The Unlevel Playing Field of NEET Preparations
India’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly competitive examination that determines the future of aspiring medical students. While the test is a crucial step towards a medical career, the preparation process itself poses a significant challenge for students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Urban Advantage
For students from affluent families, NEET preparation is a well-planned and well-funded endeavor. They have access to top-notch coaching centers, experienced teachers, and a robust support system. However, for students like Keerthi K, who studied in a government-aided school in Vyasarpadi, the journey to NEET success is far from smooth. Keerthi, who was one of the first students from her school and family to appear for NEET in 2021, had to navigate the exam without any prior knowledge of the syllabus. Despite her hard work, she was unable to secure a government seat.
The Language Barrier
For students from non-English medium backgrounds, the language barrier is a significant obstacle in NEET preparation. R Janci Mary, a student from Tattanpatty village in Tirunelveli, had to travel 40 km every day to a coaching center in Tenkasi. In a class dominated by English-medium students, Janci and her friend were the only Tamil-medium students. The language barrier made it difficult for her to clarify doubts and understand the material. “I would come home and translate what was taught in class,” she says. “I couldn’t even clarify my doubts because my teachers were from Kerala and they taught only in English.”
The Financial Burden
The cost of NEET preparation is a significant burden for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Janci’s father, A Raja Sekaran, a tailor, says that the travel cost alone was around Rs 100 every day. The cost of coaching centers, which can range from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per year, is a significant challenge for families like Janci’s. Keerthi’s father, an auto driver, echoes similar sentiments, “Students from well-off families can afford the lakhs of amount coaching centers demand. Here, we all are daily wage earners.”
The Residential Institute Dilemma
For students like Janci, who considered studying in a residential institute, the cost was a significant deterrent. Raja says, “There are residential coaching centers in Tirunelveli, but the fees would amount to Rs 3 lakh per year. We scrambled to even pay Rs 1 lakh.” The financial burden of NEET preparation is a significant challenge for students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
A Call for Equitable Access
The NEET preparation process highlights the need for equitable access to education for students from all backgrounds. While students from affluent families have access to top-notch coaching centers and experienced teachers, students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds face significant obstacles. The government must take steps to address these challenges and provide equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds to succeed in NEET.
Conclusion
The NEET preparation process is a complex and challenging journey for students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The language barrier, financial burden, and lack of access to quality coaching centers are significant obstacles that must be addressed. The government must take steps to provide equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds to succeed in NEET and pursue their dreams of becoming medical professionals.