National Testing Agency (NTA) has substantially increased the number of examination centres for JEE-Mains and NEET-UG exams scheduled to be held next month.

In order to meet the social distancing requirements due to Covid-19 pandemic the number of Examination Centers have been increased from 570 to 660 in case of JEE-Mains and from 2 thousand 546 to 3 thousand 843 for NEET-UG 2020. Additionally, in case of JEE-Mains, the number of shifts have been increased from 8 to 12. Number of candidates per shift has also been reduced from 1 lakh 32 thousand to 85 thousand.

This year nearly 8 lakh 50 thousand candidates have registered for JEE-Mains while the number of registrations for NEET-UG has been nearly 16 lakhs. In order to ensure proper social distancing inside the examination halls, the candidates will be seated in alternate seats in case of JEE-Mains. As another precautionary step, the number of candidates allowed to take NEET-UG test in one room has been reduced from 24 to 12. For ensuring social distancing outside the examination hall, the entry and exit of candidates have been staggered. Adequate arrangements have also been made outside the examination centers to enable candidates follow social distancing norms.

Candidates have also been issued advisory guiding them about “Do’s and Don’ts” for proper social distancing. NTA has also written to the State Governments to extend support in local movement of the candidates so that they are able to reach their examination centres on time. JEE-Mains exam is scheduled to be held from 1st September to 6th September while NEET-UG will be held on 13th September this year.