No closure in 7 cities where the JEE and NEET exam will take place: Government of Odisha

The Office of Special Assistance Commissioners (SRC) has published a set of guidelines for the smooth conduct of the exam. “There will be no lockdown or closure in effect in these seven test cities from August 30 to September 7 (JEE) and September 9 to 14 (NEET),” the notice read. Currently, the biweekly closure is in effect in four districts of Cuttack, Khurdha, Ganjam and Gajapati, and in the city of Rourkela to stop the spread of COVID-19 cases.

The notification stated that all candidates and their guardian, as well as the examining staff, can travel from their place of stay to the exam cities / exam centers, either in their personal vehicles or in contracted or public vehicles. Copy of the candidate admission card, including hard copies or any other documents in the possession of the candidates and any documents in the possession of the examining staff and the staff / representatives of the service providers in support of their deployment will be considered as movement passes valid statewide.

SRC PK Jena also asked the test organizers to ensure all security protocols related to COVID-19. Physical distancing, the use of masks, not spitting in a public place, personal hygiene and sanitation must be properly maintained within the center.

The district authority will ensure the same outside the test centers, he said. The chief secretary said that up to 37,000 candidates are likely to appear on the exam in 26 centers spread across seven different cities, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The state government will provide free transportation and lodging for candidates and their guardians.