Two candidates missed the opportunity to write the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) on Sunday after they reached the examination centre with a delay of 20 minutes, caused by their reliance on Google Maps. The incident occurred in Salem district, where Sanjeevi from Salem and Ganesh Babu from the Mettur Dam area were scheduled to take the exam at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School at Belur near Vazhapadi.
Misdirection by Google Maps
Both students followed the directions provided by Google Maps, which led them to centres at Attur and Vazhapadi instead of their allocated centre at Belur. After realising the error, they rushed to the correct location but arrived at 1:50 pm. NEET candidates are required to enter the examination centre before 1:30 pm. Consequently, the authorities refused to allow Sanjeevi and Ganesh Babu to enter the centre, where 600 candidates, including 204 male and 396 female students, were writing the exam.
Parental Appeals Denied
The parents of the two students appealed to the officials, arguing that the delay was caused by incorrect navigation from Google Maps. However, their request to allow the students to take the exam was declined. The parents expressed their frustration, stating that their children had prepared diligently for the competitive medical entrance test but were let down by a technological error.
This incident highlights the potential risks of relying solely on digital navigation tools, especially for time-sensitive events. While Google Maps is a widely used and generally reliable service, occasional inaccuracies can lead to significant consequences. Students and parents are advised to verify the location of examination centres in advance and allow extra travel time to avoid such mishaps.
The NEET exam at the Belur centre proceeded smoothly for the other candidates. The two affected students will have to wait for another opportunity to appear for the exam, as per the regulations set by the National Testing Agency.
