Chennai: Anxiety gripped the air as more than 20,000 students, accompanied by parents and guardians, appeared for the NEET UG examination on Sunday. While nervous students rummaged through their bags to check for mandatory documents and photographs, and engaged in last-minute revision, parents provided moral support by staying by their ward's side and offering food.
Parents Endure Heat for Their Children
Several parents braved the searing heat, sitting on pavements and taking shelter under the thatched roofs of roadside stalls, bracing themselves for a three-hour wait. Mayalagu, a businessman from Periyapalayam, whose daughter had a centre in Velachery, said, "I don't care about waiting for even 10 hours as long as my daughter scores well."
Repeaters Aim Higher
Many repeaters as well as first-time test-takers appeared for the exam. Vishnupriya, a repeater, said, "This is my second attempt. I scored 440 last time (out of 720) and couldn't land a government college seat. This time, I took a year-long coaching at Vellammal, and I am confident of scoring more than 600."
Parents of several repeaters decided to send their wards for coaching to improve their chances. Saravanan, a parent from Ponneri, explained, "I enrolled my daughter at a coaching centre in Anna Nagar. The yearly fee is 2 lakh rupees. For residential accommodation, they charge another 50,000 rupees. This makes up 40% of my annual pay. I do not want to take any chances with my daughter's future."
Students Aspire to Study Abroad
Some students aim to pursue education overseas. Sai Kishore, a student of Daniel Thomas Matriculation School, said, "I just want to qualify. I plan to go to the UK to pursue my studies."
Coaching Centres Canvass for Admissions
Several centres saw volunteers from colleges and coaching centres handing out pamphlets to promote admissions. S V Kumaran, a volunteer from Hello Mentor, said, "I am getting 600 rupees to hand out pamphlets and note down phone numbers of parents. The focus is to get parents to sign up for a seminar later this month."
The examination day was marked by the dedication of both students and parents, highlighting the intense competition and aspirations associated with the NEET UG.
