NEET 2020: Universities and exam-conducting bodies are to provide face covers and hand sanitizers to both students and staff at the centres. (Representational image/ file)

NEET 2020: Just two days before the medical entrance exam- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) – is scheduled, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released revised safety guidelines, according to which, exams are now not allowed to be held in containment zones.

“Only those examination centers which are outside the containment zone shall be allowed to function. Staff/ examinees from containment zones shall not be permitted. Such examinees shall be given an opportunity to undertake the examination through other means or the Universities/Educational Institution/ Agency may consider appropriate measures in this regard,” the MoHFW Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) mentioned. The Health Ministry had earlier issued standard operating procedures for exams on September 2.

According to the guidelines, the universities, and exam-conducting agencies have been asked to hold the exams in a staggered manner to avoid overcrowding at the centre. “Keeping in view the physical distancing norms, institutions should have adequate room capacity to ensure proper sitting arrangements for examination,” the guidelines mentioned.

The ministry has also made use of masks and physical distancing of six feet mandatory. Universities and exam-conducting bodies are to provide face covers and hand sanitizers to both students and staff at the centres.

The ministry also asked varsities/ exam conducting agencies to arrange a special isolation room for candidates who will be found symptomatic/ affected with COVID-19. “The examination center should have a designated isolation room for isolating any person who is found symptomatic at the time of screening or during examination, till such time medical advice may be sought,” the revised SOP mentioned.

Only asymptomatic staff and students shall be allowed inside the examination hall. “In regular course, a symptomatic candidate should be referred to the nearest health center and given an opportunity to undertake the examination through other means or the Universities/Educational Institution shall arrange for taking exam at a later date when the student is declared physically fit. However, if a student is found to be symptomatic, the permission or denial thereof, in such cases shall be granted as per the policy already enunciated on the issue by the Examination Conducting Authorities,” the guidelines say.

For pen-and-paper exams, students as well as the invigilator are  to santise their hands before handing over question/answer sheets. A self-declaration health form has also been recommended.

“Exam functionary and examinees may also submit self-declaration about health status at the time of entrance to the examination center. Such self-declaration form may be circulated at the time of issue of admit tickets. A simple do’s and dont’s/ Advisory may also be circulated at the time of issue of admit tickets,” the guidelines add.

The candidates who will appear for NEET on September 13 and other exams can download the guidelines available on the website- mohfw.gov.in.