HRD ministry seeks explanation from CBSE on NEET in regional

The HRD ministry has sought explanation from the CBSE over allegations by a section of students and subject experts that national medical entrance exam question papers in regional languages were different and more difficult than that in Hindi and English.
The students appearing in the National Eligibility-cum- Entrance Test (NEET) in regional languages have complained to HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar that the question papers were different than those in Hindi and English.
The exam was conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on May 7 in Hindi, English and 10 regional languages for admission to medical and dental colleges.

The students told Javadekar that having different question papers in different languages did not contribute to ensuring a "level-playing field".
"There are certain reports about the paper being difficult for regional languages. The CBSE has been asked about it and the board will come out with a clarification soon," an HRD ministry official said.
Telugu-medium candidates who appeared for the exam at a centre in Andhra Pradesh had also claimed that they were given question papers in Hindi and English, and not in Telugu.

The NEET has already had its share of controversies with several candidates complaining of inconvenience due to a bizarre dress code.

In a shocking incident, a student was forced to remove her bra before being permitted to appear in the test, while another girl had to change her jeans as it had pockets with metal buttons.
The CBSE had last week asked a school principal in Kerala to apologise to the candidate who was asked to remove her bra at the examination centre. Four teachers were also suspended for the "overzealous" act.