NEET(UG) 2021 to be held on September 12, under strict COVID-19 protocols

The undergraduate National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2021 will be be held on September 12, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on July 12.The application process will begin from 5 pm on July 13 through website of the National Testing Agency (NTA), Pradhan added. "The NEET (UG) 2021 will be held on 12th September 2021 across the country following COVID-19 protocols. The application process will begin from 5 pm tomorrow through the NTA website(s). (sic)," the Minister tweeted.

In order to ensure social distancing norms, number of cities where examination will be conducted has been increased from 155 to 198, Pradhan said. The number of examination centres will also be increased as compared to the past year, when 3,862 centres were used for conducting the NEET UG 2020 exams. To ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols, face mask will be provided to all candidates at the centre, Pradhan said. "Staggered time slots during entry and exit, contactless registration, proper sanitisation, seating with social distancing etc. will also be ensured," he further added. The NEET UG exams are attempted by scores of students annually, as it forms the basis for admission in undergraduate medical courses across the nation. The exam is conducted by the NTA, and was undertaken by 13.66 lakh students last year.