Several students in Bengaluru missed the NEET re-exam on Monday, June 24, 2024, after being trapped in severe traffic snarls across the city. The National Testing Agency (NTA) had scheduled the re-exam for candidates who faced technical glitches or other issues during the main exam on May 5.
Students Stranded for Hours
Many students reported being stuck in traffic for over two hours, unable to reach their exam centers on time. One student, Aditya Sharma, said, "I left home at 6:30 AM for a center in Whitefield, but the traffic was so bad that I reached only at 9:15 AM, 45 minutes after the exam started. The invigilator refused to let me in." Another candidate, Priya Nair, shared a similar experience: "I was stuck near Hebbal flyover for an hour and a half. By the time I got to the center, the gates were closed."
NTA's Strict Timings
The NTA had issued clear instructions that no candidate would be allowed entry after the exam began, even by a few minutes. This policy, intended to maintain fairness, left many students devastated. According to the NTA's guidelines, the exam started at 8:30 AM, and entry was closed at 8:30 AM sharp. Many students arrived just minutes late but were turned away.
City's Chronic Traffic Woes
Bengaluru's traffic congestion has long been a problem, with the city ranking among the most congested in the world. The situation was worsened on Monday due to ongoing infrastructure projects and rain. The Bangalore Traffic Police reported that multiple arterial roads experienced severe jams, including Outer Ring Road, NICE Road, and stretches near Majestic and Silk Board Junction. A traffic police official said, "We deployed additional personnel, but the volume of vehicles was overwhelming."
Parents and Students Appeal for Help
Distressed parents and students have appealed to the NTA and the Karnataka government to consider conducting a special exam for those affected. A petition has been started online, gathering over 5,000 signatures within hours. One parent, Ramesh Kumar, said, "My daughter prepared for months. She couldn't control the traffic. The NTA should show some compassion." The Karnataka Education Department has promised to take up the matter with the NTA.
NTA's Response
As of now, the NTA has not issued any statement regarding the missed exam. However, sources indicate that the agency is reviewing the requests. In the past, the NTA has allowed re-exams for candidates affected by technical issues but has been strict about timing. The agency's stance is that uniform rules must apply to all candidates to prevent malpractice.
Impact on Students
The NEET re-exam is crucial for students aiming for medical and dental seats. Missing the exam could derail their career plans. Many students had already faced issues during the main exam, including server problems and power outages. The re-exam was meant to be a second chance. Now, they face uncertainty. One student, Meera Iyer, said, "This is my third attempt. I don't know what to do now. I feel helpless."
Broader Implications
The incident highlights the need for better planning for high-stakes exams in congested cities. Experts suggest that exam centers should be distributed more evenly, and candidates should be given more time to report. Additionally, the government could consider providing special transport or traffic management on exam days. The issue also underscores the urgency of addressing Bengaluru's traffic crisis, which affects millions daily.
