42,000 candidates from Odisha appear in NEET 2019 exam on May 20

New Delhi, May 20: NEET 2019 exam for Odisha candidates affected by Cyclone Fani was conducted today amidst tight security from 10 am-1 pm in all exam centres across the state. It may be recalled that the NEET exam in the state, like in other states, was scheduled to be conducted on May 5. However, with Cyclone Fani damaging infrastructure and communication networks in the state, the exam was postponed to May 20. As per news sources, around 42,000 candidates appeared in the exam.

NEET exam is conducted for admission to MBBS/BDS courses in recognized medical and dental colleges in the country. Additionally, NEET scores are also used by other allied courses like AYUSH and BSc medicine. National Testing Agency (NTA) is the conducting body of the exam.

Background

Cyclone Fani hit the coastal state of Odisha on May 3 with 125-mile-per-hour winds and rain, causing widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure. The damage caused by the cyclone was so severe that it has affected 1.6 crore people, while a preliminary report puts the loss to the state at Rs. 11,942 crore.

Odisha government approaches NEET body on behalf of the students

Following the devastation caused by the cyclone, the government of Odisha approached NEET officials with a request to postpone the exam in the state. The officials taking note of the situation first cancelled the examination in all centres of the state indefinitely, and later on announced that the NEET 2019 exam for Odisha would be conducted on May 20.

Fresh admit cards were issued for the rescheduled exam on May 15; interestingly candidates were allotted the same exam centres as they were allotted previously.

Declaration of Result

The result of NEET 2019 exam will be declared in online mode on June 5. It must be noted that to qualify in the exam, candidates need to score the minimum qualifying percentile in their respective category as prescribed by NTA.