New Delhi: The National Testing Agency has once again made it clear that the JEE Main 2020 and NEET 2020 will be conducted as per the schedule, with all necessary safety measures in place.

JEE Main 2020 is scheduled from September 1 to 6 and NEET 2020 is scheduled for September 13.

Increasing the number of examination centers, alternate seating plans, fewer candidates per room and staggered entry and exit are among the steps NTA will take.

“The number of examination centers have also been increased from 570 to 660 (for JEE Main 2020) and 2,546 to 3843 (for NEET 2020). While JEE Mains Exam is a computer-based test, NEET 2020 is a pen-paper test,” said NTA in a statement, reported by PTI.

“Additionally, in the case of JEE Mains 2020, the number of shifts has been increased from the earlier 8 to 12, and the number of candidates per shift has been reduced from earlier 1.32 lakh to 85,000 now,” it said.

“In order to ensure proper social distancing inside the examination halls, the candidates will be seated in alternate seats in case of JEE Mains. In the case of NEET 2020, the number of candidates per room has been reduced from 24 to 12. Adequate arrangements have also been made outside the examination centers to enable candidates to stand with adequate social distancing while waiting,” the statement added.

Demand for postponement of the examination has been heard and over four thousand students went on a hunger strike a few days ago.