By Pooja Madan
The National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) has evolved as an important exam for prospective medical students in India. Many people dream of donning a white coat, and their fate is determined every year. However, the consequences of NEET 2024 have sparked widespread debate and raised worries about fairness and transparency. Let’s look into what’s creating all the chaos.
Every year when the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) results are declared, an extreme wave of tension, celebration and depression sweeps the entire country. Thousands of students and their families are either enjoying the joy of success or dealing with the sadness of neglected possibilities. While political ideology and opposition are important for excellence, the pressure around these effects often has a profound effect on the intellectual health of younger applicants. It is necessary to rethink how we approach the NEET results and remember the wider implications for the well-being of our young people.
The Harsh Reality of NEET Preparation
For many students, NEET preparation looks like a cakewalk. The expectation to perform quite well, often coupled with social and family pressure, can be overwhelming. From dawn to dusk, students are immersed in books, coaching classes, and mock assessments, leaving little room for relaxation or interest. This relentless pursuit of a “single” goal can cause intense pressure, tension, and burnout.
Parents also play an important role in this high-stress environment. While their intentions are usually rooted in a choice to fulfil their child, the constant comparison with peers and the burden of expectations can deepen the extent of the tension. The result is a harsh cycle in which both students and parents are caught in a web of tension and pressure.
Current Scenario around NEET 2024
This year, an astonishing 67 students received a perfect score of 720 on NEET, an unprecedented performance. Surprisingly, six of the top scorers are from the same centre in Haryana, raising concerns. Concerned parents of NEET 2024 hopefuls have sought a full investigation before counselling begins, citing unusually high 718 and 719 scores circulating on social media. Given the NEET grading system, these results appear unlikely.
In the NEET (UG) exam, a perfect score of 720/720 is achieved by answering all 180 questions correctly. The subsequent possible scores are 716 (due to missing one question, resulting in a four-mark deduction) or 715 (one missed question plus a penalty for an incorrect answer). This year, some students scored 719 and 718. However, due to the scoring rules, it is impossible to achieve scores of 717, 714, or 709 with any combination of correct, incorrect, and unanswered questions.
The NTA responded by attributing the scores to the 2018 Supreme Court-mandated normalisation process, which included grace marks. The NTA clarified that candidates who lost examination time were given grace marks as compensation. Therefore, a candidate’s score could be 718 or 719.
However, parents are still dissatisfied, claiming that the normalisation criteria and grace marks should have been clearly conveyed. The lack of transparency has sparked considerable demand for a more complete explanation.
How this can be tackled?
Educational infrastructure, particularly faculties, and educational facilities, play a crucial role in this paradigm change. Instead of focusing solely on educational ramifications, they should prioritise the overall cordial behaviour of students. Including mental health education and counselling services can greatly benefit pupils.
Furthermore, supporting a balanced study style in which students are encouraged to utilise breaks, pursue interests, and participate in physical activity might assist in relieving stress. Students must understand that this is just an exam. Reconsidering the frenzy around NEET outcomes will require a collaborative effort from all stakeholders—students, parents, educators, policymakers, and society. It necessitates a cultural transformation in how we view success and the well-being of our youth.
As a community, we must work to establish an environment in which students can pursue their aspirations while not jeopardising their mental health. Celebrating varied abilities, offering strong support networks, and encouraging a balanced approach to schooling will lead to a healthier, more resilient future.
In conclusion, while NEET results are essential, they should not be used to determine a student’s overall merit. By reframing this approach and prioritising mental health, we can ensure that our young aspirants emerge not only as successful professionals, but also as well-rounded, happy, and healthy persons.
The author is a career counsellor at iDreamCareer.
(Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.)