LUCKNOW: Candidates who appeared for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) on Sunday found the question paper tougher than previous years with physics questions being tricky, biology (botany and zoology) more timeconsuming and chemistry moderate.
The examination, which is the gateway to the government and private medical and dental education institutes of the state and the country, was delayed this year due to the second wave of Covid-19. The examination had a better turnout in terms of percentage as compared to last year when it was held after the first wave.
Overall, 1.5 lakh medical aspirants (32,720 in Lucknow) were enrolled for the test. The turnout in Lucknow was about 31,551 (97%) with 1,169 skipping the test. More or less, the similar rate of attendance was reported from other parts of the state. Last year, the attendance in the city was 87% (out of 36,000 enrolled, 31,584 had appeared).
This year, attendance was high because Covid-19 cases in Lucknow and UP have declined drastically. The examination was held from 2pm-5pm but aspirants were asked to report at their respective centres by 11:30 am keeping Covid protocol in view.
Overcrowding of aspirants and guardians was witnessed at some examination centres. Some of them were not wearing masks properly. “Students were allowed entry after thermal checkup. The entry timing for batches was staggered to avoid overcrowding at the entrance. There was no physical frisking done but metal detectors were used,” said coordinator of NEET, Lucknow, and principal of SDSN Public School, Avani Kamal.
“The examination was not very tough this year. Of all the sections, physics was tough,” said Mohammad Dilsheer (18) from Sant Kabir Nagar district who appeared for the examination at a centre in Lucknow.
Harmeet Kaur (20) of Lucknow, who gave her second attempt, said: “Botany section was tough for me. Overall, I felt the test was a bit tough.”
“Biology was time-consuming. Physics section was very tough and chemistry was moderate,” said Nitesh Shubh, another candidate.
“Biology was based on NCERT syllabus, physics was tough and chemistry was fine,” said Ayush Bhatt, who appeared for NEET for the first time.
Arshiya from Sultanpur, who took the test at a centre in Lucknow, said: “Barring physics, other sections were easy. I think merit will be high this time. Due to Covid-19, my studies were hindered otherwise I could have scored better.”
