UGC NET, CSIR NET, NEET PG Line: What is the impact of cancellation of exam on aspirants?

Amid the ongoing NEET controversies, UGC NET, CSIR NET and NEET PG are also being postponed. The NTA is yet to announce the new exam dates for them.

This sudden cancellation has cast a shadow on the dreams of millions of aspirants. (Representative image/Getty Images)

New Delhi: In recent times, many competitive exams like UGC NET, CSIR NET and NEET PG exams have been postponed while a re-examination was conducted for NEET UG 2024. The NTA has not announced the new exam dates for the postponed or cancelled exams, leaving the candidates in a state of chaos.

Amid the ongoing NEET controversies, UGC NET was canceled the day after it was held, assuming possible malpractices during the exam. CSIR NET and NEET PG are also postponed.

This sudden cancellation has cast a shadow on the dreams of millions of aspirants. This sent shockwaves through the university community, leaving students, parents and stakeholders disappointed and angry. In a landscape where a single grade can determine one’s academic and professional career, these irregularities and consecutive conflicts have considerable consequences, particularly in the lives of students.

Anil Nagar, Founder and CEO of Adda247 explains how the cancellation of exams has put the mental, financial and academic well-being of students at stake:

Mental state

The cancellation cast a shadow over the mental health of students. Uncertainty and anxiety about their future, as well as financial difficulties and feelings of disappointment weigh on them. They feel betrayed by the country’s education system which canceled the exam through no fault of their own.

Taking any exam requires considerable discipline and focus. Candidates fear that their hard work has been in vain and they will have to start their exam preparation all over again. This has led many people to experience a loss of confidence and self-esteem and increased stress among students and parents. Unfortunately, not everyone can seek professional help to cope with stress and emotional turmoil. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide counseling to students in such a situation.

The financial burden

Preparing for competitive exams like UGC-NET, CSIR NET or NEET PG involves a significant financial investment on the part of students and their families. Students spend large amounts of money on study materials, coaching classes, and other resources. For many, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities, these exams represent a significant investment of time, money and effort. Students take out loans, deplete their savings, travel from faraway places and make personal sacrifices to pass these exams.

The cancellation renders these investments useless, placing an additional financial burden on candidates and parents. Due to financial constraints, many may refuse to take the re-examination. The NTA should consider introducing a compensation scheme to mitigate the financial impact of such incidents and having more centres closer to remote areas.

The academic setback

The cancellation of competitive exams has caused significant hardship for students and jeopardized their academic year. As no date has been announced for the re-examination yet, students are uncertain about the future examination and admission process. The cancellation also affected universities as it disrupted the learning schedule. In light of these challenges, the NTA’s priority should be to quickly announce a new exam date so that students do not face prolonged uncertainty.

The path to follow

What students demand and deserve is greater transparency and accountability and real solutions. Although the matter has been handed over to the CBI for further investigation, the NTA is yet to approach the students and no re-investigation date has been fixed. The matter should be thoroughly investigated and a contingency plan should be put in place to deal with such unforeseen circumstances. This is not the first exam cancellation, and it will not be the last if we do not act decisively. The well-being of students must be our top priority and the system must ensure that they have a fair chance to achieve their dreams.