For the past two years, Sherin Shafeeq’s daughter has been diligently preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) exam in India, a prerequisite for studying medicine in the country. However, this year, Sherin and thousands of other expat families are grappling with unexpected challenges as all international students are required to travel to India to write the exam in May.
The decision by India’s Ministry of Education (MoE) to close all international centres for the NEET-UG exam has left many students and parents in a state of distress. Previously, in 2021, international centres were opened to accommodate students who couldn’t travel during the Covid pandemic. However, this year, all international centres have been shut down, while the number of exam centres within India has increased.
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Sherin Shafeeq expresses concern over the added pressure this decision imposes on students like her daughter, who have been preparing for years and now face the prospect of writing the exam in an unfamiliar setting. The move has also disrupted family dynamics, as parents must juggle responsibilities and expenses associated with travel and accommodation in India while ensuring the well-being of other family members back home.
Roshni, another Dubai resident, echoes Sherin’s sentiments, highlighting the logistical challenges and emotional strain caused by the sudden change in exam arrangements. Many families had relied on the convenience of local test centres, and the abrupt closure has left them scrambling to adjust their plans.
According to Alka Malik, Founder and Managing Director of coaching centre Ascentria, the decision has blindsided many stakeholders and is expected to adversely impact students’ performance and well-being. The logistical hurdles, time differences, and subsequent rush to return for other exams compound the stress already associated with exam preparation.
The timing of the decision, just months before the exam, adds to the uncertainty and disrupts long-standing plans of families who had anticipated a smoother process for their children’s education aspirations.
The unexpected move has sparked disappointment and frustration among students, parents, and educators who had advocated for accessible and convenient exam arrangements for international students. As families navigate the logistical and emotional challenges, they call for greater clarity and consideration in future decisions concerning international students’ academic pursuits.