Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 19

Authorities in Kashmir have ordered the suspension of classwork in dozens of higher secondary schools and directed coaching centres to remain closed ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), one of India’s largest medical entrance examinations.

The School Education Department said on Friday that classes would remain suspended on Saturday in 60 higher secondary schools designated as examination centres for the NEET examination scheduled for June 21.

In an official order, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) said the decision had been taken to facilitate preparations and logistical arrangements for the examination.

“In view of the upcoming NEET examination scheduled on June 21, classwork in schools designated as examination centres shall remain suspended on June 20,” the order said.

Authorities warned that any violation of the directive would invite legal action against the institution concerned.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test serves as the primary entrance examination for undergraduate medical and dental courses across India and attracts hundreds of thousands of candidates each year.

In a separate order, the Directorate of School Education directed all private coaching centres across Kashmir division to remain closed on Sunday, the day of the examination.

Officials said the measure had been approved by the competent authority as part of efforts to ensure smooth conduct of the examination.

The closure is expected to reduce congestion around examination centres and assist authorities in managing candidate movement and security arrangements.

Education officials said necessary preparations were being completed to ensure the examination is conducted in a fair, orderly and secure manner across the Valley.