Parents, students seek clarity on entrance examination dates

Parents, students seek clarity on entrance examination dates

PUNE: The entrance tests to access higher education were pushed from usual schedule in May to July owing to coronavirus outbreak. However, with no respite yet from the pandemic, many such exams have been postponed till further notice. With every examination faculty announcing its own decision with the date, parents have demanded uniformity in decisions. 

Their decision was conveyed through a letter on Saturday, which saw decision regarding exam dates coming from many corners. For instance, Graduate Aptitude Test for Biotechnology (GAT-B) conducted by Regional Centre for Biotechnology and Biotechnological Eligibility Test conducted by department of biotechnology under ministry of science and technology were postponed till further notice from their June 30 date. 

It prompted India Wide Parents Association to write to ministry of human resource development (MHRD) asking all the educational bodies to not announce any exam till a certain date. 

Anubha Srivastav, a member of India Wide Parents Association, said, "JEE, NEET and research-based tests have been postponed. A public interest litigation (PIL) has also been filed to delay chartered accountancy exams. The Centre should take a uniform decision to conduct all the examinations across faculties and all the concerning bodies should also follow the same." 

Several parents in the city are in agreement since their children have been studying hard. The juggling of dates has created a palpitating effect, which they believe can be avoided. Pallavi Shinde, whose daughter will take NEET, said, "She has been studying for the last two years. Now, we need a uniform decision with respect to the dates. Safety is of utmost concern. If the government announces a singular decision, students can also have their peace of mind." 

NEET and JEE were scheduled between July 18 and 26. However, going by the present circumstances, even the aspirants feel it is better if the exam is postponed. "While we wish to appear for examinations, at the same time the situation is uncertain. A common decision should be taken that all the exams could be conducted August onwards. We have been studying hard for the tests, considering the fact that they were scheduled," said N Sharma. 

Students who were to take GAT-B examination said they had been asking the government to take a call since last two weeks. Given the uncertainty, they have had to keep on studying and also take follow-ups with the dates, thus emphasising the need for a uniform decision soon. 

Durgesh Mangeshkar, an entrance exam coach, said, "The Union government should take a uniform decision by conducting all the examinations after September. This will bring complete clarity among students, who have been stressed in these circumstances."