AIPMT re-test: Most students relieved at getting another chance

Pre-med aspirants appeared for the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) on Saturday for the second time this year after the Supreme Court scrapped the results of May 3 examination following large-scale irregularities. Forty-seven students, who had used unfair means, were barred from sitting for the examination.

“I am happy I got extra time to prepare for the examination. I had checked the answer key after taking the test last time, and I was not happy with my performance. So when I heard that the exams will be held again, I started studying again,” said Saumya Pant, who has already taken admission in Mysore's JSS Medical College and Hospital, so that she does not have to lose a year even if she does not crack the AIPMT.

The SC decision was a blessing for Tarakant Barik. “I had filled out my form, but I could not enter the centre the last time because I did not have the signature of a gazetted officer on my admit card. So, I was happy that I got another chance to write the exam,” he said.

A mother of a 19-year-old, who did not wish to be named, said, “I am happy that the people who cheated in the previous exam were barred. Now, my daughter will have a fair chance of getting a seat.”

But for some it was a hassle. After giving the exam the first time, Shivani Rawat had thought that the gruelling study hours were over; however, she was shocked to find out that she had to give the exam again. “There was a break in my studies between the time I gave the exam and the Supreme Court ruling. I had forgotten many concepts and had to start studying everything all over again. I think I fared worse this time,” said Rawat.

For others like Saleh Nissar who had to travel from Srinagar to Delhi with her mother Burhana Gul to write the exam, the cost of travelling was a problem. “We had to spend around Rs 30,000 again for the airfare and the stay in Delhi. We had to come back for the retest, but, there was no other option. After all, it is the question of her future,” said Gul, who waited outside the examination centre for three hours for her daughter to come out. They had a flight back to Srinagar immediately after the exam.

Students were asked to remove their hair-bands, rings, earrings and any other ornaments that they were wearing. They were also frisked thoroughly before being allowed to enter the examination centre.

The court had directed CBSE to bring out the result by August 17. “If the session starts by September, we will have to compromise on the autumn and winter break, but we will be able to finish the course,” said Dr Mahesh Verma, Principal, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences.

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“My son was attending a coaching centre in Kota. After giving the examination in May, he came back and prepared for the second time at home itself. This affected his studies,” said Sangeeta Ranawat, 43.

“I have applied to as many government colleges I could. At the moment, I am uncertain whether I will get a good college,” said Divya Agarwal, 18.

“I am happy that I got another chance to write the examination. Anyway, I am doing my botany degree from Miranda House, so if I do not get through, I can try again next year,” said Divya Ravi, 19.