Is There Any Chance for the NEET 2019 Exam to Be Postponed Due to Cyclone Fani?

Dear students and NEET aspirants, Cyclone Fani wreaked havoc in some regions of India, particularly impacting the state of Odisha. As a result, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the rescheduling of the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam. Prior to the disruption caused by the cyclone, the exam was scheduled to be held on 3rd May 2019. Currently, the rescheduled exam date is 20th May 2019, with an exception for candidates whose centers were affected in Odisha.

What Happened?

The cyclone affected several regions in eastern India, causing significant disruptions including cancellations of trains and flights. This impacted many candidates who were unable to travel to their examination centers. Recognizing the implications of these events, the NTA revised the exam dates for those candidates who were affected by the cyclone. However, the rescheduling will only apply to aspirants from Odisha, as the exam will proceed as scheduled in all other regions.

Dr. Priyanka Sharma, a well-known expert, provides insight into the situation, stating that the NEET exam has been postponed only in Odisha due to the impact of Cyclone Fani. However, she suggests that a postponement for the entire nation is a possibility, given the extent of the impact in the eastern coastal regions.

Why the Postponement?

Several experts have highlighted the serious circumstances affecting candidates from Odisha and the surrounding areas. The cancellation of exams in certain regions, such as the AIIMS PG exam in Bhubaneswar, has set a precedent. Additionally, road and cellular networks in Odisha have been significantly damaged, making it impossible for many candidates to reach their centers on time. Furthermore, the damage to infrastructure, including college buildings and examination hall facilities, complicates the rescheduling further.

Dr. Vineet Tiwari, the president of the Student Union, has written a letter to NTA expressing concerns and requesting a postponement of the NEET exam for the entire country. His letter underscores the severity of the situation, stating, 'it would be unfair to hold the exam only in Odisha, as it is already under a paralysed state.'

What to Do Next?

Given the current uncertainty, it is crucial for students to continue their preparation. While the exam will proceed on 20th May in most regions, those from Odisha should prepare for a possible deferment. It is advisable to keep an eye on official announcements and stay informed through reliable educational platforms and government channels.

For candidates planning to appear for the NEET 2019, the following steps are recommended:

Continue Studying: Stay focused on your studies and ensure that you are well-prepared for the exam. Stay Informed: Regularly check the NTA's official website and social media channels for updates on the exam. Stay Healthy: Take care of your physical and mental health during this time of uncertainty. Support Network: Engage with support networks and communities to share resources and strategies.

Stay hopeful and proactive. The situation will become clearer soon, and your efforts will pay off.

For further reading, you can refer to the detailed answers provided by experts such as Nitika Kohli and Priyank Sharma.