Mangaluru/Udupi: The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) re-examination for medical admissions is being conducted across the country on Sunday under strict surveillance by the National Testing Agency (NTA), with a total of 8,540 candidates scheduled to appear at 18 designated centres in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
Of the total candidates, 5,570 students will write the examination at 12 centres in Mangaluru, while 2,970 candidates will appear at six centres in Udupi.
Prohibitory orders imposed around examination centres
To ensure a smooth and transparent conduct of the examination, prohibitory orders have been imposed within the Mangaluru police commissionerate limits.
K. Ravishankar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffic) and Special Executive Magistrate, has issued orders prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons within a 200-metre radius of all 12 examination centres.
The restrictions exclude candidates appearing for the examination but prohibit activities that could facilitate malpractice, including passing answer chits, communicating through gestures and providing outside assistance to examinees.
Authorities have also banned the carrying of lethal weapons, explosives and corrosive substances, including acids, within the restricted zones.
Further, all photocopy (Xerox) and computer shops located within a 200-metre radius of the examination centres have been directed to remain closed from one hour before the commencement of the examination until its conclusion.
The use of mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, pagers and other communication gadgets has also been strictly prohibited inside the examination premises.
Tight security arrangements in Udupi
The examination in Udupi district will be held from 2 pm to 5.15 pm. This year, candidates have been granted an additional 15 minutes to complete the examination, while differently-abled students will receive an extra hour in accordance with existing regulations.
Of the 2,970 registered candidates in Udupi district, 938 are boys, 2,032 are girls and eight students belong to other categories.
Security has been significantly tightened following directions issued by the central government. Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed at all examination centres.
In addition, nine observers appointed by the National Testing Agency, six executive magistrates deputed by the district administration and state police personnel, including one sub-inspector and four police staff members at each centre, have been deployed to oversee the conduct of the examination.
Centres equipped with surveillance and biometric verification
Authorities have put in place elaborate arrangements to ensure the examination is conducted without any irregularities.
All centres have been equipped with CCTV surveillance systems, metal detectors and separate frisking arrangements for male and female candidates.
Entry into the examination halls will be allowed only after biometric authentication. Candidates have been instructed to arrive at least one hour before the commencement of the examination, with verification procedures beginning at 11 am.
No candidate will be permitted to enter the examination centre after 1.30 pm under any circumstances.
The district administration has also ensured the availability of drinking water, restroom facilities, healthcare assistants, uninterrupted power supply and standby fire tenders at all centres.
Guidelines issued for candidates
Students have been instructed to carry their admit cards, a valid original identity proof such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence or college identity card, along with two passport-size photographs.
Candidates have been barred from carrying mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, earphones, electronic gadgets, wallets and handbags into the examination centres.
Officials have urged students to strictly adhere to the guidelines and cooperate with security personnel to ensure the smooth conduct of the re-examination.
Examination centres in the twin districts
The 12 centres in Mangaluru include Government Girls’ PU College, Balmatta; Government First Grade College for Women, Balmatta; St Agnes PU College, Bendoor; St Aloysius (Deemed to be University); Government First Grade College, Car Street; St Aloysius PU College Blocks A and B; Vidyadayinee High School, Surathkal; PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2, Ekkur; University College, Mangaluru; PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Panambur; and PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kurnad, Mudipu.
The six centres in Udupi are Dr G Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College, Ajjarkadu; MGM PU College; Government PU Board; Government Girls’ PU College; Government PU College, Brahmavar; and Viveka PU College, Kota.
With stringent security measures and comprehensive arrangements in place, authorities are expecting the examination to proceed smoothly across both districts.