Online to on-ground: Parents of NEET aspirants in Mumbai offer support

From arranging notes to creating an online support community, parents of medical aspirants in the city left no stone unturned to help their children prepare for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) that was held on Sunday.

From arranging notes to creating an online support community, parents of medical aspirants in the city left no stone unturned to help their children prepare for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) that was held on Sunday.

A parent cuts off her daughter’s sleeve, as per the dress code, before she enters the examination centre. (HT photo)

Panchami Sudheeran, an operations manager at an electronic manufacturing firm, took a two-week leave from work to help her daughter prepare for the big day. “During the examination period, students are generally stressed. They often neglect food and their body needs to be sufficiently hydrated. I thought it would be better if I stay home and provide nutritious food and juice on time,” she said.

A resident of Vasai, Sudheeran arranged for a room near the examination centre in Borivli, so her daughter could relax for a few hours before the test. “We left from home early and reached the centre before exam time. Instead of standing in the sun, I arranged for a room, so my daughter could have lunch and freshen up before the test.”

Another city parent Dr Anjum Ara said, “As students are engrossed in academics, parents should be involved with the preparation, documentation and checking the websites for updates. I have ensured that my daughter has a timetable, that she studied every day and learnt from the mistakes she made in the practice tests. Being a doctor, I also helped her with biology.”

These parents also reached out to each other on social media. Dr Anju Meswani, whose son took the medical entrance test in 2016 and is now pursuing medicine, is one of many such parents who are still active in these circles. “Unfortunately, the medical admissions process is such a chaos. We share our experiences and pointers with parents of those who are taking the exam for the first time.”