Mangaluru: PU colleges with residential facilities in Dakshina Kannada have begun recalling NEET-UG aspirants after the May 3 examination was cancelled following an alleged paper leak. Institutions are reopening campuses and resuming coaching classes to help students prepare for the re-examination.Several colleges have announced free re-coaching for students, though charges may apply for hostel and residential facilities.At the Expert Group of Institutions, the management has deferred the onboarding of I and II PU students to accommodate returning NEET aspirants. Chairman Narendra L Nayak said around 1,500 students from the institution’s two campuses had appeared for NEET-UG, and nearly half are expected to return immediately for renewed preparation.“Already, 50% of our students are willing to return to the campus in a day or two. Those from far-off places are expected to join soon. Students from both our campuses have decided to return. As an institution, we are responsible for standing with them during this tough time. There are also plans for online coaching for those who cannot make it to the campus,” he said.He said the sudden change in the academic calendar has affected the admission schedule for junior students. “They will join us two weeks later,” he said, referring to I and II PU students whose academic year generally begins in the last week of May.At Alva’s PU College in Moodubidire, students who had gone home after the exam have started returning to campus. Managing trustee of Alva’s Education Foundation Vivek Alva said coming back was crucial as students need a disciplined atmosphere to restart preparation.“Students prepared for two years for the NEET-UG exam and have been distressed after it was cancelled due to an alleged paper leak. So we decided that they would prepare again on campus, and nearly 1,000 students returned to campus on Wednesday evening. We are planning to start mock examinations from May 15 and go full-fledged preparation from May 18,” he said.Colleges have advised parents to send students back as soon as possible, while acknowledging that the re-exam has added to the financial strain on families.
