Dharmendra Pradhan urges calm ahead of NEET re-test, says he trusts NTA

Ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination, Dharmendra Pradhan asked nearly 22 lakh candidates to sit without fear and trust the system. He also warned political and public figures against fuelling anxiety, saying students' future and mental well-being must not be disturbed.

In Short

• Nearly 22 lakh students to appear for NEET-UG re-exam today
• Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urges students to stay calm and confident
• Pradhan appeals to political leaders to avoid creating anxiety among youth

As nearly 22 lakh students prepared to appear for the NEET-UG re-examination, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday appealed for calm and confidence, urging students to take the test without fear while cautioning political and public figures against actions that could harm the interests and mental well-being of India's youth.

Addressing the media in Delhi ahead of the examination, Pradhan expressed complete confidence in the National Testing Agency (NTA), state governments, district administrations, and the country's education system.

"NEET-UG re-examination is going to take place today. I have complete faith in the NTA, all the state governments, the district administrations, the Indian education sector, and especially in India's students," he said.

The minister noted that around 22 lakh candidates would be appearing for the crucial medical entrance examination and encouraged them to focus on their performance rather than controversies surrounding the test.

'SIT FEARLESSLY, WITHOUT WORRY'

Sending his best wishes to candidates, Pradhan said students should approach the examination with confidence.

"Sit fearlessly, without worry, and you will definitely do well," he said, adding that students have faith in India's examination system and that this trust must remain intact.

He stressed that the future of the country's youth should not be compromised under any circumstances.

APPEAL TO POLITICAL LEADERS AND PUBLIC FIGURES

In a strongly worded message, the Education Minister urged what he described as "responsible people" not to create unnecessary anxiety among students ahead of the examination.

"As a parent and as a social worker, I request you: Please do not jeopardize the future of India's new generation. Let no one make a mockery of it. Let us not do anything that will impact the mental health of the children," he said.

Without naming anyone, Pradhan criticized certain individuals for allegedly politicizing issues related to students and examinations.

He said that if leaders and public representatives consider themselves true citizens and representatives of the people, they must act responsibly and avoid causing further hardship to students.

CBSE RE-EVALUATION RESULTS TO BE RELEASED SOON

The minister also provided an update on pending CBSE examination results, saying that the board would soon release the remaining outcomes related to re-evaluation, re-assessment, and verification requests.

According to Pradhan, results for approximately 15.5 lakh students have already been declared out of nearly 17 lakh candidates. The process of handling applications for re-evaluation and verification is almost complete, and the remaining results will be published shortly.

GOVERNMENT ASSURES NO DISRUPTION TO STUDENTS

Reiterating the government's commitment to students, Pradhan assured that authorities would not allow any disruption to academic activities or examination processes.

"We will not allow any disruption to the children. We assure you of this today," he said, emphasizing that the welfare and future of students remain the government's top priority.

- Ends