NEET aspirant denied entry at Koppal centre for late arrival

Times News NetworkKoppal: A NEET aspirant from Gangavathi was denied entry to an examination centre in Koppal on Sunday, after arriving beyond the stipulated reporting deadline, triggering protests by her family members and tense scenes outside the venue.BB Fathima, a student from Gangavathi, had come to the Government First Grade College examination centre in Koppal to appear for the NEET.According to NEET guidelines, candidates were required to enter the examination centre by 1.30 pm. However, officials said the student reached the venue at 1.53 pm, 23 minutes after the deadline, and was therefore not permitted to enter the premises.Although the examination was scheduled to commence at 2 pm, authorities maintained that the candidate could not be allowed inside as the prescribed entry time had elapsed.The decision left the student unable to take the examination, prompting emotional scenes outside the centre. The student and her parents expressed distress and disappointment, arguing that a delay of a few minutes had effectively nullified a year of preparation.Family members also voiced their anger against the examination centre authorities, questioning the rigid enforcement of the entry deadline despite the examination not having begun at the time of her arrival.

The incident led to a brief period of tension outside the examination centre as relatives and supporters sought reconsideration of the decision.Officials, however, clarified that they had acted strictly in accordance with NEET examination regulations and had no authority to relax the prescribed rules.Police later intervened and helped defuse the situation, bringing the tense atmosphere under control. The student was eventually sent back without being allowed to appear for the examination.