1.6 million Indian students sit for entrance exam for medical courses amid COVID-19

Nearly 1.6 million students are appearing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), held for selecting students for under-graduate medical courses, across India on Sunday.

   The examination is being held in over 3,800 centers set up across the country. The candidates appearing for the examination have been expressly asked to wear face masks and carry hand-sanitizer with them.

   Amid strict COVID-19 protocols, not more than 12 candidates would be allowed to sit in one room.

   The exam was originally scheduled for May 3, but was postponed to July 26, and then to Sept. 13.

   A number of students had protested seeking the further postponement of the exam due to the pandemic, but the government opposed the move.

   The students had approached the Supreme Court of India with their demand, but the apex court dismissed their plea, saying a "precious year" of students cannot be wasted and life has to go on.