1.2 lakh from State to write NEET

All arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in the State on Sunday.

Over 1.2 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the examination in 226 centres spread across 10 districts.

Among them will be numerous students from other States who have been allotted examination centres in Kerala. While there was no official confirmation, it is being roughly estimated that close to 5,000 candidates from other States, predominantly from Tamil Nadu, will appear for the examination in the State.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed all District Collectors and District Police Chiefs to arrange facilitation centres at all major railway stations and bus stations in the State.

He ordered the Revenue and Police authorities to ensure that candidates were able to travel without hindrance. Besides, officials have been directed to assist those requiring accommodation and ensure the support of the local populace for the same.

Various departments sprang into action in quick time and established help-desks at all major transit points across the State.

Voluntary organisations

While officials of the Tourism, Education and Revenue Departments manned facilitation centres, voluntary organisations arranged help-desks on their own to support students from other States and districts.

At the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station, volunteers of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Tamil Sangham remained busy as they directed the candidates from far-off places to their examination centres. The government also arranged accommodation at schools for candidates and parents.

Exam centres

Official sources at the Thiruvananthapuram regional office of the CBSE said the examination centres were in Kasaragod, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

To ensure transparency, the conduct of the examination will be videographed at all centres. Authorities have also cautioned against illegal activities including impersonation or carrying mobile phones or any other electronic device.

The examination will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

While entry in the examination hall will be permitted from 7.30 a.m., no candidate will be allowed entry beyond 9.30 a.m.

Candidates will be required to produce their admit card and passport size photograph during the examination.