SIO Telangana urged the State Government of Telangana to file review petition in the Supreme Court to temporarily postpone the dates of the NEET/JEE exam.

For students who have been working hard to crack the NEET/JEE exams to choose between putting careers in peril or putting life in peril is a tough choice to make. The huge spike in the number of cases over the past few days is alarming and a cause of apprehension and dilemma among students and parents.

Statements from Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal are irresponsible. The argument of students wanting exams because of their downloading hall tickets and 99% being allotted centres of choice is outrageous. Compared to the number of students applied for exams, the increased number of centres assured by the National Testing Agency still falls short to maintain proper social distancing measures and follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

“We understand the importance of exams and careers to go on, but we cannot neglect the safety of the students. Learning to live with COVID-19 is required, however that burden should not be only on the citizens, especially the students. It is equally the responsibility of the government to facilitate this,” said State President SIO Telangana, Dr. Talha Faiyazuddin. Until the government ensures proper facilities for students who are appearing for NEET/JEE, so that they are not put into risky situations of crowding at and travelling to centres; the exams need to be postponed. Facilities, along with SOPs, should include huge increase in number of centres and in increase in cities of centres, to minimise crowding and travelling.

Dr. Talha further urged the State Government of Telangana to file review petition in the Supreme Court like the other 6 states have, to temporarily postpone the dates of the exam.