Govt issues SOP on preventive measures to be taken while conducting examinations

Ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to undergraduate medical courses, the Union Health Ministry has come out with the standard operating procedure, listing the guidelines for the institutes that would hold the examination amid Covid-19 pandemic.

The SOP, applicable not only for NEET but other future examinations as well, is necessary because of India’s surging Covid-19 caseload. With the reporting of more than 78,000 new cases, the total number of infected persons has gone up to 37.69 lakhs, out of which about 8 lakh are active cases. The death toll stands at 66,333 with 1,045 new coronavirus deaths recorded in the last 24 hours.

Among other things, the examination centres have been asked to make arrangements for 'isolation rooms' if symptomatic students insist on writing the test rather than skipping it.

While face mask and hand sanitizers are mandatory, the invigilator will sanitise his/her hands before handing over the copies and question paper to the students, who also have to sanitise their hands before returning the copy to the invigilators at the end of the test.

More than 15 lakh students will appear in the NEET that has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The test is now scheduled for September 13.

While the Supreme Court has permitted holding the medical entrance examination, six opposition ruled states moved the apex court once again with a plea to reconsider the decision on health grounds. The court is yet to give its ruling on the review petition.

According to the Standard Operating Procedures, the collection and packing of the answer sheets will involve sanitisation of the hands at every stage. The answer sheets will preferably be opened up after 72 hours have elapsed post collection. Use of spit/saliva for counting and distributing sheets is not allowed.

Staff at high risks such as older employees, pregnant women and those with underlying diseases shall not be deployed for invigilation or conduct of examination, it said.

There has to be multiple entry and exit points to avoid crowding and social distancing norms are to be followed while making the seating arrangements. Appropriate arrangements for face covers/masks, hand-sanitiser, soap and sodium hypochlorite solution are to be made by universities, educational institutions, examination authorities or centres to the staff as well as students.