Moderately tough NEET could push cut-off down

Moderately tough NEET could push cut-off down

Experts: Many Students Fail To Complete Questions

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:13.09.2021

Expecting an easy question paper like last year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, medical aspirants from the state said they were surprised by the tough physics questions in National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) 2021 conducted on Sunday. Candidates said biology was easier and chemistry moderately difficult. Experts predict a slight dip in scores compared to the previous year.

Around one lakh candidates from 18 cities in the state took the test at 224 centres that adhered to strict Covid-19 protocols.

In Chennai, of 17,992 registered students, 800 were absent (attendance 96%). Likewise, Salem (96.1%), Trichy (96%) and Coimbatore

(98.7%) recorded good attendance while Madurai city had 88%.

J S Dharani from Chennai said the physics paper was the toughest so far in NEET. "NTA has not considered the pandemic situation. Out of 45 questions in physics, 35 were tough as they were based on calculations. The choices were also very close and tough," she said.

Kushal Seervi from Chennai, who is writing the exam for the second time, said he left a few questions in physics fearing negative marks. "It will be very difficult to score full marks," he said.

B K Lokesh said the additional options were tricky and so students needed more time.

Students said the biology section was easier as the options were vastly different and students can identify correct answers easily.

M Jayashree, from a government school in the city, said biology questions were easier as they were direct. "Physics questions were largely based on calculations and choices were similar. Fearing negative marks, I skipped some questions," she said.

N Prasanth from Madurai said the arrangements for the exam were smooth. “Covid-19 safety was a bit of a concern for my family but the safety measures in place were reassuring. The exam also went on without any disruptions and instructions were clearly explained. Wearing masks for hours was a bit tough but still it was manageable and I was able to concentrate,” he added.

B Pavan Kumar, deputy director of FIITJEE, Chennai, said the question paper was lengthy and many students could not answer all the questions. "Due to the tough paper, students can expect better rank compared to last year. For example, a student with 650 marks out of 720 in NEET got a rank around 2,000 last year. This year students will get 1,600 rank for the same mark," he said.

P Prameela, academics director, Narayana Educational Institutions, said the paper was not like the NEET 2020 paper, which was easier. "It was a concept-based paper and lengthier. We are not expecting full marks this year and a score above 650 may get below 100 rank this year," she said.