Confusion reigned among students appearing for the Undergraduate National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (UG-NEET) in one examination centre in Bangalore on Saturday. A number of students there complained that they had not been intimated about the change of centre and that they spent some anxious moments before they reached the new venue, and that too late.
The UG-NEET examination for admission to MBBS and BDS courses was held in five cities in Karnataka on Saturday. Across India, it was held on May 5, but it was postponed in the State in view of the Assembly elections on that day.
Confusion prevailed at Kendriya Vidyalaya Hebbal, Sadashivnagar, a few hours before the examination commenced because some students and parents were unsure of the examination centre for UG-NEET. However, a notice outside the school said that the examination centre had been changed and it would be held at Kendriya Vidyalaya MEG & Centre on Kamaraj Road. So, many of them who went to the Sadashivnagar centre had to rush to the centre on Kamaraj Road, and the challenge was to reach the venue on time. While some of them managed to reach on time, many reached late. Uma S., a parent, was extremely disappointed, “We were not given any notice. We went to the Kendriya Vidyalaya Hebbal in Sadashivnagar, and then rushed to the one on Kamaraj Road. I am very upset as it is the responsibility of the authorities concerned to inform all the candidates about the change of the examination centre. We have no Internet connection and it is very difficult for us to get information if it is posted only online. We live in Bagepalli, so we are not even familiar with Bangalore. I have no belief in NEET-UG because of all the confusion created today.”
While most parents mentioned being notified about the change in the venue of examination through an email and an SMS, Sarala Jayaramya said: “My daughter reached the centre half-an-hour late because of the last-minute change in the examination centre. It definitely created tension for her, but the officials let her enter the examination hall late. I had not got any message on my phone.” However, Suzy Medappa, another parent, had a different story to narrate, “We got an email a week ago and there was no confusion for my daughter.”
Adding to chaos
To add to the plight of the students, they were asked to bring a postcard-sized photograph in the last minute. Most of the students complained of being unaware of this as it was not mentioned on the admit card. Students had already submitted a passport-sized photograph while submitting the application form.
“There was a message on the website that asked us to bring a postcard-sized photograph, however, it was not mentioned on the admit card,” said Tvisha Ijner, a student at the Sadguru Sainath International School centre.
Ravi Shah said: “I was unaware that I should bring a larger photograph so I had to run around looking for a shop. I reached late because of this confusion.” While the last-minute requirement for a postcard-sized photograph did create chaos, there were some parents and students who were glad that the officials concerned had arranged for a photographer at the examination centre.
Although candidates faced problems reaching the centre, most of them said they had done well in the examination.
