NTA NEET 2020 postponed, JEE Main revised dates announced

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“Since Parents and Students have to travel to different examination centres, to avoid any inconvenience to them, I have directed National Testing Agency to postpone NEET (UG) 2020 and JEE(Main) till last week of May,” the HRD Minister wrote in his tweet.

Since Parents and Students have to travel to different examination centres, to avoid any inconvenience to them, I have directed National Testing Agency @DG_NTA to postpone NEET (UG) 2020 and JEE(Main) till last week of May. pic.twitter.com/loji50ZQq3

— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) March 27, 2020

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The NTA in an official circular said, “We are hopeful that we would get back to normal situation relatively soon, but for now, various concerned ministries and examination boards are examining the scenario to evaluate the situation that may necessitate any change in he schedule.”

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NTA added, “we understand that academic calendar and schedule is important but equally important is well being of citizens including students.”

Both the exams have been postponed as the coronavirus pandemic has gripped India. So far, 724 people in India have been affected with the disease. While 17 have lost their lives to the virus, 66 have recovered. The global causalities stand at 24,057.

Over 15.93 lakh had applied to appear for NEET and an estimated 9 lakh are expected to appear for JEE Main May session. JEE Main had also been held in January session before and is conducted twice a year. JEE Main was to be held in the first week of April.

This might affect the undergraduate admission schedule and the new academic year at the institutions. However, the universities have not announced form application release date yet.