For some aspirants, the lack of information on when the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (
NEET 2021 ) will be held is “more unsettling” than the fear of contracting COVID-19 while writing it. The only entrance test in the country for undergraduate medicine, NEET-UG has had more than 15 lakh registered candidates every year since it was introduced in 2016 and covered all states in 2017. The NEET exam was delayed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the conducting body, National Testing Agency (NTA) is yet to announce the date for this year.
Preparation During COVID-19
Things were already difficult for students hoping to write high-stakes entrance exams in 2021. Before the pandemic, students “were used to a system”. Now, even regular school work has become burdensome with online classes and self-study plans clashing on a daily basis. “Now, things have changed drastically. The classes are being held in an online mode. Students are unable to perform practicals. Most of the time, they keep waiting for appropriate network connectivity to be able to join the classes. Some teachers teach in the morning, while some prefer teaching in the evening, and students are supposed to match their schedules. Ultimately, there's no time left for self-study. In such a scenario, sleeplessness and frustration have become a part of student's daily routine," . Although most states have now reopened schools for senior classes, many continue to conduct online classes.
The pandemic has disrupted board exam schedules for 2021 as well. Several state boards, as well as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), have announced board exams dates but there is still no word on NEET 2021.
Aspirants are extremely stressed and anxious about exams and that affects preparation. For some, they don’t know if they should be preparing for board exams, or focus more on NEET. In dealing with this stress, they often keep themselves awake whole night and that affects their efficiency. Factors for exam anxiety “Uncertainty about exam date, no access to coaching, parents’ expectations, performance pressure.”
Little nervousness is good as it might push you to work hard in exams but if you are feeling stress excessively the uncertainty about the schedule is more unsettling than the fear of COVID-19 for NEET aspirants.
It's important to invalue distractions and aim with proper focus towards NEET to achieve your goal
Happy learning Aspirants
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