entry to the examination hall will be provided if any examination functionary or examinee fails to meet the self-declaration criteria.

Besides this, the SOP further said that only those staff and students shall be permitted inside the examination hall who would be asymptomatic. Wearing face cover or mask is compulsory in order to enter the examination hall.

Meanwhile, for exams that are pen and paper-based, the SOP details that sanitizing hands before handing out of question papers or answer sheets is a must. The examinees will also sanitise their hands before receiving these items. The collection and packaging of the answer sheets at each stage would require sanitisation of hands. The guidelines further advice to open the answer sheets after 72 hours have gone by after the collection of papers. Meanwhile, “Use of spit/saliva for counting and distributing sheets shall not be allowed.” The SOP clearly states that a designated isolation room is a must at examination centres for isolating any person who is found symptomatic at the time of screening or during the examination, till such time medical advice may be sought.

According to the revised instructions, the examination conducting authorities need to lay down a clear policy on permitting or not permitting symptomatic candidates to appear for the examinations well in advance.

To read the complete official notification released by the ministry CLICK HERE

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