NEET amid COVID: 16 lakh students to take test today, guidelines in place

The National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) is due today (September 13). If you are one of the 16 lakh aspirants, go through the following tips as the exam is being held amid the pandemic. You must practice writing with gloves and mask on.

Being held in pen-and paper-based mode, NEET will now serve as the single entrance test to get admission in all MBBS and BDS seats offered in the country’s educational institutes. All undergraduate medical entrance exams (AIIMS and JIPMER) other than NEER 2020 have been merged in it. To conduct an entrance test at such a colossal scale would require due cooperation from the candidates for which NTA has laid down NEET exam day guidelines 2020.

The National Testing Agency has also released an advisory emphasizing the guidelines pertaining to controlling the spread of coronavirus. The exam day guidelines will also assist the candidates with detailed instruction for the examination hall so as to avoid any form of disruption and smooth conduct of the NEET 2020.

Here are a few tips as per experts:

Prepare, stay positive: Students had more time this year to prepare. Students should focus only on revising what they already know. A glance at the NCERT textbooks, graphs, diagrams and study notes should be adequate. Avoid deep dives into the textbooks or too much theory. The focus should be on already solved mock tests and going over the mistakes. Make your choices wisely. First you must know the exam day schedule

Think of the real scenario: It can greatly help in addressing exam-related anxieties. Try solve a mock test paper. Wear masks and gloves as well. Wearing a face mask and gloves and keeping a hand sanitizer at the table will help in replicating the exam scenario.

As you start the real exam… Students also need to focus very critically on the OMR sheet. Students should first fill in their credentials carefully and correctly. They should not hurry and be patient while encircling the bubbles. The bubbles should not be overdarkened that it may tear off the sheet nor should they be so light that the machine fails to capture the answer. Try to mark your answers on the question paper. The ideal time to mark the answers on the OMR sheet is after completing a section.

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Be selective: Solving numerical questions is all about practice. It is important to understand the application of concepts. In case students find it difficult to solve numerical questions in physics, they should focus on strengthening their biology and chemistry. Students should be selective in their approach and focus on topics with maximum weightage. Even if they are strong in physics, starting the exam with biology or chemistry will boost their confidence as they are relatively easy.

Parents’ role: Don’t expect too much from your child nor should you discuss their apprehensions alone. Parents should always motivate their child to do better, but don’t advise too much.