Amid Covid, Nearly 16 Lakh Students To Take NEET Today

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) - for admission to medical courses across the country - will be held today. States have announced special measures, including easing of restrictions and transportation. The conduct of the NEET amid the Covid pandemic was challenged by some students and opposition-ruled states, who argued that holding these exams at this time would endanger the lives of students. Last month the Supreme Court was petitioned to defer both NEET and the JEE (for admission to IITs) but the court said the exams could be held with strict restrictions on contact and social distancing. The JEE has already been held and results have been declared. On Wednesday the court declined to hear any further petitions on deferring NEET. "I wish good luck to all the students appearing for NEET. I am fully confident that all the candidates, while sticking to the coronavirus protocols, will give the exam with full confidence and patience," Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank tweeted this morning, adding "all states have made arrangements, adhering to the government-mandated protocols".