NEET 2018 exam for MBBS, BDS admissions begins amid strict frisking measures at test centres

New Delhi, May 6: The all India medical entrance exam, NEET, began at 10 AM on May 6. The single slot exam is being held simultaneously at 2,255 exam centre across 136 cities. More than 13 lakh candidates had applied for the entrance test which is the gateway to MBBS, BDS and AYUSH programmes in India.

All the test takers had to go through strict frisking measures aligned with the dress code that CBSE had issue in advance. The candidates were seen waiting in long queues for multiple security checks before authorities allowed them inside the exam centre. Candidates appearing in burkhas and customary dresses reported an hour in advance as was requested by the CBSE.

The Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE) which is conducting National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), had issued strict dress code for the examinees and also alerted all candidates on the same through text messages. Candidates were also provided with a list of items they could and could not carry to the exam centre. Many exam centres have asked candidates to remove belts, watches, earrings and shoes before entering the exam centre.

“I came here with my Wallet and Metro Card but the officials have said both cannot be carried inside,” said Tushar, an aspirant appearing at an exam centre in South Delhi. Centre officials only allowed candidates to enter with their NEET 2018 admit card and one passport-size photograph. Those candidates not carrying their photographs were provided with the services of a photographer inside their respective exam centres.

The NEET exam is being held for around 90,000 MBBS and BDS programmes in different government colleges in India, except for AIIMS and JIPMER. Besides this, admission to Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopahty, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy courses will also be held through NEET from this year onwards.

The NEET result is expected by June 5, 2018, and counselling for admissions is likely to begin in the second week of the same month.