The decision by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences to exclude Srinagar as a venue for the NEET-SS examination has raised concerns among aspirants and medical professionals. The National Medical Organization (NMO) had advocated for a NEET-SS examination center in Kashmir, prompting a response from the National Board of Examinations (NBE) regarding the security situation.
In response to the NMO’s request, the NBE conveyed that the security standards necessary for a high-stakes examination like NEET-SS are not being met at the available examination centers in Srinagar. The NBE’s communication emphasized that the safety of both candidates and the examination process is of utmost importance. Consequently, the NEET-SS 2023 examination will be held exclusively in Jammu city.
The exclusion of Srinagar as an examination center has ignited a discussion about the varying security standards for different examinations. Aspirants and medical professionals have questioned why the security criteria for exams like UPSC are deemed satisfactory for Srinagar, while NEET-SS is deemed not feasible due to security concerns.
Dr. Rubeena Bhat, the head of the resident doctors association at SKIMS Srinagar, expressed the aspirants’ sentiments by highlighting the apparent discrepancy between security standards for different examinations. The upset candidates are facing the prospect of additional financial burden and logistical challenges, including costs of travel and accommodations, due to the necessity of traveling to other states for the examination.
In response to these concerns, aspirants have reached out to LG Manoj Sinha, urging his intervention to address the situation promptly. They emphasize the importance of establishing examination centers in Kashmir to alleviate the financial and logistical strain on candidates, especially considering the unpredictable closures on the highway.
