THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Medical entrance exam NEET began Sunday amid strict precautions in view of COVID-19 pandemic. The exam which started at 2 pm will end at 5 pm. A total of 15.97 lakh students have registered in India. In Kerala 1,15,959 students are writing the exam in 322 exam centres in 12 districts.

The students were allowed to enter the exam hall after strict examination. Students were allotted different slots for entry to ensure there is staggered movement and social distancing is maintained. The exam hall and its surroundings were disinfected earlier. The authorities had earlier informed that parents accompanying students should strictly adhere to the regulations and precautions. Students were asked to take preventive measures such as masks, gloves and sanitizers and these should not be left at the examination centres. Parents were informed not to gather in the vicinity of the examination centre. Some parents violating COVID guidelines at some exam centres in the capital during the engineering entrance exam had sparked a controversy.